Minnesota Hunting Seasons Information and Regulations
*All information listed below is disclosed based on research we have conducted. We do our best to ensure that all information is up to date and accurate. However, rules and regulations are changing every day. Please make sure to verify your state-specific regulations prior to your hunt.
Minnesota is home to some of the best hunting in the country. With a variety of game and environments, hunters can find the perfect spot to suit their needs.
Minnesota has a long and proud hunting tradition. Hunters have been coming to the state for centuries, attracted by the abundance of game and the challenge of the hunt. Today, hunting is still an important part of Minnesota’s culture and economy. Every year, hunters spend millions of dollars in the state, supporting local businesses and boosting the economy.
The environment plays a big role in hunting in Minnesota. The state is home to a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and prairies. Each one provides its own challenges and rewards for hunters.
Minnesota Deer Seasons
| Deer – Archery | Sep. 17 – Dec. 31 |
| Deer – Early Antlerless | Oct. 20 – Oct. 23 |
| Deer – Youth | Oct. 20 – Oct. 23 |
| Deer – Firearm (Season A) – 100 Series permit areas | Nov. 5 – Nov. 20 |
| Deer – Firearm (Season A) – 200 and 300 Series permit areas | Nov. 5 – Nov. 13 |
| Deer – Firearm (Season B) – 300 Series permit areas | Nov. 19 – Nov. 27 |
| Deer – Muzzleloader | Nov. 26 – Dec. 11 |
*Minnesota has a number of zone specific regulations to be aware of. Please make sure to check the official Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Hunting Season site for more information.
Bag limits for Deer are one deer per season of either sex.
Minnesota Black Bear Seasons
| Bear Baiting Start Date | Aug. 12 |
| Bear Hunting Season | Sep. 1 – Oct. 16 |
*Minnesota has a number of zone specific regulations to be aware of. Please make sure to check the official Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Hunting Season site for more information.
Bears are done on a lottery system and the baiting season starts prior to actual hunting.
Minnesota Elk Seasons
| Season A and E | Aug. 27 – Sep. 4 |
| Season B and F | Sep. 10 – Sep. 18 |
| Season C and G | Sep. 24 – Oct. 2 |
| Season D and H | Oct. 8 – Oct. 16 |
*Minnesota has a number of zone specific regulations to be aware of. Please make sure to check the official Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Hunting Season site for more information.
There are an extraordinarily small number of elk hunting licenses available, and they are given out based on a lottery system. If chosen for an elk hunt, it is only for a once in a lifetime hunt to be taken.
Minnesota Gamebird Seasons
| Crow | Mar. 1 – Mar. 31, Sep. 1 – Oct. 31, Dec. 14 – Jan. 15 |
| Dove | Sep. 1 – Nov. 29 |
| Grouse | Sep. 17 – Nov. 30, Sep. 17 – Jan. 1, Oct. 15 – Nov. 30 |
| Partridge | Sep. 17 – Jan. 1 |
| Prairie Chicken | Sep. 24 – Oct. 2 |
| Rail | Oct. 20 – Nov. 14 |
| Woodcock | Sep. 24 – Nov. 7 |
*Minnesota has a number of zone specific regulations to be aware of. Please make sure to check the official Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Hunting Season site for more information.
Minnesota Wild Turkey Seasons
| Spring wild turkey – Youth | Apr. 12 – May 31 |
| Spring wild turkey – Archery | Apr. 12 – May 31 |
| Spring wild turkey – A season | Apr. 12 – Apr. 18 |
| Spring wild turkey – B season | Apr. 19 – Apr. 25 |
| Spring wild turkey – C season | Apr. 26 – May 2 |
| Spring wild turkey – D season | May 3 – May 9 |
| Spring wild turkey – E season | May 10 – May 16 |
| Spring wild turkey – F season | May 17 – May 31 |
| Fall wild turkey | Sep. 19 – Oct. 29 |
*Minnesota has a number of zone specific regulations to be aware of. Please make sure to check the official Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Hunting Season site for more information.
Bag limits are bearded turkey per season.
Minnesota Waterfowl Seasons
| Spring Light Goose | Feb. 18 – Apr. 30 |
| September Goose | Sep. 2 – Sep. 17 |
| Teal | Sep. 2 – Sep. 6 |
| Youth Waterfowl Hunt | Sep. 9 – Sep. 10 |
*Minnesota has a number of zone specific regulations to be aware of. Please make sure to check the official Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Hunting Season site for more information.
Minnesota Crossbow Regulations
Anyone may hunt with a crossbow during firearm season for deer, bear, and turkey. They may also be used during archery season by anyone 60 years of age of older. A disabled individual with a disability permit and an archery license can hunt using a crossbow during archery season.
- If transporting the crossbow in a motor vehicle, it can’t be armed with an arrow.
- Minimum draw weight is 30 pounds.
- Mechanical devices used to draw, hold, or release an arrow may not be used unless you hold a disability permit.
- Arrow heads must have a minimum of two cutting edges and broadheads must have a diameter of at least 7/8” but be no more than 2” wide upon impact.
Minnesota Hunting License
There are a wide variety of hunting licenses available to purchase in Minnesota. Make sure to check the hunting license list in order to find the specific one that you need for your hunt. It can be found here.
If you want to check out the next state on our list, click here to see Mississippi.
Or, you can check out the last state on our list, Michigan.
