Minnesota Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Hunting in Minnesota

Wolves, bobcats, deer, and a variety of small animals are available during Minnesota hunting seasons. Although moose hunting was popular in Minnesota in the past, the significant fall in their population has forced the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to halt moose hunting in the state for the time being.

Minnesota Hunting Rules

Minnesota has hunting restrictions that must be followed by anyone who desires to take game in the state. Among the hunting regulations are the following:

transporting hunting guns.

It is illegal to transport weapons or any form of pistol in a vehicle. However, there are various exceptions regarding firearm transit, which include the following:
The firearm must be unloaded and enclosed so that all parts are hidden. It is not permitted to utilize a holster as a case.
The firearm must be unloaded and hidden in the trunk of the vehicle.
To own the firearm, the hunter must obtain a permit.

transportation of unloaded guns in ATVs and vehicles without a case in the following circumstances:

If you have permission and are within any Minnesota shooting range,
If you are legally hunting on Minnesota public and privately held hunting land, or if you are transporting yourself to and from the hunting land,

In the following areas of the state, firearms must be uncased and unloaded:

Counties of Ramsey, Hennepin, and Anoka
when you are on school property.
When you are in one of the home rule statutory cities or a region with a population of 2,500 or more,
in regions where firearms are prohibited, such as game refuges.

Firearms discharge from vehicles

It is illegal to shoot or attempt to shoot game animals from a moving vehicle. However, hunters with a valid Minnesota disability license are exempt.

Transporting archery equipment

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

Using handguns for hunting

It is illegal for anyone over the age of 18 to hunt with a handgun or use it for target practice. Exceptions are given for persons under the age of 18 who meet weapon safety criteria, although they may only possess handguns for hunting while supervised by guardians or parents.

Other Minnesota handgun laws include the following:

Possession of a firearm while bow hunting is illegal for bowhunters who do not have a license to possess a weapon under the state personal protection legislation.

It is not unlawful to play bear-and-elk games with weapons, even if you have archery.

Those who are permitted to own firearms under the Minnesota Protection Act must transport the firearms unloaded and uncased when traveling by car to and from a Minnesota hunting land.

Crossbow hunting in Minnesota

In Minnesota, the following individuals are permitted to hunt using crossbows:

Those who are 60 or older and have a Minnesota archery license may shoot turkeys and deer throughout their archery season.
Those possessing a regular Minnesota firearm license will be able to hunt bears, turkeys, and deer with crossbows during the firearm seasons for those species.
Those with a valid Minnesota disability permit and archery license will be authorized to take game animals with crossbows or mechanical bows.

Possession of a Firearm During the Deer Hunting Season Without the Purpose of Hunting Deer

It is illegal to possess weapons or ammunition in a hunting region from five days before the start of a firearm deer hunting season until the next day after the season ends. The following are exceptions to this rule:

Those who are hunting large game animals with a valid Minnesota big game hunting license

Possession of a firearm during this time period is prohibited under the following conditions:

If the firearm or ammo is unloaded or securely stored in a safe or a trunk,
possession of shotguns and shells containing no more than four buckshot.
Short or long rifles or handguns with.22 caliber or magnum cartridges in.17 caliber
Possession of a handgun by a person who is authorized to carry a firearm under the state protection legislation
Possession of guns on a target range or possession of a target range permit issued by a state conservation authority
Muzzleloaders are legal for taking deer in Minnesota during muzzleloader season if the hunter has a muzzleloader deer license for that season.

Minnesota’s protected animals

Protected game animals and birds in Minnesota are those that may only be hunted under the authority of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources or during a season designated for them.

species of nongame birds

Many birds are not allowed to be collected in Minnesota. During open seasons, only designated birds may be captured. Unprotected birds may be taken as well.

Protected species hunting in Minnesota

Protected species must be killed before being removed from the hunting grounds.

While hunting, open carry is permitted.

As long as you have a permit, you can open carry legally in Minnesota. The same is true for bow hunting throughout the state.

Minnesota has hunter harassment regulations in place to safeguard the state’s hunting activities.

In Minnesota, no one shall disrupt or interfere with another person in order to prohibit animal hunting.

A person shall not also alter a property used for the taking of animals by engaging in activities such as camping, traveling, or driving if the hunter already has the legal right to hunt on such promises.

Nobody shall obstruct or disrupt the migration of wild animals in such a way that it adversely affects licensed hunting activity in the state.

Trespassing on privately owned land or state woods designated for hunting in the state is also prohibited unless permission is obtained from the owner or those in authority.

Hunting Licenses, Permits, and Tags in Minnesota

Minnesota hunting licenses are awarded based on age and residency, and permits are required before taking some game in the state.

Minnesota hunting licenses include the following:

Residents’ Hunting Permits

These licenses are only available to Minnesota citizens who desire to hunt. Among them are the following:

Apprentice Hunting License for Residents

This license is accessible to Minnesota apprentice hunters who have not completed the hunter education course. To apply for a license, you must be at least 12 years old. The license allows holders to participate in activities such as bear, deer, and other minor games. It is $3.50.

Individual Sport Permit

This allows citizens of the state to go angling and hunting for small game. It is $41.00.

Individual Super Sports Permit

This enables inhabitants to participate in angling. The license includes a salmon and trout stamp, as well as a deer tag. It also permits the hunting of small game species such as ducks and pheasants. It will set you back $100.

License for Married Combination Sports

This allows Minnesota resident spouses to participate in angling and small game hunting. It will set you back $57.

Super Sports License for Married Couples

This allows resident spouses to participate in fishing. The license includes two salmon and trout stamps, as well as a deer tag. It also permits the hunting of small game species such as ducks and pheasants. It will set you back $126.

Small Game and Trapping License for Youth

This license is accessible to Minnesota juvenile residents between the ages of 16 and 17. It enables them to hunt small game and place traps on hunting grounds. It will set you back $5.

Adult Trapping and Small Game License

This license is available to adults over the age of 18 but under the age of 65. It enables them to hunt small game and place traps on hunting grounds. It is $22.00.

Small Game and Hunting License for Seniors

This license is only available to Minnesota senior citizens 65 and older. It enables them to hunt small game and place traps on hunting grounds. It will set you back $13.5.

Non-Resident Hunting Licenses in Minnesota

These are non-resident Minnesota out-of-state hunting licenses. Some of the most important ones are as follows:

Non-resident Apprentice Hunting License

Non-resident apprentice hunters in Minnesota who have not completed the hunter education course are eligible for this license. To apply for a license, you must be at least 12 years old. The license allows holders to participate in activities such as bear, deer, and other minor games. It costs three dollars. 0.

Walk-in access for non-residents

This license allows non-residents to hunt in Minnesota on a walk-in basis. It costs $3.

Small Game and Trapping License for Non-Resident Youth

Non-resident Minnesota youth between the ages of 16 and 17 are eligible for this license. It enables them to hunt small game and place traps on hunting grounds. It will set you back $5.

Adult Non-Residents: Small Game and Trapping License

This license is available to non-resident adults above the age of 18 but under the age of 65. It enables them to hunt small game and place traps on hunting grounds. It is priced at $102.

Adult Non-Resident 72-Hour Small Game and Trapping License

This license is the same as a regular adult small game hunting and trapping license; however, it is only good for 72 hours. It will set you back $75.

Fishing Licenses, Permits, and Tags in Minnesota

Minnesota fishing licenses, permits, and tags include the following:

One-Day Fishing Permit

This license entitles holders to fish in various Minnesota bodies of water for 24 hours. It costs $12 and $14 for locals and non-residents, respectively.

3 Day Fishing Permit

This license entitles holders to fish in various Minnesota bodies of water for 72 hours. It costs $14 and $32 for locals and non-residents, respectively.

7-Day Fishing Permit

This license entitles holders to fish in various Minnesota bodies of water for 7 days. It is only available to non-residents and costs $43.

Married Fishing License for 2 Weeks

This license entitles holders to 14 days of fishing in various Minnesota bodies of water. It is only offered to non-resident spouses and costs $54.

Annual Fishing Permit

This is a one-year ordinary fishing license. It is offered for $25 and $51 for locals and non-residents, respectively.

Annual Fishing License for Married Couples

This is a one-year ordinary fishing license. It is available for $40 to Minnesota resident spouses.

Annual Family License

Non-residents can purchase this fishing license. It applies to all family members. It will set you back $68.

Fishing License for 3 Years

For three years, this license allows holders to fish in various Minnesota water bodies. It is exclusively available to locals and costs $71.

Annual Conservation Permit

Anglers who want to catch fish within a specified size limit must have this license. It is only available to Minnesota residents and costs $17.

Conservation License for Married Couples

This license is required for married fishermen who want to catch fish within a specified size restriction. It is only available to Minnesota residents and costs $27.

Annual Sports Permit

This license will allow you to fish and hunt small game in Minnesota. It is only available to inhabitants of the state and costs $41.

Married Sports Permit

This is similar to an annual sports license; however, it is only offered in Minnesota to married spouses. It will set you back $57.

Annual Super Sports Permit

Super Sports License for Married Couples

Minnesota Deer Season

Minnesota’s hunting seasons vary widely depending on the game species and the sort of weapon used to take it.

Minnesota’s shooting season for various wildlife in 2020–21 includes the following:

Deer Hunting Season in Minnesota

Archery Hunting Season (September 1st to December 31st)
Firearms Hunting Season (November 7th to November 22nd)
Muzzleloader Hunting Season (November 28th to December 13th)
Hunting Season for Young People (15th to 18th of October)

The deer season in Minnesota varies by hunting zone.

Bear Hunting Season in Minnesota

General Hunting Season (September 1st to October 18th)
Turkey Season in Minnesota
Fall General Hunting Season (October 3rd to November 1st)

Bobcat Hunting Season in Minnesota

General Hunting and Trapping Season (December 19th to January 24th)

Small Game Hunting Season in Minnesota

Rabbit hunting season lasts from 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 Minnesota hunting laws, regulations, requirements, and bag limits alter according to the game season. Hunters are encouraged to visit the Minnesota DNR website for further information on the game they choose to pursue as well as their hunting zones.

Minnesota Game, Fish, and Wildlife

The following are some of the most popular game hunts in Minnesota:

Minnesota is hunting for deer.

Deer hunting is popular in popular Minnesota cities such as Bemidji, Grand Rapids, and Detroit Lakes. They are widely spread throughout the state and are one of the most sought-after games.

Black bear hunting in Minnesota

Minnesota black bear hunting takes place in the state’s forested areas. They also live in swampy, brushy, and sloughy habitats throughout the state. In some Minnesota WMAs, black bears can be hunted by baiting them first before taking them from an elevated stand or blind.

Hunting for Turkeys in Minnesota

Turkey hunting is popular in Minnesota on several WMAs and public hunting grounds. Turkeys can also be taken on private grounds by hunters who have access to them. You may even take turkeys on private grounds where there are no signs prohibiting hunting.

Hunting for Bobcats in Minnesota

Bobcat hunting in Minnesota used to be common throughout the state, but it is now only found in the southern portion of the state. They are typically found in forest areas in Minnesota’s northern and northeastern counties. In Minnesota, bobcats are an adaptable game that may live on a variety of areas depending on their use.

Pheasant Hunting in Minnesota

Pheasant hunting in Minnesota occurs on public hunting properties throughout the state. Montevideo, Pipestone, and Marshall counties are excellent starting points for pheasant hunters. These counties have the best pheasant hunting WMAs. In addition, Minnesota WMAs with rivers are ideal for pheasant hunting season.

Hunting for Ducks in Minnesota

Duck hunting in Minnesota takes place in the state’s wetlands because ducks are waterfowl. However, true duck hunters in the state know that the Pine Resort in the state’s Northwoods is one of the best spots to take ducks.

Moose Hunting in Minnesota

Moose inhabit the woodland areas of Minnesota produced by forest fires, windstorms, and logging, particularly in the state’s northeast. In the Minnesota Northwest, moose hunting takes place in woodlots and farm fields. However, due to population declines, moose hunting in the state has been halted.

Hunting for Elk in Minnesota

Elk hunting in Minnesota is primarily concentrated in counties such as Marshall and Kittson in the state’s northwest. Because of the presence of three elk herds, the state is well-known for elk hunting in the United States.

Hunting for Foxes in Minnesota

Red foxes are the most prevalent type of fox in Minnesota and are found across the state. They are also prevalent in the suburbs and in twin cities. Gray fox hunting is also popular in Minnesota; they live in forested and woodland areas from the state’s southeast to northwest.

Minnesota Hunting Shooting Ranges

The following shooting ranges are open to the public in Minnesota:

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

Lands for Hunting in Minnesota for Sale and Lease

Minnesota hunting lands for sale include the following:

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

Minnesota hunting lands for lease include the following:

Rusk County, Wisconsin, prime whitetail hunting land, 120 acres
White-tailed deer on 40 acres in Anoka County’s Coon Lake area.
Kanabec County, 220 acres, with a combination of on-field games and forests.
40 acre Wisconsin land for lease in Polk County.
Whitetail deer, turkey, and duck hunting on 700 acres in Steam country.
150 acres for lease in Polk County, north of Taylors Falls.