Deer harvest numbers available online
People who are interested in deer harvest data can find preliminary data for 2026 and final past year harvest information on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ deer reports and statistics webpage. The current numbers are updated twice each week on Monday and Thursday. The page also features an interactive map and graph.
In Minnesota, archery deer season began Sept. 19 and continues through Thursday, Dec. 31. The statewide firearms deer season begins Saturday, Nov. 7, with various closing dates depending on a hunter’s deer permit area. Muzzleloader season begins Saturday, Nov. 28, and continues through Sunday, Dec. 13.
DNR reminds firearms deer hunters in southwest Minnesota to prepare for chronic wasting disease sampling
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding deer hunters in southwest Minnesota that chronic wasting disease sampling will be required on the opening weekend of firearms deer season Saturday, Nov. 7, and Sunday, Nov. 8.
Mandatory sampling is new in southwest Minnesota and requires hunters to have all deer they harvest that are one year old or older sampled for CWD during opening weekend. DNR-staffed sampling stations will be staffed 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the region on Nov. 7 and 8 and from 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 9. Hunters can also leave samples at self-service stations at these sites after hours. Hunters can also use mail-in kits, or have samples collected and submitted by taxidermists and meat processors who are participating in the Partner Sampling Program.
For more about CWD changes this deer season, see Minnesota DNR’s previous news release. Detailed information about CWD sampling is on the Minnesota DNR’s CWD webpage.
Voluntary sampling
Even when CWD sampling is not required, hunters statewide who want to sample their deer voluntarily have free, convenient ways to get their deer tested. Options include mail-in kits, the Partner Sampling Program and scheduled appointments at Minnesota DNR wildlife offices. Hunters in any deer season can participate in voluntary sampling.
Current deer hunting regulations are on the Minnesota DNR deer hunting webpage.