Hunting Seasons and Dates

When Can I Hunt?

Figuring out when and where you can hunt in Minnesota can take a bit of time and planning. That’s why we’ve gathered some of the most up-to-date information to help you get outdoors sooner—and more often—this season.

Keep in mind that details can change, so it’s important to do your own research as well. Always check with official state agencies to verify current season dates, bag limits, and regulations before you head out.

Hunting season dates are current through 2025, and we’ll continue updating this information as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) releases new details.

Deer

• Archery (Statewide): September 13 – December 31, 2025
• Early Antlerless: October 16 – 19, 2025
• Firearm (A) - 100 Series: November 8 –23, 2025
• Firearm (A) - 200 and 300 Series: November 8 – 16, 2025
• Firearm (B) - 300 Series: November 22 – 30, 2025
• Muzzleloader: November 29 – December 14, 2025
• Youth (Statewide): October 16 – 19, 2025

For more information about deer seasons, bag limits, and the lottery for deer hunting, check the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website.

Turkey

The WMA (Wildlife Management Areas) lottery deadline is February 21. A lottery is not conducted for other zones.

• Youth Season: April 16 – May 31, 2025
• Archery Season: April 16 – May 31, 2025
• A: April 16 – 22, 2025
• B: April 23 – 29, 2025
• C: April 30 – May 6, 2025
• D: May 7 – 13, 2025
• E: May 14 – 20, 2025
• F: May 21 – 31, 2025

Elk

• Either Sex (Season A): September 21 – 29
• Antlerless (Season B): September 21 – 29
• Either Sex (Season C): September 21 – 29

Apply for the lottery between May 10 – June 15. Check with the Minnesota DNR for more details about seasons, the lottery, and elk hunting licenses.

Bear

• Lottery Application Date: May 2, 2025
• License Purchase Deadline: August 1, 2025
• Surplus Licenses Available: August 6, 2025
• Baiting Begins: August 15, 2025
• Hunting Season: September 1 – October 19, 2025

Check the Minnesota DNR website for more specifics about when they announce lottery winners and license information.

Small Game

• Rabbit: September 13, 2025 – February 28, 2026 and September 13, 2025 – February 28, 2026
• Sandhill Crane: September 13 – October 19, 2025
• Badger:
  • North Furbearer Zone: October 18, 2025 – March 15, 2026
  • South Furbearer Zone: October 25, 2025 – March 15, 2026
• Bobcat: December 13, 2025 – January 18, 2026
• Squirrel: September 13, 2025 – February 28, 2026
• Snipe: September 1 – November 3, 2025
• Woodcock: September 20 – November 3, 2025
• Rail: September 1 – November 3, 2025

For more details about other small game species, check the official state website.

Grouse

• Ruffed, Spruce, Hungarian and Partridge Grouse (Statewide): September 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026
• Sharp-tailed Grouse (Northwest Zone): September 13, 2025 – November 30, 2025

Dove and Pheasant

• Dove (Statewide): September 1 – November 29, 2025
  
• Pheasant (Statewide): October 11, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Waterfowl

• Early Teal (Statewide): September 6 – 10, 2025
• Youth Waterfowl Hunt: September 13 – 14, 2025
  
• Ducks, Coots, Mergansers:
  • North Zone: September 27 – November 25, 2025
  • Central Zone: September 27 – October 5, 2025, and October 11 – November 230, 2025
  • South Zone: September 27 – October 5, 2025, and October 18 – December 7, 2025
• Geese:
  • Early Goose (Statewide): September 6 – 21, 2025
  • North Zone: September 27 – December 26, 2025
  • Central Zone: September 27 – October 5, 2025, and October 11 – December 31, 2025
  • South Zone: September 27 – October 5, 2025, and October 18, 2025 – January 7, 2026