For Futher Information: see the Minnesota DNR Hunting Web Site

 

Finding a decent location to hunt can be as challenging as the actual hunting itself. However, over 23 percent - more than 11 million acres - is publicly owned land in Minnesota, and almost all of that land is open to public hunting.

  • WMAs: Minnesota’s 1,034 WMAs are wetlands, uplands, or woods owned and managed for wildlife by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Hunting is open to the public during regular seasons. The DNR’s "Guide to Minnesota Wildlife Lands" shows the location of each WMA, and lists the larger areas that have resident managers and detailed maps. Get this free map by writing or calling the DNR Information Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155. Phone: 651-296-6157. 
     
  • State Forests: The three million acres encompassed by Minnesota’s 56 state forests hold game such as moose, deer, bear, and ruffed grouse. Except in a few portions, these areas are entirely open to public hunting. A free state highway map showing the location of all state forests is available by writing to: Minnesota Office of Tourism, 100 Metro Square, 121 Seventh Place East, St. Paul, MN 55101-2112. 
     
  • WPAs: Most of these federally managed wetlands and surrounding uplands are open to hunting. Exact locations are shown on the Minnesota Public Recreation Information Maps (see below for details). 
     
  • National Wildlife Refuges: Portions of Minnesota’s eight national wildlife refuges are open to hunting. Restrictions are given on pages 103 to 107 of the 1997 DNR Hunting Regulations. For hunting maps and regulations, write to: Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, 1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, MN 55111-4056. 

  • National Forests: The Chippewa and Superior national forests in northern Minnesota are open to public hunting. For maps of these areas send $4 to: Chippewa National Forest, Cass Lake, MN 55663, or to: Superior National Forest, P.O. Box 338, Duluth, MN 55801.