The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is conducting voluntary chronic wasting disease sampling on deer one year of age or older harvested in the CWD surveillance zone that includes deer permit areas 213 and 273. Sampling will occur throughout the deer hunting seasons or until the sampling goal is reached.
CWD sampling is occurring in eight distinct areas throughout the state where CWD has been found in captive or wild deer in Minnesota or an adjacent state.
Deer hunters are encouraged to get their deer tested using one of the hunter self-service sampling stations at select locations within the surveillance zone or by visiting one of the local partnering taxidermists or meat processors. Early detection is key to preventing further spread of this disease.
Hunters should check the DNR website for the most current list of sampling locations. If local self-service sampling stations are unavailable, hunters can make an appointment to have their deer tested by calling the DNR Glenwood Area Wildlife Office (320-634-7342) or the DNR Fergus Falls Area Wildlife Office (218-671-7931).
A limited number of free, mail-in kits are available for hunters to collect and mail in a lymph node sample on their own. Learn more on the DNR website.
Feeding ban restrictions
Deer feeding and/or attractant bans are in place for Douglas, Pope and Todd counties. For a full list of counties affected, visit the DNR website.
More information
In addition to checking DNR website for the regulations specific to their DPA and the most current list of sampling locations, hunters should also refer to the 2022 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations, available on the DNR hunting page and wherever licenses are sold.