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Minnesota Hunting Season Dates 2026–27

Season openers, closers, and tag requirements by species. Always confirm against MN Dept of Natural Resources before you hunt. Dates can change.

License: resident $15.5 · nonresident $102. Species tags and permits are extra. See each section below.

White-tailed Deer Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
ArcherySep 19, 2026Dec 31, 2026Archery Deer License
Youth deer seasonOct 15, 2026Oct 18, 2026Youth Deer License
Early antlerless seasonOct 15, 2026Oct 18, 2026Early Antlerless Season Permit
Statewide firearms (Season A) - 100 series: Deer permit areas - 100 seriesNov 7, 2026Nov 22, 2026Firearms Deer License
Statewide firearms (Season A) - 200 series: Deer permit areas - 200 seriesNov 7, 2026Nov 15, 2026Firearms Deer License
Late southeast firearms (Season B) - 300 series: Late southeast firearms area (300 series)Nov 21, 2026Nov 29, 2026Firearms Deer License
Metro deer management zone firearms - DPA 601: Metro deer management zone (DPA 601)Nov 7, 2026Nov 29, 2026Firearms Deer License
MuzzleloaderNov 28, 2026Dec 13, 2026Muzzleloader Deer License
Late CWD seasonDec 18, 2026Dec 20, 2026Disease Management Permit

Wild Turkey Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
FallOct 3, 2026Nov 1, 2026Fall Turkey License (no lottery; on sale after Aug. 1)
Spring - archery only (entire season)Apr 14, 2027May 31, 2027Archery-only Spring Turkey License
Spring - youth (entire season)Apr 14, 2027May 31, 2027Youth Spring Turkey License (age 17 and younger)
Spring firearms - Season AApr 14, 2027Apr 20, 2027Firearms Spring Turkey License
Spring firearms - Season BApr 21, 2027Apr 27, 2027Firearms Spring Turkey License
Spring firearms - Season CApr 28, 2027May 4, 2027Firearms Spring Turkey License
Spring firearms - Season DMay 5, 2027May 11, 2027Firearms Spring Turkey License
Spring firearms - Season EMay 12, 2027May 18, 2027Firearms Spring Turkey License
Spring firearms - Season FMay 19, 2027May 31, 2027Firearms Spring Turkey License

Black Bear Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - permit areas and no-quota areaSep 1, 2026Oct 18, 2026Bear License (lottery in permit areas; over-the-counter in the no-quota area)

Elk Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Season A - either-sex, Zone 10: Elk Zone 10Sep 12, 2026Sep 20, 2026Elk License (lottery) - 1 licence
Season B - antlerless, Zone 10: Elk Zone 10Sep 12, 2026Sep 20, 2026Elk License (lottery) - 1 licence
Season C - either-sex, Zone 20: Elk Zone 20 (Kittson Central)Sep 12, 2026Sep 20, 2026Elk License (lottery) - 1 licence
Season D - antlerless, Zone 20: Elk Zone 20 (Kittson Central)Sep 12, 2026Sep 20, 2026Elk License (lottery) - 2 licences
Season E - either-sex, Zone 30: Elk Zone 30 (Kittson Northeast)Sep 12, 2026Sep 20, 2026Elk License (lottery) - 1 licence
Season F - antlerless, Zone 30: Elk Zone 30 (Kittson Northeast)Sep 12, 2026Sep 20, 2026Elk License (lottery) - 2 licences
Season G - antlerless, Zone 30: Elk Zone 30 (Kittson Northeast)Sep 26, 2026Oct 4, 2026Elk License (lottery) - 4 licences

Badger Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Hunting and trapping - North Furbearer ZoneOct 17, 2026Mar 15, 2027Small Game License (hunting) / Trapping License
Hunting and trapping - South Furbearer ZoneOct 24, 2026Mar 15, 2027Small Game License (hunting) / Trapping License

Beaver Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping - North Furbearer ZoneOct 24, 2026May 15, 2027Trapping License
Trapping - South Furbearer ZoneOct 31, 2026May 15, 2027Trapping License

Bobcat Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Hunting - North Furbearer ZoneDec 12, 2026Jan 17, 2027Small Game License + Bobcat registration
Hunting - South Furbearer ZoneJan 2, 2027Jan 17, 2027Small Game License + Bobcat registration
Trapping - North Furbearer ZoneDec 12, 2026Jan 17, 2027Trapping License + Bobcat registration

Coyote Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Continuous open season (small game licence year)Mar 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027No licence required for residents taking unprotected animals; see the regulations

Sandhill Crane Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Sandhill Crane Zone: Northwest goose zone / Sandhill Crane ZoneSep 12, 2026Oct 18, 2026Small Game License + Sandhill Crane Permit ($3)

Crow Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (first segment)Sep 1, 2026Oct 31, 2026Small Game License
Regular (second segment)Dec 15, 2026Dec 31, 2026Small Game License
Regular (third segment)Jan 1, 2027Jan 15, 2027Small Game License
Regular (fourth segment)Mar 1, 2027Mar 31, 2027Small Game License

Mourning Dove Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 1, 2026Nov 29, 2026Small Game License + HIP Registration

Fisher Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping - North Furbearer ZoneDec 12, 2026Dec 20, 2026Trapping License + fisher registration

Fox (Gray and Red) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Hunting and trapping - North Furbearer ZoneOct 17, 2026Mar 15, 2027Small Game License (hunting) / Trapping License
Hunting and trapping - South Furbearer ZoneOct 24, 2026Mar 15, 2027Small Game License (hunting) / Trapping License

Ruffed and Spruce Grouse Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 19, 2026Jan 3, 2027Small Game License

Pine Marten Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping - North Furbearer ZoneDec 12, 2026Dec 20, 2026Trapping License + marten registration

Mink Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping - North Furbearer ZoneOct 24, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License
Trapping - South Furbearer ZoneOct 31, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License

Muskrat Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping - North Furbearer ZoneOct 24, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License
Trapping - South Furbearer ZoneOct 31, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License

Opossum Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Hunting and trapping - North Furbearer ZoneOct 17, 2026Mar 15, 2027Small Game License (hunting) / Trapping License
Hunting and trapping - South Furbearer ZoneOct 24, 2026Mar 15, 2027Small Game License (hunting) / Trapping License

River Otter Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping - North Furbearer ZoneOct 24, 2026May 15, 2027Trapping License
Trapping - South Furbearer ZoneOct 31, 2026May 15, 2027Trapping License

Hungarian Partridge Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 19, 2026Jan 3, 2027Small Game License

Ring-necked Pheasant Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularOct 10, 2026Jan 3, 2027Small Game License + Pheasant Stamp

Greater Prairie Chicken Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (special permit only): Prairie chicken quota areasSep 26, 2026Oct 4, 2026Prairie Chicken License (resident lottery only)

Cottontail Rabbit and Snowshoe Hare Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hareSep 19, 2026Feb 28, 2027Small Game License
Regular - jack rabbitSep 19, 2026Feb 28, 2027Small Game License

Raccoon Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Hunting and trapping - North Furbearer ZoneOct 17, 2026Mar 15, 2027Small Game License (hunting) / Trapping License
Hunting and trapping - South Furbearer ZoneOct 24, 2026Mar 15, 2027Small Game License (hunting) / Trapping License

Sora and Virginia Rail Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 1, 2026Nov 9, 2026Small Game License + HIP Registration

Sharp-tailed Grouse Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Northwest zone: Sharp-tailed grouse Northwest ZoneSep 19, 2026Nov 30, 2026Small Game License

Striped Skunk Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Continuous open season (small game licence year)Mar 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027No licence required for residents taking unprotected animals; see the regulations

Wilson's Snipe Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 1, 2026Dec 16, 2026Small Game License + HIP Registration

Gray and Fox Squirrel Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 19, 2026Feb 28, 2027Small Game License

Duck, Goose & Waterfowl Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Early teal (blue-winged, green-winged and cinnamon only)Sep 5, 2026Sep 9, 2026Small Game License + Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Youth Waterfowl WeekendSep 12, 2026Sep 13, 2026Hunters 17 and younger accompanied by a nonhunting adult 18 or older
North Zone: Waterfowl North ZoneSep 26, 2026Nov 24, 2026Small Game License + Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Central Zone (first segment): Waterfowl Central ZoneSep 26, 2026Oct 4, 2026Small Game License + Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Central Zone (second segment): Waterfowl Central ZoneOct 10, 2026Nov 29, 2026Small Game License + Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
South Zone (first segment): Waterfowl South ZoneSep 26, 2026Oct 4, 2026Small Game License + Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
South Zone (second segment): Waterfowl South ZoneOct 17, 2026Dec 6, 2026Small Game License + Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Falconry - North Zone (first segment): Waterfowl North ZoneSep 26, 2026Nov 24, 2026Falconry Permit + HIP
Falconry - North Zone (second segment): Waterfowl North ZoneDec 12, 2026Jan 20, 2027Falconry Permit + HIP
Falconry - Central Zone (first segment): Waterfowl Central ZoneSep 26, 2026Oct 4, 2026Falconry Permit + HIP
Falconry - Central Zone (second segment): Waterfowl Central ZoneOct 10, 2026Nov 29, 2026Falconry Permit + HIP
Falconry - Central Zone (third segment): Waterfowl Central ZoneDec 12, 2026Jan 20, 2027Falconry Permit + HIP
Falconry - South Zone (first segment): Waterfowl South ZoneSep 26, 2026Oct 4, 2026Falconry Permit + HIP
Falconry - South Zone (second segment): Waterfowl South ZoneOct 17, 2026Dec 6, 2026Falconry Permit + HIP
Falconry - South Zone (third segment): Waterfowl South ZoneDec 12, 2026Jan 20, 2027Falconry Permit + HIP
Goose (Canada, white-fronted, brant, snow, blue and Ross's): Early season (statewide) - Canada, white-fronted and brantSep 5, 2026Sep 20, 2026Small Game License + Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Goose (Canada, white-fronted, brant, snow, blue and Ross's): Early season (statewide) - snow, blue snow and Ross'sSep 6, 2026Sep 21, 2026Small Game License + Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Goose (Canada, white-fronted, brant, snow, blue and Ross's): Regular - North Zone: Waterfowl North ZoneSep 26, 2026Dec 25, 2026Small Game License + Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Goose (Canada, white-fronted, brant, snow, blue and Ross's): Regular - Central Zone (first segment): Waterfowl Central ZoneSep 26, 2026Oct 4, 2026Small Game License + Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Goose (Canada, white-fronted, brant, snow, blue and Ross's): Regular - Central Zone (second segment): Waterfowl Central ZoneOct 10, 2026Dec 30, 2026Small Game License + Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Goose (Canada, white-fronted, brant, snow, blue and Ross's): Regular - South Zone (first segment): Waterfowl South ZoneSep 26, 2026Oct 4, 2026Small Game License + Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Goose (Canada, white-fronted, brant, snow, blue and Ross's): Regular - South Zone (second segment): Waterfowl South ZoneOct 17, 2026Jan 6, 2027Small Game License + Waterfowl Stamp + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Goose (Canada, white-fronted, brant, snow, blue and Ross's): Spring light goose conservation orderFeb 18, 2027Apr 30, 2027Light Goose Conservation Permit

Weasel (long-tailed and short-tailed) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Hunting and trapping - North Furbearer ZoneOct 17, 2026Mar 15, 2027Small Game License (hunting) / Trapping License
Hunting and trapping - South Furbearer ZoneOct 24, 2026Mar 15, 2027Small Game License (hunting) / Trapping License

American Woodcock Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 19, 2026Nov 2, 2026Small Game License + HIP Registration
Verify before you hunt. These dates are compiled for planning and can change between when they're published and when the season opens, and many states vary dates by unit, zone, or WMU. Always confirm with MN Dept of Natural Resources before heading out. Nothing here is legal advice.
Licenses, CWD zones & official links → Build a hunt plan

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