(KNSI) – Deer hunters in central Minnesota should have no shortage of deer to watch for when the firearms season opens November 7th, but many will also have a new requirement once they fill their tag.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says deer numbers in the central part of the state keep climbing. Deer came through last winter in good shape, had a strong year raising fawns and have had plenty to eat. Most deer permit areas in the region are trending upward, while a few are leveling off near the DNR’s population goals.
Many central Minnesota hunters will be required to have their deer tested for chronic wasting disease, a fatal brain disease that affects deer. The DNR has divided the state into four zones and will rotate mandatory testing through one zone each year. This year’s zone includes deer permit areas 215, 218 and 219, which cover much of Stearns, Morrison and Wright counties. Any deer a year old or older taken in those areas during opening weekend must be tested…