Minnesotans can now purchase their deer hunting licenses for the 2022 season. The DNR says hunters can expect a healthy deer population, with plenty of opportunities to harvest deer.

“We’re excited about deer hunting this year,” said Kelly Straka, wildlife section manager for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “Hunters in 20% of our deer permit areas will have increased opportunities for harvest, and opportunities in 70% of DPAs remain unchanged from last year. In some areas of northern Minnesota, severe winter conditions have impacted low deer numbers, so hunter opportunity in these areas is designed to help stabilize or increase those populations.”

Minnesota has the following deer seasons:

• Archery: Saturday, Sept. 17, through Saturday, Dec. 31
• Youth and early antlerless: Thursday, Oct. 20, through Sunday, Oct. 23
• Firearms: Saturday, Nov. 5, with various closing dates depending on a hunter’s DPA
• Muzzleloader: Saturday, Nov. 26, through Sunday, Dec. 11

They’ve added eight more Deer Permit Areas. And increased bag limits or lottery permits in 28 of these areas, 90 have remained the same, and lowered the limit in 12.

Ultimately hunters should familiarize themselves with their DPAs as listed on the DNR’s website.

Managing CWD

And as far as managing chronic wasting disease, the DNR has been adapting to a statewide approach rather than monitoring specific areas. It’s definitely more aggressive. This is the seventh year they’ve managed CWD.

A wild whitetail deer in the city of Grand Rapids was determined to have chronic wasting disease. This prompted their next decision

“We know that CWD is still rare in Minnesota, but it’s always a fatal disease. It remains a major concern for the health of our wild deer herd, as well as the vitality and tradition of deer hunting in Minnesota. And we know that that activity has important economic impacts in addition to its long-standing tradition for many Minnesotans,” said Sarah Strommen, commissioner of the Minnesota DNR.

The effort starts with more partnerships with taxidermists, piloting mail-in sample kits, and expanding access to appointments at sampling offices. Additionally, the self-service sampling station will continue to be available.

To read this original story and more news, follow this link to the WDIO News website.