November 9th and 10th is the beginning of Minnesota’s Deer Hunting Opener. Hunters throughout Minnesota are getting their gear packed, and brushing up on the new CWD regulations. Although there’s two things the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) want folks to keep in mind.

First, make sure to have a safety plan when going on any hunting trip. Second, follow the regulations to prevent chronic wasting disease from spreading in the deer population.

Justin Frisch, a Minnesota DNR Conservation Officer says hunting is a safe activity. But hunting is only safe if every hunter makes a plan for it to be safe.

“One of the most common injuries associated with hunting is when a hunter falls out of a deer stand. So paying special attention, making sure that their equipment is in good working order,” Frisch said. “Focus when they’re climbing in and out of the stand. Wear a blaze orange, safe firearm handling, those types of things.”

Erik Hildenbrand, is a Minnesota DNR Wildlife Health Supervisor, says there’s new CWD regulations with sampling deer harvested. He says when hunting deer in a Chronic Wasting Disease zone, it’s important to have a piece of the harvest deer sampled for CWD.

“There’s a couple of options to get your deer sampled. We do have some staffed sampling stations,” Hildenbrand said. “Or free hunter mailing kits where a hunter can cut out the sample from their deer themselves and get it mailed to our office. Hunters can take deer that are harvested in a CW management zone or from outside of our state borders. They can bring the deer head with the hide attached into the state or out of the CW management zone. As long as it’s delivered or brought to a licensed taxidermist in Minnesota within 48 hours.”

To prevent CWD from spreading according to the Minnesota DNR is hunting deer infected with the disease to keep them from congregating in areas where other deer might be infected.

“Every deer hunter plays a part in stopping the spread of CWD,” Frisch added. “We want to make sure the hunters have a plan so they can comply with the carcass movement regulations in each permit area.”

With any hunting season opener safety should be the top of mind for any weekend out in the deer stand. Sarah Strommen, a Mn-DNR Commissioner says there’s 400,000 hunters in Minnesota. She says it’s important everyone comes back home safe even if you don’t came back with a deer.

“Whether it’s remembering your blaze orange clothes, remembering to check the safety of your stand. Make sure if you are hunting up in a tree, it is securely fastened to that tree,” Strommen said. “It’s also a great time to brush up on your firearm safety. Last but not least, make sure you have your license and make sure you’ve read the regulations and you’re familiar on the rules of the road.”

Another tip for people new to hunting is making sure you pair up with a more experienced hunter.

“Chances are you know a friend or a family member. Ask if you can tag along,” Strommen said. “If you are an experienced hunter and you know somebody who is not but who might like to try it or you think they might like to try it, invite them to come along and experience your hunting adventure with you.”

For more information about the new CWD regulations you can read more here. Also for other stories with deer hunting you can read more here.