Firearm deer season begins in MN this weekend

All right the firearm deer season is here. Starting tomorrow more than 400,000 hunters expected to head out into the woods looking to bag a book. Leah Beno is live in DNR headquarters that's in St. Paul with some changes hunters need to know about for this deer hunting season. Leah, good morning. Good morning. Yeah, I like the way you say that. As many know, outdoor recreation in our state is a $14 billion industry. And deer hunting is a huge part of that, specifically firearm deer hunting season. So this is the eve of a very big weekend for a lot of people. And even if you've been doing this your entire life for generations, or if you're new to hunting, the DNR has several changes and reminders for everyone. First of all, they wanted to get people excited, of course. So once again, they had the The governor's opener that was in Grand Rapids started on Thursday. Lots of people coming out for that. One of the first important messages that they want everyone to hear is to make sure to buy and store your hunting licenses on Minnesota's new electronic licensing system. Before you head out, you can purchase these online or in person, but the DNR highly recommends don't wait until the very last minute in case you run into a hiccup. You have bought your license for years at a place that you're used to and you're planning on going back to that very same place. It might not be selling licenses there anymore, so make sure you have a plan B and just save yourself some extra time there as well. Also, before heading out into the woods, keep in mind chronic wasting disease or CWD sampling is mandatory for southwest Minnesota this year. The DNR's website has maps and tons of resources to point you towards staffed or self-service sampling stations or taxidermists working with the CWD partner sampling program. So be aware of that if you're heading south. Also, some other information for this upcoming season, the statewide shotgun A new shotgun zone for deer hunting has been eliminated. Counties in the former shotgun zone can still choose county level restrictions. So definitely be aware of that. And of course, be aware of the outlook. Regional wildlife managers say southern Minnesota deer populations remain stable or are increasing. Meanwhile, up north in the northwest part of the state, Herds are looking very good, and some bag limits have loosened up a bit. So lots of more information on the DNR's website. Of course, safety reminders, everyone to stay safe. Hopefully, if you're heading out this weekend, it's a beautiful morning like this. And of course, don't forget the blaze orange. And stay safe. Back to you guys. Exactly right. All right, thank you. That is our Leah Beno reporting. Thanks, Leah. All right.