Two Special Deer Hunts Scheduled in SE Minnesota

St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - Deer hunters are being given a couple of additional opportunities to hunt in southeastern Minnesota over the next several weeks.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources today announced it has scheduled two special hunts as part of the agency's ongoing battles against the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease. The first hunt will be held during the weekend after Christmas Day and the second will take place the weekend following New Year's Day in the entire Southeast management zone and the South Metro management zone.

“Special hunts are an important tool in disease management, allowing us to focus on specific areas where disease has been detected and reduce deer densities in targeted areas,” said Barbara Keller, big game program leader.

Anyone participating in the special hunts will be required to provide a sample from harvested deer for CWD testing. The specimens can be dropped off at self-service sampling stations established by the DNR. Alternate sampling options will be made available for deer hunters who wish to keep the antlers from their harvested deer.

Additional information is available on the DNR website.

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