Know the requirements for your deer permit area
2026 surveillance block
Mandatory testing Nov.7-8
Surveillance block: DPAs 213, 214, 215, 218, 219, 234, 237, 238, 250, 252, 253, 270, 272, 273, 274, 275, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 286, 288, 289, 290, 291, 294, 295, 296, 299, 671 and 685.
Voluntary testing
Management zones: 601, 604, 605, 642, 643, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 655, 661, 666, 671, 679 and 684. DPA 685 has been added for 2026.
Use the numbers of the deer permit areas in which you hunt to determine what disease management measures you must follow. That's the best way to do your part to help DNR combat CWD and keep Minnesota's wild deer healthy.
What the designations mean
Surveillance block: This block of DPAs rotates in a four-year cycle regardless of any CWD presence. The strategy is designed to gather more complete information about CWD prevalence, especially in areas of the state where testing has not occurred in recent years.
Management zone: A DPA designated as a management zone has the most restrictive measures in place to help prevent disease spread.
Information & resources
Chronic wasting disease, commonly referred to as CWD, is a fatal neurological disease that affects cervids, including white-tailed deer. It is found globally and in about half of the states in the U.S. CWD remains relatively rare in Minnesota but is a concern as there is no known cure.
The DNR's management actions are in place to help limit its spread.
Hunter information
What DNR is doing?
What you can do?
Learn more
