Minnesota is an awesome place to go hunting! You can hunt all sorts of animals here, like deer, elk, bear, and different kinds of birds and small game.
The state makes sure hunting seasons are set up to keep animal populations healthy and give hunters lots of chances to hunt the animals they want.
In this blog post, we’re going to give you all the details about hunting seasons in Minnesota, including when they are, how many animals you can hunt, and other important stuff you need to know.
We’ll also talk about some of the coolest places to hunt in Minnesota and give you some tips for making sure your hunting trips are safe and successful.
When does hunting season begin?
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources provides a comprehensive list of hunting and trapping seasons for a variety of animals.
Below are the animals for which hunting seasons are available in Minnesota:
- Big Game: Bear, Deer, Elk
- Small Game: Badger, Bobcat, Fox, Opossum, Rabbit, Raccoon, Squirrel
- Upland Birds: Crow, Dove, Grouse, Partridge, Pheasant, Prairie Chicken, Rail, Snipe, Wild Turkey, Woodcock
- Waterfowl: Crane, Spring Light Goose, September Goose, Teal, Youth Hunt
Each category includes specific seasons for the respective animals. For example, there are separate seasons for bear, deer, and elk under big game.
Similarly, there are specific seasons for various small game animals, upland birds, and waterfowl.
Deer
Deer hunting is a popular activity in Minnesota, with various seasons catering to different hunting methods and groups.
| Season | Dates | Details |
| Archery | Sept. 16 – Dec. 31 | During this season, hunters can use archery methods to hunt deer. It allows for a quiet and precise hunting experience. |
| Youth | Oct. 19-22 | This season is specifically for younger hunters to get experience in deer hunting. It’s a time for them to learn and practice hunting skills. |
| Firearm (A) – 100 Series | Nov. 4-19 | This firearm season allows hunters to use guns to hunt deer in the 100 series zones. |
| Firearm (A) – 200 Series | Nov. 4-12 | Similar to the 100 series, but for the 200 series zones. |
| Firearm (A) – 300 Series | Nov. 4-12 | This is another firearm season for the 300 series zones. |
| Muzzleloader | Nov. 25 – Dec. 10 | In this season, hunters use muzzleloaders for hunting deer. It’s a more traditional form of hunting. |
| Metro deer management zone (701) | Nov. 4-26 | This season is for managing the deer population in metro areas (zone 701). |
| Early antlerless | Oct. | This season allows the hunting of antlerless deer to help manage their populations. |
Crow
Crow hunting helps to manage crow populations and prevent damage to crops and other property.
| Season | Dates | Details |
| Third season | Dec. 14, 21 – Jan. 15, 22 | This is the third season for crow hunting statewide, allowing hunters to help manage the crow population. |
Bear
| Animal | Dates |
| Bear | August 31 – October 22, 2023 |
Elk
| Animal | Dates |
| Elk | September 23 – November 19, 2023 |
Badger, Bobcat, Fox, Opossum, Rabbit, Raccoon, Squirrel
| Animal | Dates |
| Badger | October 14 – March 15, 2024 |
| Bobcat | December 9, 2023 – January 14, 2024 |
| Fox | November 4, 2023 – February 25, 2024 |
| Opossum | October 14 – March 15, 2024 |
| Rabbit | September 16 – March 31, 2024 |
| Raccoon | September 16 – March 31, 2024 |
| Squirrel | September 16 – March 31, 2024 |
Crow, Dove, Grouse, Partridge, Pheasant, Prairie Chicken, Rail, Snipe, Wild Turkey, Woodcock
| Animal | Dates |
| Crow | September 1 – October 31, 2023 |
| Dove | September 1 – October 30, 2023 |
| Grouse | September 16 – October 15, 2023 |
| Partridge | September 16 – October 15, 2023 |
| Pheasant | October 21 – December 31, 2023 |
| Prairie Chicken | September 16 – October 15, 2023 |
| Rail | September 1 – October 31, 2023 |
| Snipe | September 1 – October 31, 2023 |
| Wild Turkey | September 16 – October 15, 2023 |
| Woodcock | September 16 – November 11, 2023 |
Crane, Spring Light Goose, September Goose, Teal, Youth Hunt
| Animal | Dates |
| Crane | September 14 – 27, 2023 |
| Spring Light Goose | March 16 – 26, 2024 |
| September Goose | September 1 – 24, 2023 |
| Teal | September 1 – 10, 2023 |
| Youth Hunt | September 8 – 10, 2023 |
Hunting Rules in Minnesota
Hunting in Minnesota is governed by specific rules and regulations to ensure the safety of hunters and the conservation of wildlife. Below is a summary of the hunting rules in Minnesota:
General Rules
Hunting and Trapping Booklet:
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides a detailed hunting and trapping booklet in various languages, including English, Hmong, Karen, Somali, and Spanish.
This booklet contains comprehensive information about hunting and trapping regulations in the state.
Deer Season Map:
The DNR offers an interactive deer season map and a printed deer season map in multiple languages to assist hunters in understanding the deer hunting seasons and zones.
Waterfowl Booklet:
A specific booklet for waterfowl hunting regulations is also available, providing detailed information about waterfowl hunting rules.
Specific Regulations
License Requirement:
A Minnesota big game hunting license is required for all hunters 10 years of age and older.
Youth Hunting:
Those aged 13 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while hunting.
Non-Toxic Ammunition:
Hunters may only possess and use non-toxic ammunition when participating in a special hunt or disease management hunt in a Minnesota state park or Scientific and Natural Area (SNA).
Contact Information
For further information or requests for alternative formats, hunters can email the DNR Information
Center at info.dnr@state.mn.us or call at 651-296-6157 or 888-MINNDNR.
Where are the Public Hunting Areas in Minnesota?
Minnesota is a treasure trove for hunting enthusiasts, offering a plethora of public hunting areas that span over 1.5 million acres. Each area is unique, providing habitats for various game species and numerous recreational opportunities.
Below is a detailed look at some of the public hunting areas in Minnesota:
Sand Prairie Wildlife Management Area
Located in Stearns County, Sand Prairie WMA spans 10,000 acres. It is a haven for deer, turkey, grouse, and waterfowl. Beyond hunting, the area is perfect for hiking, camping, and birdwatching, offering a holistic outdoor experience.
| Location | Size | Game Species | Recreational Activities |
| Stearns County | 10,000 acres | Deer, Turkey, Grouse, Waterfowl | Hiking, Camping, Birdwatching |
Bayport Wildlife Management Area
Bayport WMA, located in Washington County, covers 1,300 acres and is home to deer, turkey, waterfowl, and small game. It’s an ideal location for hunting and other activities like hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.
| Location | Size | Game Species | Recreational Activities |
| Washington County | 1,300 acres | Deer, Turkey, Waterfowl, Small Game | Hiking, Fishing, Birdwatching |
Spencer Brook Wildlife Management Area
Situated in Mille Lacs County, Spencer Brook WMA encompasses 4,000 acres.
It’s a diverse habitat for deer, turkey, grouse, and waterfowl, and offers additional recreational activities such as hiking and camping.
| Location | Size | Game Species | Recreational Activities |
| Mille Lacs County | 4,000 acres | Deer, Turkey, Grouse, Waterfowl | Hiking, Camping, Birdwatching |
Chippewa National Forest
The Chippewa National Forest is located in northern Minnesota and is a massive expanse covering 1.6 million acres.
It’s home to deer, elk, bear, grouse, waterfowl, and small game, making it a diverse hunting destination. Additionally, it offers various recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and fishing.
| Location | Size | Game Species | Recreational Activities |
| Northern Minnesota | 1.6 million acres | Deer, Elk, Bear, Grouse, Waterfowl, Small Game | Hiking, Camping, Fishing |
Superior National Forest
The Superior National Forest is located in northern Minnesota and spans a whopping 3.2 million acres. It’s a habitat for deer, elk, bear, moose, grouse, waterfowl, and small game.
Beyond hunting, the forest is perfect for hiking, camping, fishing, and canoeing, offering a comprehensive outdoor experience.
| Location | Size | Game Species | Recreational Activities |
| Northern Minnesota | 3.2 million acres | Deer, Elk, Bear, Moose, Grouse, Waterfowl, Small Game | Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Canoeing |
What Guns and Equipment Can I Use During Hunting Season in Minnesota?
When it comes to hunting in Minnesota, understanding the regulations regarding firearms and equipment is crucial for a legal and enjoyable hunting experience. Below is a comprehensive guide to the guns and equipment you can use during the hunting season in Minnesota.
Firearms for Deer Hunting
Deer hunting is the most popular form of hunting in Minnesota, and the state allows the use of rifles, shotguns, or muzzleloaders for this purpose.
The choice of firearm depends on personal preference and the specific hunting zone. It’s essential to use legal ammunition and ensure that the firearm is in good working condition.
Additional Equipment
Clothing
Proper attire is essential for a safe and comfortable hunting experience. Opt for blaze orange or pink clothing to enhance visibility. Ensure to dress in layers to adapt to the changing weather conditions.
Optics
Quality optics, such as binoculars or a scope, can significantly enhance your ability to spot game from a distance.
Calls and Decoys
Utilize calls and decoys to attract the desired game effectively. Different animals respond to various calls, so it’s beneficial to have a range of calls available.
Legal Requirements and Restrictions
Before heading out for hunting, familiarize yourself with Minnesota’s hunting laws and regulations. Adhering to these rules ensures a lawful hunting experience and contributes to wildlife conservation efforts.
Proper preparation, including understanding the regulations and ensuring you have the right equipment, is key to a successful hunting trip in Minnesota. Make sure to review the current Minnesota hunting regulations and guidelines to stay informed and enjoy a safe hunting season.
What are the limits for Minnesota Counties?
Understanding the hunting limits in Minnesota is crucial for ethical and legal hunting.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has outlined specific changes and regulations for the 2023 hunting season to ensure the conservation and ethical treatment of wildlife.
Changes for 2023
Hunters are now allowed to use crowssbows during the archery season. Non toxic ammunition can be used during the December special hunts on state land.
There are also lower bag limits in north-central Minnesota after back-to-back severe winters, with hunters in some areas likely to see fewer deer.
However, deer likely fared well in central and southern Minnesota, and hunters in most parts of Minnesota can expect a season similar to last year in terms of how many deer they can harvest.
Bag Limits
Lower bag limits and lottery permits are in place in 38 deer permit areas (DPAs) for this year.
12 DPAs have increased limits, while 80 have the same designation as 2022. Hunters with an archery license can now kill deer with a crossbow throughout the archery season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time can you hunt in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, legal hunting hours relate to specific times of day based on sunrise and sunset. These times are listed at the end of the Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook. It’s crucial to wear a watch to ensure you do not hunt before or after these legal shooting hours.
Is Minnesota a big hunting state?
Yes, Minnesota is indeed a significant hunting state. The state is home to a variety of big game animals including whitetail deer, bear, elk, and moose, making it a popular destination for hunters. Minnesota boasts millions of acres of county, federal, and state lands available for hunting, offering a paradise for hunting enthusiasts.
Is it deer hunting season in Minnesota?
As of the latest information, the deer hunting seasons in Minnesota for the year 2023 are as follows:
- Archery: September 16 – December 31
- Youth and Early Antlerless: October 19-22
- Firearm (A) – 100 Series: November 4-19
- Firearm (A) – 200 Series: November 4-12
- Firearm (A) – 300 Series: November 4-12
- Muzzleloader: November 25 – December 10
- Metro Deer Management Zone (701): November 4-26