← Reg Watch
MINNESOTA · 2026–2027
MinnesotaDeer Season & CWD Watch
✓ Verified Jul 13, 2026 against the official Minnesota DNR calendar · confirm before you hunt.
Season dates
| Method | Portion | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | GeneralCrossbows now legal the entire archery season (2026 law change). | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 |
| Youth | Youth hunt (statewide) | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 |
| Firearm | 100 series (north) | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 |
| Firearm | 200/300A (central/south) | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 |
| Firearm | 300B | Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 |
| Muzzleloader | Statewide | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 |
Deadlines
- Antlerless permit lottery deadlineSep 10, 2026
- All deer licenses on saleAug 1, 2026
Chronic wasting disease
22 deer permit areas with detections in the last three years (May 2026). Mandatory sampling for deer 1yr+ on opening firearm weekend in designated zones.
Notable rule changes
- Crossbow expiration removed — any archery license holder may use a crossbow the entire archery season.
- Southern shotgun-only zone repealed statewide; rifles legal unless a county opts out.
Official Minnesota DNR dates →
Regulations change annually and can change mid-season. This page is informational only; confirm every date, permit, and CWD rule with Minnesota DNR before hunting. FDR is not affiliated with any state natural-resources agency.