With over 400,000 deer hunters gearing up for the firearms deer season opening on Saturday, November 9, excitement is building across Minnesota. This year’s season offers not only the opportunity for adventure and spending time outdoors with loved ones but also the chance to stock freezers with venison. Deer hunting remains the key tool for managing deer populations, which helps maintain the health of Minnesota’s landscapes and ecosystems.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports that hunters can expect promising conditions in many areas. The DNR wildlife staff advises hunters to familiarize themselves with their designated Deer Permit Area (DPA) number before purchasing a license and ensure they understand Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) regulations and sampling requirements. CWD testing will be mandatory for deer over one year old in certain management zones on the opening weekend of the firearms A season (Nov. 9-10) and during late CWD hunts in December. Hunters can find all relevant information, including CWD testing sites, on the DNR’s website.
### Regional Outlook for the 2024 Season:
**Southern Minnesota:**
Deer populations have continued to grow in the southern region, aided by a mild winter. Despite some June flooding, the impact on deer populations has been minimal. River floodplains, offering prime deer habitats, have recovered after years without significant floods, providing excellent cover for deer. Bluff lands with acorn-rich oak trees also offer abundant food sources, making for favorable hunting conditions this season.
**Central Minnesota:**
In the central region, deer populations remain healthy and productive. Hunters in this area can harvest up to three deer in most DPAs, with some areas allowing up to five in CWD management zones. The DNR encourages hunters to take advantage of these opportunities, especially in managing antlerless deer. Notably, DPA 642 has been redesigned after CWD detection, and hunters there must adhere to specific CWD management rules, including carcass movement restrictions.
**Northeast Minnesota:**
While the winter of 2023-24 was mild, deer populations in the northeastern part of the state are still low, recovering from prior severe winters. Hunters will find better harvest opportunities in the southern part of the region, particularly in mixed field and forest habitats. Hunters in far northern areas will face more restrictions, with many DPAs allowing bucks-only harvests to help local populations grow.
**Northwest Minnesota:**
After a string of tough winters, the deer population in the northwest has rebounded thanks to one of the mildest winters on record. This recovery is evident, with many does giving birth to twins and even triplets. Hunters will benefit from improved conditions, with many DPAs allowing two- or three-deer harvests. However, certain areas will maintain stricter limits due to concerns about past winter mortality rates.
### Preparing for the Hunt:
Deer hunting in Minnesota requires more than just knowing the terrain—it also requires a good understanding of CWD testing and regulations. Several regions, including southeast, northeast, and northwest Minnesota, have mandatory CWD sampling for deer harvested during the opening weekend of the firearms A season. CWD management zones will also have carcass movement restrictions throughout the season. New this year, mandatory CWD surveillance will occur in areas under consideration for elk restoration.
For hunters looking to bag deer and help manage the local population, all the details—including DPA-specific regulations—can be found on the DNR’s deer hunting webpage. With favorable conditions across much of the state, this season is shaping up to be a promising one for Minnesota hunters.