Minnesota adds 8 counties to deer feeding ban

In an attempt to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease in wild deer, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is adding eight counties to its deer feeding and attractant ban. The new counties added to the ban include Anoka, Clay, Ramsey, Sherburne, Steele, Traverse, Wilkin and Wright. They’re in areas across the state where CWD was detected for the first time last year.  

The ban prohibits using food and other attractants like scents that would promote deer congregating unnaturally in the wild.  

DNR big game coordinator Paul Burr said deer are social animals that often spread CWD through direct contact by licking each other “but also, indirect contact.”  

“And that’s through the environment,” he said. “So, if a deer defecates or pees, CWD can be transmitted through those bodily fluids as well, and then it’s on the ground, it's on the plants." 

Burr said the proteins that spread the disease — known as prions — can exist on those surfaces for years.  

“That’s one of the difficult things about managing for CWD, is that it’s so persistent,” he said. 

According to Burr, anytime CWD is detected in a new area it automatically triggers a feeding and attractant ban.  

“From there, we draw a 15-mile circle around the positive deer,” he said. “And any county that’s within 2 miles of that buffer is included in the feeding and attracting ban.” 

But are the bans effective against spreading CWD? 

“There has been some research done that shows, yes, indeed, feeding-attractant bans do reduce that risk of deer-deer contact,” Burr said. “Thus, reducing potential spread of something like CWD.” 

Burr also recommends the public not feed deer in areas outside the ban to reduce the chances of spreading CWD into other areas. 

“I understand people enjoy feeding deer and seeing them and they think they’re helping deer, but really, you’re doing more harm than you are good,” he said. “Also really consider if you’ve got a bird feeder out, or you’re feeding other wildlife, are deer able to get to it?” 

He said failing to do so could result in violating the ban in affected areas. 

The feeding and attractant ban now includes 32 counties throughout the state. For more information visit the DNR’s website.