Effective July

2021
through June 30, 2022

MINNESOTA
HUNTING
& TRAPPING
REGULATIONS

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
For complete regulations, consult the state statutes and rules. Waterfowl, bear,
wild turkey, and elk regulations can be found online.
Trespass 9
Hunting Licenses 12
Stamps 21
General Hunting Information 24
Accessible hunting options 26
All-terrain vehicles for hunting 27
Dogs 28
Using lights, night vision, drones, or wireless devices 30
Blaze clothing requirements 33
Youth Hunting 34
Youth deer season 36
Small Game 41
Seasons, bag limits, shooting hours 44, 47
Trapping 48
Big Game 57
Deer Hunting 58
Bag limits 64
Chronic wasting disease 68
NEW—Sampling station locations for chronic wasting disease 72
Deer feeding ban 79
Venison donation program 80
Firearms, archery, and muzzleloader seasons 80-83
Early antlerless season and youth deer season 81
Special hunts 84
Public Lands and Refuges 97
Contact Information 119
Sunrise/Sunset Table 121

Cover images:
Hunting photograph by: Dean Paron
Landscape photo by: Lori Stein

The sale of advertising pays for a portion of this publication. The state of Minnesota and
the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources neither endorse products or services
listed nor accept any liability arising from the use of products or services listed.

Table of Contents 7
 NEW FOR 2021
Deer
• Special CWD regulations, including mandatory disease testing and carcass
movement restrictions are in effect in a number of areas. See page 68-79.
• Deer permit areas 110, 184 197, 233, 342, and 169 west of highway 6 have been
added to the CWD surveillance zone. See page 70.
• CWD zone names have been simplified to three labels: management zone, control
zone and surveillance zone.
• Bag limit labels have changed:
› Lottery is now antlerless permit lottery
› hunter choice is now either sex
› managed is now two-deer limit
› intensive is now three-deer limit
› unlimited antlerless is now five-deer limit
• Crossbows may be used during the youth deer season by youth who possess a
youth firearms license and during the early-antlerless season by hunters who are
hunting under a firearms deer license.
• The early antlerless deer season has been expanded to include more deer permit
areas. See page 81.
• Several changes to permit area boundaries are depicted on the 2021 Deer Season
Area Map. Affected permit areas include 169, 171, 172, 173, 179, 184, 197, 237, 259,
275, 276, 277, 281, 282, 283, and 295. Find precise detail in the online interactive
deer map at mndnr.gov/hunting/deer/map.html.
• The Camp Ripley Archery Hunt is a three-day hunt, October 29 - 31. Applicants
must apply for the lottery by August 20.
• Late CWD hunts will be held in DPAs 343, 605, 643, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, and
655, December 17 - 19 and December 31 - January 2. See page 83.

Lac qui Parle Game Refuge

Open water fishing in the posted closed area has been extended to November 1.

Night vision equipment

Persons legally taking coyote or fox may use night vision or thermal imaging
equipment, including infrared illuminators (IR) to enhance night vision equipment. This
does not apply when hunting other species or during the regular firearms deer season.
Details are on page 30.

Combination-type license requirement

Any combination (married couple) type license will now require each spouse to have
a complete customer record on file. This includes the full name, date of birth, social
security number and if a Minnesota resident age 21 or over you must present your
current driver’s license or current Minnesota identification card. If purchasing at an
agent location, both spouses need to be present. If both spouses aren’t present, one
spouse may purchase their part of the license and their spouse may obtain their license
later at no charge. To verify or create a new customer record visit any agent location
or call 877-348-0498 or 651-297-1230 (M-F 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

8 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 TRESPASS LAW
The trespass law applies to all outdoor recreation, including: hunting, boating, fishing,
trapping, hiking, and camping. When taking part in outdoor recreation, you may not
enter legally posted land or agricultural land without permission.
Landowners, lessees, or authorized managers need only post their land once a year.
The signs must be placed at intervals of 1,000 feet (500 feet in wooded areas) or signs
may be placed at primary corners of each parcel and at access points to the property.
Signs must state “No Trespassing,” or similar words, in 2-inch high letters and have
either the signature or the name and telephone number of the landowner, lessee,
or manager.
There can be civil or criminal penalties for violation of the trespass laws with
maximum fines up to $3,000 and license revocation. All conservation officers and
peace officers enforce trespass laws. If you have doubts about whether you may be
trespassing on private land, ask the landowner for permission.

Restrictions
• A person may not enter legally posted land for outdoor recreation purposes
without permission.
• A person may not enter agricultural land for outdoor recreation purposes without
permission.
• A person may not remain on or return within one year to any private land for
outdoor recreation purposes after being told to leave by the owner, occupant
or lessee.
• On another person’s private land or a public right-of-way, a person may not
discharge a firearm within 500 feet of a building occupied by humans or livestock
without written permission of the owner, occupant or lessee of the building. This
does not apply to people hunting on their own property.
• A person may hunt from the water, a private shooting preserve, or from public
land that is within 500 feet of a building occupied by humans or livestock.
• A person may not discharge a firearm within 500 feet of a corral of one acre or
less confining livestock for the purpose of normal livestock holding or sorting
operations without permission. This does not apply to persons hunting during
an established season on state or local government-owned land that is not road
right-of-way.
• A person may not take a wild animal on any land where the person is prohibited
from lawfully entering by this law. This prohibition includes coyote hunters
intentionally running their dogs on posted or agricultural land without permission
of the landowner, occupant, or lessee.
• A person may not wound or kill another person’s domestic animal, destroy private
property, or pass through a closed gate without returning it to the original
position.
Exceptions
• A person on foot may, without permission, enter land that is not posted to retrieve
a wounded wild animal that was lawfully shot, but may not remain on the land after
being told to leave.
Continued on next page
Trespass Law 9
 • A person on foot may, without permission, enter private land without a firearm
to retrieve a hunting dog. After retrieving the dog, the person must immediately
leave the premises. This exception does not authorize the taking of the wild animal.
• A person on foot may, without permission, enter land that is posted with “Walk-In
Access” signs.

Permission is required on agricultural land even if it’s not posted

Hunters and trappers must always respect private lands. Ask first before entering
lands not posted as being open to hunting and trapping.
Notification to stay off private land, authorization to remove a sign posted to
prevent trespass, or legal permission to enter private land or to take wild animals near
occupied buildings or corrals, may only be given by the owner, occupant, or lessee.

What is agricultural land?

“Agricultural land” is land that: 1) is plowed or tilled; 2) has standing crops or crop
residues; 3) is within a maintained fence for enclosing domestic livestock (including
horses); 4) is planted to native or introduced grassland or hay land; or 5) is planted to
short-rotation woody crops (hybrid poplar and other woody plants that are harvested
for their fiber within 15 years of planting).
Posting is not required on lands considered agricultural, including:
• All planted grassland and hay land.
• All hybrid poplar and other woody plants harvested for fiber within 15 years
of planting.
• Riparian buffers required by law.
• Land enrolled in Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) or Reinvest
in Minnesota (RIM).
Land that is brush or trees should be posted. When the agricultural status of land is
not clear, verbal notice should be given to trespassers before enforcement can occur.

Water access and recreational use

What is lawful access?
A stream or lake is lawfully accessible if there is a public access, or if public land or a
public road right-of-way abuts the surface of the water, or if you have permission to
cross private land to reach the surface of the water.
What is recreational use?
Recreational use includes boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, trapping, and similar
activities. It includes walking in the water in connection with such activities regardless
of who owns the land beneath the surface of the water.
What waters are open to recreational use?
A stream or lake is open to recreational use over its entire surface if it is capable of
recreational use and if it is lawfully accessible. Any water that will float a canoe is
capable of recreational use, but other waters may also qualify depending upon the
circumstances.

Continued on next page

10 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR
Landowner liability
An owner who gives written or oral permission for the use of the land for recreational
purposes without charge does not, by that action:
• extend any assurance that the land is safe for any purpose,
• confer upon the person the legal status of an invitee or licensee to whom a duty of
care is owed, or
• assume responsibility for or incur liability for any injury to the person or property
caused by an act or omission of the person.

Road right-of-way
Some road right-of-ways are not owned by a unit of government. In these instances
the landowner has granted an easement for vehicle and foot travel. The landowner
generally retains authority to restrict access for hunting or trapping and may prohibit
trespass by posting the land or by verbally directing hunters and trappers to leave
the easement. It’s always best to ask permission if in doubt about the ownership of a
road ditch area. County or township offices also may be able to help determine the
ownership status of a road ditch.
Helpful examples of road right-of-way ownership and public use include:
• Hunting is not allowed on Interstate Highway right-of-ways.
• State highways are most often owned by the state, but there may be a mix of
easements and state ownership.
• County roads may be owned by the county, or there may be easements. Roadways
with easements tend to be gravel, while roads owned by the county tend to be
paved. Road surface is a visual indicator of the ownership but is not an absolute
condition.
• Township roads are generally easement and not owned by the township, but some
township roads are owned by the township. As is the case with county roads, road
surface can be a visual indicator of the ownership.
• The ownership or easement status can vary on any one stretch of road, and can
vary from road to road.
Visually, the road right-of-way is improved and maintained, and you will normally
notice a change in the property—including such things as ditches, fence lines, etc.
The actual distance from the center of the road that is improved and maintained can
vary under ownership or easement, and from one location to another.

Federal aid in wildlife restoration

Minnesota’s rich outdoor heritage is enjoyed by all. When you
purchase a rifle, ammunition, archery equipment, and other
sporting gear, you pay a federal excise tax and import duties.
Since 1937, this money has been collected by the federal
government and redistributed to the states using a formula
based on hunting license sales and the state’s land area.
These funds support projects, habitat management, wildlife management areas,
technical guidance, population management, wildlife inventory and surveys,
wildlife land acquisition, and hunter education, recruitment and retention.

Trespass Law 11
 HUNTING LICENSES
A license to take wild animals continues to be valid for the balance of the license
period even if the licensee’s age, residency, or student qualification status changes.
Prices do not include additional issuing fees.
Youth licenses for wild turkey, deer (qualified by age of licensee on the opening day of
the statewide A deer season), bear and elk are qualified by the age of licensee on the
opening day of the season. Youth licenses for species that may be taken under a small
game license are qualified by the age of the licensee on September 1.
There is a $1 agent fee associated with licenses, including some free licenses. Sport,
super sport and deer licenses include $1 for the deer/bear management account, and
50 cents for emergency feeding and wild cervidae-deer family health.
The 72-hour licenses include $3.75 pheasant stamp account, $3.75 waterfowl stamp
account, and $3.25 small game surcharge.

What is a resident?
To qualify as a resident, a person must maintain a legal residence in Minnesota for at
least 60 consecutive days before purchasing a license.
• Residents 21 years of age or older must provide a current Minnesota driver’s
license or Minnesota public safety ID card or have a receipt for an application
for a Minnesota driver’s license or Minnesota public safety ID that is at least
60 days old.
• A nonresident under age 21 whose parent is a Minnesota resident is considered
a resident.

What is a nonresident?
A nonresident is anyone who does not meet the definition of a resident.
What licenses do nonresidents need?
• A nonresident under age 18 may obtain a small game license at the resident fee
if the nonresident possesses a firearms safety certificate.
• Nonresidents under age 16 are not required to possess a small game license.
• A nonresident under age 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to take
small or big game.
• Nonresidents may trap in Minnesota only on their own land and with a nonresident
trapping license.
• Nonresidents may not take raccoon or bobcat without a furbearer raccoon/bobcat
(nonresident) license and a nonresident small game license.

Licenses for nonresident students

What if I’m not a state resident but am a full-time student at a Minnesota school,
college or university?
By showing a fee statement and providing proof you live in Minnesota during the
school year, you may purchase a small game, deer or bear license at the resident rate.

What if I’m a foreign exchange student residing with Minnesota residents?

By showing proof, you may purchase a deer or bear license at the resident rate.

12 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

Licenses for military personnel
Can veterans with disabilities take antlerless deer w/out a lottery permit?
Yes, with the appropriate deer license, veterans with a 100 percent service connected
disability may take a deer of either sex in any area except bucks-only areas

What if I’m a resident in the military stationed outside the state?

You may hunt small game without a license while on leave. You also do not need
a Minnesota Waterfowl Stamp or Pheasant Stamp but must have a Federal Duck
Stamp to hunt waterfowl. You may hunt deer, bear, and wild turkeys without charge
after obtaining the appropriate licenses and tags by presenting official leave papers
to a license agent. Deer bonus permits may be purchased. You must carry proof of
residency and official leave papers while hunting. Residents must possess a current
Minnesota driver’s license or public safety identification.

What if I’m not a state resident but am the spouse of a Minnesota resident on active
military duty?
By showing proof, you may purchase hunting licenses at the resident rate.

What if I’m a resident home on leave or have been discharged from active service
outside the country in the past 24 months?
You may take small game and fish without a license. Discharged residents must carry
proof of residency and official discharge papers. Any required tags may be obtained at
no fee.
You are eligible for a free deer license, valid for a deer of either sex, except in
bucks‑only areas. Eligibility is limited to one deer license per person. Discharged
residents must provide a current Minnesota driver’s license or public safety
identification card and a copy of their official discharge papers.

What if I have a 100 percent service-related disability?

Residents may obtain a free small game license and one free firearms, muzzleloader or
archery deer license from an ELS license agent (state stamps not required).

What if I’m a nonresident active National Guard?

A nonresident active member of Minnesota’s National Guard may obtain a resident
license to take fish or game. This does not apply to elk.

Buying a license
Buy early
Avoid delays by buying hunting and fishing licenses far ahead of deadlines.

Where to buy
DNR’s Electronic Licensing System (ELS) issues licenses through 1,500 license
agents in Minnesota, on the DNR website at mndnr.gov/buyalicense or by calling
888-665-4236.

Online purchase of tags

Licenses that come with a tag may be purchased online. However, tags must be
received by the licensee through the mail prior to participating in the activity.
Licenses with tags may not be purchased on a mobile device.

Hunting Licenses 13
Lifetime license
Lifetime license application forms are available online or by calling the DNR
Information Center at 888-MINNDNR. Lifetime sports or small game license holders
who meet license requirements and who plan to trap are required to have a free
trapping endorsement on their renewal. There is no fee for a lifetime license renewal.

Lifetime Hunting Resident Individual

License Code Age Cost
Lifetime Sports (One Angling 413 Age 3 and under $522
and one Small Game)
Lifetime Sports 413
Age 4 to age 15 $710
Lifetime Sports 413
Age 16 to age 50 $927
Lifetime Sports 413
Age 51 and over $603
Lifetime Small Game 412 Age 3 and under $223
Lifetime Small Game 412
Age 4 to age 15 $301
Lifetime Small Game 412
Age 16 to age 50 $430
Lifetime Small Game 412
Age 51 and over $274
Lifetime Deer Hunting 414 Firearm, 410 Archery, Age 3 and under $458
409 Muzzle
Lifetime Deer Hunting 414 Firearm, 410 Archery, 409 Muzzle
Age 4 to age 15 $607
Lifetime Deer Hunting 414 Firearm, 410 Archery, 409 Muzzle
Age 16 to age 50 $741
Lifetime Deer Hunting 414 Firearm, 410 Archery, 409 Muzzle
Age 51 and over $528

ANYONE CAN REGISTER TO BE AN Have questions or input

ORGAN, EYE & TISSUE DONOR on deer-related topics?
Our phone lines are open!
Area wildlife managers reserve time
twice each year to dedicate time to
focus on deer conversations.
Register as a When: Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021
donor when you Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
get your DNR
Where: Your phone
hunting license
online. Visit mndnr.gov/areas/wildlife to
find your local wildlife office contact
information.
(Area managers always welcome
calls from the public, so people who
can’t call during this dedicated time
are encouraged to do so at their
convenience.)

www.DonateLifeMN.org

14 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 Resident Hunting (Cost does not include issuing fee)
Category Code Subcategory Description Cost
APPRENTICE 199 Born after 12/31/79, age Validation to allow an individual to hunt small game, bear, and deer without having $3.50
Validation 12 or over completed hunter education firearms safety, must purchase additional required licenses.
Limited to twice in a lifetime.
SPORTS 216 Individual Sports Individual angling and small game license $41
Sports
142 Individual Super Sports Individual angling with trout stamps, small game license with pheasant and state waterfowl $100 
stamp, one deer license
Sports
217 Married Combination Two angling and one small game license $57
Sports
Sports
143 Married Combination Two angling with trout stamps, one small game license with pheasant and state waterfowl $126
Super Sports stamp, one deer license
SMALL GAME and NA Youth under age 16 Annual Small Game License Not
TRAPPING Required
SMALL GAME and TRAPPING
208 Youth age 16-17 Annual Small Game License $5
SMALL GAME and TRAPPING
211 Adult age 18 or over and Small Game License $22
under age 65 Annual
SMALL GAME and TRAPPING
100 Senior age 65 and over Small Game License $13.50
Annual
SMALL GAME and TRAPPING
144 Adult age 18 and over Small Game License (72-hour state waterfowl and pheasant stamps included) $19
Consecutive 72-hour
SMALL GAME and TRAPPING
671 Furbearer site validation Fisher/Marten (671) or River Otter (672) Free
672 coupons
SMALL GAME and TRAPPING
218 Junior Trapping Annual Age 13 to 17 trapping license, small game license also required for 16-17 $5
age 13 to 17
SMALL GAME and TRAPPING
214 Adult Trapping Annual age Age 18 and over trapping license, small game license also required. Trappers education $23

Hunting Licenses
18 or over and under 65 may also be required.
SMALL GAME and TRAPPING
101 Senior Trapping Annual Age 65 and over trapping license, small game license also required $11.50
age 65 or over

15
Continued on next page
16
Resident Hunting continued

Category Code Subcategory Description Cost

STAMPS 229 Pheasant Age 18 to 64 state pheasant validation $7.50
STAMPS
226 State Waterfowl Age 18 to 64 state waterfowl validation, federal migratory bird hunting validation $7.50
also needed
TURKEY 600 Adult Lottery Application Turkey Lottery Application Fee when needed $4
TURKEY
619 Youth under age 13 Turkey Spring any weapon (any permit area and time period) Free
TURKEY
641 Youth under age 13 Turkey Fall any weapon (any permit area and time period) Free
TURKEY
601 Youth age 13 to 17 Turkey Spring any weapon (any permit area and time period) $5
TURKEY
655 Youth age 13 to 17 Turkey Fall any weapon (any permit area and time period) $5
TURKEY
610 Adult age 18 or over Turkey Spring archery or firearm $26
TURKEY
607 Adult age 18 or over Turkey Spring archery (all time periods) $26
TURKEY
650 Adult age 18 or over Turkey Fall any weapon $26

2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations

WALK-IN ACCESS 190 Access Validation all ages Walk-In Access Hunter Validation $3
WALK-IN ACCESS
NA Donation Voluntary donation on small game and deer licenses $5 $3 $1
DEER 246 Youth age 10 to 12 Must obtain a free license to take big game (code 246 Archery, 247 Firearms, Free
248 Muzzleloader)
DEER
247  Youth age 10 to 12 Must obtain a free license to take big game (code 246 Archery, 247 Firearms, Free
248 Muzzleloader)
Deer
248 Youth age 10 to 12 Must obtain a free license to take big game (code 246 Archery, 247 Firearms, Free
248 Muzzleloader)
DEER
210 Youth age 13 to 17 Deer by Firearms $5
DEER
209 Youth age 13 to 17 Deer by Archery $5
DEER
204 Youth age 13 to 17 Deer by Muzzleloader $5
DEER
212 Adult age 18 and over Deer by Firearms $34

888-MINNDNR
Continued on next page
 Resident Hunting continued

Category Code Subcategory Description Cost

DEER continued 213 Adult age 18 and over Deer by Archery $34
DEER
203 Adult age 18 and over Deer by Muzzleloader $34
DEER
312 Zone Change Deer Firearms Zone Change $5
DEER
422 Early Season Antlerless Deer Early Antlerless Season $8.50
DEER
430 Bonus Bonus Permit (of which $1 goes to the venison donation program) $18
DEER
201 Disease Management Disease Management Antlerless Tag (600-series deer permit areas only) $1.50
ELK 625 Application Elk Application $4
BEAR 662 Application Bear Application $4
BEAR
659 Youth age 10 to 12 Bear License. Must obtain a free license to take big game. Free
BEAR
674 Youth age 10 to 12 Surplus Bear License. Must obtain a free license to take big game. Free
BEAR
676 Youth age 10 to 12 No Quota Bear License. Must obtain a free license to take big game. Free
BEAR
643 Youth age 13 to 17 Bear License $5
BEAR
644 Youth age 13 to 17 Surplus Bear License $5
BEAR
642 Youth age 13 to 17 No Quota Bear License $5
BEAR
660 Adult age 18 and over Bear License $44
BEAR
664 Adult age 18 and over Surplus Bear License $44
BEAR
224 Adult age 18 and over No Quota Bear License $44
BEAR
697 Bear Bait Drum Surcharge ($5 per drum) $5
PRAIRIE CHICKEN 616 Application Prairie Chicken Application $4

Hunting Licenses
PRAIRIE CHICKEN
617 License Prairie Chicken License $23

17
Continued on next page
18
Resident Hunting continued

Category Code Subcategory Description Cost

SANDHILL CRANE 250 Permit Sandhill Crane Permit $3
GOOSE 520 License Goose during a special September season $4
GOOSE
521 Permit Spring Light Goose Conservation Permit $2.50
WILD RICE 331 Season Permit Wild Rice Season Harvest for age 18 and older $25
WILD RICE
332 One-day Permit Wild Rice One-day Harvest for age 18 and older $15

Nonresident Hunting (Cost does not include issuing fee)

Category Code Subcategory Description Cost
APPRENTICE 199 Born after 12/31/79, Validation to allow an individual to hunt small game, bear, and deer without having $3.50
Validation age 12 or over completed hunter education firearms safety, must purchase additional required licenses.

2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations

(Nonresident) Limited to two in a lifetime.
WALK-IN ACCESS 190 Access Validation Walk-In Access Hunter Validation $3
(Nonresident) ALL ages
SMALL GAME 146 Youth under age 16 Annual Small Game License Not
and TRAPPING Required
(Nonresident)
SMALL GAME and TRAPPING
(Nonresident) 206 Youth age 16 or over and Small Game License $5
under 18 Annual
SMALL GAME and TRAPPING
(Nonresident) 221 Adult age 18 or over Small Game License $102
Annual
SMALL GAME and TRAPPING
(Nonresident) 145 Adult age 18 or over Small Game License (72-hour state waterfowl and pheasant stamps included) $75
Consecutive 72-hour
SMALL GAME and TRAPPING
(Nonresident) 207 Trapping Trapping (landowner only) $84

888-MINNDNR
Continued on next page
 Nonresident Hunting continued

Category Code Subcategory Description Cost

TURKEY 600 Adult Lottery Application Turkey Lottery Application Fee when needed $4
(Nonresident)
TURKEY (Nonresident)
594 Youth under age 13 Turkey Spring Archery or Firearm (any permit area and time period) Free
TURKEY (Nonresident)
593 Youth under age 13 Turkey Fall Archery or Firearm (any permit area and time period) Free
TURKEY (Nonresident)
602 Youth age 13 to 17 Turkey Spring Archery or Firearm (any permit area and time period) $5
TURKEY (Nonresident)
656 Youth age 13 to 17 Turkey Fall Archery or Firearm (any permit area and time period) $5
TURKEY (Nonresident)
611 Adult age 18 or over Turkey Spring Archery or Firearm $96
TURKEY (Nonresident)
608 Adult age 18 or over Turkey Spring Archery Only (non-lottery, all time periods) $96
TURKEY (Nonresident)
651 Adult age 18 or over Turkey Fall (no lottery) $96
DEER (Nonresident) 247 Youth age 10 to 12 Must obtain a license to take big game Free
DEER (Nonresident)
231 Youth age 13 to 17 Deer Firearms $5
DEER (Nonresident)
230 Youth age 13 to 17 Deer Archery $5
DEER (Nonresident)
236 Youth age 13 to 17 Deer Muzzleloader $5
DEER (Nonresident)
222 Adult age 18 or over Deer Firearms $185
DEER (Nonresident)
223 Adult age 18 or over Deer Archery $185
DEER (Nonresident)
237 Adult age 18 or over Deer Muzzleloader $185
DEER (Nonresident)
322 Zone Change Deer Firearms Zone Change $5
DEER (Nonresident)
423 Early Antlerless Deer Early Antlerless Season $45
DEER (Nonresident)
431 Bonus Bonus Permit ($1 venison donation) $91
DEER (nonresident?
201 Disease Management Disease Management Antlerless Tag (600-series deer permit areas only) $1.50

Hunting Licenses
Continued on next page

19
 Nonresident Hunting continued

20
Category Code Subcategory Description Cost
BEAR (Nonresident) 662 Application Bear Application $4
BEAR (Nonresident)
659 Youth age 10 to 12 Bear License. Must obtain a free license to take big game. Free
BEAR (Nonresident)
674 Youth age 10 to 12 Surplus Bear License. Must obtain a free license to take big game. Free
BEAR (Nonresident)
676 Youth age 10 to 12 No Quota Bear License. Must obtain a free license to take big game. Free
BEAR (Nonresident)
646 Youth age 13 to 17 Bear License  $5
BEAR (Nonresident)
647 Youth age 13 to 17 Surplus Bear License $5
BEAR (Nonresident)
645 Youth age 13 to 17 No Quota Bear License $5
BEAR (Nonresident)
661 Adult age 18 or over Bear License $230
BEAR (Nonresident)
667 Adult age 18 or over Surplus Bear License $230
BEAR (Nonresident)
225 Adult age 18 or over No Quota Bear License $230

2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations

RACCOON 228 License Raccoon or Bobcat. Small game license also required. $183
or BOBCAT
(Nonresident)
SPECIAL GOOSE 520 License Goose during a special September season $4
(Nonresident)
521 Permit Spring Light Goose Conservation Permit $2.50
WILD RICE 333 One-day Permit Wild Rice One-day Harvest for all ages.  $30
(Nonresident)

888-MINNDNR
 Stamps
Are stamps required to hunt ducks and pheasants?
Yes, for most hunters. Those who do not need pheasant or state waterfowl
stamps include:
• Residents with a super sports license (state stamp validations included in
the license).
• Residents and nonresidents hunting with a 72-hour license (state stamps
not needed).
• Residents on military leave.
• Resident veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities who possess a
veteran’s disability hunting license.
• Residents and nonresidents hunting on commercial shooting preserves.
• Residents hunting pheasants on the land where they live.
• Residents and nonresidents hunting waterfowl on their own property.
• Stamps are not required for residents and nonresidents age 15 and under.
State pheasant stamp (validation requirements by age)
16-17 years old: resident-not required, nonresident-not required
18-64 years old: resident-required, nonresident-required
65 and over years old: resident-not required, nonresident-required
State waterfowl stamp (validation requirements by age)
16-17 years old: resident-not required, nonresident required
18-64 years old: resident-required, nonresident-required
65 and over years old: resident-not required, nonresident-required
Federal waterfowl stamp (validation requirements by age)
16-17 years old: resident-required, nonresident-required
18-64 years old: resident-required, nonresident-required
65 and over years old: resident-required, nonresident-required
Federal Waterfowl Stamps can be purchased at post offices or license agents.
Electronically issued Federal Duck Stamps are available at all of Minnesota’s 1,500
electronic license vendors, beginning July 1. An electronically-issued federal stamp is
valid for 45 days. Pictorial stamps, when received by mail, must be signed across the
face and in the possession of the hunter.
Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification is required for resident and
nonresident migratory bird or waterfowl hunters.

$7.50 $7.50
© 202 1 MIGR ATORY WATERFOWL S TA MP

© 2021 PHEASANT HABITAT STAMP

Greater Scaup

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

2021 Waterfowl Stamp art by Scot Storm 2021 Pheasant Stamp art by Stephen Hamrick

Hunting Licenses 21
Frequently asked questions about hunting licenses
When do I need a hunting license?
• A person may not take, buy, sell, transport, or possess protected wild animals
without a license, except as provided in this booklet.
• You are required to have your license in your possession while hunting or traveling
to and from your hunting location.
• If you are ticketed for not having your license in possession, producing your license
later will keep you from having to pay a fine.
I purchased the wrong deer license, can I change it?
Yes. A person who has purchased a regular or lifetime firearm deer license and wishes
to change their season option (A or B) must submit their original license and tags
before the season of the original license opens. There is a fee of $5 (plus a $1 issuing
fee) for any change. Replacement licenses are available from any ELS license agent.
• Youth hunters may also change from a regular firearms deer license to a youth
deer license, if they purchased the incorrect license.
• Archery licenses including lifetime licenses may be changed to firearm or
muzzleloader licenses prior to the beginning of archery season. There is a fee of $5
(plus a $1 issuing fee).
• Regular firearm licenses including lifetime licenses may be changed to a
muzzleloader or archery license prior to the beginning of the firearm season.
There is a fee of $5 (plus a $1 issuing fee).
Do I need my social security number?
Yes. All persons must have their social security number on file with DNR.

How long is my license valid?

Hunting licenses are valid during legal seasons between March 1 and the last day
of February.

Can I purchase a deer license after the start of a deer season?

Yes, but it may not be valid immediately. See page 59 for additional information.

Is my license valid if I hunt a lake that borders another state or province?

Persons acting under a Minnesota hunting or trapping license may only take wild
animals on the Minnesota side of the border.

What if I lose my license?

You can go to any license agent and have them print a duplicate license. The fee is
$5.75 for a Big Game License and $2.50 for all others.

Can I get a refund if I don’t use my license?

Generally, license sales are final. A refund can only be issued if the licensee is unable
to participate due to active military duty, cancelled military leave or death prior to
opening of the season.
You may also request a refund if:
• You bought two licenses for the same season.
• You bought a license that wasn’t required to participate in the activity.
The request for a refund must be received within 90 days of the original license
purchase.

22 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

Questions about firearm safety certificates
Do I need a firearms safety certificate?
• If you were born after December 31, 1979, you must have a firearms safety
certificate to purchase a license to hunt with a firearm.
• See pages 34-36 for youth requirements and exceptions.
• If you are on active duty and completed basic training in the U.S. Armed Forces,
Reserves, or National Guard you may purchase a license or obtain approval
that authorizes hunting without possessing a firearms safety certificate. Once
discharged, you must obtain a firearms safety certificate.
• A replacement for a lost or destroyed firearms safety certificate can be obtained
at any ELS license agent for $3.50.
• A permit to carry a weapon under the Minnesota Personal Protection Act does not
meet requirements for firearms safety.
• Firearms safety certificates are required for archery hunters ages 12-15.

I want to try hunting, but I don’t have a firearms safety certificate. How can I go?
• The apprentice hunter validation is a short-term exclusion to the requirement for
completing hunter firearms safety training that can be purchased where hunting
licenses are sold. The validation may be purchased in two license years in a lifetime.
The apprentice hunter must also obtain all applicable licenses and stamps.
• People who use an apprentice hunter validation must be within sight and hearing
distance of an adult who has a valid license to hunt the same species of game.
The accompanying adult may not use an apprentice hunter validation.
• When hunting turkey or prairie chicken, the accompanying adult must be licensed
for the same season, but may be licensed for another time period. Otherwise, the
accompanying adult may not shoot or possess a firearm or bow.

Have you moved or has your driver’s license number changed?

If you have recently moved, please ask the license agent to update your
address when you purchase your license. If your driver’s license number or
name has changed, please contact the DNR License Center at 877-348-0498
or 651-297-1230.

Hunting Licenses 23
 GENERAL HUNTING INFORMATION
The following are general hunting regulations. Regulations for specific game
species follow.

Firearms, Bows and Crossbows

How do I legally transport my firearm?
A person may not transport a firearm, including a handgun, in or on a motor vehicle
unless the firearm is:
• unloaded and fastened in a case so that no part of the firearm is exposed (a holster
is not a legal case);
• unloaded and in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle; or
• a pistol or handgun authorized under the Minnesota Personal Protection Act.
Under the following circumstances, a person may transport unloaded, uncased
firearms (excluding pistols) in a motor vehicle, including ATVs:
• while at a shooting range with permission.
• while lawfully hunting on private or public land or while travelling to or from a site
the person intends to hunt or trap or has lawfully hunted that day.
Firearms must be transported unloaded and cased:
• within Anoka, Hennepin, or Ramsey counties.
• within the boundaries of a home rule, charter, or statutory city with a population
of 2,500 or more.
• on school grounds.
• as otherwise restricted in laws related to game refuges, shining, thermal imaging
or night vision laws.

What does unloaded mean?

Unloaded means a firearm without ammunition in the barrels or magazine, if the
magazine is in the firearm. A flintlock ignition is unloaded if it does not have priming
powder in a pan. A percussion ignition muzzleloader is unloaded if it does not have a
percussion cap on a nipple.

How do I legally transport my bow?

Archery bows and crossbows may be transported uncased in a motor vehicle but
cannot be armed with a bolt or arrow.

Can I shoot from my vehicle?

No person may take a wild animal with a firearm or bow from a motor vehicle, except
hunters with a disability permit. See page 26.

Can I hunt with a handgun?

• Persons age 18 or older may carry a handgun to hunt or target shoot.
• Persons under age 18 who meet firearms safety requirements (see page 34) may
carry handguns for hunting under the supervision of a parent or guardian.
• Unless authorized to carry a pistol or handgun under the Minnesota Personal
Protection Act, a person may not possess a firearm while bow hunting for deer.
• A person may take bear and elk by archery while in possession of a firearm.
Continued on next page
24 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR
 • Persons authorized to carry a handgun or pistol under the Minnesota Personal
Protection Act may carry it uncased and loaded while hunting and while traveling
to or from hunting locations by motor vehicle.

Can I hunt with a crossbow?

• Persons age 60 and over with a valid archery license may take deer or turkey with
a crossbow during the respective regular archery seasons.
• Persons hunting under a regular firearms license may take deer, bear or turkey
with a crossbow during the respective firearms seasons. Any person may hunt
during the fall wild turkey season with a crossbow.
• Persons with a disability who have a valid permit and archery license may also hunt
with crossbows or use a bow with a mechanical device that draws, releases, or
holds the bow at full draw. See page 57.
• Otherwise, a person may not hunt with or possess a crossbow in a motor vehicle
during any hunting season unless it is not armed with a bolt or arrow.

If I’m not hunting deer, can I possess a firearm during the deer season?
No person may possess a firearm or ammunition outdoors five days before the
firearms deer opener and ending the second day after the close of the season where
deer may be taken by firearms, except:
• A person hunting big game with a valid firearms big game license in possession.
• Possession is also legal under these conditions:
› An unloaded firearm that is cased or in a closed trunk of a motor vehicle.
› A shotgun and shells containing No. 4 buckshot or smaller.
› A handgun or rifle with .22 caliber short, long, or long rifle, magnum or
.17 caliber rimfire cartridges.
› Handguns by a person with a permit to carry a weapon under the Minnesota
Personal Protection Act.
› On a target range or under a target range permit issued by a
conservation officer.
This does not apply to the muzzleloader season. Muzzleloaders that are legal for deer
may be possessed afield only by persons with a muzzleloader or firearms deer license
during that season.

Protected and Unprotected Animals

Protected animals
Protected animals are all birds and mammals that may be taken as authorized during
established hunting seasons.
Crows
• Crows may be taken without a license during the established hunting season or at
any time when they are doing or are about to do damage.
• Electronic calls or sounds may be used for crow hunting.
• Crows may be taken with a legal firearm (shotgun not larger than 10 gauge, rifle,
or handgun), bow and arrow, or by falconry.
Mammals
• All mammals for which hunting seasons are established in these regulations are
protected mammals, but may be taken as authorized.
Continued on next page
General Hunting Information 25
 • There is no open season on caribou, antelope, lynx, wolverine, cougar, wolf, moose
or spotted skunk (“civet cat”).
• A person may not export or import a live coyote into the state unless authorized
by the Commissioner.
Nongame bird species
Most bird species, including bobwhite quail, swans, hawks, owls, eagles, herons,
bitterns, cormorants, loons and grebes may not be taken. Only designated game birds
during open hunting seasons and unprotected birds may be taken.

Taking protected species

All protected species must be killed before being removed from the site where taken.

Unprotected animals
• Unprotected birds include house sparrows, starlings, common pigeons, Eurasian
collared dove, chukar partridge, quail, other than northern bobwhite, and monk
parakeets. These birds may be taken at any time.
• Unprotected mammals include: coyotes, plains pocket gophers, porcupines,
red/pine squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), striped skunks, and woodchucks.
Mammals for which there are no closed seasons or other protection are also
unprotected. These animals may be taken at any time.
• Unprotected birds and mammals may be taken in any manner, except with the
aid of artificial lights or by using a motor vehicle to drive, chase, run over, or kill
the animal. Exceptions for coyote hunters are on page 30.
• Poisons may be used only when the safety of humans and animals is ensured and in
accordance with state and federal restrictions.

Do I need a license to hunt unprotected species?

No. Residents and nonresidents are not required to have a license to hunt unprotected
species including coyote. Nonresidents may trap only on land they own in Minnesota
with nonresident trapping and small game licenses.

What do “taking” and “possession” mean for hunters?

“Taking” means pursuing, shooting, killing, capturing, trapping, snaring, angling,
spearing, or netting wild animals; or placing, setting, drawing, or using a net, trap, or
other device to take wild animals. Taking also includes attempting to take wild animals
or assisting another person in taking wild animals.
“Possession” means game animals are in a person’s possession whether on hand,
in cold storage, in transport, or elsewhere.

Accessible Hunting Options

I have a disability. Can I get a permit to hunt from a vehicle?
Yes. A person with a disability who has the appropriate permit may take a wild animal
with a firearm or by archery from a motor vehicle.

What does the permit allow?

Except in bucks-only areas, a person with a disability with a permit to shoot from a
stationary motor vehicle may take a deer of either sex without an antlerless permit.
Other members of the hunting party may not shoot antlerless deer for this person.

26 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

How do I get a permit?
Permits to shoot from a stationary motor vehicle may be issued by DNR Enforcement
to a person who has a permanent physical disability that is more substantial than
discomfort from walking.

Who qualifies for permits?

The permit recipient must: be unable to step from a vehicle without aid of a
wheelchair, crutches, braces, or other mechanical support or prosthetic device; or
be unable to walk any distance because of a permanent lung, heart, or other internal
disease that requires the person to use supplemental oxygen to assist breathing.

Do I need to get my disability verified to get a permit?

Yes. The permanent disability must be verified in writing by a licensed physician,
certified nurse practitioner or certified physician’s assistant acting under the direction
of a licensed physician or chiropractor. The applicant must possess a valid disability
parking certificate or license plates issued by the Department of Public Safety.

How do I apply?
Permit applications are available online at mndnr.gov/licenses/special or from any
DNR regional office. See contact information on page 119.

Are there other permits or exceptions for hunters with disabilities?

Yes. More information is available as noted on the following pages:
• Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices—permit allows hunters with mobility
disabilities to operate a motorized device on DNR-owned lands. For more
information, call the DNR Information Center at 888-MINNDNR (646-6367).
• Crossbows, pages 25 and 57.
• Special seasons, page 62.
• Blinds at some major wildlife management areas (WMAs), page 102.
• Deer stands at Agassiz, Rydell, Minnesota Valley, and Big Stone National
Wildlife Refuge.
People with permanent physical disabilities may obtain a firearms hunting license with
a provisional firearms safety certificate. While hunting, they must be accompanied and
assisted by a parent, guardian or other adult.

All-terrain Vehicles for Hunting

What is considered an all-terrain vehicle?
For the purposes of these regulations, all vehicles not requiring Minnesota Department
of Public Safety licensing, including motorized trail bikes, 3-wheelers, 4-wheelers,
6-wheelers, tracked vehicles, and other similarly manufactured or home-made vehicles.
A person may not intentionally operate:
• in most wildlife management areas, a state park, or a scientific and natural area,
except as authorized in this booklet;
• in unfrozen public waters (lakes, rivers, streams and certain wetlands), or in
calcareous fens;
• on a trail on public land that is designated or signed for non-motorized use only;
• on areas within public lands that are posted or where gates or other clearly visible
structures are placed to prevent unauthorized motorized vehicle access; or to
shoot at a wild animal from an all-terrain vehicle.
General Hunting Information 27
Are there special restrictions during deer season?
To reduce disturbance during the prime deer hunting times, operation of all-terrain
vehicles and snowmobiles is restricted during the regular firearms deer season:

Licensed deer hunters

Licensed deer hunters must not operate an all-terrain vehicle or snowmobile on public
or private property in an area where their license is valid except:
• Before legal shooting hours (½ hour before sunrise).
• From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
• After legal shooting hours (½ hour after sunset).
• On property they own.
• On private property with the landowner’s permission.
• Under a permit issued by a conservation officer in an emergency or other
unusual situation.
• For details on exceptions in the northwest, see the 2021 Deer Season Area Map
insert and online mndnr.gov/hunting/deer/map.
Motor vehicles licensed for and being operated on public highways, or farm tractors
being used for agricultural purposes, are exempt from this restriction.

Recreational riders
During the Statewide (A) Firearms Deer Season, trails and routes on state forest lands
are closed to all recreational riding (all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles) where deer
may be taken by rifle (see the 2021 Deer Season Area Map).
Forest roads remain open to all-terrain vehicle use.

Operation in parks, refuges, and other managed areas

All-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles are not allowed in state parks, national wildlife
refuges (see page 115), scientific and natural areas, or most wildlife management areas
(see page 102). All-terrain vehicle use is regulated in state and national forests. (See
rules on using public lands, pages 109 and 116.)
Additional regulations on motor vehicle operation can be found on the following pages:
• Wildlife management areas, pages 101-102
• State forests, pages 109-110
• Federal lands, pages 115-117

Dogs
When can I train my dog on public land?
Dogs may not be trained on DNR administered lands from April 16 to July 14. At
other times a person training a dog afield and carrying a firearm may only have blank
cartridges and shells in possession when the season is not open for any game bird,
except by permit.

Dogs pursuing big game

No persons may allow their dog to chase or kill big game.

Continued on next page

28 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR
Between January 1 and July 14, a dog that is observed wounding, killing, or pursuing
in a way that endangers big game may be killed by any person. A peace officer or
conservation officer may kill a dog that endangers big game at any time of the year.
The officer or person is not liable for damages for killing the dog.

Be aware of other hunters

Other hunting seasons are open before, during, and after the deer season. Many
hunters use dogs to hunt upland game, waterfowl, rabbits, raccoons, foxes, and
coyotes. Dogs may not be shot if seen pursuing big game during the fall hunting
seasons, except by a conservation or peace officer.

Dogs running game during closed seasons

• Rabbits, hares and foxes may be run by use of dogs during the closed season
without being taken, except from April 16 - July 14.
• Raccoons may be run by the use of dogs during the closed season, without being
taken, and without a license.

Dogs retrieving wounded deer and bear

A person may use a dog to locate and retrieve a wounded deer or bear as follows:
• The person attempting to locate the animal must have in possession a valid
license to take the deer or bear.
• Dog handlers who do not have a valid hunting license must be accompanied by a
licensed hunter with the license in possession.
• The licensed hunter and dog handler must be on foot and must wear blaze
orange/pink.
• Any light used must be an artificial light carried in the hand or attached to
the person.
• The dog must be on a leash no longer than 30 feet. The hunter or dog handler
must physically control the leash at all times.
• The dog owner’s name and telephone number must be on the dog while it is used
to locate a wounded deer or bear.

Preventing and handling accidental trap catches

Knowledge of traps can help dog owners feel more comfortable when their
dogs are in the field. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has developed
excellent information to help dog owners identify traps placed in a natural setting
and release dogs that are accidentally caught in traps. Dog owners can find this
information online at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/?getPage=141
In addition, the Minnesota DNR has kits and information that will be available
for groups who want to handle traps and learn more about how to release dogs
from traps. Information on contacting the DNR can be found on page 119.

General Hunting Information 29

Using Lights, Night Vision, Drones, or Wireless Devices
Can I legally use lights to look at deer?
A person may not cast artificial light (for example onto a highway or into a field, or
forest, etc.) to locate or take a wild animal while possessing either individually or as
one of a group, a firearm, bow or other implement that could be used to take big
game, small game or unprotected species.
Shining lights generally
Shining is allowed for two hours after sunset without a firearm, bow or other
implement to take wild animals. From two hours after sunset until sunrise, no person
may cast artificial light on a highway or into a field or forest to locate a wild animal.
A person may not cast artificial light on land that is marked with signs prohibiting the
shining of lights. The signs must:
• display letters that are at least 2 inches in height and state “no shining” or
similar terms.
• be placed at intervals of 500 feet or less along the boundary of an area.
A person may not cast an artificial light onto fenced agricultural land or a residential
property or building sites from a motor vehicle.
Exceptions:
• Without a firearm or a bow, a person who is on foot may use a handheld artificial
light to retrieve wounded or dead big game animals.
• A person taking raccoons or tending traps in accordance with all other regulations
in this booklet. See pages 43 and 50.
It is not a violation of this law to use laser range finders or shine lights without a
firearm while doing any activity not related to spotting, locating or taking a wild
animal. It is also not a violation to use an electronic range finder from 1 ⁄2 hour before
sunrise until 1 ⁄2 hour after sunset while lawfully hunting wild animals.
Lights for hunting fox and coyote (January 1 - March 15)
A person hunting for coyote or fox from January 1 - March 15 may use an artificial
light (either carried in the hand or attached to the person) under all of the following
conditions:
• While on foot and not within a public right of way
• Using a shotgun
• Using a calling device
• Not within 200 feet of a vehicle
Night vision equipment
A person may not possess any kind of night vision or thermal imaging equipment while
taking wild animals or while possessing a firearm, bow, or other implement that could
be used to take wild animals.
This regulation does not apply when:
• NEW—A person legally taking coyote or fox is using night vision or thermal
imaging equipment, including the use of infrared illuminators to enhance night
vision equipment. This exception does not apply when hunting other species or
during the regular firearms deer season. There are additional firearms restrictions
during the deer season, see page 25.
Continued on next page
30 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR
Using Lights, Night Vision, Drones… continued

• A firearm is unloaded, cased, and in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle; or a bow
is cased or unstrung, and in the closed trunk of a motor vehicle.
• If the vehicle does not have a trunk, the firearm or bow must be placed in the
rearmost location of the vehicle.
Can I use a drone when hunting?
Drones cannot be used to take big game or small game. It is also illegal to harass
hunters, trappers or anglers with a drone. No person may use aircraft over a WMA
in a manner that chases, herds, scares, or otherwise disturbs wildlife, except in
emergencies or by authorization of the wildlife manager. Drones may not be flown
over wildlife management areas.
Can I use wireless devices to take game?
• No. Using walkie talkies, cell phones, remote control or other radio equipment,
including drones, to take big game or small game is unlawful.
• A person may use radio equipment without a permit to take unprotected wild animals.
• Dog training collars are allowed.
• Motorized decoys controlled by remote may be used for taking migratory
waterfowl or mourning doves where allowed.
• A remote controlled animal noise caller can be used for crows, furbearing animals
and unprotected animals.
• Unattended electronic devices may not be used for taking wild animals.

Storage, Possession and Sale of Wild Animals

Can someone store my game or pelts for me?
Yes, but the package must be plainly marked, in ink, with your name and address, your
license number, and the number and species in the package.
What parts of animals may legally be bought or sold?
A person may possess, transport, buy, or sell these parts of lawfully taken game
animals except for migratory game birds, which cannot be bought or sold: bones
(including skulls), hooves, antlers, sinews, teeth, hides, claws. In addition, the flesh
of lawfully taken beaver, muskrat, raccoon, rabbits, and hares may be bought, sold,
and transported at any time. Skulls of game animals, including deer skulls with antlers
attached may not be possessed without a permit unless they were lawfully taken.
A person may not sell bear meat or organs, including bear gall bladders, and may not
sell bear paws unless attached to the hide.

Who can legally buy and sell pelts?

A hunter or trapper may sell the pelts of lawfully taken furbearers only to a licensed
fur buyer. A person may not buy raw furs without a fur buyer’s license, except a fur
manufacturer or licensed taxidermist may buy raw furs from a licensed fur buyer.
Game for consumption at fund raising events
Nonprofit organizations may charge a fee for admission to fundraising events when
lawfully taken and possessed big game and small game (excluding migratory game
birds that cannot be sold under federal law), is donated to the organization and is
served for consumption on the premises where the fundraising event is held. Records
of donations must be kept for 2 years.

General Hunting Information 31

Storage, Possession and Sale of Wild Animals continued

Wanton waste
A person may not wantonly waste or destroy a usable part of a protected wild animal.
Can I give game I harvest as a gift?
Yes, but a receipt containing: name and address of the owner; name and address of
the recipient, date of transfer, description of the gift (for example: “Three, 1-pound
venison steaks”) and the license number must remain with the gift.
I found a car-killed animal. Can I keep it?
Yes, but you must have a permit to possess protected wild animals, including deer,
that have been killed by a vehicle. Permits are available from conservation officers and
many local law enforcement agencies. See page 119 for contact information.

Hunting Outside Seasons, Controlled Substances,

and Accidents
Is anyone allowed to hunt outside of state established deer seasons?
Indian bands may be hunting big game by firearms before and after state firearms seasons.
Members of the Fond du Lac band may hunt big game from late September through
December in the 1854 ceded territory (Cook, Lake, eastern and southern St. Louis,
most of Carlton, and extreme northern Pine counties).
Members of bands signatory to the 1837 Treaty (east-central Minnesota from Pine
and Chisago counties west to the Mississippi River) may hunt deer after Labor Day
through December.
Hunting while under the influence
You may not hunt or be afield with a loaded or uncased firearm or an uncased bow
while under the influence of a controlled substance or with a blood-alcohol level of .08
or higher.
Hunter/trapper harassment prohibited
A person may not prevent or disrupt another person from taking or preparing to take a
wild animal. A person may not disturb wild animals with the intent to prevent or disrupt
another person from hunting.
What should I do if there’s an accidental shooting?
A person who shoots and injures another person with a firearm, or believes that
another person might be injured, and any witnesses to a shooting, must immediately
investigate the extent of the person’s injuries and give reasonable assistance, including
calling law enforcement or medical personnel to the scene.
Enforcement
A person must allow inspection in the field of firearms, licenses, wild animals, motor
vehicles, boats, or other conveyances used while taking or transporting wild animals.
Wild animals that are unlawfully taken, bought, sold or possessed may be seized and
confiscated. The person may be liable for wildlife restitution in addition to criminal
fines. Personal property such as firearms, traps and archery equipment that were
unlawfully used may be seized and confiscated.

32 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 Blaze Clothing Requirements
Hunter safety is a top priority. Blaze clothing has been found to be one factor that has
helped make hunting one of the safest sports/activities.
• All hunters and trappers in the field during the open firearms/muzzleloader deer
seasons must display blaze orange or pink on the visible portion of the person’s
cap and outer clothing above the waist, excluding sleeves and gloves.
• When no firearms/muzzleloader deer season is open, a person may not take small
game unless the visible portion of at least one article of clothing above the waist is
blaze orange or pink. See exceptions noted below.
• Blaze orange or pink camouflage patterns are allowed and must be at least
50 percent blaze orange or pink within each square foot.
Exceptions: blaze clothing is not required during a firearms/muzzleloader deer
season when:
• Hunting an area open only to archery hunting (no firearms hunting allowed)
• Hunting migratory waterfowl while on the water or in a stationary location
• Trapping while on the water
Exceptions: blaze clothing is not required when no
firearms/muzzleloader deer season is open if:
• Taking small game while archery deer hunting in a
stationary location 100
• Hunting turkey
• Hunting migratory birds 604
• Hunting raccoons and predators
(coyote, fox, bobcat) 200
• Trapping furbearers 701
605
• Hunting small game by falconry 300
• Hunting bear 600

Deer Seasons
Season Date
Archery Sept. 18 - Dec. 31
Firearm Option Statewide (A) 100 Series and 604 Nov. 6 - 21
Firearm Option Statewide (A) 200 Series Nov. 6 - 14
Firearm Option Statewide (A) 300 Series and all 600 series except 604 Nov. 6 - 14
Firearm Option Late Southeast (B) 300 Series and all 600 series Nov. 20 - 28
except 604
Metro Deer Management Zone (701) Statewide (A), Late Season (B) Nov. 6 - 28
firearms license or muzzleloader license
Muzzleloader Nov. 27 - Dec. 12
Youth Season open statewide (see page 36) Oct. 21 - 24
Early Antlerless Season (see page 81) Oct. 21 - 24
NEW—Late CWD Hunts (343, 605, 643, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, Dec. 17 - 19 and
and 655) Dec. 31 - Jan. 2

General Hunting Information 33

 YOUTH HUNTING
(RESIDENTS AND NONRESIDENTS)
Youth Hunting Licenses
Free or reduced price individual youth licenses are available for residents and
nonresidents under age 18 for firearms deer, archery deer, muzzleloader deer, and
small game. See pages 15-20. There is an issuing fee associated with licenses, including
some free licenses.

Youth deer license privileges and restrictions

Privileges
• Residents and nonresidents under 18 may take a deer of either sex in antlerless
deer lottery permit areas without having to apply for or obtain an antlerless
permit.
• The youth firearms license is valid during the Youth Deer Season and the Statewide
(A) and Late Southeast (B) seasons but not the Muzzleloader Season.

Restrictions
• Youth may not tag antlerless deer taken by another individual. Youth hunters must
take and tag their own antlerless deer.
• Youth may not take antlerless deer in bucks-only deer areas.

Youth Firearms Safety Training Requirements

Demand for firearms safety training classes is high, and many classes fill very rapidly
or have waiting lists. Youth may attend a class at age 11. Information on classes can be
found online at mndnr.gov.
Firearms safety training certificate requirements by age:
• 11 years old and younger: not required
• 12 years old: required for big game and turkey; not required for small game
• 13-17 years old: required
• Firearms safety certificates are required for archery hunters ages 12 to 15.
• Apprentice hunter validation available in lieu of firearm safety certificate
(see page 23).

Youth Firearms License Requirements

Big game
Age 9 and younger:
• May not hunt
Ages 10 and 11:
• Must possess free license
• Must be within immediate reach of parent or guardian
• Parents or guardians must be licensed if assisting the youth hunter
Continued on next page
34 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR
Youth Firearms License Requirements continued
Age 12:
• Must possess free license
• Must be accompanied by parent or guardian
• Parents or guardians must be licensed if assisting the youth hunter
Age 13:
• Must possess reduced price youth license
• Must be accompanied by parent or guardian
• Parents or guardians must be licensed if assisting the youth hunter
Ages 14-17:
• May hunt on own
• Must possess a reduced price youth license

Small game
Ages 13 and under:
• May hunt without a license
• Must be accompanied by parent or guardian
• Parent or guardian must be licensed if assisting the youth hunter
Ages 14 and 15:
• May hunt on own without a license
Ages 16 and 17:
• Must possess reduced price youth small game license. Stamps may be required for
some hunting seasons

Wild turkey
Ages 12 and under:
• Must possess a reduced price youth license
• Must be accompanied by parent or guardian
• Parent or guardian need not be licensed if they do not possess or shoot a firearm
or bow
• Parent or guardian must have a firearm safety certificate if the youth hunter does
not have one
Age 13:
• Must possess a reduced price youth license and be accompanied by parent
or guardian
• Parent or guardian need not be licensed if assisting the youth hunter

Ages 14-17:
• Must possess a reduced price youth license; may hunt on own
• Parent or guardian need not be licensed if assisting the youth hunter

Trapping
Ages 4 and under:
• Fisher/marten, bobcat or otter must be included in the accompanying parent or
guardian’s limit
Continued on next page
Youth Hunting (Residents and Nonresidents) 35
Youth trapping requirements continued
Ages 12 and under:
• May trap without a license

Ages 13-15:
• Must have reduced price youth license
• Must complete trapper education (page 48)

Ages 16 and 17:

• Must have reduced price youth license
• Must complete trapper education (page 48)
• Must have reduced price youth small game license

Youth Deer Season

The youth firearms deer season will be held statewide October 21-24. Participant
numbers are not limited and there is no special permit. Resident and nonresident
youth are eligible.
Participation
• Youth ages 10 to 17 may participate. Youth ages 10 to 13 must be accompanied by an
adult parent/guardian/mentor 18 or older. The adult does not need to be licensed.
• The accompanying adult cannot hunt in most areas and party hunting is not
allowed (youth must tag their own deer). Adults may hunt in areas where the early
antlerless season is open with the correct license. More about the early antlerless
season is on page 81.
• Participation does not affect eligibility for the regular deer season; however, deer
harvested during the youth season count toward the youth’s annual statewide
bag limit.
Requirements
• Participating youth must possess a valid firearm deer license (same as required for
November deer season). Youth age 10, 11 and 12 must possess a free license. Youth
age 12 and older must also have a firearms safety certificate or apprentice hunter
validation.
• NEW—Crossbows may be used by youth who possess a youth firearms license
during the youth deer season.
• An early antlerless deer license is not required for youth to participate in the
youth deer season. Only youth who continue hunting in an area open for the
early antlerless season after their youth license is filled need to possess an early
antlerless license.
• Blaze orange/pink requirements apply to all hunters, trappers and adult mentors
during this season.
Bag limit/bonus permits
• The bag limit is one deer of either sex, except antlerless deer may not be taken in
bucks-only areas. Higher bag limits apply in areas where the early antlerless season
is open; details are on page 81.
• Legal bucks must be tagged with the youth’s firearm license. Bonus permits are
not valid for legal bucks. Party hunting is not allowed.
• Deer permit area designations for the youth season are the same as the
firearms season. Continued on next page
36 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR
 • Youth must use their youth firearm license tag if they take an antlerless deer in
a permit area designated lottery or either-sex. Bonus permits are not valid in
these areas.
• Within 600 series areas, youth may use a disease management permit in place of
a bonus permit to tag antlerless deer under a youth firearms license. Youth must
possess an early antlerless permit to tag more than one deer in these areas under
the concurrent early antlerless season.
• Outside 600-series deer permit areas, disease management permits are not valid.
• Early antlerless permits are only valid in areas designated open during the
concurrent early antlerless season.
• The Whitewater State Game Refuge in Winona County is open to youth
participating in the youth deer season. The game refuge and surrounding deer
permit area (344) are not open for the early-antlerless season this year.
• Itasca State Park (Deer Permit Area 287) is closed to hunting during the youth
deer season.

DPA designation What type of deer can youth Can youth use a bonus permit
harvest during youth season? to tag an antlerless deer?
Bucks-only 1 antlered buck No
Antlerless permit 1 either-sex deer No
lottery
Either-sex 1 either-sex deer No
Two-deer limit 1 either-sex deer Yes
Three-deer limit 1 either-sex deer Yes
Five-deer limit 1 either-sex deer Yes

Youth Small Game Hunts

Wild turkey
Mentored youth and adult turkey hunts are tentatively scheduled for April 2022. Visit
mndnr.gov/discover for information.

Take-a-Kid Hunting Weekend (September 25-26)

Adult residents accompanied by a youth under age 16 may hunt small game without a
license, according to regulations.

Learn to Hunt Upland Birds

Partnering with Pheasants Forever, the DNR is offering “Learn To” upland bird hunts
to introduce youth, adults and families to upland bird hunting. Applications will be
available through early September online at mndnr.gov/discover.

Sand Prairie WMA (Sherburne County)

Open during the spring turkey season for youths up to age 18. Regular spring turkey
regulations apply.

Learn to Hunt Waterfowl (September)

Working with Ducks Unlimited, this hands-on experience is for 12 to 15 year olds with
limited hunting opportunities. Apply online at mndnr.gov/discover.
Youth Hunting (Residents and Nonresidents) 37
38
Firearms Special Youth Deer Hunt Schedule
Bonus permits may be used to tag antlerless deer at all hunts. Application deadline is August 20. Rules found on page 39.

Area name Hunt No. No. of participants Dates Bag limit Hunt type CWD sampling Orientation
Afton State Park 951 30 Nov. 6 - 7 2 Either-sex Mandatory Oct. 23
Banning State Park 965 6 Oct. 30 - 31 2 Either-sex Voluntary Oct. 30
Blue Mounds State Park 966 10 Nov. 20 - 21 2 Earn-a-buck Not applicable Nov. 19
Buffalo River State Park 959 12 Oct. 30 - 31 2 Earn-a-buck Not applicable No in person orientation
Camden State Park 967 12 Oct. 30 - 31 2 Earn-a-buck Not applicable Oct. 29
Itasca State Park 961 75 Oct. 9 - 10 2 Either-sex Not applicable Oct. 8 in person optional
Kilen Woods State Park 963 6 Oct. 30 - 31 1 Either-sex Not applicable Oct. 29
Lake Bemidji State Park 954 20 Oct. 15 - 17 2 Either-sex Mandatory Oct. 14
Lake Bronson State Park 969 10 Oct. 23 - 24 1 Either-sex Not applicable Oct. 22

2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations

Lake Shetek State Park 968 12 Nov. 20 - 21 2 Antlerless only Not applicable Nov. 19
Minneopa State Park 899 12 Nov. 20 - 21 2 Either-sex Not applicable Nov. 19
Rydell National Wildlife Refuge 957 15 Oct. 23 - 24 3 Either-sex Not applicable Oct. 17
Savanna Portage State Park 958 25 Oct. 23 - 24 2 Either-sex Not applicable Oct. 22
Sibley State Park 952 10 Oct. 30 - 31 1 Either-sex Not applicable Oct. 29
St. Croix State Park 956 90 Oct. 30 - 31 2 Either-sex Mandatory Oct. 23 or 29 optional
if you attended a past
orientation
Zippel Bay State Park 953 20 Oct. 16 - 17 2 Either-sex Not applicable No in person orientation

888-MINNDNR
 Archery Special Youth Deer Hunt Schedule
Area name Hunt No. of Dates Bag Hunt CWD Orientation
No. participants limit type sampling
Camp Ripley 950 175 Oct. 9 - 10 2 Either- Not Oct. 8
Military Reservation sex applicable
Youth Archery
Lake Alexander 955 20 Oct. 9 - 10 2 Either- Not Oct. 8
Woods TNC Youth sex applicable
Archery Hunt

Youth archery opportunity

Sand Prairie WMA (Sherburne County) is open during the regular archery deer season
for youth ages 10 through 17. Regular archery deer rules apply.

Special youth firearms deer or achery deer hunts

Applicants for youth firearms or archery special deer hunts (see above or page 38)
must be 12-15 years old at the time of the hunt. Archery and firearms participants
must have a firearms safety certificate and must obtain a license for taking deer by
firearms (or archery for youth archery hunts), valid for any zone or season option,
by the beginning date of the respective hunt. Blaze orange/pink requirements are in
effect in areas open during firearms youth deer hunts. The rifle-shotgun boundary is
in effect (see the 2021 Deer Season Area Map).
All participating youth must attend orientation as required by the hunt administrator
prior to the hunt (details will be included in notices to successful applicants). An adult
mentor, who may not hunt, must accompany participants during the orientation and
the hunt. Each person must apply at an electronic license sales agent or the DNR
License Center. Group applications and party hunting are not allowed. A drawing will
be held if applications exceed available permits for each hunt. Unsuccessful applicants
will receive preference for future youth hunt lotteries of the same type. Applicants
may only apply for one youth archery hunt and one youth firearms hunt. Participation
in a youth hunt does not affect one’s eligibility to participate in the regular deer
seasons, but harvested deer count toward a youth’s annual statewide bag limit.
The application deadline is August 20.

How to release a dog from a body-grip trap

Jaws Trigger
A body-grip
trap and its
parts
Eyelets

Spring
Safety lock
arms
Safety lock Trap identification tag
Continued on next page

Youth Hunting (Residents and Nonresidents) 39

 If a dog is caught in a body-grip trap you have a brief time to safely release
the animal. It is important to act as quickly as possible. We encourage dog
owners to learn more about body-gripping traps and practice the techniques
described here:

Step one Step two

Step one: Immediately squeeze both springs

and turn the trap so the jaws are not placing
pressure on the dog’s windpipe.
Step two: Compress one spring using two hands or a
setting device until you’re able to fasten the safety lock
over the opposite side of each spring.
Step three: Secure the safety lock, which keeps the
spring compressed. Again, use both hands on each
spring if necessary. This relieves the pressure from one
side of the trap.
Step four: Repeat the process for the other spring.
If you cannot squeeze the springs of the trap easily,
there are a number of devices to help increase your
Step three
leverage. You can use a leash, rope or zip ties to
compress the springs.
Zip tie: Run it through the eyelets and lock the zip-tie. Pull the free end until the
spring contracts, using one hand to help compress the spring if necessary.
Rope or leash: Loop it two times through the eyelets, leaving enough on both
ends. Secure one end by either stepping on it or placing your foot through the
loop and pull the other end.
Strong nylon zip tie release kits with detailed instructions are available upon
request from the Minnesota Trappers Association at mntrappers.org. If you
purchase your own zip ties, they should have a rated strength of 175 pounds
or more.
DNR staff will demonstrate traps and release techniques to any interested
group. Contact a DNR regional headquarters office (see page 119). Similar
demonstrations are provided by the Minnesota Trappers Association
mntrappers.org.
See a video demonstration of release techniques and learn how to avoid traps at
https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/trap.

40 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 SMALL GAME
Small game season dates, bag limits and shooting hours are on pages 44 and 47.
A license year runs from March 1 through the end of February.

Small Game Licenses

All residents and nonresidents, 16 and older, must have a valid small game license in
possession to take small game. Residents may hunt small game without a license on
land they occupy as their principal residence. There are also exemptions for military
personnel. See page 13.
Stamps are required to take ducks, geese and pheasants. See page 21.
A nonresident must have a furbearer raccoon/bobcat (nonresident) license and a
nonresident small game license to take raccoon and bobcat. A furbearer raccoon/
bobcat (nonresident) license is not required to take fox and coyote. However, a small
game license is still required to take fox and other small game. A small game license is
not needed to take coyotes with a firearm.

Small Game Hunting

General restrictions
Blaze orange/pink is required for most small game hunting. See page 33 for exceptions
to the requirement.
Party hunting for small game
A “party” is defined as a group of two or more persons maintaining unaided visual and
vocal contact with each other while taking non-migratory small game. “Party hunting”
means that members of a party may take animals for other members’ limits. A party
may lawfully take small game in accordance with the following regulations:
• A member of the party may take more than an individual limit, but the total
number of small game taken and possessed by the party may not exceed the
combined limits of members of the party.
• Each party member may transport only an individual limit of small game.
• Party hunting is not allowed for migratory game birds (doves, ducks, geese,
mergansers, coots, woodcock, rail, sandhill cranes, snipe, and gallinules).
Use of lead shot
No person may take ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, sandhill cranes or gallinules with
lead shot or while having lead shot in possession.
Lead shot may be used statewide for hunting other small game in accordance with
firearms restrictions in this booklet, except in federal Wildlife Refuges and Waterfowl
Production Areas.
Game birds
Taking game birds
A person may not take protected game birds with a trap or snare, using bird lime,
with a swivel or set gun, by dragging a rope, wire, or other device across a field or by
using fire. Continued on next page
Small Game 41
Transportation of game birds
Game birds must be transported with a fully-feathered wing attached except:
• Turkey, pheasant, and Hungarian partridge may have one leg or a fully-feathered
wing attached.
• Doves may be transported fully dressed.
Prairie chickens
Prairie chicken licenses are allocated by lottery only to Minnesota residents. No
small game license is required. Applications are due Friday, August 20. Application
information and complete regulations are online at mndnr.gov/hunting/prairiechicken.
Persons who do not have a prairie chicken license may not assist a licensed prairie
chicken hunter, including handling dogs.
Hungarian partridge and pheasant
A person may not shoot pheasants or Hungarian partridge with a rifle or handgun
other than a .22 caliber rimfire using short, long, or long rifle ammunition.
Shotguns used for upland birds may hold more than three shells. Season dates and
shooting hours are on page 44.
Wild turkey
Spring and fall turkey hunting regulations with detailed maps are available online at
mndnr.gov/hunting/turkey
Fall season: October 2 - 31, 2021. One turkey of either sex may be taken. See online
regulations for details.
Spring season: Applications for select wildlife management areas available
in late December. See online regulations for details. Spring turkey seasons
(2022): A = April 13 - 19; B = April 20 - 26; C = April 27 - May 3; D = May 4 - 10;
E = May 11 - 17; F = May 18 - 31 (any licensed hunter who has not tagged a bird).
Woodcock, rails, snipe, sandhill cranes and doves
• State or federal migratory waterfowl stamps are not required to hunt woodcock,
rails, snipe, sandhill cranes, or mourning doves.
• Sandhill crane hunting is limited to a northwest zone. See waterfowl regulations
for details.
• Compliance with the migratory bird harvest information program (HIP) is required
for licensed hunters.
• Shotguns must not be capable of holding more than three shells.
• Shooting hours for rails, snipe and sandhill cranes are 1 ⁄2-hour before sunrise to
sunset for the entire season.
• Motorized decoys may be used to take doves. Remote controls may be used.
• More details about dove hunting are online at mndnr.gov/hunting/doves
Ducks and geese
Consult the Waterfowl Hunting Regulations Supplement.
Hunting furbearers
• A person may not disturb the burrow or den of any wild animal between
November 1 and April 1, without a permit.
• A person may not take pine marten, fisher, mink, muskrat, beaver, or otter by
firearms or archery hunting. However, a firearm may be used to dispatch an animal
already taken in a trap.
• Rabbits, hares, and squirrels may be taken by hunting or trapping.

42 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

Raccoons
A person may take raccoons between ½ hour after sunset and ½ hour before sunrise
only in accordance with the following regulations:
• Hunters must be on foot.
• Artificial lights may be used to locate, attempt to locate, or shoot a raccoon only
if the raccoon has been treed or put at bay by dogs.
• Rifles and handguns used must be .17 or .22 caliber rimfire (including .22 magnum).
• Shotgun shells must be loaded with No. 4 shot or smaller.
• A person may not take a raccoon in a den or hollow tree, or by cutting down a tree
occupied by a raccoon.
Fox and coyote night hunting
A person may use a light to hunt for coyote or fox from January 1 to March 15.
See page 30 for details.
Fox and raccoon may be run by dogs during closed seasons. See page 28 for details.

Sharp-tailed Grouse
Subject date

Northwest Zone season dates: September 18 - November 30

East-central Zone season dates: October 16 - November 30

Voyageurs
Kittson Roseau
Lake of
the Woods
National Park

Marshall Northwest Zone

East 53
Grand
Forks Pennington

Red Lake 1
Koochiching
East-central Zone
Northome
2 71 Cook
Polk Bemidji

Beltrami
Clearwater

73
Norman Mahnomen

Remer
Lake See map for zone
boundaries or visit mndnr.
Itasca
200 2
Floodwood
Hubbard

Clay
Becker
6 St. Louis
gov/hunting/grouse. The
Carlton
shaded area is closed
to sharp-tailed grouse
Wadena
Todd
Cass 18 Pine
Garrison
Aitkin

hunting, except for

Otter Tail Crow Wing
Wilkin

65
licensed prairie chicken
Ka nabec

Morrison Mora
Grant Douglas
70
Traverse
Big Stone
Mille
Benton Lacs
hunters within their
Stevens Pope Stearns
Sherburne
Isanti
Chisago
selected zone.
Closed Sharp-tailed
The DNR is looking for
Swift

Grouse Zone
Anoka Ramsey

help with studies of

Meeker Wright
Chippewa Kandiyohi Hennepin
Lac qui Parle Washington
Renville

Yellow Medicine
McLeod Carver
spruce grouse genetics,
Sibley
Scott
Dakota
visit mndnr.gov/hunting/
Lincoln Lyon Redwood
Nicollet
Le Sueur
Rice Goodhue Wabasha
grouse for details or email
[email protected]
Brown

Pipestone Murray Cottonwood Watonwan Blue Earth Waseca Steele Dodge Olmsted Winona

Rock Nobles Jackson Martin Faribault Freeborn Mower Fillmore Houston

Small Game 43
44
Small Game Hunting Seasons
Small Game Open Season Daily Limit Possession Limit Shooting/Hours
Cottontail rabbit and Sept. 18 - Feb. 28 10 combined 20 combined ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
snow-shoe hare
Jack rabbit Sept. 18 - Feb. 28 1 3 ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
Gray and fox squirrel Sept. 18 - Feb. 28 7 combined 14 combined ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
Ruffed and spruce grouse Sept. 18 - Jan. 2 5 combined 10 combined ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
Sharp-tailed grouse Sept. 18 - Nov. 30 (northwest) 3 6 ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
Oct. 16 - Nov. 30 (east-central)
Hungarian partridge Sept. 18 - Jan. 2 5 10 ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
Pheasant Oct. 16 - Jan. 2 2 roosters (3 roosters 6 roosters (9 roosters 9 a.m. to sunset
Dec. 1 - Jan. 2) Dec. 1 - Jan. 2)
Prairie chicken Sept. 25 - Oct. 3 2 (season limit) 2 (season limit) ½ hour before sunrise to sunset 
(by special permit only)
Fall wild turkey Oct. 2 - Oct. 31 1 either sex (season limit) 1 (season limit) ½ hour before sunrise to sunset 

2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations

Non-migratory small game Sept. 1 - Feb. 28 10 rabbits, 7 squirrel, other 20 rabbits, 14 squirrel, other ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
by falconry small game: 3 combined, small game: 6 combined, except pheasants may not be
not to include more than not to include more than taken before 9 a.m.
1 hen pheasant 2 hen pheasants
Mourning doves Sept. 1 - Nov. 29 15 45 ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
Sandhill cranes (northwest Sept. 18 - Oct. 24 2 6 ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
goose zone)
Woodcock Sept. 25 - Nov. 8 3 9 ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
Sora and Virginia rail Sept. 1 - Nov. 8 25 combined 75 combined ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
Common snipe Sept. 1 - Nov. 8 8 24 ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
Crow Sept. 1 - Oct. 31, Dec. 15 - 31, No limit No limit ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
(may also be taken when Jan. 1 - 15 and March 1 - 31
committing or about to
do damage)

888-MINNDNR
How to identify wolves and coyotes
Coyote hunters—know your target
Wolves have been mistakenly shot outside Minnesota’s primary wolf range
because hunters thought they were coyotes. Wolves were once restricted to
the northern part of Minnesota, but they have expanded their range and could
show up in any part of the state. Do not assume that because you are outside
Minnesota’s primary wolf range that the animal
in your sights is a coyote. Wolves and coyotes Minnesota’s Primary
are closely related, but are well distinguished Wolf Range
by their difference in size and physical
characteristics. Shooting a wolf because you
think it is a coyote is illegal and punishable by
Minnesota game and fish laws.
Gray wolf (Canis lupus) AKA—Timber wolf
Height: 30 inches average.
Length: 5½ feet.
Weight: 50-110 lbs.
Color: shades of gray or tan, sometimes
black, rarely white.
Photo: Jenni Bidner/Wildlife

4½
Science Center

3½

Coyote (Canis latrans) AKA—Brush wolf

Height: 18 inches maximum.
Length: 3 feet.
Weight: 25-35 lbs.
Color: all shades of gray, tan, buff, rarely black or white.

2½
Photo: USFWS

1½

Small Game 45
 Walk-In Access Program 2021-2022
Walk-In Access (WIA) provides public hunting on private Minnesota Walk-In Access (WIA)
Program Counties 2021

land and compensates landowners for providing that Kittson Roseau

Lake of
the Woods

access. Through WIA, more than 30,000 acres of private

Marshall

Koochiching
Pennington

Beltrami
Red Lake Cook

land will be open for public hunting at more than 260 sites in

Clear water
Polk
Lake
Itasca St. Louis

Norman Mahnomen

Hubbard

western and south central Minnesota, September 1 to May 31.

Cass
Becker
Clay

Aitkin
Wadena
Crow Wing
Carlton
SWCD Counties
Wilkin Otter Tail
Participating in
the WIA Program
Mille Pine

Validation required: Hunters must have a Walk-In Access

Todd
Lacs Outside WIA Program
Morrison
Grant Douglas Area
Kanabec
New County enrolled
Traverse in WIA Program
Benton
Stevens Pope WIA site- Acres
Big Stone Stearns Isanti
Enrolled
Sherburne Chisago

Validation (ELS Privilege Code 190; $3) to legally access WIA

WIA site - No Acres
Swift Enrolled as of 6/15/21
Anoka

Washingto n
Wright
Kandiyohi Meeker
Lac qui Chippewa
Parle Hennepin

McLeod Carver Ramsey

Yellow
Renville

land. WIA Validations are available at ELS license vendors.

Medicine
Scott Dakota
Sibley
Lincoln Lyon Redwood Le Goodhue
Nicollet Sueur Rice
Wabasha
Brown

Pipestone
Murray Blue Earth Dodge
Cottonwood Watonwan Waseca Steele Olmsted Winona

Rock

The $3 fee helps monitor hunter use of WIA land. It does

Nobles Jackson Martin Faribault Freeborn Mower Fillmore Houston

Date: 6/15/2021

not cover costs associated with purchasing access, installing

boundary signs or providing maps of the enrolled properties. The program is
funded through 2023 with a grant by the Natural Resources Conservation Service,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, under number 69-3A75-16-509. Additional
funding includes:
• A one-time appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature in 2012.
• A $5 surcharge on nonresident hunting licenses.
• Donations of $1, $3 or $5 made by hunters purchasing deer and small game
licenses.
Maps are available
A printable atlas of WIA sites, aerial photos of each site and interactive maps are
available online at mndnr.gov/walkin. Printed copies of the WIA Atlas are available
at DNR Southern Region Headquarters in New Ulm, area DNR Wildlife offices, local
Soil and Water Conservation District offices, and more than 400 local commerce
and tourism outlets all across Minnesota. Atlases are also available by calling the DNR
at 888-MINNDNR (646-6367). Map data may not accurately represent the actual
legal or established boundaries of public or private land. They should be used for
reference only.
Uses of WIA land
• WIA sites are for public hunting only. No other activities are allowed.
• Motorized vehicles are not allowed on WIAs.
• Target practice, trapping, dog training, camping, horseback riding, fires, or similar
activities are not allowed by the public.
• Individuals with a WIA validation can hunt during legal hunting hours and open
seasons from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset, during open hunting
seasons, with no landowner contact necessary from September 1 to May 31.
• The landowner retains the right to engage in, or give written permission for
another individual to engage in, those activities listed above and other limited
activities that do not impede public hunting, at any time of the year.
• Parking is along roads or in designated parking areas—be sure vehicles do not
block field entrances.
• All hunting rules and regulations apply on WIAs, and will be enforced by DNR
conservation officers.
Respect the land
Please be respectful of the land and the people who own the land. This program
depends on landowner participation to be successful. The WIA Code of Conduct can
be found at mndnr.gov/walkin.
46 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR
 Furbearer Hunting Seasons (Furbearer zone maps are on page 50)
Hunting Open season Daily, season and possession limit Shooting hours
Raccoon and red/gray fox Oct. 16 - Mar. 15 (North Furbearer Zone) No limit Day or night except not before
Oct. 23 - Mar. 15 (South Furbearer Zone) 9a.m. on opening day.
Badger, opossum, long-tailed and Oct. 16 - Mar. 15 (North Furbearer Zone) No limit ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
short-tailed weasels Oct. 23 - Mar. 15 (South Furbearer Zone) except 9 a.m. to sunset opening day.
Bobcat (north of I-94 and U.S. 10 only) Dec. 18 - Jan. 23 5 (includes trapping limit) ½ hour before sunrise to sunset.
Coyote, striped skunk and other Continuous No limit See pages 25 and 30.
unprotected animals

Furbearer Trapping Seasons

Trapping Open season Daily, season and possession limit Trapping hours
Raccoon, red fox, gray fox, Oct. 16 - Mar. 15 (North No limit Trap setting and tending hours on all wild
badger, opossum, long-tailed and Furbearer Zone) animals are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Traps may not
short-tailed weasels Oct. 23 - Mar. 15 (South be set or tended for fox, badger, opossum,
Furbearer Zone) mink, muskrat, beaver, otter, or raccoon
before 9 a.m. on opening day within the
zone of the respective seasons.
Bobcat (north of I-94 and U.S. 10 only) Dec. 18 - Jan. 23 5 (includes hunting limit) Same as above
Fisher and pine marten (north of I-94 Dec. 18 - 26 2 combined (1 fisher and 1 pine marten, Same as above
and U.S. 10 only) or 2 fishers or 2 pine martens)
Mink and muskrat (North Furbearer Zone) Oct. 23 - Feb. 28 No limit Same as above
Mink and muskrat (South Furbearer Zone) Oct. 30 - Feb. 28 No limit Same as above
Beaver (North Furbearer Zone) Oct. 23 - May 15 No limit Same as above

Small Game
Beaver (South Furbearer Zone) Oct. 30 - May 15 No limit Same as above
Otter (North Furbearer Zone) Oct. 23 - Jan. 23 4 statewide Same as above
Otter (South Furbearer Zone) Oct. 30 - Jan. 23 4 statewide Same as above

47
 Trapping
Become a better trapper. Review Best Management Practices for trapping in the
United States online at: fishwildlife.org/afwa-inspires/furbearer-management.

License requirements
• All residents and nonresidents, 16 and over must have a small game license and a
trapping license to take small game (including furbearers) with traps.
• Persons may trap without a small game license on their own land if they occupy
it as their principal residence. You may trap without a small game and trapping
license on land you own or is your principle residence to remove certain animals
causing damage.
• Residents under age 13 do not need a trapping license. Residents age 13 through
17 must have a junior trapping license and residents age 18 through 64 must have a
regular trapping license to trap. Residents age 65 and over must have a regular or
reduced-fee trapping license.
• Fisher, otter, bobcat, or pine marten taken by a resident under age 5 must be
included in the limit of the accompanying parent or guardian.
• Nonresidents may trap only on land they own in Minnesota with nonresident
trapping and small game licenses.
• Lifetime sports or small game license holders who plan to trap are required to have
a free trapping endorsement on their renewal.

Trapper education
Persons born after December 31, 1989, who have not been issued a trapping license in
a previous license year may not obtain a trapping license without a trapper education
certificate. The Minnesota Trappers Association conducts trapper education courses
statewide, free of charge to the participants, and issue certificates that satisfy this
requirement. Trappers must take the Minnesota course to meet the requirement.
Contact the MTA at mntrappers.org for class information. These courses include a
mandatory field training portion that must be completed before certification. Please
plan to take courses well in advance of the fur trapping season.

If you find a dog in a trap

Other outdoor enthusiasts are afield with dogs during trapping seasons. Trappers
must set and tend traps in strict adherence to all regulations, and take great care
to avoid accidentally capturing dogs. If you find a dog in a trap, or if your dog is
caught in a trap—please contact your local conservation officer and report the
incident. Call the Minnesota DNR at 888-MINNDNR to be connected with your
local conservation officer. Instructions for releasing dogs from traps may be found on
pages 39 and 40.

48 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 General Trapping Regulations
Trap and snare identification
You may not set or place a trap or snare, other than on your own property, unless
the following information is affixed: 1) your driver’s license state and number; or
2) your Minnesota identification card number; or 3) your name and mailing address;
or 4) your MNDNR number.
This information must remain legible while the trap or snare is on land or in water.
From April 1 to August 31, the trap identification provisions listed above do not apply
to traps set for the taking of unprotected wild animals.

Trap size and design

Maximum size for traps:
• Foot or leghold traps cannot have a jaw opening greater than 8¾ inches;
• Body-gripping traps cannot have a jaw opening greater than 7½ inches, except as a
waterset; or
Body-gripping traps set on public lands
Body-gripping trap diagram
and waters with a jaw opening greater than
6½ inches and less than 7½ inches must meet
one of the following:
• recessed 7 inches or more from the top
and front of an enclosure (see diagram);
• no bait, lure or other attractants are
within 20 feet of the trap; or
• the trap is elevated at least 3 feet from
the ground or surface of the snowpack.

Setting near culverts and in the right-of-way

• A body-gripping trap with a jaw opening greater than 6½ inches may not be set
in or within 3 feet of the opening of a 6-foot wide or smaller culvert, except as a
completely submerged waterset; or
• A body-gripping trap with a jaw larger than 6½ inches may not be set in the road
right-of-way within 500 feet of a building occupied by human or livestock without
written permission of the landowner, except as a completely submerged waterset.
DNR recommends cubbies constructed so the trap is recessed at least 7 inches
from all sides of the opening. Cubbies made from natural materials that comply with
regulations may also be used.
See pages 53 and 54 for Lynx Management Zone regulations.

Waterset vs. completely submerged waterset

Waterset: A body-gripping trap or snare set so the jaws or snare loop are at least
half-submerged in water.
Completely submerged waterset: A body-gripping trap or snare set so the jaws or
snare loop are completely submerged in water.

Small Game 49
Furbearer Zones

kittson roseau kittson roseau

marshall marshall
beltrami beltrami lake of the woods
lake of the woods

st. louis st. louis

polk pennington polk pennington

cook cook
koochiching lake koochiching lake

FOREST ZONE
red lake red lake clearwater itasca
clearwater itasca

59 FISHER/MARTEN/
norman mahnomen
hubbard cass
norman mahnomen
hubbard cass BOBCAT ZONE
clay becker clay becker

DETROIT aitkin aitkin

LAKES
crow wing carlton crow wing carlton
wadena wadena
ottertail ottertail

wilkin 10 BRAINERD wilkin

pine

18 94
pine

MOTLEY todd todd

grant douglas
210
morrison mille lacs
65 grant douglas
morrison mille lacs

169
stevens pope stearns
benton kanabec

isanti
70 stevens pope stearns
benton kanabec

isanti
traverse traverse

big stone
sherburne 23 chisago
big stone
sherburne
chisago
swift kandyohi anoka kandyohi anoka
swift

FARMLAND ZONE
meeker meeker
ANOKA
washington

washington
ramsey
ramsey

chippewa wright chippewa wright

hennepin mcleod hennepin
mcleod carver carver
lac qui parle lac qui parle renville

10
renville
yellow medicine yellow medicine
sibley
sibley
lincoln scott scott
lyon
dakota dakota
redwood lesuer
nicollet
wabasha wabasha
lincoln nicollet lesuer rice goodhue
rice goodhue lyon redwood
brown
pipestone murray brown waseca steele dodge olmsted
pipestone murray waseca steele dodge olmsted

cottonwood watonwan blue earth cottonwood watonwan blue earth winona

winona
rock nobles martin rock nobles jackson martin faribault freeborn mower fillmore houston
jackson faribault freeborn mower fillmore houston

Trap setting and tending

• A person may set or tend traps only from kittson roseau

5 a.m. to 10 p.m., except opening day for marshall

beltrami
lake of the woods

koochiching
st. louis

some species. See page 47. polk pennington

NORTH lake
cook

• A person on foot may use a light to set or FURBEARER ZONE

red lake clearwater

ADA norman mahnomen

tend traps. However, you may not possess 200 hubbard cass

FLOODWOOD
200
clay becker

2
itasca

a bow and arrow or a firearm other than WALKER

73 MOOSE LAKE ottertail
wadena
crow wing
aitkin

carlton

a handgun or rifle of .17 or .22 caliber

wilkin

PINE/CARLTON todd
pine

COUNTY LINE
SOUTH 27 35
with short, long, or long rifle rim fire
morrison mille lacs
grant douglas

FURBEARER ZONE kanabec

ammunition (including .22 magnum) while

stevens pope stearns benton isanti
traverse
big stone
sherburne
chisago
kandyohi anoka

using the light.

swift
meeker
washington
ramsey

chippewa wright
hennepin

• A trapper may authorize, in writing, an

mcleod carver
lac qui parle
renville
yellow medicine
sibley
lincoln lyon scott

agent who possesses all necessary

dakota
redwood lesuer
nicollet
wabasha
brown rice goodhue
pipestone murray waseca steele dodge olmsted

licenses to tend traps set by the trapper, rock nobles

cottonwood
jackson
watonwan
martin
blue earth
faribault freeborn mower fillmore
winona
houston

including resetting the trap at the same

set. The agent may remove animals from a trap.
• You may not set a trap within 50 feet of any water except temporary surface
water within 30 days before the open season for mink and muskrat.
• Traps capable of capturing a protected animal and not capable of drowning it
must be tended at least once each calendar day, except body-gripping traps. Traps
capable of drowning the animal and body-gripping traps must be tended at least
once each third calendar day, except traps set under the ice. A trap may not be left
untended for more than three consecutive days (a trap set or tended on Saturday
would have to be tended again by 10 p.m. Tuesday). When a trap is tended, any
animal must be removed.
• Foothold traps with a jaw spread of 4¾ inches or less and rat type snap traps that
are entirely in a container with an opening no more than 2 inches in height and/or
width that are designed to kill an animal need not be tended more frequently than
once every third calendar day (these are often referred to as weasel boxes).
• No person may remove or tamper with a trap or snare legally set to take
furbearing or unprotected wild animals without authorization by the trapper, a
Continued on next page
50 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR
 DNR agent, or the owner or lessee of the land where the trap is located.
• No trap, either set or unset, may be placed or staked, and no flag, stake, or other
device may be placed to mark or pre-empt a trapping site before the opening of
any trapping season.
• No person may leave any trap for a protected wild animal in place, either set or
unset, after the close of the applicable trapping season.
• Animals must be killed before being removed from a site.
Water trapping
• During the muskrat trapping season, no flag, stake or other device may be placed
in or on a muskrat house for the purpose of marking or pre-empting a trap site
unless an operational trap is set at the site at the time it is first staked or marked.
• No person may disturb, or destroy any muskrat house or den, except that traps
may be set at natural entrances to muskrat burrows and openings may be made
in muskrat houses for trapping if all material removed is wetted and used to plug
the opening.
• No person may disturb or destroy any beaver house, dam, burrow, or den.
• No person may set a trap inside any beaver house or upon the ­outside of any
beaver house above the waterline.
• Mink and muskrats may not be taken by digging or with the aid of dogs.
• No person may trap beaver or otter on a state wildlife management area without a
permit from the wildlife manager.
Baited foothold/birds
• No person may set or maintain any foothold trap within 20 feet of bait located in
such a way that it may be seen by soaring birds. “Bait” is any animal or animal parts,
including live or dead fish, except that small pieces of fur and feathers may be
used for flagging.
• No person may take a bird with a foothold trap, except by special permit.
Snares
Snares may be used by licensed trappers for taking all species of protected wild
mammals that may be taken by the use of traps.
• Snares capable of taking a wild animal must include a breakaway device that causes
the snare loop to disassemble at 350 pounds pull or less as measured by a static
load test, except snares set under the ice. See mndnr.gov/trapping for general
information on breakaway devices.
• All snares not capable of drowning the captured animal must be tended at least
once each calendar day.
• The diameter of the snare loop may not exceed 10 inches.
• No snare may be set in such a way that the top of the loop is more than 20 inches
above the first surface beneath the bottom of the set snare loop.
• Snare cable or wire may not have a diameter exceeding ⅛ inch.
• No person may set, place, or operate a snare in a culvert, except as a completely
submerged waterset.
• Snares may not be used with spring poles or other devices that wholly or partly lift
from the ground an animal caught in the snare.
• Snares that operate with springs but do not lift the animal wholly or partially off
the ground are allowable.
Continued on next page
Small Game 51
 • No snare set for a protected animal may be left in place after the applicable
trapping season has closed.
• Snares may be used as water sets during applicable seasons statewide.
• Snares may not be set in deer trails and bears cannot be taken with snares.
Snaring zones (maps on page 50)
• In the forest zone, snares are allowed on public land and on private land with
permission of the landowner.
• In the farmland zone, snares are allowed from October 23 - March 31 (north mink/
muskrat/beaver/otter zone) and October 30 - March 31 (south mink/muskrat/
beaver/otter zone) on private land with permission from the landowner. Snares
may also be set as water sets or on the frozen surface of public waters. Snares may
not be set on public lands or waters contained in public lands, road rights-of-way
or in fence lines along road rights of way.
Site validation coupons for fisher, pine marten and river otter
• Site validation coupons for fisher, pine marten and river otter must be obtained
prior to trapping and are available for free upon request at license vendors.
Trappers receive one site validation coupon for each animal they could potentially
harvest. For example, a trapper who intended to target fisher, pine marten and
river otter would receive a total of six coupons (two fisher/marten and four
river otter).
• Each person age 5 or older who takes a river otter, fisher, or pine marten must
validate their site validation coupon at the site of the kill by cutting out the
appropriate notches indicating the month, date, time (am/pm) and species
(fisher/marten).
• Site validation coupons do not need to be attached to the animal, but must be in
possession while taking or transporting fisher, pine marten or river otter.
• Fisher, river otter, bobcat or pine marten taken by a resident under age 5 must be
included in the limit of the accompanying parent or guardian.
• Fisher, pine marten and river otter must not be removed from the kill site without
the trapper’s validated site coupon in possession. Authorized agents may remove
fisher, pine marten, and otter from the trap and the agent must validate their own
site validation coupon at and prior to removing the animal from the site of the kill.
• Site validation coupons are not transferable. Trappers may acquire site validation
coupons at any time before or during the trapping season. Replacements
are available upon request from any license vendor and are clearly marked as
replacements.
• Trappers must present completed site validation coupons for each fisher, pine
marten, and river otter when they present the pelts for furbearer registration.
Releasing protected species
Every effort should be made to avoid catching fully protected species. If possible,
a trapper should release incidentally captured protected species back into the wild.
If a fully protected species is caught out of season or a daily or possession limit has
been reached and the animal is dead in the trap or otherwise cannot be released, you
must notify a DNR conservation officer. Without authorization from a conservation
officer, a person may not possess or transport a lynx that was incidentally killed or
lawfully killed. Information on reporting incidentally captured animals can be found on
page 54.
52 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR
Furbearer pelting and transportation
A person who performs a service by recovering and preserving the pelt of a protected
furbearer (except muskrat) that was accidentally killed or lawfully killed while doing
damage, may be entitled to a pelting fee of up to 50 percent of the proceeds from
the sale of the pelt not to exceed $25 per pelt. Contact your local DNR conservation
officer or regional DNR Enforcement office within 24 hours for au­tho­ri­za­tion to pelt
the animal.

Lynx management zone regulations

Trapping regulations in northeast Minnesota have been modified to restrict, modify or
eliminate the incidental take of Canada lynx. The following regulations apply only to
that part of Minnesota lying east and north of U.S. Highway 53, as shown on the map:
• All snare cable or wire
must be at least 5 ⁄64 inch in
diameter when set on land.
• Snare loops must be at least
8 inches in diameter and
may not exceed 10 inches in
diameter when set on land.
• All foothold traps, except
those set as water sets,
must be staked or otherwise
secured by tethering chains
or cables not more than
18 inches long with at least
two swivel points.
• All traps and snares must be secured in a manner that prevents captured animals
from removing the trap from the trap site (no drags allowed).
• Fresh meat, hare or rabbit (or parts of hare or rabbit) may not be used as bait.
Other meat may be used as bait if it has been unfrozen and exposed to air for at
least 24 hours.
• No suspended flagging or other sight attractant may be used ­within 20 feet of the
trap or snare.
• Any incidentally caught lynx should be immediately released, if possible. Any
trapper who incidentally takes a lynx is required to notify their local conservation
officer as soon as possible or within 24 hours. Persons who know about the take of
a lynx can report it by calling 800-652-9093.
• Body-gripping traps that have a maximum jaw opening, when set, of greater than
5 inches and less than 7½ inches measured from the inside edges of the jaws
(generally 160 and 220 sizes), except those set as water sets, must be set in one
of two ways:
› In a tree of any diameter or on a pole no larger than 6 inches in diameter at
least 3 feet off the ground or surface of the snow.
› If used on the ground, they must be set in a cubby with the trap inserted a
minimum of 7 inches from the front, with the cubby opening no more than
50 square inches in area as illustrated at the top of page 54.
For general questions about trapping in the Lynx Management Zone, call the DNR
Information Center at 888-MINNDNR.
Continued on next page
Small Game 53
Cubby box traps Opening not to exceed
This diagram is for illustration 50 square inches
purposes only. Cubby boxes may
be constructed of any material
and openings may be restricted
with wire mesh, wood strips or
other material.

Reporting incidentally taken furbearers

The following regulations apply for reporting incidentally trapped furbearers:
A person may not possess or transport a lynx that was incidentally killed or was
lawfully killed until the person notifies the local conservation officer, other authorized
department employee, or regional enforcement office of the killing and receives
authorization to possess, transport, or skin the animal.
A person may possess and transport mink, muskrat, beaver, badger, opossum, fox or
raccoon incidentally killed or lawfully killed while causing damage or threatening injury
or damage only if the local conservation officer or other authorized employee of the
department is notified within 24 hours of such killing and before any skinning has begun.
A person may possess and transport fisher, otter or pine marten that were incidentally
killed, or bobcat that was incidentally killed or lawfully killed while causing or
threatening injury or damage, only after the species is reported to a local conservation
officer or by calling 888-646-6367, option 9 and providing the required information.
After making the required notification and taking possession of the animal, the
person may not skin, transfer possession or otherwise dispose of the animal without
authorization from a conservation officer.
Trappers should be prepared with the following information when calling
888-646-6367, option 9:
• The trapper’s name and DNR number as it appears on the trapping license.
• Date and time that the catch was discovered.
• The number and species taken (example: one otter).
• General location of the catch (example: 5 miles south of Ely off County Road 21).
• Complete address of the location where the carcass is being kept.
• A telephone number where you can easily be reached.

Furbearer registration
The pelt of each bobcat, fisher, pine marten, and otter must be removed from the
carcass and presented for registration by the person taking it. The entire carcass of
each bobcat and the head of each pine marten and fisher must also be surrendered.
Pelts, carcasses, site validation coupons, and heads must be presented for registration
at a DNR registration station or area wildlife office (by appointment in case of an
unavoidable conflict). Before the pelt is sold or removed from the state and no more
than 48 hours after the season closes for fisher, pine marten, otter, and bobcat.
Continued on next page
54 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR
To speed up registration, please bring the following written information for each
animal to be registered: species, sex, method of take, date taken and county,
township and range where taken. Forms are available at wildlife offices and online at
mndnr.gov/recreation/hunting/trapping.
Plastic registration tags must remain affixed to the raw pelt until the pelt is tanned
or mounted. Site validation coupons need not be attached to the animal.

Furbearer registration stations

Fisher, pine marten, river otter and bobcat may be registered at designated DNR
offices without an appointment during the hours listed below on December 28. River
otter and bobcat may be registered at DNR offices without an appointment from
3-6 p.m. on January 25, except at offices listed as “December 28 only” where an
advance appointment is required. Locations, dates and hours are listed below. Fisher,
pine marten, river otter and bobcat may be registered at any DNR area wildlife office
throughout open seasons by appointment.

Address Hours Phone

Aitkin/Wildlife Dec. 28, 3-6 p.m.; 218-429-3051
1200 Minnesota Ave S Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Backus/Forestry Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 218-732-8452
4391 State Hwy 87 NW Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Baudette/Wildlife Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 218-634-1705
204 Main St E Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m. ext 222
Bemidji/Wildlife Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 218-308-2339
2114 Bemidji Ave Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Big Falls/Forestry Dec. 28, 3-6 p.m.; 218-328-8860
7754 Town Rd 293 Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Brainerd/Wildlife Dec. 28, 3-6 p.m.; 218-203-4301
1601 Minnesota Dr Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Cambridge/Wildlife Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 763-689-7100
800 Oak Savanna Ln SW Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m. ext 224
Cloquet/Wildlife Dec. 28, noon-6 p.m.; 218-878-5661
305 Business Park Dr E Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Detroit Lakes/Wildlife Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 218-846-8470
14583 County Hwy 19 Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Duluth/Wildlife Dec. 28, noon-6 p.m.; 218-723-4768
4805 Rice Lake Rd Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m. ext 224
Eveleth/Forestry Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 218-300-7860
7979 Hwy 37 Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Finland/Forestry Dec. 28, 3-6 p.m. only 218-834-1454
6686 Hwy 1
Fergus Falls/Wildlife Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 218-671-7968
1509 1st Ave N Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Forest Lake/Wildlife Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 651-539-3300
5463-C W Broadway Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.

Continued on next page

Small Game 55
Address Hours Phone
Grand Marais/Wildlife Dec. 28, 3-6 p.m. only 218-834-1453
1356 Hwy 61 E
Grand Rapids/Wildlife Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 218-328-8860
1201 E Hwy 2 Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Hibbing/Forestry Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 218-300-7860
1208 E Howard St Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
International Falls/Wildlife Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 218-328-8860
392 Hwy 11 E Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Middle River/Wildlife 42280 Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 218-222-3747
240th Ave NE Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
New London/Wildlife Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m. 320-354-2154
398 Sibley Park Rd NE
Nicollet/Wildlife Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 507-225-3572
501 9th St Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Northome/Forestry Dec. 28, 3-6 p.m.; 218-328-8860
12006 E Hwy 1 Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Onamia/Mille Lacs Wildlife Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 320-532-3537
29172 100th Ave Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Orr/Forestry Dec. 28, 3-6 p.m. only 218-757-3274
4656 Hwy 53
Owatonna/Wildlife Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 507-414-6200
8485 Rose St Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Park Rapids/Wildlife Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 218-732-8452
603 W 1st St Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Roseau/Courthouse Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 218-452-7610
606 5th Ave SW Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Roosevelt/Wildlife Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 218-783-6861
11536 Faunce-Butterfield Rd SW Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Rochester/Wildlife Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 507-206-2859
2118 Campus Dr SE, Suite 100 Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Sauk Rapids/Wildlife Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 320-223-7840
1035 South Benton Dr Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Vermillion River Area Wildlife Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 651-322-4643
15325 Babcock Ave Rosemount Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Tower/Wildlife Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 218-300-7860
650 Hwy 169 Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Two Harbors/Wildlife Dec. 28, 3-6 p.m. 218-834-1452
1568 Hwy 2
Wadena/County Bldg. Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 218-732-8452
221 Harry Rich Dr Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Warroad/Forestry Dec. 28, noon-7 p.m.; 218-783-6861
804 Cherne Dr NW Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.
Willow River/Wildlife Dec. 28, noon-6 p.m.; 218-423-6026
85894 County Hwy 61 Jan. 25, 3-6 p.m.

56 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 BIG GAME
Equipment for Taking Big Game
Hunters should select bullets of the proper design and weight for taking big game
(deer, elk and bear). Most manufacturers offer either bonded or all-copper bullets that
are appropriate for taking big game.

Firearms
Firearms for big game must meet the following criteria:
• At least .220 caliber and has centerfire ignition;
• Loaded only with single projectile ammunition;
• The projectile has a soft point or is an expanding bullet type.
• Muzzleloaders (long gun or handgun) cannot be loaded at the breech (black
powder revolvers are not legal for taking big game if they are loaded through
the cylinder);
• Smooth-bore muzzleloader used must be at least .45 caliber;
• Rifled muzzleloaders are at least .40 caliber;
• Muzzleloaders with scopes are legal during the regular firearms and muzzleloader
deer seasons.

Archery
Bows and arrows for big game must meet the following criteria:
• Bows must have a pull no less than 30 pounds at or before full draw. (Bows with
low draw weights may not effectively kill big game.) 
• Arrowheads used for taking big game must have a minimum of two metal cutting
edges, be of barbless broadhead design, with a diameter of at least ⅞ inch.
• “Expandable” broadheads may be used to take big game if they meet the
requirements above and: 1) are at least ⅞ inch in width and no more than 2 inches
in width at or after impact; and 2) are of a barbless design and function in a
barbless manner.
• A hand-held mechanical release attached to the bowstring may be used if the
person’s own strength draws and holds the bowstring.

Crossbows
Crossbows may be used:
• By hunters with a special permit because of a temporary or permanent disability.
The disability must be verified in writing by a licensed physician or chiropractor.
The permit application is available from any DNR regional office or by calling the
DNR Information Center (see page 119), or online at mndnr.gov/licenses/special.
• A licensed hunter age 60 or over may use a crossbow during the regular archery
season with the respective archery license.
• A licensed hunter may use a crossbow for bear or deer with a regular firearms
license or a crossbow disability permit and an archery license.
• NEW—By youth who possess a youth firearms license during the youth deer season.
• NEW—By hunters who are hunting under firearms deer licenses during the
early-antlerless deer season.
Continued on next page
Big Game 57
Crossbows used for hunting must:
• Be shoulder fired
• Deliver at least 42 foot-pounds of energy at 10 feet
• Have bolts (arrows) at least 10 inches long
• Have a working safety
Shooting hours
Shooting hours for big game are ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset.

Shooting near roadways

No person may discharge a firearm or an arrow from a bow or crossbow on or within
the right-of-way of an improved public highway (including but not limited to federal,
state, county, and township road ways) at a big game animal or a decoy of a big game
animal that has been set out by a licensed peace officer.

Use of dogs and horses

A person may use a dog to locate and retrieve a wounded deer or bear. Find details in
the section on dogs, page 29. A person may not use a horse to take big game.

Possession of big game

Any person who takes a big game animal must retain the license, site tag, permit, and
possession (registration) tag for as long as any part of the meat is in possession.

Deer
NEW—deer hunting information
• Special CWD regulations, including mandatory disease testing and carcass
movement restrictions are in effect in a number of areas. See page 68-78.
• Deer permit areas 110, 184 197, 233, 342, and 169 west of Highway 6 have been
added to the CWD surveillance zone. See page 70.
• Bag limit labels have changed:
› Lottery is now antlerless permit lottery
› hunter choice is now either sex
› managed is now two-deer limit
› intensive is now three-deer limit
› unlimited antlerless is now five-deer limit
• The early antlerless deer season has been expanded to include more deer permit
areas. See page 81.
• Several changes to permit area boundaries are depicted on the 2021 Deer Season
Area Map. Affected permit areas include 169, 171, 172, 173, 179, 184, 197, 237, 259,
275, 276, 277, 281, 282, 283, and 295. Find precise detail in the online interactive
deer map at mndnr.gov/hunting/deer/map.html.
• The Camp Ripley Archery Hunt is a three-day hunt, October 29 - 31. Applicants
must apply for the lottery by August 20.
• Late CWD hunts will be held in DPAs 343, 605, 643, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, and
655, December 17 - 19 and December 31 - January 2. See page 83.

58 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

Deer—General
Legal buck and antlerless deer
• Legal bucks have one antler at least 3 inches long.
• Fawn bucks, sometimes called button bucks are not legal bucks.
• Antlerless deer are deer without an antler at least 3 inches long.

License purchase and validity

All deer licenses (archery, firearms, muzzleloader) and bonus permits may be
purchased at any time before or during the season. After a deer season is open, all
licenses and permits are valid the same day of purchase if purchased before legal
shooting hours. If the license or permit is purchased after legal shooting hours have
begun, it is valid the following day.
• A person may purchase no more than one firearms, muzzleloader, and archery
deer license in a calendar year.
• Bonus, early antlerless season, and disease management permits may be purchased
in addition to regular licenses. Bonus permits may be purchased throughout the
season, but must be in possession when taking deer.
Regular licenses and bonus permits may be used
in any order. For more information on the early
antlerless season, including what areas are open, see 100
page 81. See page 67 for details on where disease
management permits can be used. 604

• A person may not take or tag deer without the

appropriate license or permit. The term “take” 200
includes attempting to take deer, deer drives, 701
605
spotting, or otherwise assisting another person in 300
taking deer. 600

Deer Seasons
Season Date
Archery Sept. 18 - Dec. 31
Firearm Option Statewide (A) 100 Series and 604 Nov. 6 - 21
Firearm Option Statewide (A) 200 Series Nov. 6 - 14
Firearm Option Statewide (A) 300 Series and all 600 series except 604 Nov. 6 - 14
Firearm Option Late Southeast (B) 300 Series and all 600 series Nov. 20 - 28
except 604
Metro Deer Management Zone (701) Statewide (A), Late Season (B) Nov. 6 - 28
firearms license or muzzleloader license
Muzzleloader Nov. 27 - Dec. 12
Youth Season open statewide (see page 36) Oct. 21 - 24
Early Antlerless Season (see page 81) Oct. 21 - 24
NEW—Late CWD Hunts (343, 605, 643, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, Dec. 17 - 19 and
and 655). Additional deer permit areas may be announced online this fall. Dec. 31 - Jan. 2

Big Game 59
Youth archery, firearm and muzzleloader licenses
• Hunters ages 10-17 must obtain a youth deer hunting license (free for youth 10-12).
• Youth under age 10 may not hunt big game.
• More information about youth deer licenses is on page 34.

Hunting method restrictions—hunting deer with bait is illegal

Hunters are not allowed to take deer with the aid or use of bait. “Taking”
includes attempting to take.

Baiting
• Baiting significantly increases the risk of disease transmission by
concentrating animals and promoting nose-to-nose contact.
• Baiting attracts and holds large numbers of deer on private parcels creating
a privatization of the deer herd.
• Bait piles alter a deer’s natural movement. By placing bait, one hunter can
effectively nullify another hunter’s attempt to harvest a deer.
Baiting—means placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering bait
that is capable of attracting or enticing deer.

What is bait?
Bait—includes grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, hay, or other food that is capable
of attracting or enticing deer and has been placed by a person.
Liquid scents (example: doe in heat), sprays, salt, and minerals are not bait if
they do not contain liquid or solid food products.
Read the ingredient label on all products prior to use. Many products,
including newer liquid, powder and block forms, contain food or attractants
such as grains, fruits, and sugar derivatives (glucose, dextrose, and fructose).
If a salt or mineral product has anything other than salt or mineral in it, it is
illegal to use for hunting.
Agricultural crops from normal or accepted farming, forest management,
wildlife food plantings, orchard management, or other similar land management
activities are not bait. This exclusion does not apply to agricultural crops that
have been reintroduced and concentrated where a person is hunting. Example:
A person may spread an abundant agricultural crop on a previously planted field
as fertilizer. However, if the fertilizer is piled or concentrated where the person
is hunting deer, it is baiting.
A person otherwise in compliance with this section who is hunting on private
or public property that is adjacent to the property where bait or food is present
is not in violation if the person has not participated in, been involved with, or
agreed to baiting or feeding wildlife on the adjacent property.

Removal of bait
All bait must be completely removed for 10 days prior to hunting.

Continued on next page

60 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 Hunting method restrictions—hunting deer with bait is illegal continued

Penalties for baiting violations—revocation and confiscation

• A person may not obtain any deer license or take deer under a lifetime license
for 1 year after the person is convicted of hunting deer with the aid or use of
bait. A second conviction within 3 years would result in a 3-year revocation.
The revocation period doubles if the conviction is for a deer that is a trophy
deer scoring higher than 170.
• Firearms and bows used to take deer with the aid or use of bait will be seized
and are subject to confiscation upon conviction. In some areas, deer feeding
and attractants are banned year-round, see page 79.

Elevated stands
Special regulations regarding elevated stands apply to wildlife management areas,
state forests, state parks and state recreation areas that are open to hunting. Details
on wildlife management areas are on page 97; state forests, page 109, state parks and
state recreation areas are on page 114.

Party hunting
• A “party” is defined as any group of two or more licensed deer hunters who are
all afield; hunting together at the same time; and all using firearms (including
muzzleloaders) or all using archery.
• Party members who are not afield hunting with the individual who takes a deer at
the time it is taken may not legally tag that deer.
• The person whose license is being used on the deer must be at the site of kill and
must validate the site tag before the deer is moved from the site of the kill.
• Hunters may not lend licenses to or borrow licenses from other hunters.
• A mixed group of firearms and archery hunters is considered two separate parties.
• Crossbow hunters may not party hunt with firearms or archery hunters.
• Crossbow hunters may party hunt with archery hunters if they possess an archery
license with a crossbow disability permit or are age 60 or over and hunting with
a crossbow.
• Any member of a party may kill a deer for any other member of the party who has
an unused tag valid for that deer.
• The following exceptions apply:
Party members may not kill an antlerless deer in an antlerless permit lottery area
for: 1) a member of the party who is a resident under age 18; 2) a person with a
disability authorized to take antlerless deer under a permit to shoot from a motor
vehicle; or 3) a resident of a Minnesota State Veterans’ Home.

Party hunting regulation

The intent of the party hunting regulation is to prevent parties from shooting more
deer than the available number of tags. The party hunting regulation requires that all
hunters who intend to tag deer for each other be hunting together, in the field, at the
time the deer are taken.

Big Game 61
Accessible hunting seasons
Accessible deer hunts organized by Capable Partners, Access North and Midwest
Outdoors Unlimited, are being scheduled for this fall. For more information call the
DNR Information Center at 888-MINNDNR (646-6367).
Persons who are totally blind may use a laser sight to participate in permitted assisted
hunting opportunities.

How to tag your deer and validate your site tag

Your deer license and site tag comes as a two-part form. The upper half is the
site tag for tagging the deer in the field. The lower half is the deer license and
registration slip.
At the site of the kill
The licensed hunter whose tag is being used on the deer must:
• Detach the site tag from the deer license/registration slip.
• Before moving the deer, the hunter whose tag is being used must validate the
tag by using a knife or similar sharp object to cut out the notches indicating
the month, date and time of day the deer was killed (AM/PM).
• If more than one month, date, or time is cut out or marked, the tag
becomes invalid.
Moving your deer
A person may move a lawfully Part 1:
taken deer from the site of the kill Site Tag
without attaching the validated
tag to the animal only while in the
act of manually or mechanically Notch time,
date and
dragging, carrying, or carting the
month here
animal across the ground and while
possessing the validated tag on
their person.
The validated tag must be attached
to the deer when the deer is placed
on a motor vehicle or an ATV, a Detach
here
vehicle or a trailer being towed by an
ATV or brought into a camp, yard or Part 2:
other place of habitation. License
Attaching the tag (hunter
retains)
The tag must be secured to the
deer around the base of an antler,
through a slit cut in either ear, or Registration
between the tendon and bone of a Slip
hind leg with a zip tie, piece of wire
or string.
The tag must remain attached to the
deer until processed for storage.

62 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

Deer carcass disposal
Hunters who process their own deer may not dispose of carcasses on public land,
including wildlife management areas, state forests, road rights of way, or in any water
body. Deer carcasses may be disposed of in the following ways:
• On private land with the permission of the landowner.
• Through your refuse hauler after checking on how to properly bag the carcass.
• At a local landfill.
The use of carcasses or parts of carcasses as bait for trapping remains legal within
applicable laws, however, the unlawful deposit of carcasses not associated with legal
baiting or field dressing constitutes litter. Details about moving carcasses in CWD
areas are on page 71 and the 2021 Deer Season Area Map.

Registration and transportation

Registration
Every deer taken must be registered and antlers must remain attached until the deer
is registered. In all cases, the deer must be registered within 48 hours after the deer
was taken and before the deer is processed either privately or commercially. Deer may
be transported out of the area where taken without first being registered, except in
600-series deer permit areas and the CWD control zone where carcass movement
restrictions are in place. There are three registration options:
1. Walk-in Big Game Registration Stations—Registration stations display large,
orange “Big Game Registration” signs. The person whose tag is on the deer must
personally present the deer at an official registration station and receive a big
game possession tag. The tag must be attached to the hind leg, ear, or antler where
the site tag was attached. You can find a complete list of all stations at any DNR
wildlife office or on the DNR website.
2. Telephone—You will need a pen to record a confirmation number to complete the
registration. Follow the steps below. They are also printed on your deer license.
a. Dial 888-706-6367 to get into the system.
b. Enter the nine-digit harvest registration number on the license. This is
the large and bold number printed on your deer license and is NOT your
MNDNR number.
c. Enter the three-digit area where the deer was killed. The system will only
accept valid deer permit areas or special hunt numbers.
d. Enter the date the deer was killed.
e. Enter the type of deer—adult male, adult female, fawn male, fawn female.
f. You will receive a confirmation number that must be written on the license and
site tag in the appropriate area.
3. Online—Connect to mndnr.gov/hunting to register your deer. The questions will be
identical to phone registration. You will receive a confirmation number, which must
be recorded on the license and site tag in the appropriate area.

Continued on next page

Big Game 63
Telephone and internet deer registration
Persons who register by phone or internet do not receive a separate big game
possession tag. When the system asks for deer type, please use the following
information:
• Adult male—male deer with antlers at least 3 inches long.
• Fawn male—6-month-old male deer, commonly known as a “button buck” weighs
less than 75 pounds dressed.
• Adult female—doe at least 18 months old. Longer nose and larger body (over
75 pounds dressed weight) than younger antlerless deer.
• Fawn female—6-month-old female deer. Shorter nose, weighs less than 75 pounds
dressed. Register buck with antlers less than 3 inches or shed antlers as fawn male.
A harvest registration number can only be used once. The system will not accept
multiple registrations using the same number.
You will only be asked questions valid to your license. Here are a few examples:
• Regular Firearms License—Will ask all four deer types but will not ask season
because it’s only valid during the firearm season. The same applies to muzzleloader,
archery, lifetime, etc.
• Bonus Permits—Will only ask three deer types (adult female, fawn male, fawn
female) but will also ask season (archery, firearm, muzzleloader).

Big game registration stations

Big game registration provides essential information for managing deer populations.
Registration station owners in the state donate the use of their business and the time
of their staff to help collect this information. Station operators are not required to
inspect deer or verify registration information. This is the hunter’s responsibility.

Transportation
A legally registered animal may be transported any time during and after the deer
hunting season. Carcass movement restrictions apply in some CWD areas. See
page 71 and the 2021 Deer Season Area Map.
• The licensee must accompany the deer in transport except as follows: A deer
that has been registered may be transported by another person, if the signature,
address, and license number of the licensee and the origin and destination of the
transport are written on the back of the possession tag, the site tag, or a separate
tag the licensee provides.
• All deer in transport must be readily accessible for inspection by DNR
conservation officers.
• The head of a deer must remain attached to the carcass until the deer is
registered. Skin and entrails may be removed before registration. Deer may be
quartered before being registered, but the animal’s head must remain attached
to one of the quarters.

Statewide bag limits for deer

Although hunters can buy archery, firearm and muzzleloader licenses, the bag
limits may not allow all three tags to be filled in a single deer area. It is the hunter’s
responsibility to know the bag limit for the areas they hunt. The statewide bag limit
for deer is five. Deer harvested during the early antlerless season and the late CWD

Continued on next page

64 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR
Statewide bag limits for deer continued…

hunts do not count toward the statewide bag limit. The statewide bag limit for legal
bucks is one, except in deer permit areas 643, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, and 655, see
page 69. Deer harvested in special hunts do not contribute to the bag limit within the
surrounding deer permit area; however, they do contribute to the statewide limit.
Landowner Licensee Farms—Landowner licensees may take one antlerless deer in
addition to the statewide bag limit for either-sex, two-deer limit, three-deer limit, or
five-deer limit permit areas.

Application for antlerless permits in antlerless lottery deer areas

The bag limit in antlerless lottery areas for firearms and muzzleloader hunters is
one deer, which must be an antlered buck unless hunters apply for and receive an
antlerless permit in the lottery. The permit gives hunters the choice of taking either
a legal buck or an antlerless deer. Those exempt from the lottery include:
• Residents of Minnesota State Veterans’ Homes
• Residents age 84 and older
• Youth under age 18
• Hunters who have a permit to shoot deer from a stationary vehicle.
• Exceptions for military personnel and veterans with disabilities are on page 13.
Only hunters authorized above may shoot and tag the antlerless deer in an antlerless
permit lottery area (no party hunting).
A hunter can apply using both a firearm and muzzleloader license; but may only
enter one lottery per license. The application deadline is Thursday, September 9.
All hunters who purchase a firearms or muzzleloader license, and declare an antlerless
permit lottery area by September 9 will be automatically entered into the lottery for
an antlerless permit.
• Successful applicants will receive a postcard in the mail authorizing them to take
an antlerless deer using their regular license in that antlerless permit lottery
area. The authorization will be valid for both the firearm or muzzleloader season;
however, you must still have a valid license for that season.
• Antlerless permit holders may take antlerless deer only in the area specified on
the permit, but they may hunt deer anywhere during the season indicated on
the license.
• Information regarding permit allocations is on the 2021 Deer Season Area Map.
• Leftover antlerless deer permits will be available first come, first served beginning
at 5 p.m. on October 4. Leftover permits are available to any hunter who has a
valid license but has not been selected.
• Permits are allocated in proportion to the license types in the lottery. For
example, if 100 antlerless deer permits are allocated and 25% of the applicants
are muzzleloader hunters then 25% of the permits will go towards the
muzzleloader season. This has the benefit of having muzzleloader‑only hunters
compete with other muzzleloader-only hunters. They will not compete with
firearm hunters who likely have more preference points.

Big Game 65
66
Deer Permit Area Management Designations
Designation Bag limit Can I take an antlerless deer? Can I use a bonus permit If I am successful, can I take another
to take an antlerless deer? deer in a different permit area?

In any of the deer permit areas, if the hunter successfully takes a

Bucks-only One deer, regardless of No, unless you are a resident of a No legal deer, they may take an antlerless deer in managed, intensive, or
unlimited antlerless areas, and some special hunts.
license type. Only one Minnesota State Veterans’ Home
antlered buck may be taken. or age 84 or older.
In any of the deer permit areas, if the hunter successfully takes a
Antlerless permit One deer, regardless of No, unless you are selected in the No legal deer, they may take an antlerless deer in managed, intensive, or
unlimited antlerless areas, and some special hunts.
lottery license type. Only one lottery for an antlerless permit,
antlered buck may be taken. or you are a resident of a Minnesota
State Veterans’ Home, or age 84 or
older, or under age 18, or a person
with a disability with a permit to
shoot from a stationary vehicle. In any of the deer permit areas, if
Youth and hunters with disabilities the hunter successfully takes a legal
must personally take antlerless deer deer, they may take an antlerless
they tag.

2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations

deer in two-deer, three-deer, or
five-deer limit areas and some
In any of the deer permit areas, if the hunter successfully takes a
Either-sex One deer, regardless of Yes No legal deer, they may take an antlerless deer in managed, intensive, or
special hunts.
unlimited antlerless areas, and some special hunts.
license type. Only one
antlered buck may be taken.
In any of the deer permit areas, if the hunter successfully takes a
Two-deer limit Two deer, only one antlered Yes Yes legal deer, they may take an antlerless deer in managed, intensive, or
unlimited antlerless areas, and some special hunts.
buck may be taken.

In any of the deer permit areas, if the hunter successfully takes a

Three-deer limit Three deer, only one antlered Yes Yes legal deer, they may take an antlerless deer in managed, intensive, or
unlimited antlerless areas, and some special hunts.
buck may be taken.

In any of the deer permit areas, if the hunter successfully takes a

Five-deer limit Five deer, only one antlered Yes Yes. In some areas disease legal deer, they may take an antlerless deer in managed, intensive, or
unlimited antlerless areas, and some special hunts.
buck may be taken, except in management permits may
selected areas (see page 69). be used, see page 67.

888-MINNDNR
How hunters are selected for antlerless permits and special hunts
If permit applications exceed the number of permits available, computerized drawings
will be used to issue permits.
• Drawings for antlerless deer or special area permits are based on a preference
system. You accumulate preference by applying without getting drawn. Applicants
receiving an antlerless deer or special hunt area permit lose their accrued
preference.
• Preference is not affected by applying for a different area than the year before or
by not applying for one or more years.
• Preference for group applications is based on the member with the fewest points.
• Only successful applicants will be notified.
• Information about the drawings and individual applications is available by the end
of September. Check the DNR website (mndnr.gov) to view results.
Bonus and disease management permits
Bonus and disease management permits are available to archery, firearms, and
muzzleloader hunters to take antlerless deer in designated areas.
• Bonus permits may be used in two-deer, three-deer, and five-deer limit areas, and
almost all special hunts.
• Disease management permits may only be used in 600-series deer permit areas.
Permits are available for $2.50.
• Hunters must have the appropriate regular license for the area, season, and
method they are using before purchasing bonus or disease management permits.
• Bonus permits are not valid in bucks-only, antlerless permit lottery, or either-sex
deer areas.
• Bonus and disease management permits purchased after the start of shooting
hours are valid the next day.
• A venison donation program is available for hunters that wish to donate harvested
deer, see page 80.

Landowner deer license

This free license allows the taking of one additional antlerless deer in either-sex,
two-deer limit, three-deer limit, and five-deer limit permit areas for a resident
owner, tenant, or nonresident owner of at least 80 acres of agricultural or grazing
land. Landowner licenses are valid during any open season; however, the landowner
must use the appropriate weapon for that season. This license allows the taking of
one additional antlerless deer per farm. A person may receive only one landowner
deer license per year. For land with co-owners or co-tenants, only one co-owner or
co‑tenant may receive a landowner deer license per year. The license is valid only on
the land owned or leased for agricultural purposes by the license holder within the
deer area where the qualifying land is located. The license holder may give the license
to a spouse or dependent. A license issued under this provision does not affect the
license-holder’s eligibility to purchase additional deer licenses or permits. A landowner
deer license can be used to purchase bonus permits in two-deer limit, three-deer
limit, or five-deer limit permit areas or disease management permits in 600-series
deer areas. Landowners who obtain this license must allow public deer hunting on
their land during the deer hunting season, except for the first Saturday and Sunday of
the season. Hunters must obtain permission, and it is up to the landowner how much
public hunting is appropriate.

Big Game 67
 Chronic Wasting Disease
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) affects deer, caribou, reindeer, elk and moose.
Typical signs of the disease include drooping head or ears, incoordination, poor body
condition, increased salivation, and excessive thirst or urination. The disease can
incubate in deer or other cervids for 1½ to 3 years before deer show any of these clinical
symptoms, but deer can still spread disease during this time. CWD is always fatal. In
Minnesota, the disease has been detected on a number of deer and elk farms since
2002 and in wild deer since 2010. The DNR uses special CWD zones to contain and
test for the disease where it has been found in wild deer and cervid facilities. For more
information about CWD and surveillance efforts, visit the website at mndnr.gov/cwd.
NEW—CWD sample submission is mandatory in all CWD zones
during the opening weekend of the firearms A and B seasons
In CWD management, control and surveillance zones, hunters must provide a sample
from deer 1 year or older within 24 hours of harvest during the opening weekend of
each of the firearms A and B seasons (except in deer permit areas 213 and 273, where
sampling is voluntary until the sampling goal is reached). Sampling stations, either
staffed or self-service, will be available in all of these zones.
Carcass movement restrictions are in effect for CWD management and control zones.
Whole carcasses cannot leave these zones until a “not detected” test result is received.
More about carcass movement restrictions can be found on page 71.
Sampling information
• Deer MUST be registered before sampling. Deer will not be registered as part of
the sampling process. The hunter must register by telephone, internet, or walk-in
registration.
• Staffed sampling stations will be available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Saturday and
Sunday of the opening weekend each of the firearms A and B seasons. (Self-service
sampling stations will be available at all sampling sites the Mondays following
opening weekends to allow compliance with mandatory sampling regulations.)
A list of stations is found on pages 72-74 and online at mndnr.gov/cwd.
• Self-service sampling stations are also available on Saturday through Monday of the
opening weekend each of the firearms A and B seasons for mandatory sampling.
These stations are open 24 hours.
• Hunters must comply with carcass movement restrictions for their deer permit
area when choosing a sampling station.
• Self-service sampling information:
› Self-service sampling stations are available 24 hours a day. A list of stations is
found on pages 72-78 and online at mndnr.gov/cwd.
› If hunters plan to use a self-service sampling station, it is recommended they
remove the deer head prior to arriving at the station; however, equipment for
removing the head will be available at each station. Deer heads submitted at a
self-service sampling station will not be returned to hunters, so hunters who
wish to keep antlers must remove them prior to submitting the head. Providing
skull-capped deer heads for sampling is OK.
› Tags will be provided at self-service sampling stations for hunters to write down
their contact information and harvest location. Maps will be provided at each

68 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 station so hunters can locate their deer permit area and the township, range
and section where the deer was harvested. Hunters should fill out and attach
the larger portion of the tag to the deer head and retain the perforated stub in
order to check their test results.
• Test results will be available online at mndnr.gov/cwdcheck. The time it takes to
receive test results will vary depending on testing volume at the diagnostic lab.
• Hunters can process deer as normal. Hunters should keep processed deer separate
and identifiable until test results are received.
• If a hunter harvests a trophy deer, or would like to retain the head for any
reason, they must still submit a sample. The hunter should contact a partnering
taxidermist (list is available on the website at mndnr.gov/cwd). Taxidermists will
likely charge a fee to cape the deer. Hunters may also collect their own sample by
following the instructional video provided on the DNR website, and then place the
sample in a plastic baggie and fill out a sample identification tag at a self-service
sampling station.

CWD management zone (DPAs 604, 605, 643, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 655)
The CWD management zone (600-series DPAs) was designated due to the detection
of CWD in wild deer. The management zone is DPAs 604, 605, 643, 645, 646, 647,
648, 649 and 655. The intent of management strategies in this zone is to limit the
potential for disease transmission by increasing hunting opportunities to reduce deer
densities, using feeding and attractant bans to reduce contact between deer; and
restricting carcass movement. In this zone, sample submission is mandatory during the
opening weekend of each of the firearms A and B seasons. If a hunter harvests a deer
from one of these areas outside of the opening weekend of firearms and would like to
have their deer tested, self-service sampling stations are available.
In the CWD management zone, the following hunting regulations apply:
• NEW—Hunters may harvest up to five deer.
• Antler-point restrictions are removed and cross tagging for antlered bucks
is allowed.
• Carcass movement restrictions apply during all seasons for all deer including fawns.
Any whole carcass cannot leave the zone, until a “not detected” test result is
received; however, the meat or quarters may leave immediately. See page 71.
• Hunters may use either a Statewide (A) or a Late Southeast (B) license during any
firearms season and may purchase disease management permits for $2.50 each
to take antlerless deer. There are additional license requirements for the early
antlerless season. See page 81.
• All of these areas except DPA 604 are open during the late CWD hunts in
December and January. Special regulations apply, see page 84.
• In DPAs 604 and 605, hunters may harvest only one buck per year. Harvested
bucks count toward the five-deer limit.
• In the southeast part of the state only (DPAs 643, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, and
655). Hunters may harvest up to three legal bucks per year. Hunters can take one
buck under an archery license, one buck under a firearms license, and one buck
under a muzzleloader license. Bucks taken in these DPAs do not count toward the
Big Game 69
 statewide one buck limit, but do count toward the license limit and the five-deer
limit. For example, a hunter can take one buck with a firearms license in DPA 643
and another buck with a muzzleloader license in DPA 171.

CWD control zone (DPAs 255, 343, 344)

The CWD control zone borders the CWD management zone in the southeast part of
the state to help prevent further spread of disease. The control zone is DPAs 255, 343
and 344. In this zone, sample submission is mandatory during the opening weekend
of each of the firearms A and B seasons. If a hunter harvests a deer from one of these
areas outside of the opening weekend of firearms and would like to have their deer
tested, self-service sampling stations are available.
In the CWD control zone, the following hunting regulations apply:
• Hunters may harvest only one buck per year. Cross-tagging is allowed for bucks
and antler-point restrictions are removed.
• Deer carcass movement restrictions apply during all seasons for all deer including
fawns. Deer harvested inside the control zone may move between either the
control zone or the portion of the management zone in the southeast part of the
state prior to receiving a “not detected” test result. See page 71 for details.
• Hunters must use a Statewide (A) or a Late Southeast (B) license for the
respective firearms season. Bonus permits may be used for antlerless deer during
any deer season.
• Disease management permits cannot be used in the control zone.
• DPA 343 is open during the late CWD hunts, see page 83.
CWD surveillance zone
The CWD surveillance zone consists of areas where CWD has been found in captive
deer or in wild deer in an adjacent area or state. The surveillance zone is DPAs 110,
159, 184, 197, 213, 233, 273, 292, 293, 338, 341, 342, and portions of DPAs 157, 169,
225, 235, 236, and 701. In this zone, sampling is mandatory over the opening weekend
of each of the firearms A and B seasons; the only exception is in DPAs 213 and 273,
where sampling is voluntary until the sampling goal is reached (check the website
to see when these goals have been reached). If a hunter harvests a deer from the
surveillance zone outside of the opening weekend of firearms and would like to have
their deer tested, appointments can be set up at their local wildlife office.
There are no carcass movement restrictions for deer harvested in this zone.

Fall 2021 CWD Sampling

110 169
6

184 197 CWD zones

Management
Control
604
Surveillance

213
157 159 Carcass movement
65 restriction boundary
273
47 225 Deer permit area boundary
Road splitting permit area
Portions of
DPA 235 and 236 12
701 35 Interstate highway
338
605 8 U.S. highway
35 236 341
292 342
293 47 State highway
235 343 344
8 233 643 645
646
655 648
255 647 649

70 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 Carcass Movement Restrictions
Carcasses are defined as the head with brain tissue and spinal column of the deer.
Where was the Carcass movement restrictions Exceptions
deer harvested?
Outside of Carcasses of any deer, elk, or moose In situations where movement of carcasses is banned, the
In situations where movement
following parts can be transported into Minnesota or outside
Minnesota species obtained anywhere outside of of those areas: 1) Quarters or other portions of meat with no
part of the spinal column or head attached, 2) Meat that is
of carcasses is banned,
boned out or that is cut and wrapped (either commercially or
Minnesota cannot be brought into the privately), 3) Hides and teeth, 4) Antlers or clean (no brain
the following parts can be
tissue attached) skull plates with antlers attached, and 5)
state. Nonresidents transporting whole finished taxidermy mounts.
transported into Minnesota
or partial carcasses on a direct route
or outside of those zones:
through Minnesota are exempt from
1) Quarters or other portions
this restriction.
of meat with no part of
In the CWD Carcasses of all deer, including fawns,In situations where movement of carcasses is banned, the
the spinal
following column
parts can be transported or head or outside
into Minnesota
Management Zone taken within a CWD Management Zone of those areas: 1) Quarters or other portions of meat with no
attached,
part 2) Meat
of the spinal column that 2)isMeat that is
or head attached,
boned out or that is cut and wrapped (either commercially or
(DPAs 604, 605, must remain in the zone boundary until boned
tissue out
attached) skull or that
plates is cut
with antlers and
privately), 3) Hides and teeth, 4) Antlers or clean (no brain
attached, and 5)
643, 645, 646, 647, a “not detected” test is confirmed. finished taxidermy mounts.
wrapped (either commercially
648, 649, 655) or privately), 3) Hides and
Inteeth, 4) Antlers
movement of or clean
In the CWD Control Carcasses of all deer, including fawns, situations where carcasses is banned, the
following parts can be transported into Minnesota or outside
Zone (DPAs 255, (no brain
taken within a CWD Control Zone must ofpart tissue
those areas: 1) Quarters
of the spinal column attached)
or other
or head
portions of meat with no
attached, 2) Meat that is

343, 344) skull plates

3) Hides andwith
teeth, 4)antlers
boned out or that is cut and wrapped (either commercially or
remain in either the CWD Control Zone privately), Antlers or clean (no brain
tissue attached) skull plates with antlers attached, and 5)
or the adjacent CWD Management attached,
finished and 5) finished
taxidermy mounts.

Zone until a “not detected” test is taxidermy mounts.

confirmed.
Anywhere in No carcass movement restrictions  no data

Minnesota outside exist for deer harvested in permit

of the CWD areas outside the CWD Management
Management and and Control Zones in Minnesota. This
Control Zones applies to the CWD Surveillance Zone.

Complying with carcass movement restrictions

To help hunters comply with legal carcass movement restrictions within CWD
management or control zones, the DNR will maintain dumpsters where hunters can
dispose of deer carcass remains. Dumpster locations and available dates will be listed
on mndnr.gov/cwd.

Big Game 71
72
Sampling Station Locations for the CWD Management Zone
Deer can be transported to the following sampling stations during the times noted. These tables do not apply during the late CWD hunts. Station locations could
change in each area. For the latest on station availability, visit mndnr.gov/cwd.

Deer Permit City Station Location Station Address Mandatory: Mandatory: Voluntary:
Firearms Firearms Outside of
Area(s)
A opener B opener firearms opening
(Nov. 6-7) (Nov. 20-21) weekends
604 Aitkin DNR Wildlife Office  1200 Minnesota Ave S, Aitkin, MN 56431 Self-service NA Self-service
604 Brainerd DNR Wildlife Office 1601 Minnesota Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401 Staffed NA Self-service
604 Crosby Cuyuna Country State Recreation 23150 Minnesota Hwy 6, Crosby, MN 56441 Staffed NA Self-service
Area; Croft Mine Parking Area (parking lot 250 yards east of address)
604 Emily Emily Volunteer Fire Department 20823 County Hwy 1, Emily, MN 56447 Staffed NA Self-service
604 Nisswa E Side Public Water Access for Gull Lake 5056 Nashway Rd, Nisswa, MN 56468 Staffed NA Self-service
604 Pine River Cass County Fairgrounds 525 First St N., Pine River, MN 56474 Self-service NA Self-service
605 Cannon Falls Lake Byllesby Goodhue County Park 5001 Hwy 19, Blvd, Cannon Falls, MN 55009 Staffed Staffed Self-service
605 Faribault Rice County Fairgrounds, enter off 2nd 1814 2nd Ave NW, Faribault, MN 55021 Staffed Self-service Self-service

2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations

Ave NW
605 Hastings Lake Rebecca Park, first left off Lock 415 Lock and Dam Rd, Hastings, MN 55033 Staffed Staffed Self-service
and Dam Rd
605 Kenyon Kenyon Meats 116 Spring St, Kenyon, MN 55946 Self-service Self-service Self-service
605 Lonsdale Rice County Highway Dept shop 110 5th Ave NW, Lonsdale, MN 55046 Self-service Self-service Self-service
605 Montgomery Edel’s Meat Locker 124 1st St N., Montgomery, MN 56069 Staffed Self-service Self-service
605 New Market/ New Market Township Hall 8950 230th St E, Lakeville, MN 55044 Self-service Self-service Self-service
Lakeville
605 New Prague Skluzacek’s Quality Meats 400 Main St W, New Prague, MN 56071 Staffed Self-service Self-service
605 Northfield Northfield Archery Range 10353 Hall Ave, Northfield, MN 55057 Self-service Self-service Self-service
605 Rosemont DNR Wildlife Office 15325 Babcock Ave E, Rosemount, MN 55068 Self-service Self-service Self-service
605 Shakopee USFWS parking lot—Wilkie unit 5981 County Rd 101, Shakopee, MN 55379 Staffed Staffed Self-service
643, 645, 646, Caledonia  Houston County Fairgrounds  1316 E Washington St, Caledonia, MN 55921 Staffed Staffed Self-service
647, 648, 649, 655
643, 645, 646, Chatfield  Strongwell 1610 US-52, Chatfield, MN 55923 Staffed Staffed NA

888-MINNDNR
647, 648, 649, 655
 Sampling Station Locations for the CWD Management Zone continued
Deer Permit City Station Location Station Address Mandatory: Mandatory: Voluntary:
Firearms Firearms Outside of
Area(s)
A opener B opener firearms opening
(Nov. 6-7) (Nov. 20-21) weekends
643, 645, 646, Chatfield  Magnum Sports 20 Main St S, Chatfield, MN 55923 Self-service Self-service Self-service
647, 648, 649, 655
643, 645, 646, Dexter  Hamilton Auction Company 130 State Hwy 16, Dexter, MN 55926 Self-service Self-service Self-service
647, 648, 649, 655
643, 645, 646, Granger North of Granger near intersection of 43.529806, -92.158889 Self-service Self-service Self-service
647, 648, 649, 655
120th St and Kingbird Rd (319)
643, 645, 646, Houston  BP Gas Station  801 MN-16, Houston, MN 55943 Staffed Staffed Self-service
647, 648, 649, 655
643, 645, 646, Kasson  Hardware Hank  11 Fourth St SE, Kasson, MN 55944 Staffed Staffed Self-service
647, 648, 649, 655
643, 645, 646, La Crescent La Crescent Joint Public Works Facility 450 S Chestnut St, La Crescent, MN 55947 Staffed Staffed Self-service
647, 648, 649, 655
643, 645, 646, LeRoy Lake Louise State Park 12385 766th Ave, Le Roy, MN 55951 Self-service Self-service Self-service
647, 648, 649, 655
643, 645, 646, Mabel Steam Engine Days Park 90 E Alpine Ave, Mabel MN 55954 Staffed Self-service Self-service
647, 648, 649, 655
643, 645, 646, Preston DNR Forestry Office 912 Houston St NW, Preston, MN 55965 Staffed Staffed Self-service
647, 648, 649, 655
643, 645, 646, Rochester DNR shop at Gordon Yeager WMA— 2300 Silver Creek Rd NE, Rochester, Staffed Staffed Self-service
647, 648, 649, 655
Southwest Unit MN 55906
643, 645, 646, Rushford Pam’s Corner Convenience 107 MN-16, Rushford, MN 55971 Staffed Staffed Self-service
647, 648, 649, 655
643, 645, 646, Spring City Lot across from Spring Valley 104 S Section St, Spring Valley, MN 55975 Self-service Self-service Self-service
647, 648, 649, 655
Valley Public Utilities
643, 645, 646, St. Charles Winona County Fairgrounds (behind 518 W 6th St, St. Charles, MN 55972 Staffed Self-service Self-service
647, 648, 649, 655
A&W All American Foods)
643, 645, 646, Stewartville Bear Cave Park 800 10th St NW, Stewartville, MN 55976 Staffed Self-service Self-service
647, 648, 649, 655

Big Game
643, 645, 646, Wilson Wilson Truck and Trailer Repair 29622 County Rd 12, Winona, MN 55987 Staffed Staffed Self-service
647, 648, 649, 655
643, 645, 646, Winona Fleet Farm 920 E Hwy 61, Winona, MN 55987 Staffed Staffed Self-service
647, 648, 649, 655

73
74
Sampling Station Locations for the CWD Control Zone
Deer can be transported to the following sampling stations during the times noted or to sampling stations in the following DPAs in the adjacent
CWD management zone: 643, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 655. These tables do not apply during the late CWD hunts. Station locations could
change in each area. For the latest on station availability, visit mndnr.gov/cwd.
Deer Permit City Station Location Station Address Mandatory: Mandatory: Voluntary: Outside
Firearms A opener Firearms B opener of firearms opening
Area(s)
(Nov. 6-7) (Nov. 20-21) weekends
255, 343, 344 Austin Jay C. Hormel Nature Center 1304 21st St NE, Austin, MN 55912 Staffed Self-service Self-service
255, 343, 344 Elba Whitewater WMA Wildlife Office 15035 Hwy 74, Altura, MN 55910 Staffed Self-service Self-service
255, 343, 344 Pine Island Next to Dollar General and at the 222 Center Dr, Pine Island, MN 55963 Staffed Self-service Self-service
intersection of 1st Ave NE and
County Rd 11/Center Dr
255, 343, 344 Plainview Kreofsky Do It Best Building 865 Enterprise Dr SW, Plainview, Staffed Self-service Self-service
Supply MN 55964

2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations

Sampling Station Locations for the CWD Surveillance Zone
Only portions of deer permit areas 157, 169, 225, 235, 236 and 701 are included. Details can be found on the back of the 2021 Deer Season Area Map.
Deer harvested in this zone can be transported to any sampling station in any zone during the times noted. These tables do not apply during the
late CWD hunts. Station locations could change in each area. For the latest on station availability, visit mndnr.gov/cwd.
Deer Permit City Station Location Station Address Mandatory: Mandatory: Voluntary: Outside
Firearms A opener Firearms B opener of firearms opening
Area(s)
(Nov. 6-7) (Nov. 20-21) weekends
110, 169, 184, 197 Bagley DNR Forestry Office 36452 State Hwy 92, Bagley, MN 56621 Staffed NA By appointment
110, 169, 184, 197 Becida Becida Bar and Grill 13718 County Rd 9, Becida, MN 56678 Staffed NA By appointment
110, 169, 184, 197 Bemidji Beltrami County Fairgrounds 7223 Fairgrounds Rd NW, Bemidji, Staffed NA By appointment
North MN 56601
110, 169, 184, 197 Bemidji Cenex Station (U.S. Hwy 2 120 Convenience Lane SE, Bemidji, Staffed NA By appointment
South and 71) MN 56601

888-MINNDNR
Continued on next page
 Sampling Station Locations for the CWD Surveillance Zone continued
Deer Permit City Station Location Station Address Mandatory: Mandatory: Voluntary: Outside
Firearms A opener Firearms B opener of firearms opening
Area(s)
(Nov. 6-7) (Nov. 20-21) weekends
110, 169, 184, 197 Bena Big Winni Store RV Park and 1510 U.S. Hwy 2, Bena, MN 56626 Self-service NA By appointment
Campground (across the road in
empty lot)
110, 169, 184, 197 Blackduck Timberline Sport ‘n’ Convenience 209 Summit Ave W, Blackduck, MN 56630 Staffed NA By appointment
110, 169, 184, 197 Cass Lake MnDOT Rest Area Cass Lake 105 U.S. Hwy 2, Cass Lake, MN 56633 Staffed NA By appointment
110, 169, 184, 197 Deer River DNR Forestry Station 403 Division St, Deer River, MN 56636 Staffed NA By appointment
110, 169, 184, 197 Effie DNR Forestry Station 205 State Hwy 1, Effie, MN 56639 Self-service NA By appointment
110, 169, 184, 197 Itasca State Rock Creek General Store 16879 N. Entrance Dr, Shevlin, MN 56676 Self-service NA By appointment
Park
110, 169, 184, 197 Kelliher Municipal lot between Village 143 Clark Ave S, Kelliher, MN 56650 Staffed NA By appointment
One Stop and the Liquor Store
110, 169, 184, 197 Lake George Lake George Community Park 37110 U.S. Hwy 71, Lake George, MN 56458 Staffed NA By appointment
110, 169, 184, 197 Longville City Lot (north of Full Stringer 1448 County Rd 5, Longville, MN 56655 Self-service NA By appointment
Bait and Tackle, across the road)
110, 169, 184, 197 Northome Koochiching County Fairgrounds 12099 U.S. Hwy 71, Northome, MN 56661 Staffed NA By appointment
110, 169, 184, 197 Puposky The 89 Bar and Grill 8083 Old Long Lake Rd NW, Bemidji, Self-service NA By appointment
MN 56601
110, 169, 184, 197 Solway My Store Solway 4895 Jones Townhall Rd NW, Solway, Self-service NA By appointment
MN 56678
110, 169, 184, 197 Squaw Lake Firehall/Community Center 51272 State Hwy 46, Squaw Lake, MN 56681 Staffed NA By appointment
110, 169, 184, 197 Talmoon Little Turtle Lake Store 49926 MN-6, Talmoon, MN 56628 Staffed NA By appointment
110, 169, 184, 197 Tenstrike Poor Willies 122 Main St, Tenstrike, MN 56683 Self-service NA By appointment
110, 169, 184, 197 Walker U.S. Forest Service Office 201 Minnesota Ave E, Walker, MN 56484 Staffed NA By appointment
110, 169, 184, 197 Waskish My Store Waskish 54345 MN-72, Waskish, MN 56685 Self-service NA By appointment
157, 159, 225, Almelund Rod’s Country Corner 37455 Park Trail, Center City, 55012 Staffed NA By appointment

Big Game
235, 236
157, 159, 225, Braham East Central Energy 412 Main St N., Braham, MN 55006 Staffed NA By appointment
235, 236

75
76
Sampling Station Locations for the CWD Surveillance Zone continued
Deer Permit City Station Location Station Address Mandatory: Mandatory: Voluntary: Outside
Firearms A opener Firearms B opener of firearms opening
Area(s)
(Nov. 6-7) (Nov. 20-21) weekends
157, 159, 225, Cambridge DNR Wildlife Office 800 Oak Savanna Lane SW, Cambridge, Staffed NA By appointment
235, 236
MN 55008
157, 159, 225, Center City Wild River State Park 39797 Park Trail, Center City, 55012 Self-service NA By appointment
235, 236
157, 159, 225, Forest Lake Carlos Avery WMA Headquarters 5463 W Broadway, Forest Lake, MN 55025 Self-service NA By appointment
235, 236
157, 159, 225, Harris Fish Lake Bait 5857 Stark Rd, Harris, MN 55032 Staffed NA By appointment
235, 236
157, 159, 225, Hinckley Grand Casino Hinckley 38043 Hinckley Rd, Hinckley, MN 55037 Staffed NA By appointment
235, 236
(Meshakwad Community Center)
157, 159, 225, Lindstrom Lindstrom Maintenance Yard 13392 Sylvan Ave, Lindstrom, MN 55045 Self-service NA By appointment
235, 236
(behind Fairview Cemetery, turn
east on Sylvan Ave)
157, 159, 225, McGrath DNR Forestry Field Office 16082 State Hwy 65, McGrath, MN 56350 Self-service NA By appointment
235, 236

2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations

157, 159, 225, Mora Knife Lake Public Water Access— Access Rd, Mora, MN 55051 Staffed NA By appointment
235, 236
Northeast
157, 159, 225, Ogilvie Ogilvie Raceway 1539 MN-23, Ogilvie, MN 56358 Staffed NA By appointment
235, 236
157, 159, 225, Pine City Pine City National Guard Armory 1305 Main St S, Pine City, MN 55063 Staffed NA By appointment
235, 236
157, 159, 225, Rock Creek St. Croix Trailhead (canoe access 15975 State Hwy 70, Pine City, MN 55065 Self-service NA By appointment
235, 236
& parking lot)
157, 159, 225, Sandstone DNR Forestry Office 613 State Hwy 23, Sandstone, MN 55072 Staffed NA By appointment
235, 236
157, 159, 225, St. Croix St. Croix State Park 30065 St. Croix Park Rd, Hinckley, Staffed NA By appointment
235, 236
State Park MN 55037
(Hinckley)
157, 159, 225, Stacy Full Draw Outdoors 6017 Athens Trail, Stacy, MN 55079 Self-service NA By appointment
235, 236

888-MINNDNR
 Sampling Station Locations for the CWD Surveillance Zone continued
Deer Permit City Station Location Station Address Mandatory: Mandatory: Voluntary: Outside
Firearms A opener Firearms B opener of firearms opening
Area(s)
(Nov. 6-7) (Nov. 20-21) weekends
213, 273 Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met
Alexandria County Line Liquor 11535 MN-29, Alexandria, MN 56308 Self-service until goal is met
213, 273 Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met
Ashby Lake Christina Boat Access Lake Christina public access south of Ashby
Self-service until goal is met
on Hwy 82
213, 273 Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met
Brooten Jenniges Meat Processing 131 Pleasant Ave, Brooten, MN 56316 Self-service until goal is met
213, 273 Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met
Eagle Bend Shirley’s Gas and Grocery 411 U.S. Hwy 71, Eagle Bend, MN 56466 Self-service until goal is met
213, 273 Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met
Elbow Lake MN DNR Roving Crew Office 611 Industrial Park Blvd, Elbow Lake,
Self-service until goal is met
MN 56531
213, 273 Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met
Fergus Falls DNR Office 1509 First Ave N, Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Self-service until goal is met
213, 273 Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met
Glenwood Minnewaska Meats 11 1st Ave SW, Glenwood, MN 56334 Self-service until goal is met
213, 273 Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met
Kensington Crossroads General Store  11 Railway St W,  Kensington, MN 56343 Self-service until goal is met
213, 273 Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met
Long Prairie Fleet Supply 940 Commerce Rd, Long Prairie,
Self-service until goal is met
MN 56347
213, 273 Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met
Osakis The General Store 204 Central Ave, Osakis, MN 56360 Self-service until goal is met
213, 273 Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met
Rose City Rose City Bar & Grill 17866 County Rd 18 NE, Eagle Bend,
Self-service until goal is met
MN 56446
213, 273 Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met
Sauk Centre Fleet Supply 1050 Centre St, Sauk Centre, MN 56378 Self-service until goal is met
213, 273 Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met
Starbuck Starbuck Meats & Locker 117 E 5th St, Starbuck, MN 56381
Self-service until goal is met
Services
213, 273 Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met Self-service until goal is met
Villard Cenex 600 Washington Ave, Villard, MN 56385 Self-service until goal is met

Big Game
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78
Sampling Station Locations for the CWD Surveillance Zone continued
Deer Permit City Station Location Station Address Mandatory: Mandatory: Voluntary: Outside
Firearms A opener Firearms B opener of firearms opening
Area(s)
(Nov. 6-7) (Nov. 20-21) weekends
233, 292, 293, Afton DNR Afton State Park 6959 Peller Ave S, Hastings, MN 55033 Self-service Self-service By appointment
338, 341, 342,
701
233, 292, 293, Belle Plaine Cenex Station 840 E Main St, Belle Plaine, MN 56011 Self-service Self-service By appointment
338, 341, 342,
701
233, 292, 293, Blooming Miner’s Outdoor and Rec 635 6th St SE, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 Self-service NA By appointment
338, 341, 342,
Prairie
701
233, 292, 293, Goodhue USDA/SWCD Building 104 E 3rd Ave, Goodhue, MN 55027 Staffed Staffed By appointment
338, 341, 342,
701
233, 292, 293, Kellogg Shorty’s Prairie Bait and 615 S Dodge St, Kellogg, MN 55945 Staffed Self-service By appointment
338, 341, 342,
Tackle Shop
701
233, 292, 293, Lake City DNR Office 1801 S Oak St, Lake City, MN 55041 Staffed Self-service By appointment
338, 341, 342,

2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations

701
233, 292, 293, Owatonna DNR Rice Lake State Park 8485 Rose St, Owatonna, MN 55060 Staffed NA By appointment
338, 341, 342,
701
233, 292, 293, Red Wing 4 Seasons Sports 2301 Old West Main St, Red Wing, Staffed Self-service By appointment
338, 341, 342,
MN 55066
701
233, 292, 293, Waconia Carver County Fairgrounds, 501 W 3rd St, Waconia, MN 55387 Self-service Self-service By appointment
338, 341, 342,
enter main gate off 3rd St
701
233, 292, 293, Waterville DNR Sakatah Lake State Park 50499 Sakatah Lake State Park Rd, Self-service NA By appointment
338, 341, 342,
Waterville, MN 56096
701
233, 292, 293, Zumbro Falls Zumbro Falls City Park, Southeast 387 Water St, Zumbro Falls, MN 55991 Staffed Staffed By appointment
338, 341, 342,
of Main St off Railroad St
701

888-MINNDNR
 Deer Feeding Ban
The feeding and attractant bans described below are likely to be expanded this fall
to include additional counties. Details will be announced on the DNR website at
mndnr.gov/cwd
Feeding deer increases the risk of disease transmission. Deer feeding includes
placement or distribution of grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, hay and other food that is
capable of attracting or enticing deer. See page 60 for information on the difference
between deer feeding and baiting.
Deer attractants are natural or manufactured products that are capable of attracting
or enticing deer, including salt, minerals, and any product that contains or claims
to contain cervid urine (example “doe in heat”), blood, gland oil, feces, or other
bodily fluid.
Deer feeding is prohibited in areas where chronic wasting disease was detected in
farmed deer. This includes all of Carlton, Chisago, Douglas, Isanti, Kanabec, Pine,
Pope, and Stearns counties.
In addition to deer feeding, deer attractants are prohibited in counties within
proximity to where wild deer have been found positive for CWD. This includes Aitkin,
Cass, Crow Wing, Dakota, Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Hennepin, Houston,
Hubbard, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Olmsted, Ramsey, Rice, Scott, Steele, Todd,
Wabasha, Wadena, Washington and Winona counties.
For more information about CWD visit the DNR’s website at mndnr.gov/cwd.

Counties with Deer Feeding and Attractants Prohibited

Hubbard
Cass

Wadena Crow Aitkin Carlton

Wing
Mille Pine
Todd Morrison Lacs
Douglas
Kanabec Restriction
Pope No deer feeding
Stearns Isanti
Chisago No deer feeding
or attractants
Washington
Hennepin
Ramsey
Dakota
Scott
Goodhue
Rice Wabasha
Steele Olmsted
Dodge Winona
Mower Houston
Freeborn Fillmore

Big Game 79
 Deer—Archery
Subject Dates

Season dates: September 18 - December 31

Regular archery license: except in bucks-only permit areas, a regular archery license is
valid for an either-sex deer statewide in any open area.
Open areas: Archery hunters can hunt permit areas statewide except in Itasca State
Park (deer permit area 287).
Unless authorized under the Minnesota Personal Protection Act, a person may not
possess a firearm while bow hunting for deer.

Blaze clothing October 21 - 24

Blaze orange/pink clothing is required during this time. Firearms deer hunting is
allowed statewide for the youth deer season and in specific areas for the early
antlerless deer season.

Bag limit and permit area reminder

Check the management designations and associated bag limits for your permit area
on the 2021 Deer Season Area Map insert and online mndnr.gov/hunting/deer/map.
html. If you hunt in an antlerless permit lottery, either-sex, two-deer limit, three-deer
limit, or five-deer limit permit area, your archery license is valid for an either-sex deer.
Bonus permits may only be used to take antlerless deer in two-deer limit, three-deer
limit, five-deer limit, and early antlerless permit areas. Disease management permits
may be used in select five-deer limit areas. Details are on page 69.

Bucks-only areas
Except for residents over age 84, no antlerless deer may be taken with an archery
license in a bucks-only deer area. An archery license is only valid for legal bucks in
these areas.

Crossbows
See page 57 for information about hunting big game with a crossbow.

Venison donation program

The venison donation allows hunters to donate deer that they have shot for
distribution to food shelves at no cost to the hunter. Drop off a deer at any of
the participating processors posted on the DNR website. Processing fees are
paid from a $1 fee collected from the sale of bonus permits. The DNR and the
Minnesota Department of Agriculture fully support deer hunting and the venison
donation program. Venison is a healthy source of high-quality protein. Lead
contamination can be avoided by using nontoxic ammunition or reduced by using
ammunition with high weight retention, such as bonded bullets, and by placing
shots in vital areas, away from major muscle groups and liberally trimming meat
around the wound channels.

80 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 Deer—Early Antlerless Season and Youth Deer Season
Subject Dates

Season dates: October 21 - 24

Open areas early antlerless season: Permit areas 213, 214, 215, 221, 227, 236, 277, 341,
342, 343, 604, 605, 643, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 655, and 701.
Open areas youth deer season: Statewide, except Itasca State Park, see page 36.
The early antlerless season coincides with the special youth deer season in deer permit
areas listed above. The purpose is to provide hunters additional opportunity to manage
local deer herds. To participate in the early antlerless season, hunters must possess an
archery, firearm or muzzleloader license and at least one valid early antlerless permit.
Weapons must match the parent license under which the early antlerless permit is
purchased. Youth can take one deer of either sex in early antlerless areas using their
youth license as described on page 36. They do not need an early antlerless license
unless they continue hunting in an early antlerless season area after their youth
license is filled. Bonus permits (and disease management permits in 600-series areas)
may be used but hunters must still possess at least one valid early antlerless permit
to participate. The limit is five deer during the early antlerless season, which is in
addition to the statewide bag limit. Party hunting is allowed. Up to five permits may be
purchased per person.
The Whitewater State Game Refuge in Winona County and the surrounding deer
permit area (DPA 344) are not open during the early-antlerless season this year.
The refuge is open only to youth participating in the Youth Deer Season.
A venison donation program is available for hunters that wish to donate harvested
deer, see page 80.

Deer—Firearms
• See page 59 for season dates.
• Next year’s firearms deer opener is November 5, 2022.

Regular firearm license

There are two types of regular firearms deer licenses:
• Statewide (A) season licenses are valid in any area that opens November 6. Hunters
are not obligated to stay in any one zone. For example, a person can hunt in deer
permit area 343 (nine-day season) opening weekend, move to deer area 235
(9-day season) the second weekend, and finish up in 184 (16-day season) on the
last weekend.
• Late southeast (B) licenses are valid in the late southeast (B) area (300 Series) and
season (November 21 - 29).
• The hunter’s season choice (A or B) is printed on the license.
• Both statewide (A) and late southeast (B) season licenses are valid during all firearms
seasons in the metro deer management zone (701) and the 600-series permit areas.
• A regular firearms license is valid for either an antlered buck or antlerless deer
in any either-sex, two-deer limit, three-deer limit, or five-deer limit area or in a
antlerless permit lottery area if successful in the lottery. If unsuccessful in the

Continued on next page

Big Game 81
 lottery, the firearms license is only valid for an antlered buck in antlerless permit
lottery areas.
• The youth firearm license may be used in the youth deer season, the statewide
(A), and late southeast (B) seasons.

Rifle/shotgun boundary
In the shotgun zone (see the 2021 Deer Season Area Map), deer hunters may use only
legal shotguns loaded with single-slug shotgun shells, legal muzzleloading long guns,
or legal handguns.

How to buy a firearms deer license

• Choose either the statewide (A) or late southeast (B) season option.
The option will be printed on your license; then
• Tell the agent which deer area you hunt most often or if applying for a
lottery, which deer permit area you plan to hunt. This is collected for
information or application purposes and will not print on the license. You are
not obligated to stay in the area you say you hunt most often.
• Regular Firearms License (Both statewide (A) and late southeast (B) license
are valid in 600-series and 701 deer permit areas.)
Option 1: Statewide (A), valid in areas: Option 2: Late Southeast (B) Season:
100 Series: Nov. 6 - 21 300 Series: Nov. 20 - 28
OR
200 Series: Nov. 6 - 14
300 Series: Nov. 6 - 14

Lead in venison
Hunters are encouraged to consider non-lead big game ammunition featuring
expanding copper, brass, and gilding metal bullets. Dozens of such bullets have
been perfected in recent years. They expand reliably and instantly, retain nearly
all their weight, and penetrate better than most lead-core bullets. They are
available as muzzleloader bullets and shotshell slugs, too.
Hunters who try non-lead bullets usually find they perform as well as or better
than lead-core bullets because there are no jackets to separate from the core and
no soft lead to erode or break apart, hindering penetration. Prices for monolithic,
non-lead bullets are comparable to those of premium lead-core ammo.
Lead is a toxic metal harmful to anyone who ingests it, but especially to children
and pregnant women. It can also cause cognitive issues for older adults. Lead
core bullets can fragment into dozens of pieces and penetrate as far as 18 inches
from the wound channel. In several studies, up to 30% of X-rayed, commercially
butchered venison burger contained lead fragments.
Non-lead bullets and slugs also eliminate secondary poisoning of bald eagles and
other raptors that ingest lead fragments when feeding on gut piles. For more
details, visit mndnr.gov/lead.

82 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 Deer—Muzzleloader
Subject Dates

Season dates: November 27 - December 12, statewide

Regular muzzleloader license: any hunter can buy a muzzleloader license, including
people who have purchased a firearm license.
• The license is valid for an antlered buck or an antlerless deer in any either-sex,
two-deer limit, three-deer limit, or five-deer limit permit area. In antlerless permit
lottery areas, you must apply and receive an antlerless permit to take an antlerless
deer. If unsuccessful in the lottery, the firearms license is only valid for an antlered
buck in antlerless permit lottery areas.
• The antlerless permit application deadline is Thursday, September 9.
• Bonus permits may be used to take antlerless deer in two-deer limit, three-deer
limit, or five-deer limit permit areas. Low-cost disease management permits may
be used in place of bonus permits in the 600-series permit areas.
• A youth muzzleloader license is required for the muzzleloader season.
Open areas: Muzzleloader hunters may hunt statewide except:
• Sherburne (DPA 224), Rice Lake and Rydell National Wildlife Refuges.
• Areas closed to firearms hunting are also closed to muzzleloader hunting.

Muzzleloader regulations
• Any hunter may use magnifying or holographic “red dot” scopes during the
muzzleloader deer season without a special permit.
Possessing other firearms
Muzzleloading firearms lawful for the taking of deer may be possessed only by persons
with a valid license to take deer by muzzleloader. While muzzleloader hunting, a person
may not possess a firearm other than the following: an unloaded firearm in a case or
closed trunk of a motor vehicle, a shotgun and shells containing No. 4 buckshot or
smaller, a handgun or rifle capable of firing only rimfire cartridges of .17 or .22 caliber,
including .22 magnum or handguns by persons authorized under the Minnesota
Personal Protection Act.

Deer—Late CWD Hunts

Subject Dates

Season dates: December 17 - 19 and December 31 - January 2

Open areas: DPAs 343, 605, 643, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 655

Valid license: Any unused archery, firearms, muzzleloader, or landowner license may
be used. Weapons used must match the parent license. Only during this hunt, low-cost
disease management permits may be purchased without first purchasing a parent
license. Unfilled bonus permits or early antlerless permits may also be used. Hunters
may participate in both of the hunts.
Bag limit: The bag limit is unlimited for both antlerless deer and antlered bucks. The
statewide bag limits for antlerless deer and antlered bucks do not apply during these
hunts. During these hunts only, disease management permits are valid for taking both
antlered bucks and antlerless deer. Only antlerless deer may be tagged with bonus
permits or early antlerless tags.

Big Game 83
CWD sampling: CWD sampling is mandatory for any deer harvested during these
hunts. Deer must be presented or provided for sampling at a sampling station no
later than 24 hours after the hunt ends. Refer to the DNR web page for sampling
station locations.
Carcass movement restrictions apply. See page 71.
Public land access: In addition to Wildlife Management Areas, some State Parks,
Scientific and Natural Areas, and other public lands will be open to hunting. Those with
limited permits will be available on a first-come, first serve basis from license vendors
beginning December 3. Permits will be available until the limit for the hunt is reached
or until the Tuesday before the hunts begins (December 14 or 28), whichever occurs
first. There is a limit of one of these special permits per hunter. The permit is required
in addition to a hunting license and is no cost. A state park pass is required for vehicles.

Public Land Hunts

Area Is there a limit Is a permit Notes
on hunter required for
numbers? access?
Rushford Sand Barrens SNA No No
Savage Fen SNA No No Archery only
Cannon River Turtle Reserve No No Open portions located in
SNA DPA 605 are open
Forestville Mystery Cave Yes Yes
State Park
Pin Oak Prairie SNA Yes Yes
Great River Bluffs State Park Yes Yes Hunt is by permit only with
and Kings and Queens SNA Great River Bluffs State Park
Beaver Creek Valley State Park Yes Yes
Minnesota Valley State No No Archery only
Recreation Area Carver Rapids Unit
Minnesota Valley National No No Special regulations online at
Wildlife Refuge fws.gov/refuge/minnesota_
valley/
Vermillion Highlands WMA NA NA Closed to public hunting due
to scheduled special hunt.

Special Hunts
Subject Dates

Application deadline for special youth hunts (page 38) August 20

Application deadline for special firearm and muzzleloader hunts September 9

To apply for special firearms and muzzleloader hunts, you must purchase a deer
license. Participation in a special hunt does not preclude hunters from taking a deer
in a regular deer permit area, although statewide bag limits and license requirements
apply. Hunters in deer permit areas designated as antlerless permit lottery must
choose between applying for an antlerless deer tag or a special hunt, they cannot
apply for both.

84 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

Permits
Special hunt permits are required to hunt deer in places where the number of hunters
must be limited to control the harvest or for safety.
Special hunt permit areas are listed on pages 86-94 and on the DNR website at
mndnr.gov/hunting/deer.
Those who receive a special hunt area permit may also hunt deer outside that special
hunt area during the season indicated on the license. Parties of up to four may apply.
The DNR strongly encourages the use of non-lead ammunition in state park special
hunts. See page 82 for more information. Information on how hunters are selected for
either-sex permits and special hunts can be found on page 67.

Earn-a-buck regulations
Some special hunts have earn-a-buck regulations, which require the harvest of one or
more antlerless deer before the hunter can take an antlered deer. Details on these rules
are available from the hunt administrator or online at mndnr.gov/hunting/deer.

Special firearm deer hunts

The complete list of special firearm deer hunts including updates and corrections
is available online at mndnr.gov/deer. This online list includes additional hunt details
including contact information. Bonus permits may be used to tag deer in special hunts
where antlerless deer may be taken. Any deer harvested as part of a special deer hunt
should be registered using the special hunt number, if assigned. Secondarily, hunters
should use the surrounding Deer Permit Area number.

How to apply for archery special area permits

An application for an archery special area permit must be made on a form
supplied separately by each special hunt area. No other form of application will
be accepted. Send your request for an application form to the hunt administrator
listed for the special area where you wish to hunt or as directed. A person may
apply for more than one archery special hunt area, but not more than once for
a specific hunt. There may be restrictions regarding applications. Please read
material carefully before applying.
Please refer to the website mndnr.gov/hunting/deer for details and hunt
administrator contact information. All questions related to archery special hunts
should be directed to the municipality or area conducting the hunt.
Prior to submitting an application, please check with the location you are
interested in hunting. Different special hunt areas have different regulations such
as requiring bonus permit use, taking an antlerless deer first, written permission,
and/or proficiency tests.
Any deer harvested as part of a special deer hunt should be registered using the
Special Hunt Number, if assigned.

Big Game 85
86
Archery Special Hunt Areas
Area name Hunt No. of Dates Bag limit Hunt type CWD sampling Additional information
No. participants
Minnesota 895 5 Oct. 23 - Nov. 7 2 Earn-a-buck Voluntary except Lake Tamarack Unit; apply online at
Landscape mandatory on z.umn.edu/TamarackHunting
Arboretum opening weekend
of firearms
seasons
City of Two Harbors 896 25 Sept. 18 - Dec. 31 2 Earn-a-buck Not applicable Andy Aug; 218-310-6869; thmnbowhunt19@
gmail.com, apply by Aug. 15
City of Blue Earth 897 26 Sept. 18 - Dec. 31 3 Earn-a-buck Not applicable Mandatory orientation; Tharen Haugh;
507-526-5959; [email protected]
City of Aurora 898 15 Sept. 18 - Dec. 31 3 Either-sex Not applicable Mandatory test/orientation, Sept. 9, Stefanie
Dickinson; 218-229-2614; [email protected].
mn.us, apply by Aug. 18, fee $15
City of Lake Benton 924 40 Sept. 18 - Dec. 31 2 Earn-a-buck Not applicable Eileen Christensen; 507-368-4641 ext. 1;

2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations

[email protected], apply by Aug. 27, fee $15
Pin Oak Prairie 926 8 Sept. 18 - Dec. 16 5 Either-sex Mandatory DNR Wildlife, 507-796-3284;
Scientific and [email protected], apply by Sept. 2
Natural Area
Camp Ripley Military 971 2500 Oct. 29 - 31 2 Either-sex Not applicable Dr. Bill Faber, 800-933-0346 ext. 8082;
Reservation [email protected], apply by Aug. 20, fee $14
Carleton Game 972 40 Nov. 25 - Dec. 31 5 Earn-a-buck Mandatory Hunters must obtain written permission;
Refuge Arboretum Director; 507-222-4543, apply by
Oct. 2

888-MINNDNR
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 Archery Special Hunt Areas continued

Area name Hunt No. of Dates Bag limit Hunt type CWD sampling Additional information
No. participants
City of Austin and 973 50 Oct. 16 - Dec. 31 3 Earn-a-buck Mandatory Mandatory orientation; Kevin Nelson;
J.C. Hormel Nature 507-433-1881; [email protected], apply by
Center Sept. 10, fee $20
City of Warroad 974 10 Sept. 18 - Dec. 31 5 Either-sex Not applicable Wade Steinbring; 218-386-2053;
[email protected], apply by Sept. 9
Vermillion 975 20 Sept. 18 - Oct. 29, 5 Either-sex Mandatory Mandatory orientation; Contact DNR wildlife
Highlands Wildlife Dec. 13 - 31 office for details, 651-322-4643; dnr.state.mn.us/
Management Area wmas/units/vermillion_highlands.html
City of New Ulm 976 56 Oct. 9 - Dec. 31 3 Earn-a-buck Not applicable Jeff Hohensee; 507-359-8235; Jeff.Hohensee@
co.brown.mn.us, apply by Sept. 7, fee $20
City of Red Wing 977 Unlimited Sept. 18 - Dec. 31 5 Either-sex Not applicable Red Wing Public Works; 651-385-3655; shawn.
[email protected]; red-wing.org/518/
Deer-Hunt-Program, fee $20
City of Redwood 978 20 Sept. 18 - Dec. 31 2 Either-sex Not applicable Paul Parsons; 507-401-0469; bucknrut68@
Falls yahoo.com; apply online at ci.redwood-falls.
mn.us/permits, apply by Aug. 2, fee $20
Carver Rapids 979 Unlimited Sept. 18 - Dec. 31 Unlimited Either-sex Voluntary except David Olsen; 651-259-5774; david.olsen@state.
and Thompson mandatory mn.us Limited to Carver Rapids and Thompson
Ferry Units of on opening Ferry Units south and east side of Minnesota River
the Minnesota weekend of
Valley State firearms seasons
Recreation Area
City of Duluth 980 400 Sept. 18 - Dec. 31 3 Earn-a-buck Not applicable Mandatory orientation; Arrowhead Bowhunter’s
Alliance; bowhuntersalliance.org; apply by
June 30, fee $25

Big Game
87
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 Archery Special Hunt Areas continued

88
Area name Hunt No. of Dates Bag limit Hunt type CWD sampling Additional information
No. participants
City of Mankato 981 40 Sept. 18 - Dec. 31 5 Earn-a-buck Not applicable Mandatory orientation; Justin Lundborg;
507-387-8397; [email protected]
City of Granite Falls 982 10 Sept. 18 - Dec. 31 1 Antlerless Not applicable Mitch Brovold; 320-313-3125; mbrovold@
only granitefallspolice.com, apply by Sept. 1
City of Ortonville 983 30 Sept. 18 - Dec. 31 5 Earn-a-buck Not applicable Ortonville City Clerk; 320-839-3428; finance@
cityofortonville.org, apply by Aug. 2, fee $20
City of Canby 984 20 Sept. 18 - Dec. 31 2 Either-sex Not applicable Chris Picard/Brock Smith; 507-223-7295; chris.
[email protected], apply by Aug. 31, fee $5
City of Bemidji— 985 45 Sept. 18 - Dec. 31 5 Either-sex Voluntary Bobbi Karpinski; 218-759-3562; Bobbi.Karpinski@
NE Lake Bemidji ci.bemidji.mn.us, apply by July 30, fee $10
City of Bemidji 985 33 Sept. 18 - Dec. 31 5 Either-sex Voluntary Bobbi Karpinski; 218-759-3562; Bobbi.Karpinski@
(West) ci.bemidji.mn.us, apply by July 30, fee $10

2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations

Bemidji Regional 986 20 Oct. 1 - Nov. 30 5 Either-sex Voluntary Bobbi Karpinski; 218-759-3562; Bobbi.Karpinski@
Airport ci.bemidji.mn.us, apply by July 30, fee $10
Greenleaf State 987 Unlimited Sept. 18 - Dec. 31 1 Either-sex Not applicable Open to archery deer hunting following general
Recreation Area archery season regulations. No special permit
Archery Hunt required. No bonus permits allowed. Kristy Rice
(DNR), 320-234-2550, ext. 225, kristy.rice@
state.mn.us
City of Tower 988 10 Nov. 27 - Dec. 31 5 Either-sex Not applicable Mandatory orientation Sept. 22; Terri Joki-Martin;
218-753-4070; [email protected],
apply by Aug. 25, Fee $20; Portions of Soudan
Underground Mine and Lake Vermilion State Park
included in hunt.

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 Archery Special Hunt Areas continued

Area name Hunt No. of Dates Bag limit Hunt type CWD sampling Additional information
No. participants
City of Owatonna 990 36 Oct. 24 - Nov. 21, 5 Earn-a-buck Not applicable Mary Jo Knudson; 507-774-7364; maryjo.
Nov. 22 - Dec. 19 [email protected], apply by Sept. 17,
fee $20
City of Hallock 992 5 Sept. 18 - Oct. 22, 2 Antlerless Not applicable Mike Docken; 218-843-3434; [email protected].
Oct. 23 - Nov. 26, only kittson.mn.us, 5 permits available for each of
Nov. 27 - Dec. 31 three hunt periods. Apply by Sept. 1
Side Lake 996 40 Sept. 18 - Dec. 31 3 Either-sex Not applicable Mandatory orientation Sep. 8; Bill Schuster
Community 218-969-6799; [email protected], apply by
Aug. 18, fee $20
River Bend 997 35 Oct. 16 - 17 2 Earn-a-buck Mandatory Mandatory orientation; Brittany Smith
Nature Center 507-332-7151; [email protected], apply by
Sept. 1, fee $40
City of Red 998 10 Sept. 18 - Dec. 31 1 Antlerless Not applicable Brad Johnson; 218-253-2996; bjohnson@sheriff.
Lake Falls only co.red-lake.mn.us, apply by Sept. 1

Big Game
89
90
Firearm Special Hunt Areas
Use Hunt Number to apply for and register deer taken in these hunts.
Area name Hunt No. of Dates License Bag Hunt type CWD sampling Additional information
No. participants limit
Itasca State Park 287 Unlimited Nov. 6 - 14 A 2 Either-sex Not applicable Open to firearm hunting deer during the
firearm (A) deer season. No application
required. Includes Itasca Wilderness
Sanctuary SNA
Carver Park Reserve 930 110 Nov. 13 - 14 A or B 5 Either-sex Voluntary Mandatory orientation Oct. 26,
at 7 p.m., Lowry Nature Center,
Non-toxic ammunition only. No pistols.
threeriversparks.org/page/deer-hunts
Cascade River State Park 900 100 Nov. 6 - 21 A 1 Either-sex Not applicable Does not include Butterwort Cliffs SNA
Rice Lake National 901 40 Nov. 13 - 21 A 1 Either-sex Not applicable Deer stands for hunters with disabilities
Wildlife Refuge are only available during a special

2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations

hunt Oct. 7 - 10. Contact Walt Ford at
218-768-2402 x100 [email protected]
St. Croix State Park 902 350 Nov. 18 - 21 A 2 Either-sex Mandatory No additional information
Lake Louise State Park 903 25 Nov. 13 - 14 A 5 Either-sex Mandatory No additional information
Gooseberry Falls 904 55 Nov. 6 - 21 A 2 Either-sex Not applicable No additional information
State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse 905 30 Nov. 6 - 21 A 2 Either-sex Not applicable No additional information
State Park
Tettegouche State Park 906 125 Nov. 6 - 21 A 2 Either-sex Not applicable No additional information
Scenic State Park 907 15 Nov. 6 - 21 A 2 Either-sex Not applicable No additional information
Hayes Lake State Park 908 50 Nov. 6 - 21 A 2 Either-sex Not applicable No additional information
Lake Bemidji State Park 909 30 Nov. 6 - 9 A 2 Earn-a-buck Mandatory No additional information

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 Firearm Special Hunt Areas continued

Area name Hunt No. of Dates License Bag Hunt type CWD sampling Additional information
No. participants limit
Zippel Bay State Park 910 75 Nov. 6 - 21 A 3 Earn-a-buck Not applicable No additional information
Judge Magney State Park 911 75 Nov. 6 - 21 A 1 Either-sex Not applicable No additional information
Schoolcraft State Park 912 Unlimited Nov. 6 - 21 A 1 Either-sex Not applicable Hunters must posses either-sex permit
for DPA 179 to take antlerless deer
Lake Carlos State Park 913 20 Nov. 6 - 9 A 1 Antlerless Not applicable No additional information
only
William O’Brien State Park 914 50 Nov. 13 - 14 A 2 Either-sex Not applicable No additional information
Lake Bronson State Park 915 30 Nov. 6 - 14 A 2 Earn-a-buck Not applicable No additional information
Maplewood State Park 916 100 Nov. 6 - 9 A 2 Either-sex Not applicable No additional information
Miesville Ravine 917 40 Nov. 6 - 14 A or B 5 Earn-a-buck Mandatory Mandatory orientation Oct. 19;
Park Reserve Scott Hagen, 952-891-7983,
[email protected]
Beaver Creek Valley 918 25 Nov. 6 - 7 A 3 Either-sex Mandatory No additional information
State Park
Glacial Lakes State Park 919 20 Nov. 11 - 14 A 1 Antlerless Not applicable No additional information
only
Zumbro Falls Woods 920 12 Nov. 6 - 14 A 3 Either-sex Mandatory No additional information
Scientific and Natural Area
Lawrence Unit of the 921 25 Nov. 13 - 14 A 2 Either-sex Voluntary No additional information
Minnesota Valley State
Recreation Area
Old Mill State Park 922 10 Nov. 6 - 9 A 1 Either-sex Not applicable No additional information
Zumbro Falls Woods 923 12 Nov. 20 - 28 B 3 Either-sex Mandatory No additional information

Big Game
Scientific and Natural Area

91
Continued on next page
 Firearm Special Hunt Areas continued

92
Area name Hunt No. of Dates License Bag Hunt type CWD sampling Additional information
No. participants limit
Vermillion Highlands 925 20 Nov. 6 - 19 A or B 5 Either-sex Mandatory Hunter orientation required prior to
Wildlife Management Area permit issuance. Contact DNR wildlife
office for details 651-322-4643
Whitewater State Park 927 50 Nov. 20 - 21 B 3 Either-sex Mandatory No additional information
Mille Lacs Kathio 928 50 Nov. 6 - 8 A 2 Earn-a-buck Not applicable No additional information
State Park
City of Grand Rapids 931 Unlimited Nov. 6 - 21 A 3 Either-sex Not applicable Hunters must apply

Forestville/Mystery Cave 933 75 Nov. 6 - 7 A or B 3 Either-sex Mandatory Park is open to visitors during hunt
State Park
Whitewater State 934 100 Nov. 20 - 28 B 2 Antlerless Mandatory Must complete orientation packet by
Game Refuge only Nov. 17; Whitewater WMA; 507-796-3282;

2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations

[email protected]
Frontenac State Park 940 60 Nov. 20 - 21 B 3 Either-sex Mandatory No additional information
Great River Bluffs 962 50 Nov. 20 - 21 B 3 Either-sex Mandatory No additional information
State Park
Franz Jevne State Park NA Unlimited Nov. 6 - 21 A 3 Either-sex Not applicable Open, no special permit required. Follow
regulations for deer permit area 105

888-MINNDNR
 Muzzleloader special hunt areas
Special muzzleloader deer hunts (apply wherever hunting licenses are sold by Thursday, September 9.)
The following are special hunts open during the muzzleloader season. The complete list of special muzzleloader deer
hunts including updates and corrections is available online at mndnr.gov/hunting/deer. Bonus permits may be used to
tag deer in special hunts where antlerless deer may be taken.
Any deer harvested as part of a special deer hunt should be registered using the Special Hunt Number, if assigned.
If no special hunt number is assigned, hunters may use the surrounding Deer Permit Area number.

Muzzleloader Special Hunts

Area name Hunt No. No. of Dates Bag Hunt type CWD sampling Additional information
participants limit
Schoolcraft State Park 179 Unlimited Nov. 27 - Dec. 12 1 Either-sex Not applicable Hunters must possess an
(DPA 179) either-sex permit for DPA 179
to take antlerless deer
Itasca State Park 287 Unlimited Nov. 27 - Dec. 12 2 Either-sex Not applicable Open to muzzleloader
hunting during the statewide
muzzleloader deer season. No
application required. Includes
Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary
Scientific Natural Area (SNA)
Sakatah Lake State Park 894 15 Dec. 4 - 5 3 Antlerless only Mandatory No additional information
Not applicable
McCarthy Beach State Park 929 15 Nov. 27 - Dec. 12 2 Either-sex No additional information

Nerstrand Big Woods 930 50 Dec. 4 - 5 5 Earn-a-buck Mandatory Includes Prairie Creek Woods
State Park SNA
Rice Lake State Park 932 20 Dec. 4 - 5 3 Antlerless only Mandatory No additional information

Big Game
93
Continued on next page
 Muzzleloader Special Hunts continued

94
Area name Hunt No. No. of Dates Bag Hunt type CWD sampling Additional information
participants limit
Jay Cooke State Park 935 80 Dec. 4 - 8 2 Either-sex Not applicable Includes part of Hemlock
Ravine SNA
Crow Wing State Park 936 25 Dec. 4 - 8 2 Either-sex Voluntary No additional information
Lake Vermilion-Soudan 937 25 Nov. 27 - Dec. 12 2 Either-sex Not applicable No additional information
Underground Mine
State Park
City of Tower 938 20 Nov. 27 - Dec. 12 5 Either-sex Not applicable Mandatory orientation
Sept. 22, Terri Joki-Martin;
218-753-4070, deputyclerk@
cityoftower.com
Myre-Big Island State Park 939 50 Dec. 4 - 5 2 Antlerless only Not applicable No additional information
Sibley State Park 942 60 Nov. 27 - 28 2 Antlerless only Not applicable No additional information

2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations

Miesville Ravine Park 943 40 Dec. 4 - 12 5 Earn-a-buck Mandatory Mandatory orientation Oct. 19,
Reserve Scott Hagen 952-891-7983,
[email protected]
Vermillion Highlands 944 20 Nov. 27 - Dec. 12 5 Either-sex Mandatory Hunter orientation required
Wildlife Management Area prior to permit issuance.
Contact DNR wildlife office
for details: 651-322-4643
City of Grand Rapids 946 Unlimited Nov. 27 - Dec. 12 3 Either-sex Not applicable Hunters must apply
Lake Bemidji State Park 947 30 Dec. 3 - 5 2 Either-sex Mandatory No additional information
Savanna Portage State Park 948 30 Nov. 27 - Dec. 5 2 Either-sex Not applicable No additional information
St. Croix State Park 949 100 Dec. 1 - 5 2 Either-sex Mandatory No additional information

888-MINNDNR
 Bear
subject Dates

Start of baiting August 13

Bear season September 1 - October 17
Applications available for the 2022 season April 2022
Application deadline for the 2022 season May 6, 2022

Complete bear hunting regulations are available online at mndnr.gov/hunting/bear

Licenses
Residents and nonresidents can participate in a drawing for licenses within bear permit
areas, and they may purchase a license over the counter for the no-quota area.
• Bear lottery winners must purchase their license by August 1, 2021. Unsold and
any surplus licenses will then become available for purchase starting at noon on
August 4, 2021.
• Bear hunters who use online or telephone options to purchase licenses should use
extra care to assure their selections are correct.

Moose
There will be no state moose season in 2021. More information is available online at
mndnr.gov/moose. Tribal moose seasons may be open in some areas.

Elk
The application deadline for the 2021 elk hunt has passed. In total, 30 licenses were
issued in Kittson County.
The application deadline for next year’s elk hunt is June 17, 2022. There is a $4
application fee per hunter and a license for a party of up to two hunters costs $287.
Applications will be accepted at ELS agents statewide.

Habitat money available

The Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program is looking for organizations to
submit grant proposals to enhance, restore, or protect habitat for fish, game, and
wildlife in Minnesota. Visit our web page at mndnr.gov/cpl for more information.

Big Game 95
Waterfowl
Consult the Waterfowl Hunting Regulations Supplement available online and wherever
hunting and fishing licenses are sold for full details on waterfowl seasons.

Conservation grazing on wildlife

management areas—good for the resources
Conservation grazing can be an excellent grassland
management tool. Planned grazing can improve plant
diversity and habitat structure which benefits wildlife.
Hunting is allowed when livestock are on a WMA.
In most cases livestock will be removed
by mid-August. For more information see:
mndnr.gov/publications/wildlife

Wild Rice
Harvesting wild rice is open to Minnesota residents and nonresidents. All nonresident
harvesters are required to be licensed. Residents under 18 do not need a license
when accompanied by a licensed harvester. Season dates, hours and regulations on
equipment are available online at mndnr.gov/regulations/wildrice.

Save the wetlands

Protecting wetlands is crucial to ensuring healthy
populations of ducks, pheasants, herons, and even
deer. Minnesota leads the nation in protecting
wetlands. Let’s not lose that honor.

96 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 PUBLIC LANDS AND
WILDLIFE REFUGES
State Lands
Aquatic Management Areas
The DNR Fish and Wildlife Division acquires land along lakes and streams to provide
fishing opportunities and to protect critical fish habitat. These areas, known as Aquatic
Management Areas (AMAs), are posted with signs to indicate allowable uses. It is always
unlawful to leave personal equipment, such as tree stands, unattended on AMAs.

Wildlife Management Areas

Find a list of the newest wildlife management areas (WMAs) and additions to existing
wildlife management areas on the DNR’s WMA web page at: mndnr.gov/wmas, then
select “New WMAs.” All public land in state-owned wildlife management areas is
open to the hunting of all species of protected wild animals and trapping of mammals
during the established seasons found in this booklet, except as follows:

General restrictions
• Trespass: Portions of WMAs posted closed to trespassing may not be entered
without DNR authorization.
• Closed hours: WMAs may not be entered or used during closed hours if posted
with these restrictions at major access points, except by permit.
• Camping: Camping is prohibited except in designated overnight-use areas or with
a permit from the wildlife manager. A vehicle, trailer or tent lawfully left overnight
must be occupied or attended.
• Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed, except by persons lawfully
occupying an overnight-use area.
• Firearms and target shooting: Target, skeet, trap, or indiscriminate shooting is
prohibited. A person may not possess an uncased or loaded firearm or an uncased
or strung bow, except when lawfully taking a wild animal or by permit.
• Destruction or removal of property: Signs, posts, fences, gates, buildings,
trees, shrubs, vines, plants, or other property may not be destroyed or removed
(including use of metal detectors to remove property), except as follows: Wetland
vegetation may be used to build blinds on the area, and edible fruits and seeds, or
decorative portions of plants may be removed for personal use. Shed antlers may
be collected for personal use.
• Garbage disposal and animal abandonment: Disposing of or abandoning live
animals, carcasses, garbage, trash, spoil, sludge, rocks, vehicles, or other debris or
personal property on any WMA is prohibited.
• Hunting, fishing and trapping equipment: Boats, decoys, game cameras and other
equipment must not be left unattended overnight, with the exception of traps in
areas open to trapping and fish houses or dark houses in certain designated WMAs.

Continued on next page

Public Lands and Wildlife Refuges 97
 • Blinds and structures: A person may not construct or maintain any building, dock,
fence, billboard, sign, or other structure on any WMA, except that temporary
waterfowl blinds may be erected, but may not become private property or be used
to preempt hunting rights. Any materials brought into a WMA for the construction
of a blind must be removed each day at the close of hunting hours.
• Elevated stands: A person may not construct, occupy, or use any elevated scaffold
or other elevated device for the purpose of hunting, watching, or killing wild
animals, except that portable stands may be used if they are removed each day
at the close of hunting hours and do no permanent damage. Prior to the opening
day of archery deer season, portable stands may be left overnight in a wildlife
management area by a person with a valid bear license who is hunting within
100 yards of a bear bait site that is legally tagged and registered. The licensee’s
name and address, or drivers license number, or MNDNR number must be affixed
to the stand in such a manner that it can be read from the ground.
• Dogs: Dogs are permitted on WMAs only when accompanied by or under
the control of the owner. From April 16 through July 14, dogs must be on a
leash. A person training a dog on a WMA may not use live ammunition or blank
cartridges, including the use of blanks in dummy launchers or similar devices.
• Other domestic animals: Livestock, horses, and other domestic animals, are not
permitted on WMAs except under cooperative agreement or permit approved by
the wildlife manager.
• Unprotected animals: Unprotected wild animals may be taken from September 1
through the last day of February, or by any person legally hunting a protected
species, unless the area is specifically closed.
• Beaver and otter: Beavers and otters may only be taken by permit issued by the
wildlife manager.
• Crows: Crows may be taken during established seasons, unless the area is
specifically closed.

WMAs with special restrictions

Becklin Homestead Park WMA (Isanti County)—Is only open to accessible hunts.
Bass Brook WMA (Itasca County) St. Michael Meadow WMA (Wright County)—Closed
to hunting and trapping but open to archery deer hunting.
Bayport WMA (Washington County), Hastings WMA (Dakota County), and Raguet
WMA (Scott and Carver counties)—Closed to trapping unprotected mammals except
during trapping seasons for protected species. Firearms must be unloaded and cased,
except in designated hunting areas during the small game season when shotguns with
No. 4 or smaller shot only are permitted. Archery equipment is limited to designated
hunting areas during established seasons on the Bayport WMA.
Vermillion River AMA/WMA, Gores Pool #3 WMA (Dakota County)—Portions are
posted archery only for deer. On the same portions, all other game restricted to
shotguns with BBB shot or smaller.
Chub Lake WMA (Dakota County)—Portions are posted archery only.
Boerner WMA (Sibley County), Buelow WMA (Steele County), Bryson WMA (Freeborn
County), Chapa Kak-Say-Za WMA (Steele County), and Hutchinson WMA (McLeod
County)—These areas are closed to the hunting and trapping of all species.
Continued on next page
98 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR
Carl and Verna Schmidt WMA (LeSueur County) Bur Oak WMA (LeSueur County)
Hearding Island WMA and Interstate Island WMA (St. Louis County) and Pine City
WMA (Pine County)—Closed to hunting of all species.
Carlos Avery WMA Controlled Hunt Zone—Two waterfowl hunting areas are available
by drawing on Saturday and Tuesday mornings until the firearms deer opener. For
details go to: mndnr.gov/averyhunt, or call Carlos Avery WMA Headquarters at
651‑539-3323.
Gold Portage WMA (Koochiching and St. Louis coun­ties)—This area is open only to
waterfowl hunting.
Gun Lake WMA (Aitkin County)—A 20-acre posted wildlife sanctuary is closed to
trespass from September 1 through March 31.
Pelican Lake WMA (Wright County)—A 102-acre posted wildlife sanctuary is closed to
trespass from March 1 through November 30.
Four Corners WMA (Martin County)—The portion of Four Corners WMA located
South of County Road 32 (140th Street), east of State Highway 4 and north of North
Shore Drive posted as Wildlife Sanctuary is closed to access, hunting or trapping
during duck season from opening day through final day.
Hampton Woods WMA (Dakota County)—Open for archery deer hunting and spring
and fall turkey hunting. Small game may be taken through Nov. 30. Trapping and
predator hunting by special permit only. Only shotguns with fine shot (BBB or smaller
diameter) may be used. Some areas are posted “No Hunting.” Contact the Vermillion
Complex Wildlife Office for more information (651) 322-4643.
Haverhill WMA (Olmstead County)—Has buffer areas closed to the discharge of
firearms and hunting along the southern boundary and south of the west parking lot.
Closed to waterfowl hunting.
Uppgaard WMA (Crow Wing County)—This area is open to hunting beginning on the
opening day of waterfowl hunting.
Gordon W. Yeager WMA (in the Rochester Refuge, Olmsted County) Eastside WMA
(Olmsted County), and Clare Johnson–Carl Schmidt WMA (Morrison County)—These
areas are closed to waterfowl hunting. Except on the Eastside WMA, firearms are
restricted to shotgun with fine shot (No. 4 or smaller) only for small game hunting.
Gordon W. Yeager WMA—Closed to the discharge of firearms west of County Road 22
(East Circle Drive) by posting.
Lac qui Parle, Thief Lake, Talcot Lake, and Orwell WMAs—Small game hunting
(including fall turkey) is restricted in the Controlled Goose Hunting Zones.
Lake Blanche WMA (Ottertail County)—This area is closed to firearms deer hunting.
Mentel WMA (Mower County)—Closed to all firearms hunting, but it is open for
trapping and archery hunting.
Moose Willow WMA (Aitkin County)—The south portion of the Moose Pool has
been posted as a wildlife sanctuary, closed to access, hunting or trapping from
September 1 - March 31.
Talcot Lake WMA—Small and big game hunting is restricted in the controlled
hunting zone. Continued on next page
Public Lands and Wildlife Refuges 99
Ricehaven WMA (St. Louis County)—The posted sanctuary is closed to all trespass
from September 15 through November 24. Canoeing, birdwatching, and wild rice
harvest (during the wild rice season) is allowed from May 1 through September 14.
Hunting and trapping for any species for which there is an open season is allowed from
November 25 through April 30 in the posted area.
Sand Prairie WMA (Sherburne County)—Open during the regular archery season for
youth ages 10 through 17.
Sandstone WMA (Pine County)—Open to archery hunting for deer (no firearms deer
hunting). Archery bear hunting by special permit only. Call General Andrews Field
Office (218) 423-6026 for permit. Open to hunting and trapping of all other species
by legal means during designated seasons.
Timber Lake WMA (Jackson County)—The area east of 440th Avenue and South of
State Highway 60 is closed to firearms deer hunting (as posted). Portions are closed
to all hunting during the duck season from opening day through final day (as posted).
Pike Bay WMA (St. Louis County)—This area is closed to trapping of all species.
Schrafel WMA (Mower County)—This area is closed to trapping and firearms hunting.
Open to falconry and archery hunting for deer and small game.
Dr. Johan C. Hvoslef WMA (Fillmore County)—This area is open to archery hunting
only from September 1 through October 31 and during the spring turkey season.
Firearms hunting (no centerfire rifles) is allowed from November 1 through
December 15.
Wesley Olson WMA (Big Stone County)—A portion is closed to all trespass, but the
remaining area is open to hunting.
West Heron Lake WMA (Jackson County)—The area north of 860th Street
posted as Wildlife Sanctuary is closed September 1 through the final day of duck
season (as posted).
Tom Cliff WMA (Waseca County), Somsen WMA (Brown County)—Closed to hunting.
Perched Valley WMA (Goodhue County) and Yucatan WMA (Fillmore and Houston
counties)—Has buffer areas posted closed to hunting.
Roseau River WMA (Roseau County)—The Pool 1 Sanctuary is open for deer hunting
during the muzzleloader season (including archery hunting).
Vermillion Highlands—A Research, Recreation and Wildlife Management Area (Dakota
County) is open to archery, firearms and muzzleloader deer hunting by special lottery
only and is open to late season pheasant and goose hunting and spring turkey hunting.
Pheasant and goose hunting is open from December 13, 2021 through the end of the
respective seasons. Predator hunting is allowed from January 1 - March 15 by special
permit only. Closed to small game and all other species not listed above. Contact the
Vermillion Complex Wildlife Office for questions at 651-322-4643.

Public hunting land maps

Find exact boundaries of WMAs, WPAs, state forests, national forests,
and national wildlife refuges using the Recreation Compass online
at mndnr.gov/maps/compass

100 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

Northwest Minnesota wildlife management area regulations

201
201 313
Kittson
Kittson Warroad
Hallock 105
105
263
263 Badger 267
267 Roseau 5
Lake Bronson
Roseau
Roseau
Greenbush
KEY
B

Dicks Parkway F.R.

Karlstad
County
260
260 268
268 Border
1
101
101
6 54

A
264
264 111
111
Marshall
Marshall 203 89
203
Warren 44
Red Lake
1 219 Res. Bdry. 89
Polk
Polk Pennington 208
Pennington 208
261 256
256 Thief River Falls 1 Beltrami
Beltrami
261 209
209

Area A: On WMAs within this area, ATVs are permitted on designated ATV trails only,
except during regular firearms deer season ATVs are:
• Permitted off trail by licensed deer hunters before and after legal shooting hours
and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Permitted off trail by licensed deer hunters to retrieve a harvested deer the day
after the end of the season.
Area B: Within this area, an ATV may be used by a licensed firearms deer hunter who
does not possess a firearm (cased or uncased) to retrieve and transport a deer
that is known to be dead from the close of shooting hours to two hours after the
close of shooting hours during the regular firearms deer season and for one day after
the season.
Experimental regulations that allowed portable stands overnight in some northwest
WMAs have expired. Portable stands are no longer allowed overnight in these areas.

Trapping permits required

All trappers must, regardless of furbearers taken, obtain a permit from the area
manager on the following WMAs: Carlos Avery (Anoka and Chisago counties),
Hampton Woods (Dakota County), Hubbel Pond (Becker County), Red Lake (Beltrami
and Lake of the Woods counties), Lac qui Parle (Big Stone, Lac qui Parle, Swift, and
Chippewa counties), Mille Lacs (Mille Lacs and Kanabec counties), Roseau River
(Roseau County), Talcot Lake (Cottonwood and Murray counties), Thief Lake (Marshall
County), Vermillion Highlands (Dakota County) and Whitewater (Olmsted, Wabasha,
and Winona counties).

Wild rice
A person may harvest wild rice in a WMA, except where specifically closed. See
page 96 for more information.

Ginseng
A person may not harvest wild ginseng in a WMA, except in the Whitewater WMA by
permit from the area wildlife manager. The season opens September 1.

Public Lands and Wildlife Refuges 101

Motor vehicles and aircraft
The following regulations apply to motor vehicle and aircraft use on WMAs other than
on federal, state, county, or township roads:
• No person may use aircraft over a WMA in a manner that chases, herds, scares,
or otherwise disturbs wildlife, except in emergencies or by authorization of the
wildlife manager. Drones may not be flown over wildlife management areas.
• Motor vehicles licensed for use on a public highway may be operated on
established roads on the following WMAs, but not at speeds over 20 mph, unless
posted otherwise. No vehicles may be driven beyond a sign prohibiting vehicular
use, beyond any constructed vehicle barrier, or in a reckless or careless manner.
The areas are: Carlos Avery (Anoka and Chisago counties), Hubbel Pond (Becker
County), Mille Lacs (Kanabec and Mille Lacs counties), Red Lake (Beltrami and
Lake of the Woods counties), Roseau River (Roseau County), Spring Lake Islands
(Dakota County) for the purpose of ice fishing, and Thief Lake (Marshall County).
• Vehicles are prohibited on all other WMAs. The exception is that vehicles may be
operated at speeds of 20 mph or less, on travel routes designated with signs for
travel purposes.
• No vehicle may be parked in front of any gate or where it obstructs travel.
• No person may operate an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), all-terrain cycle (ATC), hang
glider, air boat, personal watercraft (jet-ski), or hovercraft in a WMA unless
specifically authorized.
• Without written permission from the DNR, no person may operate a snowmobile
in a WMA south of a line described as follows: U.S. Highway 2 from Grand Forks
east to Bemidji, then south along U.S. Highway 71 to Wadena, then east along U.S.
Highway 10 to Staples and U.S. Highway 210 to the eastern boundary of the state.

Accessible blinds
The Carlos Avery, Lac qui Parle, Roseau River, Talcot Lake, and Whitewater Wildlife
Management Areas have a number of accessible goose or duck hunting blinds for
hunters with mobility issues. Talcot Lake WMA and Roseau River WMA each have a
wheelchair accessible deer blind for firearms hunting. Reservations are required for
the Roseau River and Talcot Lake WMA blinds. A wheelchair accessible deer blind
is available during all deer seasons on a first come, first served basis at the Russ
Blandford WMA (Rock County, administered by Talcot Lake WMA). Interested persons
are strongly encouraged to call ahead for blind and site accessibility details.
For more information, contact: Carlos Avery WMA, 5463-C West Broadway, Forest
Lake, MN 55025, phone 651-539-3323; Lac qui Parle WMA, 14047 20th Street
NW, Watson, MN 56295, phone 320-734-4451 Ext 222; Talcot Lake WMA, 40249
County Road 7, Dundee, MN 56131, phone 507-468-2248; Roseau River WMA, 27952
400th Street, Roseau, MN 56751, phone 218-452-7610; or Whitewater WMA, 15035
Highway 74, Altura, MN 55910, phone 507-796-3281.

102 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

Motorized watercraft
The use of outboard motors (including electric trolling motors) or motorized water
vehicles (including amphibious vehicles) is prohibited on waters within the boundaries
of most state WMAs, except as follows:

Motorized Watercraft Permitted

Area County
Gold Portage WMA Koochiching and St. Louis
Gores (Mississippi River Pool 3) WMA Goodhue and Dakota
Hubbel Pond (Hanson Lake) WMA Becker
Lac qui Parle WMA Big Stone, Lac qui Parle,
(except where posted) Chippewa and Swift
Mud-Goose WMA Cass
Motor size is restricted to 10 horsepower or less except during the
waterfowl season, when no motors, including trolling motors,
are allowed.
Orwell Reservoir Otter Tail
Motor size is restricted to 10 horsepower or less.
Roseau River WMA Roseau
There are no motor limits on the main channel and oxbows of the
Roseau River. Elsewhere on the Roseau River WMA, motors of
10 horsepower or less may be used only on days that the waterfowl
season is open.
South Walnut Lake WMA Faribault
Motor size is restricted to 10 horsepower or less.
Swamp River WMA Cook
Spring Lake Islands WMA Dakota
Talcot Lake WMA Cottonwood and Murray
On the Talcot Lake WMA, motors are permitted on the lake
(except on any day that the waterfowl season is open) but are
prohibited on the river and marshes at any time of year.
Thief Lake WMA Marshall
Motor size is restricted to 10 horsepower or less.
Eugene H. Wynn Jr. Memorial WMA (formerly V&S1 WMA) Pine County

State refuges
Game refuges
A state game refuge is closed to the hunting and trapping of wild animals unless listed
below or in the table (pages 105-107). Even though a refuge may be open, it could
contain privately owned land on which the landowner may prohibit access.
General restrictions
• A person may not trap beaver or otter within any state-owned game refuge
without first obtaining a permit from the appropriate wildlife manager.
• Unprotected wild animals may be taken when there is an open season for any
protected species, but only during the hours and by methods allowed for the
protected species.
Continued on next page
Public Lands and Wildlife Refuges 103
 • Firearms must be cased and unloaded and bows must be cased unless lawfully
hunting in a refuge.
Lac qui Parle Game Refuge (Chippewa and Lac qui Parle counties)—Is open under the
following restrictions: the portions of the refuge within the Lac qui Parle State Park,
Lac qui Parle Mission Site, Rosemoen Island, or portions that are posted with “State
Wildlife Sanctuary—Do Not Trespass” signs are closed to hunting except for permitted
participants in disability hunts or those with specific authorization.
The remainder of the refuge is open to:
• Deer hunting.
• Waterfowl hunting at designated hunting stations only from October 21 through
the end of the goose season. Stations are available first-come, first-served.
• Small game (including turkey) other than waterfowl, except from October 9
through November 30. Small game hunting is not allowed on closed Canada goose
hunting days during a split goose season.
No unauthorized person may trespass during the dates posted on any part of the
refuge posted with “State Wildlife Sanctuary—Do Not Trespass” signs.
The exceptions are:
• Ice fishing.
• NEW—Open water fishing is permitted in the posted closed area except from
November 1 through the close of the open Canada goose season.
Rochester Refuge (Olmsted County)—Unprotected animals may be taken at any time
and by any legal method.
Talcot Lake Game Refuge (Cottonwood County)—The Talcot Lake Game Refuge is
open to waterfowl hunting only at designated hunting stations only during the Canada
goose season. The Talcot Lake Waterfowl Refuge is closed to waterfowl hunting,
except for persons with disabilities hunting geese at designated hunting stations.
Ogechie Lake (Mille Lacs County)—The majority of Ogechie Lake lies within Mille Lacs
Kathio State Park, and the remainder lies within tribal land. As such, all of Ogechie
Lake is closed to public hunting.

Duck refuges and duck sanctuaries

From September 1 through the final day of the duck season, or as otherwise posted, a
person may not hunt, trap, fish, or trespass on portions of state wildlife management
areas or federal waterfowl production areas that are posted to prohibit trespass.

Goose or waterfowl refuges

State goose refuges are closed to goose or waterfowl hunting (as posted) except
when specifically opened during special seasons (see page 108). Other forms of
hunting and trapping are permitted during the established seasons.

104 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 Hunting and Trapping on State Game Refuges
Refuges may be private property. Landowner permission may be required. Small game includes turkey; excludes waterfowl. For refuges open to
goose hunting, see page 108.

County Refuge Small game Trapping Ducks Deer/bear (firearms) Deer/bear (archery)
Beltrami Bemidji Closed Nov. 4 - 21 Open for beaver, Closed Muzzleloader deer Open 
mink, muskrat, season only
and otter
Beltrami
Hagali-Rice Open Nov. 1 Open Nov. 1 Closed Open Open
Blue Earth and East Minnesota River Archery turkey only Closed  Closed Closed Open
Le Sueur
Clay Clay County Open Closed Closed  Open Open
Crow Wing Cross Lake Archery turkey only Open Closed Closed Open
Dakota Bellwood Closed Open Closed Closed Open
Dakota and Carleton Closed Closed Closed Closed Special archery deer
Rice hunt. See page 86.
Dodge Claremont Open Open Closed Muzzleloader deer Open
season only
Douglas Evansville Closed Open Closed Open Closed
Douglas
Lake Winona Closed Open Closed Closed Closed
Freeborn Moscow Open Open Closed Open Open
Freeborn
Albert Lea Open Open Closed Open Open
Hubbard Paul Bunyan Closed Nov. 4 - 14 Open Closed Muzzleloader deer Open
season only
Hubbard
Park Rapids Closed Open Closed Closed Open
Hubbard
Schoolcraft Closed Nov. 4 - 21 Open Closed Closed Open 

Public Lands and Wildlife Refuges

105
Continued on next page
 Hunting and Trapping on State Game Refuges continued

106
County Refuge Small game Trapping Ducks Deer/bear (firearms) Deer/bear (archery)
Isanti Elizabeth Lake Open Open Closed Open Open
Isanti
German Lake Open Open Closed Open Open
Itasca Lower Pigeon Lake Closed Closed Closed Open Open
Itasca
Pigeon River Flowage Closed Closed Closed Open Open
Kanabec Fish Lake-Ann River Open Open Open for Open Open
ducks and
geese
Martin Fox Lake Open Open Closed Open Open
McLeod Glencoe Izaak Walton League Closed Open Closed Closed Closed
McLeod
Gopher Campfire Closed Open Closed Closed Closed
Meeker Lake Ripley Open after duck Open after Closed Closed Closed
season duck season

2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations

Morrison Camp Ripley Closed Closed Closed Closed Open for deer only
by permit
Nobles Ocheda Lake Open before duck Open Closed Deer before duck Deer before duck
season, after Dec. 1 season, after Dec. 1 season, after Dec. 1
Olmsted Rochester Open Open Closed Open Open
Otter Tail Erhard’s Grove Open Closed Closed Open Open
Otter Tail
Little Pine Lake Closed Open Closed Closed Closed
Pine Pine County Unit 2 Open Open Open for Closed Open
ducks and
geese

Pipestone Hiawatha Open Open Closed Closed Open

(shotgun only)

888-MINNDNR
Continued on next page
 Hunting and Trapping on State Game Refuges continued

County Refuge Small game Trapping Ducks Deer/bear (firearms) Deer/bear (archery)
Polk Oak Lake Closed Open Closed Closed Closed
Polk and Polk-Clearwater Closed Open Closed Closed Open
Clearwater
Rice Nerstrand (written landowner Open Open Closed Open Open
permission required)
Roseau Marvin Lake Open Open Closed Open Open
Roseau
Warroad Closed Open Closed Closed Deer only 
St. Louis Butterball Closed Open Nov. 25 Closed Closed Closed
St. Louis
Little Rice Closed Open Nov. 25 Closed Closed Closed
Sherburne  Clear Lake Open Closed Closed Deer only Deer only 
Sherburne St. Cloud Closed Closed Closed Closed St. Cloud, city permit
and Stearns may be required
Stearns Cedar Lake Closed Closed Closed Deer only Deer only 
Stearns
Collegeville (St. Johns) Closed Closed Closed Written permission Deer only, written
required permission required
Watonwan St. James Closed Open Closed Closed Closed
Wilkin Sunnyside Twp. Closed Open Closed Closed Closed
Winona Whitewater Open Open by permit Closed Deer only by permit; Closed
Open during youth
deer season
Wright Howard Lake Closed Open Closed Closed Closed
Yellow Hanley Falls Closed Closed Closed Closed Written permission

Public Lands and Wildlife Refuges

Medicine required

107
State Refuges Open to Goose Hunting
COUNTY Refuge Open Season
Beltrami Bemidji Game Refuge (except Lake Early goose Sept. 4 - 19
Bemidji, Mississippi River and
Stump Lake)
Clay Clay County Game Refuge Early goose Sept. 4 - 19
Dakota Vermillion Highlands Research, Goose Dec. 13 - 29
Recreation and WMA
Dodge Claremont Game Refuge Goose hunting
Douglas Evansville Game Refuge Waterfowl hunting; Early goose
Sept. 4 - 19
Freeborn Moscow Game Refuge Goose hunting
Isanti Elizabeth Lake Game Refuge Early goose season and youth
German Lake Game Refuge participating in a mentored hunt
Martin Mud-Bardwell Game Refuge Canada geese Oct. 9 - Dec. 29
Nobles Ocheda Lake Game Refuge Youth Waterfowl Weekend; Early goose
Sept. 4 - 19; Dec. 4 - 29
Olmsted Rochester Game Refuge Early goose Sept. 4 - 19
Steele Rickert Waterfowl Refuge Early goose Sept. 4 - 19
except Myron Buelow Waterfowl
Sanctuary WMA
Stevens Harstad Slough Waterfowl Refuge Early goose Sept. 4 - 19
Watonwan Saint James Game Refuge Goose hunting Sept. 25 - 26

Buy Local. Burn Local.

HELP PROTECT MINNESOTA’S TREES

Only approved firewood is

allowed on DNR lands
Approved firewood is:
• Firewood purchased from the DNR.
• Firewood purchased from an approved vendor (check out mndnr.gov/firewood
for a list of approved vendors).
• Kiln-dried wood, such as unstained, unpainted dimensional lumber free of
metal or other foreign objects.
These restrictions are needed to help prevent the introduction, or slow the spread,
of damaging forest pests, including emerald ash borer, gypsy moth, and oak
wilt. Help protect Minnesota’s forests by leaving firewood at home! Check with
the state park, state forest campground, or other state recreational facility you
will be visiting to get the latest recommendations and restrictions on firewood
movement to and within Minnesota.

108 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

State forests
State forest lands are generally open for hunting and other types of outdoor
recreation. Hunting on private land within a state forest is subject to state trespass
laws. A partial summary of state forest use regulations is included below. A complete
listing is available from the DNR.

Elevated stands
• The use of portable tree stands is recommended, especially those which can be
secured without driving nails into trees. Nails are a safety hazard for woodcutters
and harm the forest.
• Personal property must be removed from State Forest lands.
• It is illegal to destroy state property, including the cutting of trees for
shooting lanes.
• Littering and erecting permanent buildings are prohibited.
• Any permanent unoccupied stand or blind on public land is public and not the
property of the person who constructed the stand.

Firewood
Wood that is dead and lying on the ground may be gathered for campfire use on site.
Only approved firewood is allowed to be brought onto DNR lands. See page 108.

Campfires
No permit is required for recreational campfires of less than 3 feet in diameter, in an
area cleared of combustible materials for 5 feet around the fire.

Firearms
• Firearms may be discharged in compliance with the law on forest lands that are
not posted closed to firearm discharge.
• Firearms must be unloaded and cased while in or within 200 feet of a forest
recreation area (campground, day use area, parking area), except that during open
hunting seasons a person may carry an unloaded, uncased firearm or a strung,
uncased bow to hunt outside the recreation area.

Camping
Camping on forest lands outside of developed campgrounds is permitted, with
some conditions.

Personal property
Personal property may not be left or positioned so as to obstruct use of a road or
trail. Personal property left unattended for 14 days shall be deemed abandoned.

Motor vehicle and off-road rules

State forest hunting/trapping exceptions
Traveling off roads and trails (cross-country travel) in a LIMITED state forest
or off roads, trails and access routes in a MANAGED state forest is prohibited
except persons with a valid hunting, trapping, or commercial trapping license in
possession may use Class I ATVs to travel cross country to:
• Retrieve big game (September through December).
• Hunt for big game and construct stands (October through December).

Continued on next page

Public Lands and Wildlife Refuges 109
State forests continued

• Trap during the open season for protected furbearers.

• Trap for minnows under certain conditions.
Areas with limitations: The big game hunter/trapper exceptions do not apply in
areas signed and mapped as “No Motorized Travel.” It also does not apply within
the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest.

Motor vehicle restrictions

On state forest and county lands within state forests where motor vehicles
are allowed:
• No motor vehicle operation is allowed on designated nonmotorized trails, unless
also posted open for a motorized use.
• Motor vehicles or snowmobiles may not operate on forest lands in a manner that
causes erosion or rutting, or that damages or destroys trees or growing crops.
The no-rutting provision does not apply on designated motorized trails.
• Motor vehicles on state forest roads must: travel at a reasonable speed; obey
posted speed limits, parking and traffic regulation signs; observe road closures;
and may not damage the road, land or other natural resources.
• Construction of unauthorized permanent trails on forest lands is prohibited.
• In the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest, motor vehicles and
snowmobiles may operate only on forest roads that are not posted closed and on
forest trails that are designated for motorized use. No motorized travel is allowed
off of designated trails under any circumstances. Motorized trails are open to ATVs
and OHMs from May 1 through November 1.

110 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

Scientific and Natural Areas
State Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs) listed here are open to hunting and trapping
as noted below. Also, check the DNR website for changes in SNAs open to hunting.
Portable stands and elevated scaffold may be used if it is removed each day at the
close of shooting hours and does no damage to trees or other vegetation. Nails,
spikes, screws or other devices that damage the bark of trees are prohibited. No
motor vehicles are allowed in SNAs. More on SNAs can be found at mndnr.gov/snas/.

SNAs Open to Hunting and Trapping

Trapping allowed only where specified.

County Area Open for

Aitkin McGregor Marsh SNA All hunting

Becker Dinner Creek SNA All hunting and trapping

Beltrami Maurice O’Link Ribbed Fen All hunting (wholly within Red Lake
Unit SNA Peatland SNA)
Brown Joseph A. Tauer Prairie SNA All hunting and trapping

Carlton Hemlock Ravine SNA Deer only by permit, in conjunction with

Jay Cooke State Park
Carver Seminary Fen SNA Archery hunting only

Chisago Franconia Bluffs SNA All hunting 

Lawrence Creek SNA Archery deer only

Clay Felton Prairie SNA, Bicentennial Deer hunting only

Unit only 
Clearwater Iron Springs Bog SNA Deer hunting only 
Clearwater
Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary SNA Firearms deer hunting only, including
muzzleloader season, in conjunction with
Itasca State Park hunts.
Cook Hovland Woods SNA All hunting
Cook
Lutsen SNA All hunting; except only deer hunting
in Scherer Conservation Unit. See SNA
website for map.
Cook
Myhr Creek Ridge SNA All hunting
Cook
Spring Beauty Northern All hunting
Hardwoods SNA
Crow Wing Mille Lacs Moraine SNA All hunting

Fillmore Rushford Sand Barrens SNA All hunting

Goodhue Cannon River Turtle Preserve SNA All hunting

Houston Brownsville Bluff SNA Deer only, no hunting in posted

sanctuary. See SNA website for map.
Houston
Mound Prairie SNA All hunting in the portion north of
Hwy 16; deer only in the south portion. 

Continued on next page

Public Lands and Wildlife Refuges 111
SNAs Open to Hunting and Trapping continued
County Area Open for

Hubbard Badoura Jack Pine Woodland All hunting and trapping

Hubbard
La Salle Lake SNA All hunting and trapping
Hubbard
Lester Lake SNA All hunting and trapping

Itasca Boltuck-Rice Forever Wild SNA All hunting

Itasca
Chisholm Point Island SNA Deer only, by archery 
Itasca
Ladies Tresses Swamp SNA All hunting
Itasca
Little Too Much Lake SNA All hunting
Itasca
Lost 40 SNA All hunting
Itasca
Mississippi Oxbow SNA All hunting and trapping
Itasca
Potato Lake SNA All hunting
Itasca
Wabu Woods SNA  All hunting

Koochiching Caldwell Brook Cedar Swamp SNA All hunting

Koochiching
Watrous Island SNA All hunting and trapping

Lac qui Parle Yellow Bank Hills SNA All hunting and trapping

Lake of the Gustafson’s Camp SNA All hunting and trapping

Woods
Lake of the Woods
Pine and Curry Island SNA Waterfowl only

Mahnomen Santee Prairie SNA All hunting and trapping

Morrison Lake Alexander Woods SNA Portions open to deer hunting. See SNA
website for map. 
Norman Prairie Smoke Dunes SNA Antlerless deer hunting only

Pine Black Lake Bog SNA All hunting and trapping

Pipestone Prairie Coteau SNA All hunting and trapping

Polk Gully Fen SNA Deer only, by archery

Redwood Cedar Rock SNA All hunting and trapping

Redwood
Cedar Mountain SNA Deer only, by archery

Renville River Warren Outcrop SNA All hunting and trapping

Rice Prairie Creek Woods SNA Muzzleloader deer only by permit in

conjunction with Nerstrand Big Woods
State Park special hunt.
Roseau Two Rivers Aspen Prairie All hunting
Parkland SNA 
Scott Savage Fen SNA Archery hunting only

Continued on next page

112 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR
SNAs Open to Hunting and Trapping continued

County Area Open for

Sherburne Uncas Dunes SNA  All hunting

St. Louis Big Island SNA Waterfowl hunting only

St. Louis
Moose Mountain SNA Deer only; archery Sept. 18 - Nov. 21,
firearm Nov. 6 - 21
Stearns Avon Hills Forest SNA Deer only, by archery
Stearns
St. Wendel Tamarack Bog SNA All hunting

Wabasha Zumbro Falls Woods SNA Antlerless deer hunting by permit

Yellow Medicine Antelope Valley SNA All hunting and trapping

Yellow Medicine
Mound Spring Prairie SNA All hunting and trapping

Peatland SNAs Open to All Trapping and Hunting

County Peatland SNA
Beltrami  Red Lake Peatland SNA
Cass Hole-in-the-Bog Peatland SNA (Except Hole-in-the-Bog Lake,
which is a waterfowl refuge)
Koochiching East Rat Root River Peatland SNA
Koochiching
Lost River Peatland SNA
Koochiching
Myrtle Lake Peatland SNA
Koochiching
North Black River Peatland SNA
Koochiching
South Black River Peatland SNA
Koochiching
West Rat Root River Peatland SNA
Lake Sand Lake Peatland SNA
Lake of the Woods/Beltrami Mulligan Lake Peatland SNA
Lake of the Woods Norris Camp Peatland SNA
Lake of the Woods
Winter Road Lake Peatland SNA
Roseau Luxemburg Peatland SNA
Roseau
Pine Creek Peatland SNA
Roseau
Sprague Creek Peatland SNA
St. Louis Lost Lake Peatland SNA

Public Lands and Wildlife Refuges 113

 State Parks and State Recreation Areas
All or portions of the state parks and state recreation areas (SRA) listed on the
following page are open to public hunting, or public hunting and trapping according to
Minnesota regulations unless otherwise noted. Maps showing the areas where hunting
and trapping is allowed within each of these units are available online at mndnr.gov/
parksandtrails. Hunters and trappers should refer to these maps in the field to ensure
they are within the portion of the state park or state recreation area where these
activities are permitted.
With the exception of restrictions on firearms and traps, all state park rules remain in
effect throughout the hunting and trapping seasons.
No permanent stands may be placed in state parks or state recreation areas open
to hunting. Portable tree stands may be used for hunting (in areas open to hunting)
or watching wild animals if the stand is removed each day and does no permanent
damage to the tree in which it is placed. In areas of state parks or state recreation
areas open to hunting by special permit, early placement of portable stands is allowed
under the following conditions:
• Portable stands may be placed during normal business hours only and no more
than seven days before the hunt. Stands must be removed no more than one day
after the hunt.
• All stands must have owner/hunter identification on them.
• Only portable stands that do no damage to trees or other vegetation are allowed.
Nails, screws or other devices that damage the bark of trees are prohibited. No
screw-in steps are allowed.
• Only one stand is allowed per hunter.

State parks and SRAs open to public hunting

Big Bog State Recreation Area
Most of the northern portion of Big Bog SRA is open to public hunting and trapping.
Hunting and trapping is not allowed on Ludlow Island and vicinity or the boardwalk.
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Much of Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area is open to public hunting, but closed
to trapping.
Forestville Mystery Cave State Park
Approximately 430 acres of the park is open to public hunting but closed to trapping.
Garden Island State Recreation Area
Much of Garden Island State Recreation Area is open to public hunting but closed
to trapping.
George H. Crosby Manitou State Park
The portion of the park which is east of the Manitou River and north of Minnesota
Highway 61 (approximately 3,000 acres) is open to public hunting but closed
to trapping.
Greenleaf State Recreation Area
Open to archery deer hunting following general archery season regulations. No
special permit required. No bonus permits allowed. Kristy Rice (DNR), 320-234-2550,
[email protected]
Continued on next page
114 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR
La Salle State Recreation Area
Most of La Salle SRA is open to public hunting and trapping of protected species
during open seasons. Hunting and trapping is not allowed in the vicinity of the
campground and cabins.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Approximately 50 acres in the far northern part of the park is open to public hunting
but closed to trapping.
Temperance River State Park
Approximately 600 acres of Temperance River State Park is open to public hunting
but closed to trapping. The area is located north of Minnesota Highway 61 and
adjacent to the Cross River on both sides.
Tettegouche State Park
Much of the southern half of the park (approximately 3,700 acres) known as the
Palisade Valley unit is open to public hunting and trapping.

Federal Lands
Waterfowl Production Areas and National Wildlife Refuges
Federal Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) are open to public hunting except where
prohibited. National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) are closed unless expressly permitted.
Please consult the appropriate NWRs and Wetland Management District (WMDs)
managers or fws.gov/refuges for specific regulations.
General restrictions
• Small game hunters using shotguns, including turkey hunters, are required to use
and possess only non-toxic shot.
• Small game hunters must wear an article of blaze orange/pink consistent with
state regulations.
• Target shooting is prohibited.
• During the small game season, hunting dogs must be under the immediate control
of the hunter. Training and allowing pets off leash are prohibited.
• Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all NWRs and WPAs except on designated
parking areas, access roads, and public roads. Permits to operate vehicles on other
roads may be available for hunters with disabilities.
• Motorized watercraft are prohibited on all WPAs and are restricted on most
NWRs. Motorized watercraft are allowed without a permit on designated portions
of the Tamarac and Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge.
• Camping, campfires and overnight parking are prohibited on all WPAs including
designated parking areas. Camping, campfires, and overnight parking are
restricted on most NWRs.
• No permanent stands are permitted. Also prohibited are the use of nails, wire,
screws, or bolts to attach a stand to a tree or hunting from a tree, into which a
metal object has been driven to support a hunter. Portable hunting stands must be
set up and removed each day.

Continued on next page

Public Lands and Wildlife Refuges 115
 • All property brought onto a NWR or WPA must be removed after each day. This
includes all vehicles, boats, decoys, trail cameras and trash.
• The use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited.
• The destruction, defacement, disturbance or unauthorized removal of any natural
object or government property is prohibited.
• Plants and animals cannot be introduced, liberated or placed on NWRs or WPAs.
• Disposing of animal carcasses, trash, refuse rocks, wood or other debris
is prohibited.
• Cutting, mowing, sawing, digging, collecting, injuring or removing vegetation
is prohibited.
• Distribution of feed or bait, or hunting over bait is prohibited. This includes salts
and minerals.
• Launching, landing, disturbing of wildlife by, or hunting with an unmanned aircraft/
drones on national wildlife refuges or waterfowl production areas is prohibited.

Trapping
A person may not trap in a National Wildlife Refuge without a permit from the
refuge manager. Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) are open to trapping per state
regulations unless specifically prohibited.

Artificial lights
A person may not use a spotlight, headlight, or other artificial light to spot, locate, or
take any wild animal in a NWR or WPA.
Find information about federal lands in Minnesota online at fws.gov/refuges/hunting/

National forest lands in Minnesota

National forest lands in Minnesota are open to many public uses, including camping,
hunting, fishing, trapping, snowmobiling, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) use with
some restrictions.
Minnesota state hunting, fishing, trapping, snowmobiling and OHV regulations apply on
national forest lands, except as otherwise stated below or in national forest regulations.
Special designation areas within national forests, such as designated Wilderness Areas,
Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Areas, and Research Natural Areas may have additional
restrictions:
• Only portable stands or blinds that do not damage natural features and are
removed at the end of the hunting season are permitted.
• Portable stands and blinds left unattended on national forest lands after the close
of the hunting season are subject to impoundment.
• Cross-country or off-road OHV use for any purpose is prohibited. This includes the
use of OHVs for big game retrieval, bear baiting and trapping.
• Commercial activities such as outfitting and guiding may not be conducted
without a Special-Use Authorization issued by national forest management.
• Cutting or damaging of trees, including the cutting of shooting lanes, is prohibited.
• Constructing, placing, or maintaining any kind of road, trail, structure or other
improvement is prohibited. This includes the use or occupancy of a permanent
stand, blind or OHV trail.
• Storing or abandoning any personal property on national forest lands is prohibited.

Continued on next page

116 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR
 • Discharging a firearm within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed
recreation site, or occupied area is not allowed on national forest land.
• Dumping of any refuse, debris, trash or litter on national forest lands is prohibited.
• Damaging or removing any natural/cultural feature or federal property
is prohibited.
• Fire restrictions must be observed when in effect.
Chippewa National Forest (Beltrami, Cass and Itasca counties)
• The Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), is the legal guide for Motor Vehicle use
on Forest Roads, it is updated annually, which could affect your riding. Forest
Roads are identified on the MVUM and on the ground with a three- or four-digit
numbered sign.
• Off-highway Vehicles (OHV) and Highway Licensed Vehicles (HLV), may only
operate on Forest Roads designated open on the MVUM, which are available FREE
at the Forest Supervisors or District Ranger Offices.
• Roads that are signed, gated, bermed with dirt, rocks, trees etc. or not designated
open on the MVUM are closed to motor vehicles.
• Snowmobiles may operate on any unplowed Forest Service roads with 4 or more
inches of snow accumulation.
• Camping within a developed recreation fee area for a period longer than 14 days
is prohibited. Campers must leave campground for a minimum of 24 hours before
returning.
• Camping for a period longer than 21 consecutive days at a single location, anywhere
on National Forest lands (non-fee areas), is prohibited.
• Launching or retrieving a boat with a trailer is prohibited except at a designated
boat ramp.
Superior National Forest (Cook, Lake and St. Louis counties)
• Motorized travel on the Superior National Forest is only allowed on roads
and trails as designated by an annual Motor Vehicle Use Map. Copies of the
map are available at Superior National Forest offices and online at the forest
website: fs.usda.gov/superior
• Snowmobiles may operate off-road in certain areas and on unplowed Forest Service
roads with 4 or more inches of snow accumulation.
• Camping within a developed recreational site for a period longer than 14 days,
except as otherwise posted, is prohibited.
• Camping for a period longer than 14 consecutive days at a single location, or longer
than 30 consecutive days anywhere on National Forest lands, is prohibited.
• Permits are required year-round for entry into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Wilderness. Wilderness rules and regulations apply to all visitors.
• Motor vehicles and all other types of motorized and mechanized equipment
are prohibited in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness except in
specified areas.
For additional information, contact: Chippewa National Forest, 200 Ash Ave. NW, Cass
Lake, MN 56633, 218-335-8600, fs.usda.gov/chippewa; or Superior National Forest,
8901 Grand Ave. Place, Duluth, MN 55808, 218‑626‑4300, fs.usda.gov/superior
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
For information on trapping, which is restricted at the riverway, see nps.gov/sacn/
planyourvisit/trapping.htm
Continued on next page
Public Lands and Wildlife Refuges 117
 County Lands
Cass County managed forest lands
• Tree stands that damage trees are not allowed; no nails, bolts, or screws. All new
tree stands that damage trees will be removed; old tree stands will be removed as
timber sales take place in an area.
• The county encourages portable tree stands, freestanding stands, and any tree
stands that do not damage trees.
Crow Wing County managed forest lands
Permanent hunting stands are prohibited by ordinance.

Tribal Lands
Lands of the Red Lake Ojibwe Band
Lands belonging to the Red Lake Band of Ojibwe Indians in Beltrami, Koochiching,
Lake of the Woods, and Roseau counties are closed to non-band members except by
special authorization of the tribal council. Persons taking, tagging, and transporting
deer from reservation lands on the Northwest Angle in accordance with the Red Lake
Band Code do not need a state license.
Other tribal lands
Nett Lake in Koochiching and St. Louis counties is closed to hunting by non-band
members, except for duck hunting when accompanied by a band-member guide.
Other reservation lands may be open for hunting or trapping to non-band members by
authorization of the reservations. All non-band members who are hunting or trapping
on reservation lands must comply with all state regulations, including licensing.

118 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 CONTACT INFORMATION
DNR Information Center
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4040
651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367
For TTY/TDD communication contact us through the
Minnesota Relay Service at 711 or 800-627-3529.
mndnr.gov

DNR Wildlife Offices

NORTHWEST REGION Cloquet Area Office Sauk Rapids Area Office

Bemidji Headquarters 218-878-5661 320-223-7840
218-308-2651 Cloquet/Duluth Field Office Shakopee Area Office
Baudette Area Office 218-723-4768 Ext 224 952-496-4141 Ext 221
218-634-1705 Ext 222 Cloquet/General Andrews Vermillion
Bemidji Area Office Field Office Highlands WMA
218-308-2339 218-423-6026 651-322-4643
Crookston Area Office Grand Marais Whitewater WMA
218-687-2294 (Two Harbors/Grand Marais 507-796-3281
Detroit Lakes Area Office Field Office)
218-834-1453 SOUTH REGION
218-846-8470
New Ulm Headquarters
Fergus Falls Area Office Grand Rapids Area Office
507-233-1200
218-671-7968 218-328-8860
Appleton Area Office/
Glenwood Area Office Tower Area Office
Lac qui Parle WMA
320-634-7337 218-300-7861
320-734-4451
Karlstad Area Office Tower/Orr Field Office
Marshall Area Office
218-436-2427 218-757-3274
507-537-6250
Park Rapids Area Office Two Harbors Area Office
New London Area Office
218-732-8452 218-834-1453
320-354-2154
Red Lake WMA CENTRAL REGION Nicollet Area Office
218-783-6861 Regional Headquarters 507-225-3572
Roseau River WMA 651-259-5756 Owatonna Area Office
218-452-7610 Cambridge Area Office 507-414-6200
Thief Lake WMA 763-284-7230 Redwood Falls
218-222-3747 Carlos Avery WMA Field Office
Thief River Falls Area Office 651-539-3323 507-637-4076
218-681-0946 Ext 222 Forest Lake Area Office Slayton Area Office
651-539-3324 507-836-6919
NORTHEAST REGION
Grand Rapids Headquarters Little Falls Area Office Talcot Lake Field Office
218-328-8861 320-232-1063 507-468-2248
Aitkin Area Office Mille Lacs WMA Windom Area Office
218-429-3051 320-532-3537 507-832-6017
Brainerd Area Office Rochester Area Office
218-203-4301 507-206-2859
Contact Information 119
Conservation Officer
888-MINNDNR (888-646-6367)
Call the DNR Information Center for easy access to DNR
information and to connect with a Conservation Officer.

Turn in Poachers (TIP)

800-652-9093
If you witness a violation in progress or need to contact a
Conservation Officer immediately, call the Turn in Poachers
24-hour hotline.

120 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

 SUNRISE/SUNSET TABLE
Nine hunting time zones are shown on the map on the next page. Sunrise and
sunset times to be used for hunting purposes in the “In Table” zone are shown in
the table below and at right. To determine times for other zones, add or subtract, as
appropriate, the minutes shown at the top of the map to the times shown in the table.
Times shown are Central Daylight Saving Time through November 6, 2021 and Central
Standard Time thereafter.

Sunrise/Sunset Table for 2021

DATE July July Aug. Aug. Sept. Sept. Oct. Oct. Nov. Nov. Dec. Dec.
Sunrise Sunset Sunrise Sunset Sunrise Sunset Sunrise Sunset Sunrise Sunset Sunrise Sunset
1 5:30 9:04 5:58 8:40 6:35 7:51 7:11 6:54 7:51 6:02 7:31 4:33
2 5:31 9:03 5:59 8:39 6:36 7:49 7:12 6:52 7:52 6:00 7:32 4:33
3 5:31 9:03 6:00 8:38 6:37 7:47 7:13 6:51 7:54 6:00 7:33 4:33
4 5:32 9:03 6:01 8:36 6:38 7:45 7:14 6:49 7:55 5:58 7:34 4:32
5 5:32 9:02 6:03 8:35 6:39 7:44 7:16 6:47 7:57 5:57 7:35 4:32
6 5:33 9:02 6:04 8:34 6:41 7:42 7:17 6:45 7:58 5:55 7:36 4:32
7 5:34 9:02 6:05 8:32 6:42 7:40 7:18 6:43 7:00 4:54 7:37 4:32
8 5:35 9:01 6:06 8:31 6:43 7:38 7:19 6:41 7:01 4:53 7:38 4:32
9 5:35 9:01 6:07 8:29 6:44 7:36 7:21 6:40 7:02 4:51 7:39 4:32
10 5:36 9:00 6:08 8:28 6:45 7:34 7:22 6:38 7:04 4:50 7:40 4:32
11 5:37 9:00 6:10 8:26 6:47 7:32 7:23 6:36 7:05 4:49 7:41 4:32
12 5:38 8:59 6:11 8:25 6:48 7:30 7:25 6:34 7:06 4:48 7:42 4:32
13 5:39 8:59 6:12 8:23 6:49 7:28 7:26 6:32 7:08 4:47 7:43 4:32
14 5:39 8:58 6:13 8:22 6:50 7:27 7:27 6:31 7:09 4:46 7:44 4:32
15 5:40 8:57 6:14 8:20 6:51 7:25 7:28 6:29 7:10 4:45 7:44 4:32
16 5:41 8:56 6:16 8:18 6:53 7:23 7:30 6:27 7:12 4:44 7:45 4:32
17 5:42 8:56 6:17 8:17 6:54 7:21 7:31 6:25 7:13 4:43 7:46 4:33
18 5:43 8:55 6:18 8:15 6:55 7:19 7:32 6:24 7:14 4:42 7:46 4:33
19 5:44 8:54 6:19 8:14 6:56 7:17 7:34 6:22 7:16 4:41 7:47 4:33
20 5:45 8:53 6:20 8:12 6:57 7:15 7:35 6:20 7:17 4:40 7:48 4:34
21 5:46 8:52 6:22 8:10 6:59 7:13 7:36 6:19 7:18 4:39 7:48 4:34
22 5:47 8:51 6:23 8:09 7:00 7:11 7:38 6:17 7:20 4:39 7:49 4:35
23 5:48 8:50 6:24 8:07 7:01 7:09 7:39 6:16 7:21 4:38 7:49 4:35
24 5:49 8:49 6:25 8:05 7:02 7:08 7:40 6:14 7:22 4:37 7:50 4:36
25 5:50 8:48 6:26 8:03 7:03 7:06 7:42 6:12 7:24 4:36 7:50 4:37
26 5:51 8:47 6:28 8:02 7:05 7:04 7:43 6:11 7:25 4:36 7:50 4:37
27 5:52 8:46 6:29 8:00 7:06 7:02 7:44 6:09 7:26 4:35 7:51 4:38
28 5:54 8:45 6:30 7:58 7:07 7:00 7:46 6:08 7:27 4:35 7:51 4:39
29 5:55 8:44 6:31 7:56 7:08 6:58 7:46 6:07 7:28 4:34 7:51 4:39
30 5:56 8:43 6:32 7:55 7:09 6:56 7:48 6:05 7:30 4:34 7:51 4:40
31 5:57 8:41 6:33 7:53 no data no data 7:50 6:03 no data no data 7:51 4:41

Sunrise/Sunset Table 121

Times shown in the tables may vary
by specific location. Minutes to add
For the exact time in your area consult or subtract
a local airport or check online at: from tables.
mndnr.gov/sunrise-sunset

Sunrise/Sunset Table for 2022

DATE Jan. Jan. Feb. Feb. Mar. Mar. Apr. Apr. May May June June
Sunrise Sunset Sunrise Sunset Sunrise Sunset Sunrise Sunset Sunrise Sunset Sunrise Sunset
1 7:52 4:42 7:33 5:21 6:52 6:00 6:55 7:41 6:03 8:18 5:30 8:52
2 7:52 4:43 7:32 5:22 6:50 6:02 6:53 7:42 6:02 8:20 5:29 8:53
3 7:52 4:44 7:31 5:24 6:48 6:03 6:51 7:43 6:00 8:21 5:29 8:54
4 7:52 4:45 7:30 5:25 6:46 6:04 6:49 7:44 5:59 8:22 5:28 8:55
5 7:51 4:46 7:29 5:27 6:45 6:06 6:47 7:46 5:57 8:23 5:28 8:56
6 7:51 4:47 7:27 5:28 6:43 6:07 6:45 7:47 5:56 8:24 5:28 8:56
7 7:51 4:48 7:26 5:29 6:41 6:08 6:43 7:48 5:55 8:26 5:27 8:57
8 7:51 4:49 7:25 5:31 6:38 6:09 6:42 7:49 5:53 8:27 5:27 8:58
9 7:51 4:50 7:23 5:32 6:36 6:11 6:40 7:51 5:52 8:28 5:27 8:58
10 7:50 4:52 7:22 5:34 6:36 6:12 6:38 7:52 5:51 8:29 5:26 8:59
11 7:50 4:53 7:20 5:35 6:34 6:13 6:36 7:53 5:49 8:30 5:26 8:59
12 7:50 4:54 7:19 5:37 6:32 6:15 6:34 7:54 5:48 8:32 5:26 9:00
13 7:49 4:55 7:18 5:38 7:30 7:16 6:33 7:56 5:47 8:33 5:26 9:01
14 7:49 4:56 7:16 5:39 7:28 7:18 6:31 7:57 5:46 8:34 5:26 9:01
15 7:48 4:58 7:15 5:41 7:26 7:19 6:29 7:58 5:45 8:35 5:26 9:01
16 7:48 4:59 7:13 5:42 7:25 7:20 6:27 7:59 5:43 8:36 5:26 9:02
17 7:47 5:00 7:12 5:44 7:23 7:21 6:26 8:01 5:42 8:37 5:26 9:02
18 7:46 5:01 7:10 5:45 7:21 7:23 6:24 8:02 5:41 8:38 5:26 9:03
19 7:46 5:03 7:08 5:46 7:19 7:24 6:22 8:03 5:40 8:40 5:26 9:03
20 7:45 5:04 7:07 5:48 7:17 7:25 6:21 8:05 5:39 8:41 5:26 9:03
21 7:44 5:05 7:05 5:49 7:15 7:27 6:19 8:06 5:38 8:42 5:26 9:03
22 7:43 5:07 7:04 5:51 7:13 7:28 6:17 8:07 5:37 8:43 5:27 9:04
23 7:42 5:08 7:02 5:52 7:11 7:29 6:16 8:08 5:36 8:44 5:27 9:04
24 7:42 5:10 7:00 5:53 7:10 7:30 6:14 8:10 5:36 8:45 5:27 9:04
25 7:41 5:11 6:59 5:55 7:08 7:32 6:12 8:11 5:35 8:46 5:27 9:04
26 7:40 5:12 6:57 5:56 7:06 7:33 6:11 8:12 5:34 8:47 5:28 9:04
27 7:39 5:14 6:55 5:58 7:04 7:34 6:09 8:13 5:33 8:48 5:28 9:04
28 7:38 5:15 6:53 5:59 7:02 7:35 6:08 8:15 5:32 8:49 5:29 9:04
29 7:37 5:17 no data no data 7:00 7:37 6:06 8:16 5:32 8:50 5:29 9:04
30 7:36 5:18 no data no data 6:58 7:38 6:05 8:17 5:31 8:51 5:30 9:04
31 7:35 5:19 no data no data 6:56 7:39 no data no data 5:30 8:52 no data no data

122 2021 Minnesota Hunting Regulations 888-MINNDNR

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General information: M-F 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
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FAW_0002_22

OFFICE OF THE MINNESOTA SECRETARY OF STATE

REGISTER TO VOTE
sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting
Sunrise/Sunset Table 123
CHRONIC
WASTING
DISEASE IN
MINNESOTA
What to Know About Transporting Deer Carcasses
The discovery of chronic wasting disease in Minnesota means that hunters will need
to be more vigilant when transporting deer carcasses. Here’s what you need to know
to keep our deer herd healthy:
Q If I shoot a deer, elk, moose or caribou in any other state or province can I bring it
into Minnesota?

A Not as a whole carcass. However you can bring moose, deer, caribou or elk that
have been processed as described below:
• Quarters or other meat with no part of the spinal column or head attached;
• Meat that is boned out or that is cut and wrapped;
• Antlers, clean skull plates with antlers attached, hides and teeth; and
• Finished taxidermy mounts or products.
Q If I shoot a deer in Minnesota, can I transport it to another area of the state?
A Yes, except for deer harvested in a CWD management or control zone. Deer
harvested in a CWD management or control zone must remain there until a CWD
not detected test is confirmed. Otherwise, there are no movement restrictions
on deer carcasses within Minnesota.

Q I’m a nonresident just passing through Minnesota. Can I transport a whole

carcass through the state?

A Yes. Nonresidents can transport whole or partial carcasses on a direct route

through the state.

Q I process my own deer. What is the safest way to dispose of bones and
other waste?

A The best way to dispose of deer parts is through your refuse hauler or by limiting
exposure by burying deer carcasses. Deer carcasses cannot be disposed of on
public lands, including road rights of way or water bodies. They also cannot be
disposed on private lands without permission.

Q Can I bring the head of an animal into the state to have a European mount made?
A Only antlers or clean skull plates with antlers attached can be brought into the
state. An intact head with any brain tissue or eyes would not be allowed.

Q I’m hunting in an area where CWD surveillance is not occurring this fall—can I get
my deer tested for CWD?

A The Veterinary Diagnostic Lab at the University of Minnesota will do individual

CWD testing for a fee. More information online at vdl.umn.edu or by telephone
612-625-8787.