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SF 4461

Remove prohibition on new white-tailed deer farms

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Drazkowski and 3 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill would lift ban on new white-tailed deer farms, enabling commercial venison production but risking disease spread to wild deer herds.

Referred to Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
#agricultureandagriculturedepartment
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Bill Summary · SF 4461

Legislative bill overview

SF 4461 would repeal Minnesota's existing prohibition on establishing new white-tailed deer farms. Currently, Minnesota law bans the creation of new deer farming operations, though some existing farms may be grandfathered under previous regulations. This bill would open the door to commercial deer farming as a new agricultural enterprise in the state.

Why is this important

Deer farming can generate agricultural revenue and rural economic activity through the sale of venison, hides, and other products. However, it raises significant wildlife management and disease control concerns, as captive deer operations can spread chronic wasting disease (CWD) and other pathogens to wild populations, potentially destabilizing Minnesota's hunting heritage and ecosystem.

Potential points of contention

  • Disease transmission risk: CWD is an incurable, fatal disease affecting deer and elk. Captive operations increase the risk of spreading this pathogen to wild herds through escaped animals or contaminated feed/water systems.
  • Wildlife management conflicts: Escaped or released farm deer could interbreed with or outcompete wild populations, and concentrated deer farming may draw wild deer toward facilities, altering natural population dynamics.
  • Hunting and conservation concerns: Minnesota's hunting tradition and wildlife agency revenue depend on healthy wild deer populations; disease outbreaks could devastate both the resource and the industry that depends on it.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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