Field reports for deer seasonNearly half a million firearms deer hunters are preparing for the firearms deer season that opens Saturday, Nov. 6, and offers opportunity to spend time outdoors with friends and family, find adventure outdoors and put venison in the freezer. Check out the reports from DNR wildlife managers on what hunters can expect this season. More details: DNR wildlife manager reports for deer hunters Photo thanks to Steven Yang |
Make a plan for deer seasonDeer hunters in several parts of Minnesota must bring their harvested deer to sampling stations to be tested for chronic wasting disease during the opening weekends of firearms seasons. Deer hunters, please visit the DNR website to find information that can help you make a plan for your season. You’ll only need to know the number of the deer permit area (DPA) where you will be hunting to determine if CWD sampling is required. More details: Make a plan for deer season |
Hunters: Please help us assess neonicotinoid exposure in deerThe DNR is continuing research to screen hunter-harvested deer for the presence of neonicotinoids, the most widely used class of insecticides worldwide. The sample needed for testing is the spleen. The spleen is large, flat and dark red. It’s attached to the stomach of a deer and easily found while field-dressing. If you hunt in DPA 234, 237, 295, 296, 241, 214, 239, 240, 604, 172, 171 or 179 and are interested in participating, sign up at the link. More details: Participate in this study |
Prepare tree stand equipment for a safe deer seasonTree stand-related accidents are the leading cause of injuries among hunters. Firearms deer hunters, please make sure all of your tree stand equipment is in good working order and ready for another season. Check the stand itself, as well as your safety harness and haul line. Also, it’s never a bad idea to practice getting into and out of your stand a few times so you aren’t rusty on opening day. More details: DNR tree stand safety page |
Permanent enclosed stands not allowed on public landMinnesota’s public lands can be a great place to hunt deer. To ensure everyone has equal access, permanent enclosed blinds or enclosed stands are not allowed on state forestlands and WMAs. Any enclosed permanent stand or blind with walls or a roof is considered a building and if built on public land it may be ticketed and confiscated, if not promptly removed. Portable stands without nails are welcomed and must be removed each night from WMAs, or after the season in state forests. More details: Start on page 97 of the Minnesota Hunting & Trapping Regulations handbook (PDF) |
Know the difference between white-tailed deer and elkIndividual elk are beginning to appear in a wider geographic area outside of far northwestern Minnesota. Make sure you know the difference in the field. Use the drawings and traits listed on the DNR website to distinguish elk from white-tailed deer. You can also report elk sightings on the DNR website. More details: Deer-elk ID page and elk-sighting reporting tool |
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