2026 Chester Woods Park deer hunt closures

The Olmsted County Parks and Trails department will close Chester Woods Park to host two controlled deer hunting opportunities on the dates noted below. The purpose of the hunts is to harvest enough animals to keep the herd healthy and manageable. Chester Woods Park will re-open at 5 a.m. on Monday, November 30, 2026.

• The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Hunt will take place November 12 through November 15, 2026.
• The Lottery Deer Hunt will take place November 21 through November 29, 2026. 

For the annual lottery hunt, 80 hunters were selected by a drawing and required to obtain at least one disease management harvest tag, allowing the taking of additional antlerless deer. Hunters preregistered for the annual DAV hunt. More information can be found on our website. 

If you have any questions, please contact Olmsted County Parks and Trails at 507-328-7070. 

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Media Contact: 507-328-7070 or sue.struckmann@olmstedcounty.gov