Get ready for Minnesota’s upcoming deer seasons and check Michigan’s latest request for CWD samples before your next hunt. A four-person kayak rescue in northern New York also puts water safety in focus.

Illustrative white-tailed deer photograph from Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota: NPS / Chad Allmendinger. National Park Service photo page. Not a photograph of the Minnesota or Michigan events. No claim to original U.S. Government works.

Hunting and Seasons

• Minnesota youth and early antlerless hunts begin October 15: In its October 12 release, Minnesota DNR reminds you that the statewide youth deer season for ages 10 through 17 runs October 15 through 18. The early antlerless-only season runs on those same dates, but only in designated deer permit areas, and is open to both adult and youth hunters. Confirm your permit area and license requirements before hunting, and allow extra time for your first purchase through the new licensing system. CWD testing is optional for these two seasons; carcass disposal rules still apply to deer moved out of CWD management zones. (Minnesota DNR).
• Michigan seeks CWD samples from five counties: Michigan DNR’s October 12 announcement asks hunters harvesting deer in Mecosta, Newaygo, Kent, Montcalm and Ionia counties to submit deer heads for chronic wasting disease testing. The agency is revisiting the area after intensive sampling in 2019 to assess how disease prevalence has changed, not announcing a new detection in this release. You can use 24-hour drop boxes through January 4 at Haymarsh Hunt Club, Kent County Road Commission, Paris DNR Field Office and Flat River DNR Field Office. Check the agency’s submission instructions and scheduled in-person collection dates before making a trip. (Michigan DNR).

After checking your local rules, review your field essentials in our Hunting collection.

Water Safety

• Four rescued after kayaks overturn in northern New York: WWNY reported October 12 that four people were rescued after their kayaks overturned on Lower Lake near Rensselaer Falls. Responders were called around 10 a.m.; a private boat brought one person ashore, while a state police airboat rescued another person from the water and two people stranded on an island. A fire official said everyone appeared to be okay, but the report did not confirm final medical outcomes. Before your next paddle, review your flotation gear, route and plan for getting help. (WWNY).

As you prepare for your next outing, browse our Paddlesports Life Vests collection and check the sizing and intended use of any vest you choose.

Featured Gear: Review the Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest, XS/SM for your paddling kit. Check the product page for sizing and weight requirements before selecting a vest.

Stay up to date with the latest outdoor news every morning at lotzoutdoors.com. Shop gear for every adventure at shop.lotzoutdoors.com.