For the avid hunter in the family, there is plenty of opportunity to sharpen those hunting skills in the Minnesota Northwoods. Whether it is big game, small game, or waterfowl you are after, there is a wide variety for your hunting pleasure. This area has an abundance of whitetail deer and open season starts in mid-September for archery and early November for firearms. Ruffed grouse are also a commodity in the Northwoods. The open season for grouse and partridge begins in mid-September and continues to the end of the year. Click here for more information on MN grouse hunting. For that "really big game" hunter, the season for Minnesota Black Bear opens at the end of August.
The more than 1,000 lakes in Itasca County make perfect haven for many migratory birds that come each year to nest and stay for the summer and fall. Canadian Geese and ducks are popular birds hunted on our area lakes. Waterfowl season begins the end of September. See exact season dates below.
The Northwoods is alive with the many sights and sounds of an abundant supply of wildlife. It offers a tremendous opportunity to teach your family about Minnesota's greatest resource - nature. We encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful experience and book your next hunting vacation with us.
2009-2010 Minnesota Hunting Seasons
Crow Hunting 2009 - First Season
March 1, 2009 - March 31, 2009
Spring Light Goose Season
March 1, 2009 - April 30, 2009
2009 Spring Wild Turkey (opener)
April 15, 2009
Bear Hunting 2009 Application Deadline
May 1, 2009
Moose Hunting License Applications Deadline
May 1, 2009
Crow Hunting 2009 - Second Season
July 15, 2009 - Oct. 15, 2009
Elk Hunting Lottery Deadline
July 17, 2009
Fall Wild Turkey Lottery Deadline
July 31, 2009
Bear Hunting Season
Sept. 1, 2009 - Oct. 18, 2009
Mourning Dove Season
Sept. 1, 2009 - Oct. 30, 2009
Rails, Snipe -Opener
Sept. 1, 2009 - Nov. 4, 2009
Early Canada Goose
Sept. 5, 2009 - Sept. 22, 2009 (tentative)
Late Canada Goose
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Deer Hunting Either Sex Application Deadline
Sept. 10, 2009
Woodcock Season
Sept. 19, 2009 - Nov. 2, 2008
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Sept. 19, 2009 - Nov. 30, 2009
Deer Hunting Season - Archery
Sept. 19, 2009 - Dec. 31, 2009
Ruffed & Spruce Grouse
Sept. 19, 2009 - Jan. 1, 2010
Cottontail Rabbit, Jack-rabbit and Snowshoe Hare, Gray & Fox Squirrel
Sept.19, 2009 - Feb. 28, 2010
General Duck and Goose Season
Oct. 3, 2009
Pheasant
Oct. 10, 2009 - Jan. 3, 2010
Deer Hunting Early Antlerless Opener
Oct. 13, 2008
Fall Wild Turkey (first season)
Oct. 14, 2009 - Oct. 18, 2009
Fall Wild Turkey (second season)
Oct. 21, 2009 - Oct. 25, 2009
Deer Hunting - Last Day toUpgrade Firearms Deer License
Minnesota DNR Region II, Northeast Regional Wildlife Headquarters -- 1201 East Highway 2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Phone: 218-327-4413
Completion of a Hunter Education/Firearms Safety course is a must to purchase a hunting license for anyone born on or after Dec. 31, 1979. Click here for the full story.
