Minnesota Deer Opener Features New CWD Testing and Expanded Rifle Hunting
Minnesota's deer firearm opener on Saturday introduces two major changes: mandatory chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing for deer harvested on the opening weekend in most of southwestern Minnesota's 200 series Deer Permit Areas, and the expansion of rifle hunting to…
Rochester Mason City Austin, MN, November 4, 2026 —
Hunters across Minnesota are preparing for the state’s firearm deer hunting opener on Saturday, which brings significant policy shifts impacting a large portion of the state’s hunting landscape. Two key changes are being implemented this season: mandatory testing for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in specific areas and an expansion of rifle hunting privileges.
In response to concerns about the spread of CWD, hunters harvesting deer on the opening weekend in most of the 200 series Deer Permit Areas located in southwestern Minnesota will be required to submit their deer for testing. The specific Deer Permit Areas included in this mandate were not detailed beyond being described as “most of southwestern Minnesota’s 200 series.” Information regarding the precise locations and procedures for testing is expected to be available through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The second major change involves the expansion of rifle hunting. For decades, many areas in southern Minnesota have been restricted to shotgun-only hunting. This year, those long-standing restrictions are being lifted in many of these southern regions, allowing for the use of rifles. This expansion aims to provide hunters with more options and potentially broaden access to deer hunting across southern Minnesota. The precise boundaries of the areas where rifle hunting is now permitted were not fully elaborated upon beyond stating it covers “most of southern Minnesota.” Hunters are advised to consult official DNR regulations to confirm the specific areas affected by this change.
These updates mark the most substantial alterations to the firearm deer hunting season in recent years. The mandatory CWD testing is a measure to monitor and manage the prevalence of the disease within wild deer populations, while the expansion of rifle hunting seeks to modernize regulations and enhance hunting opportunities for sportsmen and women in the southern part of the state. Specific details on CWD testing protocols and the exact geographical scope of the rifle hunting expansion are available through official Minnesota DNR channels.
Story summarized from the original created by Tom Cherveny on www.postbulletin.com, see more information here.
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