The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has added two Northern Minnesota counties to a deer feeding and attractant ban.
The ban now extends to Becker and Clearwater counties.
The intent of the ban is to reduce the risk of chronic wasting disease spread, following detections of CWD in wild deer in new areas of the state last year. Feeding encourages deer to unnaturally congregate, which can increase the likelihood of transmission if a deer is infected.
The other new counties are Grant, McLeod and Meeker.
These counties join 32 others: Aitkin, Anoka, Beltrami, Carver, Cass, Clay, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Hennepin, Houston, Hubbard, Itasca, Le Sueur, Mower, Norman, Olmsted, Polk, Ramsey, Rice, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, Steele, Traverse, Wabasha, Washington, Wilkin, Winona and Wright counties.
Even in areas outside the ban, the DNR discourages people from feeding deer.
"People interested in helping deer should focus efforts on improving habitat to provide long-term food resources and shelter," a DNR news release stated.
-
Plus: Financial and tax help is available to Becker County residents impacted by tornado; and the Carlton County Board sets a public hearing on a data center moratorium. -
Chelsey Perkins/KAXEThe deaths of two Forestview Middle schoolers has sparked discussions about how the district handles bullying and the need to build community and address mental health challenges. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEFirefighters are shifting their focus to the largest fire burning in the Boundary Waters as it progresses south. Rain the morning of July 17, 2026, provided temporary relief. -
Contributed/State Sen. Rob KupecFinancial assistance and tax breaks are available to tornado-impacted residents as the community works toward rebuilding after an EF-2 twister. -
Contributed/Tony Webster, FlickrAnyone who may have seen Rikki Skog, 37, on or after July 15, 2026, or with information that may assist investigators, is asked to contact the Itasca County Sheriff's Office. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEAug. 11 is primary election day, but voting is already underway in Minnesota. Learn more about how primaries work, where and when to vote and how to register. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe American Veterinary Medical Association is reminding people to be mindful of the impacts of wildfire smoke on animals, too, amid hazardous air quality in Northern Minnesota. -
Plus: Minnesota sees likely the worst wildfire smoke in history; and how to take care of your pets and other animals in poor air quality.
-
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe group works to inform the PCA on environmental justice issues. Applications are due July 22, 2026. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEMinnesota Pollution Control Agency meteorologist Ryan Lueck explains how the PCA measures air quality and puts the record-breaking smoke event into context.
