Minnesota deer season opens with new rules

Minnesota’s firearms deer season begins Saturday, Nov. 7, introducing a mandatory testing requirement for hunters in the southwest and a new digital licensing process for the rest of the state. The Department of Natural Resources expects more than 400,000 participants to take part in this year’s opener.

A new rule takes effect during the first two days of the season. Hunters in southwest Minnesota must submit any deer at least one year old for chronic wasting disease testing. This requirement is specific to opening weekend, Nov. 7 and 8. The DNR staffs sampling stations from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on those two days. The stations operate from 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 9. Hunters can also use self-service stations, mail-in kits, or taxidermists and meat processors in the Partner Sampling Program. Testing remains voluntary in other parts of the state.

The DNR urges hunters to purchase licenses early to avoid technical delays. The department launched a new electronic licensing system in June. Last year, hunters bought nearly 140,000 licenses on the two days before the opener. The agency warns that some first-time transactions may take longer. Hunters whose records need transfer from the old system may require assistance from the DNR’s License Center.

Jamie Gangaware, the DNR’s electronic license system project executive, advises hunters to finalize their paperwork before leaving for the field. "Buy your license early rather than waiting until a day or two before opener; know how you will validate and register harvests; and, before you leave for your hunt, either sign into the app or get that paper license printed," Gangaware said.

Regulations require every harvested deer to be registered within 48 hours. Hunters must complete this process before the animal is processed or antlers are removed. The mobile app allows users to validate and register simultaneously. A single sign-in remains active for 30 days. The app stores harvest data offline and uploads it once cell service returns. A new online quick registration option is available for those who buy licenses in person.

Archery season continues through Dec. 31. Muzzleloader season runs from Nov. 28 through Dec. 13. Closing dates for the firearms season vary by deer permit area. The DNR updates preliminary 2026 harvest numbers on its statistics page Mondays and Thursdays.