We are two weeks away from the start of the firearms deer season, but like everything else, there are big concerns about spread of COVID-19. Especially as cases trend upward in rural parts of Minnesota.
Hunting season often brings together friends and family, gathering in hunting camps or cabins, a situation that could be ripe for transmission of the coronavirus.
Dave Olfelt is Director of the Fish and Wildlife Division for the Minnesota DNR. He says people need to limit their exposure from now until hunting starts.
"Now's the time to make a pact with your buddies, to ask 'What are you going to be doing for the next couple of weeks to keep yourself safe coming into camp?'"
Olfelt says hunters need to follow the Minnesota Department of Health's recommendations, which means staying home if you're sick, or if you know you've been exposed to the virus.
Olfelt says some hunters are getting creative in an effort to minimize that chances of exposure and spread. He says some hunting groups will be "time sharing" this season.
"One family group that maybe is spending time together already, they will be (at deer camp) opening weekend, and another family will be there the second weekend."
The firearms deer season begins November 7th.
