Regulations change. Always confirm with the official state fish and wildlife agency before you hunt or fish. This site is an unofficial index, not legal advice. Each fact shows its source and the date we last read it.
Minnesota: 2026 deer seasons, resident license fees and official links
Run by: Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR). Below are the deer season dates and resident license fees we could read on official pages (regulation year 2026). This state is newly added and coverage is partial.
Deer seasons
| Season type | Zone / unit | Dates (inclusive) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 to Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Youth | Statewide | Oct 15, 2026 to Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Early antlerless | Statewide (as listed) | Oct 15, 2026 to Oct 18, 2026 | Listed on the DNR page for the same dates as the youth season. |
| Firearms | 100 series and 604, 679, 684 | Nov 7, 2026 to Nov 22, 2026 | |
| Firearms | 200 series and 338, 341, 605, 642-649, 655, 661, 666, 671, 685 | Nov 7, 2026 to Nov 15, 2026 | Permit area list as shown on the DNR page; check the page for exact areas. |
| Metro deer management zone firearms | Zone 601 | Nov 7, 2026 to Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Late southeast firearms | 338, 341, 605, 642-649 | Nov 21, 2026 to Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Muzzleloader | Statewide | Nov 28, 2026 to Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Late CWD season | As listed on DNR page | Dec 18, 2026 to Dec 20, 2026 | Check the DNR page for the areas. |
Source: Minnesota DNR: deer season dates (2026). Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Dates can vary by zone, unit or land type; check the official page for your location.
Selected resident license fees
| License (resident) | Fee | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer license (firearms, archery or muzzleloader), resident adult 18+ | $34.00 | Cost does not include the $1.00 issuing fee (per the 2026 regulations booklet). | Official page |
| Annual individual angling license, resident adult | $25.00 | 2026 fishing regulations; check the DNR page for any issuing fee. | Official page |
Fees are copied from the official page linked in each row, last verified Oct 17, 2026. Fees, agent fees and online fees change; confirm before you buy.
Good to know
- The statewide shotgun zone repeal is in effect for 2026; some counties have adopted local shotgun-only ordinances, so check the county where you hunt.
Source: Minnesota DNR: deer hunting. Last verified Oct 17, 2026. - All 2026 deer licenses (archery, firearms, muzzleloader and bonus permits) went on sale Aug 1; they may be bought any time before or during the season.
Source: Minnesota DNR: deer hunting. Last verified Oct 17, 2026. - Hunting and fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through the end of February of the following year; the DNR collects a Social Security number when you apply for a non-commercial license.
Source: Minnesota DNR: fishing licenses. Last verified Oct 17, 2026.
Not yet researched
Turkey, bear, small game and waterfowl dates; fishing seasons; zone/permit area maps; non-resident fees.