2026 lottery deer hunt at Chester Woods Park

The Olmsted County Parks and Trails department will open Chester Woods to a limited number of deer hunters during the firearms season between November 21 and November 29, 2026. 

Eighty hunters will be selected by lottery. Each will be required to obtain at least one disease management harvest tag, allowing them to take an additional antlerless deer. 

The purpose of the hunt is to harvest enough animals to keep the herd healthy and manageable.

The lottery drawing will take place at the Public Works Service Center, located at 1188 50th Street SE in Rochester on September 28, 2026, at 8 a.m. All applicants—both successful and unsuccessful—will be notified of the results by mail or email.

Registration forms for the drawing are available beginning September 8, 2026, at 8 a.m. on the Olmsted County website at: 2026 Deer Hunt Lottery Registration form or by calling 507-328-7070. Applications must be received no later than 4 p.m. on September 24, 2026.

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

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Media Contact: Sue Struckmann | sue.struckmann@olmstedcounty.gov | 507-328-7070