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Minnesota Deer Seasons and Deadlines, 2026 to 2027

Minnesota deer season dates, permit deadlines, and CWD zones for 2026 to 2027. Checked against Minnesota DNR.

FDR Research Desk · Checked against the agency Jul 13, 2026
Oct 15Youth opens

Last checked against Minnesota DNR on Jul 13, 2026.Official Minnesota DNR dates

Open now
Archery, GeneralSep 19, 2026 to Dec 31, 2026Crossbows now legal the entire archery season (2026 law change).
Next opener4days
YouthThu, Oct 15 to Sun, Oct 18, 2026
Next deadlineNone aheadLast: Antlerless permit lottery deadline, Sep 10, 2026Check with Minnesota DNR

Season dates, in date order

MethodPortionOpensCloses
ArcheryOpen nowGeneral
Crossbows now legal the entire archery season (2026 law change).
Sep 19, 2026Dec 31, 2026
YouthNextYouth hunt (statewide)Oct 15, 2026Oct 18, 2026
Firearm100 series (north)Nov 7, 2026Nov 22, 2026
Firearm200/300A (central/south)Nov 7, 2026Nov 15, 2026
Firearm300BNov 21, 2026Nov 29, 2026
MuzzleloaderStatewideNov 28, 2026Dec 13, 2026

Deadlines

  • Antlerless permit lottery deadlineSep 10, 2026passed
  • All deer licenses on saleAug 1, 2026passed

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  • Southern shotgun-only zone repealed statewide; rifles legal unless a county opts out.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 every year and can change mid-season. This page is informational only. Confirm every date, permit and CWD rule with Minnesota DNR before you hunt. FDR is not affiliated with any state natural-resources agency.

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