I have received many inquiries from residents about the status of recreational deer feeding in Northeastern Minnesota this winter. There is not a Department of Natural Resources deer feeding ban in effect for Northeastern Minnesota at the current time.
In August, the Department of Natural Resources had proposed a long-range plan to ban recreational deer feeding in Northeastern Minnesota to help bring back the declining moose population. This recommendation is still being discussed. Some cities, like Grand Rapids and Duluth, have instituted bans within city limits, so it is important to check if your city has imposed a local ordinance.
The Department of Natural Resources recommends residents restrain from feeding deer primarily due to fear of disease exposure when deer concentrate at the same food source. If you choose to feed the deer, the DNR suggests scattering food in several different piles and placing it under good conifer cover.
Please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns at 651-296- 2190 or 800-339-0466.
David Dill
State Representative District 6A
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