The DNR reminded Minnesotans Wednesday that no roadkill permits will be issued for vehicle-killed deer in the special CWD southeast zone that has been established.

Law enforcement officers typically can issue a roadkill permit to salvage the meat when such accidents occur.


The CWD management zone was established earlier this year after a white-tailed deer taken by an archer last November near a captive elk farm outside of Pine Island tested positive for CWD, a fatal brain disease that can affect deer, moose and elk.

The zone includes southeast Goodhue County, southwest Wabasha County, northwest Olmsted County and northeast Dodge County.

There is no evidence CWD can be transmitted to humans. The ban is being imposed to minimize chances the disease is spread outside the zone by transport of carcasses.

The DNR earlier announced a culling of deer in the zone and tested nearly 1,200 animals taken by sharpshooters and landowners. None tested positive.

Using liberalized bag limits and mandated CWD testing for deer killed in the zone (Deer Permit Area 602), the agency this fall will continue to monitor for evidence of the disease.