MN DNR releases deer hunting regulations for 2023

St. Cloud, Minn. (KNSI) – Deer hunters can start planning for the season after the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources released its rules and regulations on Tuesday.

DNR big game program leader Barbara Keller says fewer tags will be available in 38 deer permit areas.

Keller also said: “We did have a fairly harsh winter in northern Minnesota. So, in response to that and the effect they potentially had on our deer population, we’ve reduced some of those bag limits in northern Minnesota.”

Bag limits are unchanged in 80 areas. Deer permits and bones tags for the 2023 season went on sale on August 1st.

A change starting this year allows crossbows to be used by anyone during archery season.

Keller said she expects a gradual shift to occur during the bow hunting season and also thinks more gun hunters will participate in the archery season due to the change.

Before this year, only people age 60 or older or with a disability could use a crossbow during archery season.

Other new regulations for 2023 include:

A requirement for hunters using a ground blind on public land must have a blaze orange 12 by 12 inch covering on the top of the blind to make them more visible to other hunters.

Muzzleloader hunters can also now use a breech-loader.

Nontoxic ammunition will be required for special deer hunts in state parks and scientific and natural areas.

There is also now a requirement for hunters who think they have killed an escaped captive deer or elk to report that to the DNR within 24 hours.

Also, no adult party hunting will be allowed on youth licenses.

Portable deer stands may again be left overnight in certain wildlife management areas in Northwest Minnesota.

The DNR said it has ten hunting zones that will be monitored for chronic wasting disease.

The DNR also said it plans to hold a governor’s deer hunting opener this year, but has yet to select a host site.

Story by Jake Judd / KNSI

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