Hunting is a beloved tradition in the state of Minnesota, and for good reason. There are plenty of chances for hunters to put their skills and patience to the test since there is an abundance of wildlife, including deer, beavers, bobcats, coyotes, and small game.
Understanding Minnesota’s hunting laws and regulations is essential to a successful and safe outdoor trip, regardless of your level of expertise. We’ll cover all you need to know, including schedules, dates, bag restrictions, licensing requirements, and more.
The state has possibilities for pursuing various species, including deer, beavers, bobcats, coyotes, and small game. However, owing to the diminishing population, shooting moose is prohibited. Both citizens and non-residents may purchase hunting permits from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), with pricing depending on the time and the species being hunted. There are many ways to obtain a license, including via DNR employees, the department’s St. Paul offices, phone, and online.
For the opportunity to hunt animals, including deer, bear, turkey, and wolves, hunters may also take part in lotteries. Hunters may readily register their catch online after a successful hunt.
Minnesota elk hunting provides hunters with a distinctive and uncommon chance. It is an experience that will only come around once in a lifetime. Hunters must pick a game, zone, and kind of license and obtain a license code 625 to participate in this hunt.
The chosen hunters are picked using a lottery method, with a greater probability of selection for those who choose a license without antlers.
Residents are eligible to apply either alone or with a partner. However, if two people apply together, they will each get one elk tag instead of two.
For selected hunters, the license price is $288, and there is a $5 non-refundable application charge.
Landowners may also get one of the few available licenses.
Bear
Baiting Starts
Aug 11
Hunt
Sept 1 – Oct 15
Upland birds
Grouse
Ruffed & spruce grouse
Sept 16 – Jan 1
Northwest zone (Sharp-tailed grouse,)
Sept 16 – Nov 30
East-central zone (Sharp-tailed grouse,)
Closed
Partridge
Sept 16 – Jan 1
Pheasant
Species
Hunting Start Dates
Hunting End Dates
Bag Limits
Possession Limits
Pheasant
14-Oct-23
30-Nov-23
2 roosters
6 roosters
Pheasant
1-Dec-23
1-Jan-24
3 roosters
9 roosters
Pheasant Bag limit: From October 14 to November 30, only two roosters may be harvested every day, but you can keep six in your possession. From December 1 to January 1, the daily and possession limits increase to three and nine roosters, respectively. It’s crucial to remember that these limits may vary by location and activity legislation.
Prairie chicken
Sept 30-Oct 8
Dove
Sept 1 – Nov 29 (Statewide)
Woodcock
Woodcock
Sept 23 – Nov 6
Rail
01-Sep-24 – 04-Nov-24
Snipe
01-Sep-24 – 04-Nov-24
Crow
01-Mar-24 – 31-Mar-24
01-Sep-24 – 31-Oct-24
15-Dec-24 – 15-Jan-25
Turkey
Schedule
Start
End
A
17-Apr
23-Apr
B
24-Apr
30-Apr
C
1-May
7-May
D
8-May
14-May
E
15-May
21-May
F
22-May
31-May
Youth
17-Apr
31-May
Archery
17-Apr
31-May
MN Small Game
Furbearer
Fox
North
19-Oct-24 – 15-Mar-25
South
19-Oct-24 – 15-Mar-25
(N)
14-Oct-23 – 15-Mar-24
(S)
21-Oct-23 – 15-Mar-24
Rabbit
Cottontail & Snowshoe Hare
Statewide
14-Sep-24 – 28-Feb-25
Jack
14-Sep-24 – 28-Feb-25
Cottontail & Snowshoe Hare
16-Sep-23 – 28-Feb-24
Jack
16-Sep-23 – 28-Feb-24
Squirrel
14-Sep-24 – 28-Feb-25
16-Sep-23 – 29-Feb-24
Badger
North
19-Oct-24 – 16-Mar-25
South
26-Oct-24 – 16-Mar-25
(N)
14-Oct-23 – 15-Mar-24
(S)
21-Oct-23 – 15-Mar-24
Coyote
1-Jan – 31-Dec
Bobcat
North of I-94 and U.S. Highway 10
14-Dec-24 – 19-Jan-25
Opossum
North
19-Oct-24 – 15-Mar-25
South
19-Oct-24 – 15-Mar-25
(N)
14-Oct-23 – 15-Mar-24
(S)
21-Oct-23 – 15-Mar-24
Raccoon
North
19-Oct-24 – 15-Mar-25
South
19-Oct-24 – 15-Mar-25
(S)
21-Oct-23 – 15-Mar-24
(N)
14-Oct-23 – 15-Mar-24
Beaver
North
26-Oct-24 – 15-Mar-25
South
2-Nov-24 – 15-Mar-25
Muskrat
26-Oct-24 – 28-Feb-25
Mink
26-Oct-24 – 28-Feb-25
Otter
26-Oct-24 – 19-Jan-25
Pine Marten
21-Dec-24 – 29-Dec-24 (North of I-94 & U.S. Highway 10)
MN Waterfowl
Youth Waterfowl Hunt
9-Sep – 10-Sep
Waterfowl Hunt Day
23-Sep
Goose
Early goose (statewide)
Sept 2-17
North
Sept 23 – Dec 22
Central
Sept 23 – Oct 1
Oct 7 – Dec 27
South
Sept 23 – Oct 1
Oct 7 – Dec 27
Teal
Blue-winged, Green-winged, Cinnamon teal
2-Sep – 6-Sep
Ducks, Mergansers and Coots
Central
Sept 23 – Oct 1
Oct 7 – Nov 26
South
Sept 23 – Oct 1
Oct 7 – Nov 26
North
Sept 23 – Nov 21
Sandhill cranes
21-Sep-24 – 19-Oct-24
MN Waterfowl Daily Limits for All Species (excluding goose)
Hunting Hotspots in Minnesota
Minnesota Licenses, Permits & Hunting Regulations
A hunting license or permit, as well as information on game rules, may be obtained online through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The website is available to everyone in and outside of Minnesota. Please use the following learn more button to access the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.
Regular hunters may tag one deer of either gender with their basic license when they use bows, firearms, or muzzleloaders. You are allowed to take up to three deer in regions having a three-deer cap.
Is it legal to bait deer in Minnesota?
The practice of “deer baiting,” which involves placing food close to deer stands or clearings in an effort to draw the animals so that you may kill them, has been prohibited in Minnesota since 1991.
Can I hunt squirrels in Minnesota?
You may hunt rabbits, hares, and squirrels, or you can create traps to capture them.
Can I hunt over a salt lick in Minnesota?
No, it is unlawful to use a salt or mineral product for hunting if it contains anything other than salt or minerals. Numerous products, including more recent liquid, powder, and block forms, include foods or attractants such grains, fruits, and derivatives of sugar (glucose, dextrose, and fructose). You may only use mineral products or simple salt.
John Lewis, the passionate founder of HuntingSeasons.org, is committed to promoting responsible hunting and a profound love for the wilderness. With years of expertise, his platform serves as a reliable guide for hunting enthusiasts, advocating ethical practices and nature preservation.
1 thought on “Minnesota Hunting Seasons 2024 New Regulations & Dates!”
I’m looking for transportation rules for deer in our area 684. Some yahoo is trying to tell me that before you transport your deer home you have to skin and quarter it. I find that hard to believe.
I’m looking for transportation rules for deer in our area 684. Some yahoo is trying to tell me that before you transport your deer home you have to skin and quarter it. I find that hard to believe.