No New CWD Cases From Late Hunting Season

Preston, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources did not detect any additional Chronic Wasting Disease cases among the samples submitted by hunters that participated in the special late season hunt in the CWD zone in southeastern Minnesota. 374 deer were harvested during the late-season in the zone, which is centered around the Preston area. Officials note participation in a late hunting season was down from last year when the harvest was around 900.

The total number of CWD infected deer detected in the region remains at 17, which includes the 6 infected deer harvested during the regular hunting seasons last fall.

The DNR says landowner deer permits in portions of the disease management zone become effective this week. Officials note that only landowners located within 2 miles of any CWD infected deer discovered during the previous 2 hunting seasons are eligible to receive the special shooting permit, which will remain valid into mid-March and only the qualified landowners or their authorized designees can take a deer. All of the deer harvested under the landowner permits will be tested, including fawns.