Minnesota

Check out the latest info for Minnesota. Image by Jeremy Raines

Season Dates (2024):

Archery season runs Sept. 14 to Dec. 31. Rifle season is Nov. 9 to 17 in most units, and Nov. 23-Dec. 1 in others. For some areas, a second season runs Nov. 18 through 26. Muzzleloader season is Nov. 30 to Dec. 15. There are also youth seasons, special antlerless hunts, and metro seasons in some areas. Check the MINNESOTA DNR WEBSITE to confirm season dates.

The Grade: B

From the plains of southwestern Minnesota to the big woods in northern counties, this state offers plenty of geographical diversity. Although Minnesota has historically been a producer of top-end whitetails, the better days are arguably behind it. Harsh winters and predation have affected deer numbers in some areas, and aggressive measures have been taken in others to combat outbreaks of chronic wasting disease.

“We are a unique state with multiple different biomes that present very different hunting styles and challenges, different predator bases from north to south, and very different deer numbers or densities,” said Todd Froberg, big-game program coordinator with the Minnesota Division of Fish and Wildlife. “There are opportunities to hunt metro areas; rural farm areas; the long, stretching transition zone (coniferous to deciduous to prairie habitat); the driftless region in southeastern Minnesota, which presents some of the best whitetail habitat in the nation; prairie and farmland regions in the southwestern part; big woods hunts in the northern part of the state, with ample public lands; or complete wilderness-style hunts in the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness.”

Antler Nation Knowledge:

Generally, the best deer hunting is in the eastern and central counties. Anoka, Dakota, Dodge, Fillmore, Hennepin, Houston, Morrison, Olmsted, Otter Tail, St. Louis, Washington, and Winona are great destinations for top-end deer and good deer densities.

Minnesota is mostly private land, but open HUNTING ACCESS IS PLENTIFUL in the North Star State. Wildlife management areas, state forests, scientific and natural areas, forest legacy conservation areas, and walk-in access provide excellent opportunities. Federal ground also has solid access, such as certain national forests and national wildlife refuges. Although that isn’t unique to Minnesota, the state is known for an abundance of county land that’s tax-forfeited, as well as industrial forest land. These parcels are often open to hunting and are most common in northern counties. Hunters also benefit from the METRO BOWHUNTERS RESOURCE BASE. The organization connects bowhunters with special urban hunts in cities and townships.