Minnesota · Deer · 2026–27 Edition
Minnesota Deer Season 2026–27: Dates, Zones & Bag Limits
Sep 19 — mark it
Mark it.
2026–27 Edition
01 — Seasons by method
| Method | Zones | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Statewide | Sep 19 – Dec 31 |
| Youth | Statewide | Oct 15 – Oct 18 |
| Early antlerless | Statewide | Oct 15 – Oct 18 |
| Firearms (100 series) | 100 series + 604/679/684 | Nov 7 – Nov 22 |
| Firearms (200 series) | 200 series + listed areas | Nov 7 – Nov 15 |
| Firearms (metro 601) | Metro zone 601 | Nov 7 – Nov 29 |
| Late southeast firearms | 338/341/605/642–649 | Nov 21 – Nov 29 |
| Muzzleloader | Statewide | Nov 28 – Dec 13 |
| Late CWD season | CWD areas | Dec 18 – Dec 20 |
02 — Bag limits
| Statewide | Set by permit-area designation (lottery / hunter choice / managed) — see MN DNR |
|---|
03 — Shooting hours
Legal light on opening day (September 19, 2026) 06:31 — 19:49
Rule: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset (standard) — confirm with MN DNR. (Shooting-hours rule not yet independently verified against the agency.) Sunrise/sunset shift daily — the times above are computed for opening day; use your local Minnesota sun times for any other date.
04 — License
A Minnesota hunting license and deer permit are required. A dedicated Minnesota license page — costs, age rules and where to buy — is coming; for now, buy and read the rules straight from the agency.
Minnesota licenses & permits — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources →
05 — FAQ
When does deer season start in Minnesota?
The earliest 2026–27 opener is September 19, 2026 (archery). Gun and muzzleloader dates differ — see the table above.
When does deer season end in Minnesota?
The latest 2026–27 closing date is December 31, 2026. Individual methods and zones close on their own dates.
Verified · Minnesota Department of Natural Resources · Last verified 2026-08-01
Publisher's note. Dates as published by the MN DNR for the 2026 season. Firearms dates depend on the deer permit area series (100/200/300); metro and late-southeast areas differ. Bag/designation is set per permit area — see the MN hunting regulations.