Major New Blaze Orange Requirement For 2023 Minnesota Deer Hunting Season

There are some new laws on the books for 2023 for deer hunting in Minnesota. The significant changes were announced in August, and many bow hunters are already aware of them. However, firearm season is just weeks away and many hunters could be in violation of regulations.

Minnesota Firearm season, the most popular hunting season, starts on November 4, 2023, and runs until November 19, 2023, in Minnesota.

Here are the new regulations for deer hunting in 2023.

Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone Changes

The Minnesota DNR has made new regulations for the coming season. First, they are some changes to the Chronic Wasting Disease Management areas. You should look at your hunting zone and be aware of the regulations. Some of those zones will not even allow you to move the deer carcass out of that zone.

Crossbow now allowed for all archers.

In 2023, crossbows are allowed for all deer hunters with an archery license. Before only hunters 60 years or older, individuals with a disability, or hunters with a valid firearms license hunting during the firearms season could use a crossbow. Now it's open to anyone hunting with an archery license. Hunters will be asked when they register their harvest if they used a crossbow or vertical bow in their hunt.

Ground blind will now require a blaze orange safety covering on top of the blind.

This is a big change for many hunters. Now, synthetic or fabric blinds must have a blaze orange safety covering on top of the blind that is visible from all directions, or a 12X12 inch or bigger square on each side of the blind.

Many newer hunting blinds come with a safety cap already, but older blinds may not. This one I found from Amazon is under $30.

Take A Look: Big Black Bear Roaming Through Minnesota Residential Neighborhood

Check out this video for a refresher of other blaze orange requirements. Note that the new blind requirement is not in this DNR video.