Minnesota Hunting Guide 2026
Complete Minnesota hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.
Wildlife Agency
Minnesota DNR
Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers
Minnesota Hunting Seasons
Whitetail Deer
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
- Tag-to-Trail Planner — interactive map: public land, harvest records, water, burns
- Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
- Application Timeline — never miss an application deadline
- Preference Point Tracker — track points across all your states
