Minnesota Deer Hunters to Face Mandatory CWD Sampling
Firearms hunters in southwest Minnesota must submit deer for chronic wasting disease testing on November 7 and 8.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Hunting
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will require mandatory chronic wasting disease sampling for deer one year old or older harvested in southwest Minnesota on November 7 and November 8, 2026. This measure is part of a four-year statewide rotational surveillance plan to track the presence of the disease.
Why it matters
Rotational sampling provides a more complete picture of chronic wasting disease across the state. This proactive approach helps manage deer populations and monitor the spread of the disease across different geographic blocks in Minnesota.
The state is divided into 4 surveillance blocks to manage disease monitoring. Officials have noted that prior to this plan, 2/3 of the state area had not received targeted chronic wasting disease surveillance in 20 years.
The players
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
This state agency is responsible for managing the state's natural resources and overseeing wildlife population health and hunting regulations.
The details
Hunters may comply with sampling requirements by using staffed stations, self-service kiosks, mail-in kits, or the Partner Sampling Program. New carcass disposal rules replace previous movement restrictions, requiring hunters to use refuse haulers, landfills, meat processors, or onsite disposal with landowner permission.
Timeline
June 2026: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources launched an electronic license system.
November 7, 2026: Mandatory chronic wasting disease sampling begins in southwest Minnesota.
November 8, 2026: Mandatory chronic wasting disease sampling ends.
2027: Mandatory sampling begins in the northwest block.
2029: Mandatory sampling begins in the southeast block.
Roadmap
The mandatory sampling schedule follows the structure established by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources four-year statewide rotational surveillance plan. This systematic approach marks a departure from localized testing by ensuring consistent data collection across all regions of the state.
Hunters in southwest Minnesota must ensure their harvested deer are tested at designated stations or via mail-in kits on November 7 and 8. Those using the new electronic license system launched in June 2026 may need to seek customer assistance if records did not transfer correctly from the previous system.
The takeaway
Hunters should verify their required disposal methods under the new carcass disposal rules before heading into the field. Ensuring all documentation is current in the new electronic license system will help avoid delays during the mandatory testing window.
What happens next
Mandatory sampling for the northwest block begins in 2027, followed by the northeast block in 2028 and the southeast block in 2029.
Further reading
For more information on regulations, visit Minnesota Hunting.
More information
View full details and sampling locations on the Minnesota DNR CWD webpage.
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Should the state require hunters to submit deer for mandatory disease testing in your area?
