MN deer hunting licenses, regulations now available

Brandon Marshall

(ABC 6 News) – Minnesota deer hunting season is just around the corner.

Deer hunters can now buy licenses and find 2022 hunting regulations on the Minnesota DNR website. Print copies of the regulations will be available wherever licenses are sold.

“We’re excited about deer hunting this year,” Kelly Straka, the DNR’s wildlife section manager, said. “Hunters in 20% of our deer permit areas will have increased opportunities for harvest, and opportunities in 70% of DPAs remain unchanged from last year. In some areas of northern Minnesota, severe winter conditions have impacted low deer numbers, so hunter opportunity in these areas is designed to help stabilize or increase those populations.”

The changes for 2022 include eight more deer permit areas (DPAs) and more license options for the early antlerless season, and increased bag limits in 28 DPAs. The limits remain the same in 90 DPAs while 12 were lowered.

Minnesota’s deer season dates are below:

  • Archery: Sept. 17 through Dec. 31.
  • Youth and early antlerless: Oct. 20 through Oct. 23.
  • Firearms: Opens Nov. 5, closes at various points based on each DPA.
  • Muzzleloader: Nov. 26 through Dec. 11.

Find more info on each DPA HERE.