Deer feeding ban includes Carlton

To help prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is adjusting bans on the feeding of deer in certain parts of the state. Early this week, Carlton County was added to the DNR’s list of counties where deer feeding is banned.

The DNR expanded bans in central Minnesota starting Monday due to additional discoveries of chronic wasting disease in captive deer in late 2019. New counties included with Carlton in the deer feeding ban are: Chisago, Douglas, Isanti, Kanabec, Pine and Pope. The deer feeding ban will remain in Stearns County due to the proximity to Douglas County.

In counties where deer feeding is banned, people need to remove any grains, fruits, nuts and other food that entices deer. People who feed birds or small mammals need to make sure that deer cannot access the food; for example, keeping feed at least 6 feet above ground level. In areas where the attractant ban is also in place, people must remove any liquid food scents, salt, minerals and other natural or manufactured products that attract deer.

“Deer often gather around feed and attractants, and that close contact encourages disease spread,” said Barbara Keller, the DNR’s big game program leader.

Deer attractants can be natural or manufactured and include items containing deer urine, blood, gland oil, feces or other bodily fluid.

Find more information on feeding and attractant bans at mndnr.gov/cwd/feedban.html.