Minnesota Hunting

Minnesota, with its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, offers excellent opportunities for hunting enthusiasts. From wolves and bobcats to deer and small game animals, the state provides a variety of games to challenge hunters. However, it’s essential to be familiar with the hunting regulations set forth by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to ensure responsible and lawful hunting practices. In this article, we will explore the various games you can hunt in Minnesota, the hunting regulations, and the permits required to participate in these hunting activities.

Minnesota Hunting Regulation

Hunting in Minnesota is governed by specific regulations, including those related to awareness of gun laws, to ensure safety, conservation, and ethical practices. Here are some important regulations every hunter must follow:

1. Transportation of Hunting Firearms

Firearms or handguns must not be transported in a motor vehicle, with some exceptions:
- Firearms must be unloaded and encased, hiding all parts (holsters are not allowed).
- Firearms can be transported without a case if they are unloaded and placed in the vehicle’s trunk.
- The hunter must possess a permit to carry the firearm.

2. Discharging of Firearms from Vehicles

Shooting game animals from motor vehicles is prohibited, except for hunters with a valid Minnesota disability license.

3. Transportation of Archery Devices

Bows, crossbows, and archery devices can be transported in motor vehicles without cases, but they must not be armed with arrows or bolts.

4. Hunting with Handguns

Hunting with a handgun is prohibited for individuals aged 18 or older, except for those who meet firearm safety requirements. Exceptions are made for supervised hunting by individuals under 18 years old.

5. Hunting with Crossbows in Minnesota

Crossbows can be used for hunting by various groups, including individuals with a Minnesota archery license, a valid Minnesota disabled permit, or a regular firearm license during specific game seasons.

6. Possession of Firearms in Deer Hunting Season Without Hunting Deer

It is unlawful to possess firearms or ammunition in a hunting area five days before the beginning of a firearm deer hunting season until the next day after the season closes. Exceptions include hunters with a valid Minnesota hunting license for big game.

7. Protected Animals in Minnesota

Some game animals and birds in Minnesota are protected and can only be hunted during specified seasons designated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

8. Open Carry While Hunting

Open carry of firearms is permitted in Minnesota with a valid permit. This also applies to bow-hunting in the state.

9. Hunter Harassment Laws

Minnesota has laws in place to protect hunting activities from harassment. Disturbing or interfering with another person’s hunting is prohibited. Trespassing on private hunting lands without permission is also illegal.

It is essential to review the complete hunting regulations on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website to ensure compliance.

Minnesota Hunting Licenses, Permits, and Tags

Obtaining the appropriate hunting licenses, permits, and tags is necessary before engaging in hunting activities in Minnesota. The types of licenses available include:

1. Residents Hunting Licenses

Resident Hunting Apprentice License: For apprentice hunters who have not completed the hunter education course and are 12 years or older. Allows hunting of bears, deer, and small game animals. Cost: $3.5.
Individual Sport License: Allows residents to participate in angling and small game hunting. Cost: $41.
Individual Super Sports License: Includes angling, salmon and trout stamp, deer tag, and hunting of small game animals and waterfowls. Cost: $100.
Married Combination Sport License: Allows resident spouses to participate in angling and small game hunting. Cost: $57.
Married Super Sports License: Includes angling, two salmon and trout stamps, deer tag, and hunting of small game animals and waterfowls. Cost: $126.
Youths Small Game and Trapping License: For youth residents aged 16-17 to hunt small games and set traps. Cost: $5.
Adults Small Game and Trapping License: For adults aged 18-64 to hunt small games and set traps. Cost: $22.
Seniors Small Game and Hunting License: For senior residents aged 65 or older to hunt small games and set traps. Cost: $13.5..

Minnesota hunting license online

Minnesota offers digital hunting licenses that can be purchased online through the Minnesota DNR License Center website or the Go Outdoors app.
Both resident and non-resident hunting licenses can be obtained online. This includes licenses for deer, turkey, waterfowl, small game, and other species.
To purchase online, you must create an account and provide identity confirmation. Payment can be made via credit card.
Licenses can be downloaded to your phone, printed at home, or a hard card can be mailed. Physical agent sales are also still available.
Required certifications like hunter safety training can only be purchased in person, not through the online licensing system.
When registered, harvest and license info for each hunter is maintained in their online account. This allows for paperless reporting.
Overall, purchasing Minnesota hunting licenses online is a convenient option for most standard hunting permits each season.

Minnesota Non-Residents Hunting Licenses

Non-resident Hunting Apprentice License: For non-resident apprentice hunters who have not completed the hunter education course and are 12 years or older. Allows hunting of bears, deer, and small game animals. Cost: $3.5.
Non-resident Walk-in Access: Grants non-resident walk-in access to hunting sites in Minnesota. Cost: $3.
Non-resident Youths Small Game and Trapping License: For non-resident youths aged 16-17 to hunt small games and set traps. Cost: $5.
Non-resident Adults Small Game and Trapping License: For non-resident adults aged 18-64 to hunt small games and set traps. Cost: $102.
Non-resident Adults 72 Hours Small Game and Trapping License: Similar to the regular adult’s small game hunting and trapping license but valid for 72 hours. Cost: $75.

3. Minnesota Fishing Licenses, Permits, and Tags

Minnesota also offers various fishing licenses, permits, and tags. These include one-day, three-day, seven-day, annual, and conservation licenses for residents and non-residents. The cost varies depending on the type and duration of the license.

It is essential to obtain the appropriate licenses and permits before engaging in hunting or fishing activities to avoid legal consequences.

Minnesota Hunting Season

Hunting seasons in Minnesota vary based on specific game animals and the type of weapon used for hunting. Some of the hunting seasons for various wildlife in Minnesota include:

1. Minnesota Deer Hunting Season

Archery Hunting Season: September 19th to December 31st
Firearms Hunting Season: November 7th to November 22nd
Muzzleloader Hunting Season: November 28th to December 13th
Youths Hunting Season: October 15th to October 18th

Deer hunting seasons may vary in different zones of Minnesota.

2. Minnesota Bear Hunting Season

General Hunting Season: September 1st to October 18th

3. Minnesota Turkey Hunting Season

Fall General Hunting Season: October 3rd to November 1st

4. Minnesota Bobcat Hunting Season

General Hunting and Trapping Season: December 19th to January 24th

5. Minnesota Small Game Hunting Season

Rabbit Hunting Season: September 19th to February 28th
Prairie Chicken Hunting Season: September 26th to October 4th
Raccoon Hunting Season (North Zone): October 17th to March 15th
Badger Hunting Season (North Zone): October 17th to March 15th
Opossum Hunting Season (North Zone): October 17th to March 15th
Red Fox Hunting Season (North Zone): October 17th to March 15th
Gray Fox Hunting Season (North Zone): October 17th to March 15th
Squirrel Hunting Season: September 19th to February 28th

Hunters should be aware that specific hunting laws, regulations, requirements, and bag limits vary for different game seasons and zones. It is advisable to check the Minnesota DNR website for detailed information regarding the game of interest and its corresponding hunting zones.

Minnesota Wildlife, Games, and Fishes

Minnesota’s diverse habitats provide a home to numerous game animals that hunters can pursue. Some of the most common game animals hunted in Minnesota include:

1. Minnesota Deer Hunting

Deer hunting is prevalent in popular cities like Bemidji, Grand Rapids, and Detroit Lakes. These majestic creatures are fairly distributed across the state and offer challenging hunting experiences.

2. Minnesota Black Bear Hunting

Black bears inhabit the timbered regions of the state, as well as swampy, brushy, and sloughy areas. Hunters often employ baiting techniques before taking bears from elevated stands or blinds.

3. Minnesota Turkey Hunting

Turkey hunting takes place in various wildlife management areas (WMAs) and public hunting lands throughout the state. Private lands without hunting prohibitions also allow turkey hunting.

4. Minnesota Bobcat Hunting

Bobcats inhabit the woodlands in the northern and northeastern parts of the state. These adaptable creatures live on various lands, regardless of their use.

5. Minnesota Pheasant Hunting

Pheasant hunting is popular in public hunting lands and WMAs in Minnesota. Counties like Montevideo, Pipestone, and Marshall offer excellent opportunities for pheasant hunters.

6. Minnesota Duck Hunting

Ducks are typical waterfowl and are found in wetlands across the state. The Pine Resort in the Northwood region is known for excellent duck hunting.

7. Minnesota Moose Hunting

Moose once roamed the state abundantly, but their numbers have significantly decreased. Moose hunting has been suspended due to the need for conservation efforts.

8. Minnesota Elk Hunting

Elk hunting takes place in counties in the northwest part of the state, such as Marshall and Kittson, where elk herds are present.

9. Minnesota Fox Hunting

Red foxes are common throughout Minnesota and are evenly distributed across the state. Gray foxes also inhabit forested and woodland areas.

Minnesota Shooting Ranges for Hunting

Minnesota offers several public shooting ranges for hunters to practice and improve their shooting skills. Some of these shooting ranges include:

Ahlman’s Range
Kanabec Conservation Club
Bald Eagle Sportsmen’s Association
Bemidji Trap & Skeet
Lake of the Woods Rod & Gun Club
Buffalo Gun Club
East Chain Sportsman Club
Fergus Falls Rifle & Pistol Club
Fort Thunder Public Shooting Center
Winona Sportsmen’s Club
Wealthwood Rod and Gun Club
Warroad Lost River Sportsman Complex
United Northern Sportsmen
Southern Minnesota Sportsman’s Club
Rice Creek Hunting & Recreation
West Branch Gun Club
Renville Rangers Shooting Club
Owatonna Gun Club
Lester Prairie Sportsmen’s Club
Lakes Trading Co
Pelican River Public Shooting Club
The Pintail Club Shooting Sports

Minnesota Hunting Lands for Sale and Lease

For hunters interested in owning or leasing hunting lands, Minnesota offers various opportunities. Some hunting lands available for sale or lease include:

Breezy Point, Minnesota (Crow Wing County) – 1.06 acres
Swatara, Minnesota (Aitkin County) – 80 acres
Sandstone, Minnesota (Pine County) – 80 acres
Isle, Minnesota (Mille Lacs County) – 80.58 acres
Hanley Falls, Minnesota (Yellow Medicine County) – 36 acres
Winnebago, Minnesota (Faribault County) – 331.01 acres
Zumbro Falls, Minnesota (Wabasha County) – 178.14 acres
Park Rapids, Minnesota (Hubbard County) – 89.65 acres
Lanesboro, Minnesota (Fillmore County) – 13 acres
Minnesota Lake, Minnesota (Waseca County) – 115.14 acres
Baudette, Minnesota (Lake of the Woods County) – 80 acres

These are just a few examples of the hunting lands available in Minnesota. Hunters looking to acquire or lease hunting lands are encouraged to research the market thoroughly and consult with real estate professionals for the best options.

Minnesota hunting zones

Minnesota has many different hunting zones across the state which regulate seasons, limits, licenses, and registration requirements depending on regional wildlife populations. Major zones include 100-series and 200-series.

Minnesota hunting regulations

Major regulations include blaze orange requirements, stand distances from buildings, shooting hours, ammo restrictions, tagging/registration rules, bag limits, and license prerequisites like hunter safety certificates.

Conclusion

Minnesota offers a wealth of hunting opportunities for enthusiasts to engage with the state’s diverse wildlife. From the excitement of deer hunting to the thrill of turkey hunting, the state’s hunting seasons attract both residents and non-residents alike. However, it is essential to abide by the hunting regulations, obtain the required licenses and permits, and practice ethical hunting methods. Responsible hunting ensures the conservation of Minnesota’s precious natural resources for generations to come.

FAQs;

Q1: Is it legal to hunt with a handgun in Minnesota?

Hunting with a handgun is generally prohibited for individuals aged 18 or older, except for those who meet firearm safety requirements. There are exceptions for supervised hunting by individuals under 18 years old.

Q2: What are the protected animals in Minnesota?

Protected game animals and birds in Minnesota may only be hunted during specified seasons designated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Q3: Can non-residents hunt in Minnesota?

Yes, non-residents can hunt in Minnesota, but they need to obtain the appropriate hunting licenses and permits.

Q4: What is the cost of a hunting license in Minnesota?

The cost of a hunting license in Minnesota varies based on factors such as residency, age, and the type of license.

Q4: Are there specific hunting zones in Minnesota?

Yes, Minnesota has different hunting zones, and hunting regulations, bag limits, and seasons may vary in each zone. Hunters should be aware of the specific rules for their chosen hunting areas.

Q4: What are the new hunting laws in Minnesota in 2023?

New 2023 regulations in Minnesota include allowing hunting mentors to carry uncased firearms, legalizing night vision and thermal optics for hunting coyotes, and restricting possession of urine from deer family members to prevent CWD spread.

Q5: How many deer can I shoot in MN?

The 2023 bag limit allows a total of 5 deer statewide – no more than 3 in the 200 series zones and 2 in the 100 series zones. Additional metro deer permits may be available once the regular bag limit is filled.