Minnesota Hunting Digest Guide 2025-2026 – Seasons, Tags & Wildlife Management Areas
Welcome to your complete guide for Minnesota’s 2025-2026 game calendar! Whether you’re a seasoned Minnesotan sportsman or planning your first out-of-state adventure in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, this comprehensive overview covers everything you need to know about dates, permits, wildlife areas, and regulations for the upcoming schedule.
Minnesota offers some of the most diverse outdoor opportunities in the Midwest, from pursuing trophy whitetails in the northern forests to chasing waterfowl across the prairie pothole region. Before you head out this fall, take time to review the updated regulations, secure your permits, and familiarize yourself with the specific zones where you plan to pursue game.
📅 Quick Highlights
Here’s your at-a-glance summary of major species and their primary dates for the 2025-2026 schedule:
Big Game Highlights:
- Deer Archery: September 13 – December 31, 2025 (Statewide)
- Deer Youth Weekend: October 16-19, 2025
- Deer Firearm Season A: November 8-23, 2025 (most areas)
- Bear: September 1 – October 15, 2025 (permit areas only)
Waterfowl Windows:
- Early Teal: September 6-10, 2025 (Statewide)
- Youth Waterfowl: September 13-14, 2025
- Regular Duck/Goose: Varies by zone, starting September 27
Small Game Essentials:
- Squirrel & Rabbit: September 13 – February 28, 2026
- Grouse: September 13 – January 1, 2026
- Pheasant: October 11 – January 1, 2026
Each species has specific bag limits, weapon restrictions, and zone requirements that we’ll detail below.
Big Game Overview
Deer Opportunities
Minnesota’s deer population provides excellent opportunities across multiple weapon types and timeframes. The state uses a permit system for some areas, while others operate under general licenses.
| Season Type | Dates | Areas | Legal Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery (Statewide) | Sept 13 – Dec 31, 2025 | All zones | Bow, crossbow |
| Youth Weekend | Oct 16-19, 2025 | Statewide | Firearms, archery |
| Early Antlerless | Oct 16-19, 2025 | Select areas | Firearms, archery |
| Firearm Season A | Nov 8-23, 2025 | 100 series areas | Rifles, shotguns |
| Firearm Season A | Nov 8-16, 2025 | 200/300 series | Rifles, shotguns |
| Late Southeast | Nov 22-30, 2025 | Zones 338, 341, 605, 642-649 | Firearms |
| Muzzleloader | Nov 29 – Dec 14, 2025 | Statewide | Muzzleloaders only |
Key Changes for 2025: Crossbow use has been extended throughout the entire archery calendar through June 30, 2026, thanks to recent legislative updates.
Bear Adventures
Black bear opportunities remain limited to lottery permits and designated areas:
| Season | Dates | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Bear (Permit Areas) | Sept 1 – Oct 15, 2025 | Lottery permit required |
| Bear (No-quota Area) | Sept 1 – Oct 15, 2025 | License only |
Applications for bear permits typically open in May, with lottery drawings held in summer. Baiting begins August 15, 2025.
Turkey Dates
Minnesota’s wild turkey population has recovered dramatically over recent decades, providing both spring and fall opportunities.
| Season | Dates | Zones | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Turkey | April 15 – May 31, 2026 | Multiple periods by zone | 1 bearded bird |
| Fall Turkey | October 1 – November 15, 2025 | Select areas | 1 bird either sex |
| Youth Spring | April 12-13, 2026 | Statewide | 1 bearded bird |
Spring turkey draws significant participation, with some areas requiring permits through lottery systems. Fall opportunities are more limited but offer chances at birds of either gender. Similar to Alabama hunting seasons, Minnesota provides excellent spring gobbler action.
Furbearer Opportunities
Minnesota’s furbearer program provides year-round and seasonal options for trappers and hunters:
| Species | North Zone | South Zone | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Year-round | Year-round | No restrictions |
| Raccoon | Oct 18 – Mar 15, 2026 | Oct 25 – Mar 15, 2026 | Hunting/Trapping |
| Bobcat | Dec 13 – Jan 18, 2026 | Closed 2025-26 | Trapping only |
| Fox (Red/Gray) | Oct 18 – Mar 15, 2026 | Oct 25 – Mar 15, 2026 | Hunting/Trapping |
| Badger | Oct 18 – Mar 15, 2026 | Oct 25 – Mar 15, 2026 | Hunting/Trapping |
| Opossum | Oct 18 – Mar 15, 2026 | Oct 25 – Mar 15, 2026 | Hunting/Trapping |
Note: Furbearer zones divide the state roughly along a line from Minneapolis to Duluth, with northern counties in the North Zone.
Small Game Section
Minnesota’s small game opportunities rank among the nation’s best, particularly for upland birds and traditional small game species.
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffed Grouse | Sept 13 – Jan 1, 2026 | 5 | 10 |
| Spruce Grouse | Sept 13 – Jan 1, 2026 | 5 | 10 |
| Gray (Hungarian) Partridge | Sept 13 – Jan 1, 2026 | 5 | 10 |
| Ring-necked Pheasant | Oct 11 – Jan 1, 2026 | 2 roosters | 6 |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Sept 13 – Feb 28, 2026 | 5 | 10 |
| Snowshoe Hare | Sept 13 – Feb 28, 2026 | 5 | 10 |
| Squirrel (Fox & Gray) | Sept 13 – Feb 28, 2026 | 6 | 18 |
| Mourning Dove | Sept 1-15 & Oct 11 – Nov 9, 2025 | 15 | 30 |
Youth Opportunities: Hunters under 16 enjoy special privileges during youth-only weekends and extended bag limits in some cases.
Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Minnesota’s location along the Mississippi Flyway makes it a premier destination for migratory bird enthusiasts. The state is divided into three waterfowl zones with different frameworks.
Duck and Mergansers
| Zone | Season Dates | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|
| North Zone | Sept 27 – Nov 25, 2025 | 6 ducks |
| Central Zone | Sept 27 – Oct 5 & Oct 18 – Dec 7, 2025 | 6 ducks |
| South Zone | Sept 27 – Oct 5 & Oct 18 – Dec 7, 2025 | 6 ducks |
Goose Seasons
| Season Type | Dates | Zones |
|---|---|---|
| Early Goose | Sept 6-21, 2025 | Statewide |
| Regular Canada Goose | Sept 27 – Dec 26, 2025 | North Zone |
| Regular Canada Goose | Sept 27 – Oct 5 & Oct 18 – Jan 5, 2026 | Central/South |
Special Waterfowl Seasons
| Season | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early Teal | Sept 6-10, 2025 | Blue-wing, green-wing, cinnamon |
| Youth Waterfowl | Sept 13-14, 2025 | Ages 17 and under |
| Woodcock | Sept 27 – Nov 10, 2025 | 3 daily, 6 possession |
Federal Stamps Required: All waterfowl hunters 16 and older must possess both federal and state waterfowl stamps.
Other Available Game
Minnesota provides opportunities for several additional species throughout the year:
| Species | Season | Bag Limit | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandhill Crane | Sept 27 – Oct 5, 2025 | 2 daily | Special permit |
| Crow | Mar 1 – Apr 30 & July 15 – Oct 31 | No limit | Outside city limits |
| Frog | May 1 – Nov 30, 2025 | No limit | Hook/line or gig |
| Snapping Turtle | July 15 – Sept 30, 2025 | 3 daily | Min 12″ carapace |
Prairie Chicken: Limited lottery permits available for select management areas in western Minnesota.
Hunting Zones
Minnesota utilizes several zone systems depending on the species:
- Deer Permit Areas (DPAs): 130 numbered zones (100, 200, 300 series)
- Waterfowl Zones: North, Central, and South zones
- Furbearer Zones: North and South zones divided roughly through central Minnesota
Maps and Resources:
- Official zone maps available at DNR Hunting Maps
- Interactive mapping through onX Hunt and similar applications
- Paper maps at DNR offices and license vendors
Public Land Access: Minnesota offers over 1.3 million acres across 1,506 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), plus national forest lands, state forests, and waterfowl production areas.
Permits, Tags & Licenses Details
Resident License Fees
| License Type | Fee | Age Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Small Game | $27.00 | 16-64 years |
| Small Game (Senior) | $13.50 | 65+ years |
| Small Game (72-hour) | $19.00 | Short-term option |
| Deer Firearm | $36.00 | Base license |
| Deer Archery | $36.00 | Base license |
| Deer Muzzleloader | $36.00 | Base license |
| Turkey | $23.00 | Spring season |
| Bear | $56.00 | Plus lottery fee |
| Waterfowl Stamp | $10.00 | Required for waterfowl |
Non-Resident License Fees
| License Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small Game | $135.00 | Annual license |
| Small Game (72-hour) | $75.00 | Short-term option |
| Deer Firearm | $165.00 | Base license |
| Deer Archery | $165.00 | Base license |
| Turkey | $85.00 | Spring season |
| Bear | $230.00 | Plus lottery fee |
| Waterfowl Stamp | $10.00 | Same as residents |
Additional Requirements:
- Federal Duck Stamp ($25) required for waterfowl hunters 16+
- Hunter Education certification for all hunters born after 1979
- Orange/fluorescent clothing during firearm deer seasons
Youth Discounts: Hunters under 16 receive significant discounts and some free license options.
❓ Minnesota Hunting Quick FAQ
Q: When do hunting licenses go on sale?
A: Most 2025-2026 licenses became available August 1, 2025. Licenses are valid March 1 through February 28 of the following year.
Q: Can I hunt Sunday in Minnesota?
A: Yes, Sunday hunting is legal on private land and most public lands, with some local restrictions.
Q: Do I need Hunter Education?
A: All hunters born after December 31, 1979, must complete Hunter Education certification before hunting alone.
Q: What’s required for deer registration?
A: All harvested deer must be registered within 48 hours through the DNR website or phone system.
Q: Are there special military discounts?
A: Active military personnel receive free small game licenses and discounted deer licenses with proper documentation.
Q: Can I use crossbows during archery season?
A: Yes, crossbows are legal during all archery seasons through June 30, 2026, as part of recent legislative changes.
Q: Where can I find current bag limits?
A: Complete regulations are available in the annual regulations booklet and on the DNR website, updated each July.
🔗 Related Guides and Resources
Essential Links:
- Minnesota DNR Hunting Regulations
- Online License Sales
- Hunter Education Information
- Wildlife Management Area Finder
- Deer Registration System
Planning Resources:
- Weather and conditions reports
- Public land access maps
- Game processing locations
- Lodging near popular areas
For hunters interested in expanding their adventures, check out opportunities in neighboring states like Michigan hunting seasons, which offer similar timing and species.
Conclusion
Minnesota’s 2025-2026 game calendar delivers outstanding opportunities across diverse landscapes and species. From the early September teal season through late winter furbearer opportunities, the state provides nearly year-round outdoor adventures.
Key reminders for the upcoming year: crossbow regulations have been temporarily expanded, deer license sales began August 1st, and several areas have updated zone boundaries. Whether you’re targeting trophy bucks in the northern forests, chasing ringnecks through cattail sloughs, or pursuing waterfowl along the Mississippi corridor, proper preparation and understanding of current regulations will ensure successful and legal outings.
Remember to purchase your permits early, especially for popular species like deer and bear that may sell out in high-demand areas. Check zone-specific regulations before heading afield, and always verify current conditions and access for public lands.
Mark your calendar, gather your gear, and get ready for another exceptional year of outdoor pursuits in the North Star State. Tight lines and straight shooting!
