Hunters can register deer they harvest by making a telephone call, using the
Internet, or bringing deer to a big-game registration station, according to the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Registration instructions for all
methods are available at www.mndnr.gov/gameregistrationhelp.
“Our system gives hunters the ability to choose the registration option that
works best for their situation. Electronic or phone registration is convenient
for many hunters,” said Leslie McInenly, DNR big game program leader. A number
of hunters still choose to go in person to registration stations.
However, hunters in the southeastern Minnesota deer permit areas of 348 and
349 must register deer in person during the opening weekend of firearms season
because the DNR is conducting voluntary surveillance for chronic wasting
disease in these areas. Phone and Internet registration will be available for
these areas once enough samples have been collected.
In all areas, deer must be registered within 48 hours after the deer was
taken, and before being processed and before antlers are removed. Deer can be
transported out of the area where they were taken before being registered.
Registration is important because it provides data on harvest that’s used for
management of deer populations.
Phone registration
Register deer via phone by calling 888-706-6367. Directions are printed on the
back of each deer hunting license. Have a pen ready. A confirmation number will
be given; it must be written on the license and site tag.
Internet registration
Register deer via Internet at www.mndnr.gov/gameregistration. Directions will be similar
to phone registration, and a confirmation number must be written on the license
and site tag.
Walk-in registration
When phone or Internet registration is not possible, hunters must take their
deer to a big-game registration station. The person whose name appears on the
license must be present at the registration station with their deer. They will
receive a big-game possession tag that must be attached to the hind leg, ear or
antler where the site tag was attached. A list of all stations organized by
city and county is available at any DNR wildlife office or at www.mndnr.gov/hunting/deer.
Other species
In addition to registering a deer online, hunters can also go online to
register a bear, wolf or turkey. If an animal can be registered via phone,
instructions will be printed on the back of the license. More hunting
information is available at www.mndnr.gov/hunting.
