Late-season deer hunt in SE Minnesota aims to manage CWD spread

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Deer hunters in Southeastern Minnesota have the chance to participate in a late-season chronic wasting disease (CWD) management hunt from December 19 to December 21. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that deer permit areas 605, 642, 643, 645, 646, 647, 648, and 649 will be open for this hunt. "CWD testing is voluntary for this year’s late CWD hunt," Erik Hildebrand, wildlife health supervisor with the Minnesota DNR, said. "The hunt is another opportunity that hunters have to help manage this disease by harvesting additional deer in these areas." Hunters can get their deer tested for CWD through self-service stations, the partner sampling program, or by using hunter mail-in kits. Appointments can also be made at a DNR wildl