State Guide

Minnesota Hunting Guide

Complete Minnesota hunting guide. Minnesota hunting seasons, license costs, bag limits, and regulations for all major game species. Updated for the current season.

Wildlife Agency

Minnesota DNR

Official Site

Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers

Minnesota Hunting Seasons

Whitetail Deer

Res: $34 Non-res: $166

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Archery	Sep 16	Dec 31
Rifle	Nov 4	Nov 19
Muzzleloader	Nov 25	Dec 10

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1-5 depending on permit area

Lottery system for permits in many areas. Bonus antlerless tags available in some zones. CWD surveillance in effect.

Turkey

Res: $26 Non-res: $86

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Apr 12	May 31
Archery	Apr 12	May 31

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (1 spring, 1 fall)

Spring season divided into time periods A through F. Lottery for earlier periods. Fall season in select areas only.

Duck/Waterfowl

Res: $34 Non-res: $166

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Sep 23	Nov 21

Bag limits: daily: 6, season: No season limit

Federal and state stamps required. Minnesota is a major flyway state. Early teal season in September.

Pheasant

Res: $34 Non-res: $166

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Oct 14	Jan 1

Bag limits: daily: 3, season: No limit

Pheasant stamp required. Best hunting in southwestern Minnesota prairie region.

Moose

Res: $310 Non-res: $Not available

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Sep 30	Oct 15

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1

Extremely limited lottery. Only a handful of permits issued annually. Residents only. Season may be closed in some years.

Planning Tools

Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
Season Tag Planner — never miss an opening day
Preference Point Tracker — when should you burn your points?

Minnesota Hunting Guides

destinations

Minnesota Deer Hunting: Northwoods, Farmland, and Big Bucks

Minnesota Hunting FAQ

Do I need a hunting license in Minnesota?

Yes. All hunters in Minnesota must hold a valid hunting license from the Minnesota DNR. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.

What is the hunting license cost in Minnesota?

Minnesota license costs vary by species. Whitetail Deer: resident $34, non-resident $166. Turkey: resident $26, non-resident $86.

When is deer season in Minnesota?

Minnesota deer seasons: Archery: Sep 16 - Dec 31, Rifle: Nov 4 - Nov 19, Muzzleloader: Nov 25 - Dec 10.

Does Minnesota require a hunter safety course?

Yes, Minnesota requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.

Who manages hunting regulations in Minnesota?

The Minnesota DNR manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in Minnesota. Their website (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.