Soaring CWD Numbers in Southeastern Minnesota Prompt DNR to Stop Culling Deer

A startling increase in the prevalence of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in southeastern Minnesota’s deer population has triggered a new management response from the Department of Natural Resources that might surprise hunters.

Starting immediately, the agency will end its deployment of sharpshooters in all Driftless Area disease management zones. In previous winters, the shooters were sent to the area to curtail the spread of CWD by thinning whitetail herds in disease hot spots.

But now that CWD prevalence in the southeast part of the state has doubled in one year, to 5% or more, the benefit of offseason culling is considered too meager to justify the expense. The DNR is expected to formally announce the policy after the start of the new year.