New Deer Hunting Rules, Tag Sales Begin August 1st as DNR Adjusts for CWD and Population Changes

(KNSI) – Minnesota deer hunters have a handful of new regulations for the fall firearms season, with tags going on sale starting Friday, August 1st.

This season, the Department of Natural Resources has simplified the process for hunters with the new statewide firearms license. To reduce confusion, there is now just one license needed for both the statewide firearms and the late southeast season.

Another important change is related to chronic wasting disease testing. Self-service stations will be available in CWD management and surveillance zones during the opening weekend and CWD special hunts. Because of the expanding footprint of CWD, the DNR will prioritize collecting data in three new areas.

Be aware of bag limit changes and the antlerless lottery deadline for the 2025 deer season. While 103 deer permit areas have kept the same bag limits as last year, two have lowered the harvest of antlerless deer, in the hopes of increasing the local populations. Twenty-five DPAs have increased bag limits this year.

Mild winter conditions allowed the deer population to rebound for a second straight year in central and western Minnesota, leading to the increased bag limits this season. Harvest designations remain conservative in northern Minnesota, where deer populations are still in recovery from back-to-back harsh winters.

DNR acting big game program coordinator Paul Burr stated, “We love getting ready for deer season each year. Many hunters prepare for time out in the forests and fields like it’s a major holiday. We’re reminding hunters to closely review the new hunting regulations and all the details that apply to them, so they’re ready to enjoy deer seasons.”

Deer season details for each deer permit area and electronic copies of the 2025 Minnesota hunting regulations are available on the DNR’s website by clicking here. Printed copies will be available in mid-August wherever licenses are sold.

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