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.
2008 - 2009 Minnesota Hunting Calendar This calendar will be updated as information becomes available from the MN/DNR.
Small Game
Cottontail Rabbit, Jack-rabbit and Snowshoe Hare, Gray & Fox Squirrel
Sept.13, 2008
Pheasant
Oct. 11, 2008 - Jan. 1, 2009
Ruffed & Spruce Grouse
Sept. 16 - Jan.1, 2009
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Sept. 15 - Nov. 30, 2008
2008 Spring Wild Turkey (first season)
April 16 - May 29, 2008
Fall Wild Turkey Lottery Deadline
July 27, 2008
Fall Wild Turkey (first season)
Oct. 15 - 19, 2008
Fall Wild Turkey (second season)
Oct. 22 - 26, 2008
2008 Spring Wild Turkey Application Deadline
Dec. 7, 2008
Big Game
Bear hunt 2008 Application Deadline
May 4, 2008
Bear hunt - opener
Sept. 1 - Oct. 14, 2008
Special Youth Deer Hunt Application Deadline
Aug. 17, 2008
Deer Hunt Either Sex Application Deadline
Sept. 6, 2008
Deer Hunt Early Antlerless Opener
Oct. 13, 2008
Deer Hunting License on Sale
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Deer Hunt - Last Day toUpgrade Firearms Deer License
Nov. 2, 2008
Deer Opener - Archery
Sept. 13 - Dec. 31, 2008
Deer Opener - Firearms
Nov. 8, 2008
Deer Opener - Muzzleloader
Nov. 29 - Dec. 29, 2008
Elk Lottery Deadline
July 13, 2008
Elk (Bull)
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Elk - Antlerless - residents only
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Moose hunting license applications deadline
May 4, 2008
Moose - northeast zone
Oct. 4 - Oct. 20, 2008
Furbearers - Trapping/Hunting
Raccoon
Oct. 25, 2008 - March 15, 2009
Gray & Red Fox
Oct. 25, 2008 - March 15, 2009
Bobcat
Nov. 29, 2008 - Jan, 6, 2009
Pine Marten & Fisher
Nov. 29, 2008 - Dec. 9, 2009
Mink & Muskrat (north zone) > Opener
Oct. 25, 2008 - Feb. 29, 2009
Mink & Muskrat (south zone) > Opener
Nov. 1, 2008 - May 15, 2009
Beaver (north zone) > Opener
Oct. 25, 2008 - May 15, 2009
Beaver (south zone) > Opener
Nov. 1, 2008 - May 15, 2009
Otter (north zone) > Opener
Oct. 25, 2008 - Jan. 6, 2009
Otter (south zone) > Opener
Nov. 1, 2008 - Jan. 6, 2009
Migratory Birds
Spring Light Goose Season
March 1 - April 30, 2008
General duck and goose
Oct. 4, 2008 (tentative)
Rails, snipe - opener
Sept. 1 - Nov. 4, 2008
Woodcock
Sept. 20 - Nov. 5, 2008
Crow 2008 - First Season
March 1 - 31, 2008
Crow 2008 - Second Season
July 15, - Oct. 15, 2008
Mourning doves
Sept. 1 - 2008
Early Canada goose
Sept. 6 - 2008 (tentative)
Late Canada Goose
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Helpful links for great Minnesota Hunting:
2007 Hunting Regulations (.pdf) Note: 2008 Regulations will be added as soon as they are available.
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.
