Deer hunters are reminded to double-check when their licenses are valid after regulation changes this year.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says a license purchased after a season opens is valid during legal shooting hours the day it was bought. If the license if purchased after shooting hours, it can be used the next day.

These changes are effective this year. In 2014, hunters needed to wait two days to hunt if they bought a deer license after a season opened.

Hunting licenses can be purchased at various locations in your area. The DNR provides a list of electronic license system (ELS) agents in Stearns County.