MINNESOTA LAWS & REGULATIONS
What are the Hunting Laws and Regulations in Minnesota?
When hunting in Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is dedicated to protecting and managing land, water, fish and wildlife and providing access to outdoor recreation opportunities. They provide hunting regulations to sustain a healthy wildlife population. As hunting seasons begin, all hunters must have a valid hunting license along with other required permits or stamps depending on the hunted specie. No hunter shall trespass private land without permission or hunt within 100 ft of an occupied building. It is unlawful to hunt in a powered-on vehicle, use any aircraft to locate game, or transport any game out of state line. It is unlawful to shine light as well as using nitght vision devisions to locate game. All hunters must also report their harvest 10 days after their hunting experience. Hunting while being under the influence and harassing game is also prohibited.
* Visit Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Guide For More Information*
FEATURED ANIMALS
BLACK BEAR
The Black Bear population is expanding in Minnesota; therefore, state laws have broadened bear hunting takings within permitted areas. There are still areas within the state that will limit the amount of bear licenses distributed as well as set further limitations determined through a lottery. Moreover, there are defined areas that do not require a lottery drawing, though have a set quota, as well as others that have no quota. One adult bear is allotted per licensed hunter in quota areas; one adult bear is allotted in no-quota areas. Licenses are granted to residents, non-residents, and youths. Firearms along with bows and arrows are the legal methods in which big game should be obtained.
- General Season: Sept. 1 – Oct. 18, 2020
*For more specific information pertaining to the general Bear hunting season in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota State Bear Hunting Page.
Pheasant
Pheasants in Minnesota have a range that spans among the southern-most part of the state. Within this specified area, there are limitations in the number of roosters that are able to be claimed relative to the time of season. A license and Pheasant stamp are required, with a daily limit of 2 or 3 roosters and a possession 6 to 9 roosters; the greater numbers being in accordance with the latter half of the season. Hunting hours are from 9 in the morning and last until sunset. In addition, rifles or handguns, with the .22 caliber rimfire being exempt, are not permitted, though permitted shotguns are able to contain more than 3 shells.
- Statewide: Oct. 10 – Jan. 3, 2021
- Vermillion Highlands: Dec. 14 – Jan. 3, 2021
*For more specific information pertaining to the general Pheasant hunting season in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota State Pheasant Hunting Page.
white-tail deer
When hunting Deer in Minnesota, one must purchase a license, which tend to go on sale in August. Once a license has been purchased, the license becomes valid when Deer season is open and within legal shooting daylight hours. No more than one mode of lethal hunting equipment (i.e. a firearm, muzzleloader) may be procured during a calendar year. Bonus permits are at times allotted, with the tagging of a Deer in the absence of a legal permit being restricted. One must follow the proper guidelines when tagging their Deer; this would be in association with the two-part form that is the license and site tag. Furthermore, bait, illegal hunting equipment and ammunition are prohibited. Bucks taken must have antlers of 3-inches; fawn bucks are not allowed to be hunted.
- General Season: Nov. 7 – Dec. 23, 2020
- Archery: Sept. 19 – Dec. 31, 2020
*For more specific information pertaining to the general Deer hunting season in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota State Deer Hunting Page.