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Outdoor Notes

Posted Online: 11/12/02

Private CWD testing available for harvested deer at East Bethel clinic

Hunters in the north-metro area interested in having their harvested deer tested for CWD can contact TwinVet Hospital's East Bethel-Isanti Animal Hospital, which is located just north of Sims Rd. on Hwy. 65. Hunters can call 763-434-2123 for more information about the testing and what steps they must take to have a sample tested. The cost of the test is $75.

Dr. Becky Wilkinson, Chief of Veterinary Staff for TwinVet Hospitals, made the decision to provide this service to hunters. "In order for Minnesota to protect its wild deer population we must have information, and the DNR is doing all they can to gather that information. We just want to help out in this process. Extracting samples from deer is a job that only trained professionals should be doing, to ensure that no cross contamination occurs," said Dr. Wilkinson. "I want to urge hunters to understand that the risk of contracting CWD is extremely unlikely."

DNR maps indicate public hunting lands

The Department of Natural Resources has developed a valuable resource to help hunters and other recreationalists in that search for public lands. Public Recreation Information Maps (PRIM) are actually several recreation maps combined into one. The maps bring together federal, state and county lands, and their recreational facilities, making them easier to find.

PRIM maps are sold at sporting goods stores and gas stations throughout the state. Complete sets are available from the Minnesota Bookstore at 117 University Ave. in St. Paul. PRIM order forms are available on the DNR's Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/prim.

PRIM maps cost $4.95 plus tax. For help in deciding which maps to buy, or to order maps by phone with VISA, MasterCard or Discover, call the Minnesota Bookstore at (651) 297-3000 in the Twin Cities metro area or call toll free 1-800-657-3757.