2026 special deer hunts

New for 2026

A new, stand-alone application for firearms and muzzleloader special deer hunts now exists in the electronic licensing system. Hunters may apply for both a firearms and a muzzleloader special deer hunt but must first purchase a firearms or muzzleloader license, or have one added to the shopping cart. Hunters no longer have to choose between the anterless permit lottery and the special hunt lottery.
Learn more about special hunt applications.

Deadlines

Youth hunts: Friday, Aug. 14 (unless noted otherwise)
Adult hunts: Thursday, Sept. 10 (unless noted otherwise)

Hunts, no permit needed

Special hunts listed in the following table do not require application for a permit. They are being held to reduce deer numbers in areas where hunting is not normally allowed. Anyone may hunt deer as specified in these areas without a special permit. No other species of wild animal may be taken during the hunts and hunting is only allowed during the dates specified. Deer taken should be registered using the hunt number listed in the table.


Area name Hunt Permits Dates Bag Type Additional info
City of Baxter989UnlimitedSep. 19-Dec. 315Either sexApplication required. Assistant Chief Lance Herbst; 218-454-5099; [email protected]
City of East Gull Lake880UnlimitedSep. 19-Dec. 315Antlerless onlyLaura Christensen; 218-828-9279; [email protected]
City of Grand Rapids995UnlimitedSep. 19-Dec. 313Either sexPolice Chief Andy Morgan; 218-326-3464; [email protected]; CWD sampling is mandatory
City of Jackson928UnlimitedSep. 19-Dec. 312Antlerless onlyShawn Haken; 507-847-4420; [email protected]
City of Red Wing977UnlimitedSep. 19-Dec. 11double check the 11th isn't a typo5Earn-a-buckPatrick Ramaker: 651-385-3674; [email protected], Fee $20. Application required.
Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area987UnlimitedSep. 19-Dec. 311Either sexKristy Rice; 320-753-0326; [email protected]
Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area- Carver Rapids Unit & Thompson Ferry Unit Archery979UnlimitedSep. 19-Dec. 315Either-Sex


Area name Hunt Permits Dates Bag Nontoxic ammo Type Additional info
City of Baxter993UnlimitedNov. 7-225N/AEither-SexApplication required. Assistant Chief Lance Herbst; 218-454-5099; [email protected]
City of Grand Rapids 931UnlimitedNov. 7-223N/AEither-SexCWD sampling is mandatory.
Franz Jevne State Park988UnlimitedNov. 7-223RequiredEither-Sex
Itasca State Park287UnlimitedNov. 7-151RequiredEither-SexLouis Peterson, 218-407-5645
Schoolcraft State Park912UnlimitedNov. 7-221RequiredEither-Sex


Area name Hunt Permits Dates Bag Nontoxic ammo Type Additional info
City of Baxter941UnlimitedNov. 28-Dec. 135N/AEither-SexApplication required. Assistant Chief Lance Herbst; 218-454-5099; [email protected]
City of Grand Rapids946UnlimitedNov. 28-Dec. 133N/AEither-SexCWD sampling is mandatory. DNR Wildlife Office 218-328-8860
Itasca State Park287UnlimitedNov. 28-Dec. 131RequiredEither-SexIncludes Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary. Louis Peterson 218-407-5645
Schoolcraft State Park912UnlimitedNov. 28-Dec. 131RequiredEither-Sex

Hunts, permit required

Special hunt permits are required to hunt deer in places where the number of hunters must be limited to control the harvest or for safety. Before submitting an application, check with the location you are interested in hunting. Different special hunt areas have different regulations such as requiring bonus permit use, taking an antlerless deer first, written permission, and/or proficiency tests.


Youth with valid licenses may participate in these hunts.
Area name Hunt Permits Dates Bag Type Additional info
(Austin) Jay C. Hormel Nature Center only97350Oct. 1-Dec. 313Earn-a-buckMandatory orientation, Luke Reese; 507-433-1881; [email protected], Apply by Sep. 12, Fee $25
Bemidji Regional Airport98620Sep. 13-Dec. 315Either-SexScott Schroeder; 218-333-1861; [email protected], Apply by Aug. 1, Fee $10
Bemidji city hunts (985) from Sep. 13-Dec. 31 are only permitted on private land with landowner permission due to storm damage. Contact Scott Schroeder at 218-333-1861 or [email protected]. Apply by Aug. 1.
City of Blue Earth89716Sep. 13-Dec. 312Earn-a-buckMandatory orientation, Tharen Haugh; 507-526-5959; [email protected], Apply by Aug. 11, Fee $15
City of Canby98415Sep. 13-Dec. 312Antlerless onlyBrock Smith; 507-828-8192; [email protected], Apply by Sep. 5, Fee $10
Carleton Game Refuge97240Nov. 27-Dec. 315Earn-a-buckApply by Oct. 1
City of Duluth980400Sep. 13-Dec. 313Either-SexMandatory orientation, Arrowhead Bowhunters Alliance; [email protected], Apply by Jun. 30, Fee $40
City of East Grand Forks99612Nov. 15-231Other9 anterless and 3 either-sex permits offered; mandatory orientation, Police Chief Michael Hedlund; 218-773-1104; [email protected], Apply by Sep. 15
City of Granite Falls98210Sep. 13-Dec. 311Antlerless onlyMike Thull; 320-564-2129; [email protected], Apply by Sep. 1
City of Hallock - Season A9925Sep. 13-Oct. 172Antlerless onlyMike Docken, Police Chief; 218-843-3434; [email protected]
City of Hallock - Season B9925Oct. 18-Nov. 212Antlerless onlyMike Docken, Police Chief; 218-843-3434; [email protected]
City of Hallock - Season C9925Nov. 22-Dec. 312Antlerless onlyMike Docken, Police Chief; 218-843-3434; [email protected]
City of Lake Benton92440Sep. 13-Dec. 312Earn-a-buckEileen Christensen; 507-368-4641 ext. 1; [email protected], Apply by Aug. 29, Fee $15
City of Mankato98140Sep. 13-Dec. 315Earn-a-buckMandatory orientation, Justin Lundborg; 507-387-8397; [email protected], Apply by Jul. 18
City of New Ulm 97656Oct. 11-Dec. 313Double earn-a-buckDustin Fleck; 507-233-6750, Apply by Sep. 5, Fee $20
City of Ortonville98330Sep. 13-Dec. 315Earn-a-buckOrtonville City Clerk; 320-839-3428; [email protected], Apply by Aug. 1, Fee $20
City of Owatonna99031Oct. 19-Nov. 16, Nov. 17-Dec. 145Earn-a-buckMandatory orientation, Mary Jo Knudson; 507-774-7364; [email protected], Apply by Sep. 5, Fee $20
City of Red Lake Falls99810Sep. 13-Dec. 311Antlerless onlyKelly Brekke; 218-253-2996; [email protected], Apply by Sep. 1
City of Redwood Falls 97820Sep. 13-Dec. 313Double earn-a-buckJim Doering; 507-616-7400; [email protected], Fee $20
City of Two Harbors89615Sep. 13-Dec. 312Earn-a-buckMandatory orientation, Corey Carlson; 218-340-0630; [email protected], Apply by Aug. 16
City of Warroad97410Sep. 13-Dec. 315Either-SexWade Steinbring; 218-386-2053; [email protected]
City of Windom 97015Sep. 13-Dec. 312Antlerless onlyDevin Koppenrud; 507-831-6134; [email protected], Apply by Aug. 31, Fee $20
Lake Tamarack Unit of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum8952Oct. 25-Nov. 92Earn-a-buckSue Koepp; 612-301-1217; [email protected]
Pin Oak Prairie Scientific and Natural Area9268Oct. 1-Nov. 305Either-SexDon Ramsden ; 507-796-3284; [email protected], Apply by Aug. 28
River Bend Nature Center99730Nov. 13-163Earn-a-buckMandatory orientation, Brittany Smith; 507-332-7151; [email protected], Apply by Sep. 1
Vermillion Highlands Research, Recreation and Wildlife Management Area97560Sep. 13-Oct. 313Either-SexAug. 9 deadline; Mandatory orientation, Tim Pharis; 651-322-4643; [email protected]


Youth with valid licenses may participate in these hunts.
Area name Hunt Permits Dates Bag Nontoxic ammo Type Additional info
Carver Park Reserve971100Nov. 15-165N/AEither-SexMandatory orientation, Steven Hogg; 763-694-7848; [email protected]
Cascade River State Park90023Nov. 8-231RequiredEither-Sex
Forestville Mystery Cave State Park93375Nov. 8-93RequiredEither-Sex
Frontenac State Park94060Nov. 22-233RequiredEither-Sex
Glacial Lakes State Park91920Nov. 13-161RequiredAntlerless only
Gooseberry Falls State Park90413Nov. 8-231RequiredEither-Sex
Great River Bluffs State Park and King's and Queen's Bluff Scientific and Natural Area 96250Nov. 22-233RequiredEither-Sex
Hayes Lake State Park90850Nov. 8-232RequiredEither-Sex
Judge C.R. Magney State Park91113Nov. 8-231RequiredEither-Sex
Kilen Woods State Park99110Dec. 27-Jan. 42RequiredAntlerless only
Lake Bemidji State Park90930Nov. 8-112RequiredEither-Sex
Lake Bronson State Park91525Nov. 8-162RequiredEarn-a-buck
Lake Carlos State Park91320Nov. 8-111RequiredAntlerless only
Lake Louise State Park90325Nov. 15-163RequiredEarn-a-buck
Maplewood State Park916100Nov. 8-112RequiredEither-Sex
Miesville Ravine Park Reserve91740Nov. 8-165N/AEither-SexMandatory orientation, Scott Hagen; 952-891-7983; [email protected]
Old Mill State Park92210Nov. 8-111RequiredEither-Sex
Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge 90140Nov. 15-231N/AEither-SexWalt Ford; 218-768-2402 ext. 100; [email protected]
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park9058Nov. 8-231RequiredEither-Sex
St. Croix State Park 902175Nov. 21-231RequiredEither-Sex
Tettegouche State Park90613Nov. 8-231RequiredEither-Sex
Vermillion Highlands Research, Recreation and Wildlife Management Area92520Nov. 8-233N/AEither-SexMandatory orientation, Tim Pharis; 651-322-4643; [email protected], Apply by Sept. 4
Whitewater State Game Refuge 934100Nov. 22-302N/AAntlerless onlyMandatory orientation, Christine Johnson; 507-796-3281; [email protected], Apply by Sept. 4
Whitewater State Park92750Nov. 22-233RequiredEither-Sex
Wild River State Park92050Nov. 8-92RequiredEither-Sex
William O'Brien State Park91450Nov. 15-162RequiredEither-Sex
Zippel Bay State Park91075Nov. 8-233RequiredEarn-a-buck
Zumbro Falls Woods Scientific and Natural Area92312Nov. 22-303RequiredEither-SexRyan Tebo; 507-206-2862; [email protected]
Zumbro Falls Woods Scientific and Natural Area 92112Nov. 8-163RequiredEither-SexRyan Tebo; 507-206-2862; [email protected]


Youth with valid licenses may participate in these hunts.
Area name Hunt Permits Dates Bag Nontoxic ammo Type Additional info
Afton State Park96430Dec. 9-112RequiredAntlerless onlyMandatory orientation
Beaver Creek Valley State Park91825Dec. 6-73RequiredEither-Sex
Crow Wing State Park93615Dec. 6-102RequiredEither-Sex
Hayes Lake State Park93850Nov. 29-Dec. 142RequiredEither-Sex
Jay Cooke State Park93540Dec. 6-102RequiredEither-SexPortions of Hemlock Ravine SNA are included in this hunt.
Lake Bemidji State Park94730Dec. 5-72RequiredEither-Sex
Lake Maria State Park96025Dec. 5-73RequiredEarn-a-buck
Lake Vermilion - Soudan Underground Mine State Park93710Nov. 29-Dec. 142RequiredEither-Sex
McCarthy Beach State Park92915Nov. 29-Dec. 142RequiredEither-Sex
Miesville Ravine Park Reserve94340Dec. 6-145N/AEither-SexMandatory orientation, Scott Hagen; 952-891-7983; [email protected]
Myre Big Island State Park93950Dec. 6-75RequiredAntlerless only
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park and Prairie Creek Woods Scientific and Natural Area 93060Dec. 6-75RequiredEarn-a-buck
Rice Lake State Park93220Dec. 6-73RequiredEarn-a-buck
Sakatah Lake State Park89415Dec. 6-73RequiredEarn-a-buckTodd Dailey; 507-698-7851; [email protected]
Savanna Portage State Park 94830Nov. 29-Dec. 72RequiredEither-Sex
Scenic State Park90715Nov. 29-Dec. 142RequiredEither-Sex
Sibley State Park94260Dec. 6-72RequiredAntlerless only
St. Croix State Park 94975Dec. 2-71RequiredEither-Sex
Vermillion Highlands Research, Recreation and Wildlife Management Area94420Nov. 29-Dec. 143N/AEither-SexSept. 4 deadline; Mandatory orientation, Tim Pharis; 651-322-4643; [email protected]


Area name Hunt Permits Dates Bag Nontoxic ammo Type Orientation
Afton State Park95130Nov. 7-82RequiredEither-SexOct. 31
Banning State Park 9656Oct. 31- Nov.12RequiredEither-SexOct. 31
Baxter, City of961≤5Oct. 16-195N/AEither sex
Blue Mounds State Park 96610Dec. 5-61RequiredEither-SexDec. 4
Buffalo River State Park95912Oct. 24-252RequiredEarn-a-buckOct. 23
Camden State Park 96712Oct. 24-252RequiredEarn-a-buckOct. 23
Kilen Woods State Park 9636Oct. 31 - Nov.12RequiredEarn-a-buckMore information will be mailed out concerning orientation, etc., to successful applicants.
Lake Bemidji State Park95420Oct. 16-182RequiredEither-SexOct. 15
Lake Bronson State Park96910Oct. 24-251RequiredEither-SexOct. 23
Lake Shetek State Park 96815Nov. 21-222RequiredAntlerlessOct. 20
Minneopa State Park89912Nov. 14-152RequiredEither-SexMandatory orientation
Savanna Portage State Park 95825Oct. 24-252RequiredEither-Sex
Sibley State Park 95210Oct. 24-251RequiredEither-SexMore information will be mailed out concerning orientation, etc., to successful applicants.
St. Croix State Park 95645Oct. 31 - Nov. 11RequiredEither-SexMust attend orientation unless you have attended a past orientation at St. Croix.


Area name Hunt Permits Dates Bag Type Orientation
Sand Prairie WMA (Sherburne County): Open during the regular archery deer season for youth ages 10 through 17. Regular archery deer rules apply.

Youth hunt information

Youth hunters must meet the following age requirements to participate in youth special hunts: 12-15 years of age for firearms youth special hunts; 12-17 years of age for archery youth special hunts.


  • Archery and firearms participants must have a firearms safety certificate and must obtain a license for taking deer by firearms (or archery for youth archery hunts), valid for any zone or season option, by the beginning date of the respective hunt.
  • An apprentice hunter license will be valid in lieu of a firearms safety certificate for these hunts.
  • Blaze orange/pink requirements are in effect in areas open during firearms youth deer hunts.
  • The rifle-shotgun boundary is in effect.
  • Nontoxic ammunition is required for all hunts except the Rydell National Wildlife Refuge.


Applicants may only apply for one youth archery hunt and one youth firearms hunt. Group applications and party hunting are not allowed. A drawing will be held if applications exceed available permits for each hunt. Unsuccessful applicants will receive preference for future youth hunt lotteries of the same type.

Each hunter must purchase their hunting license in addition to applying for the special youth hunt. Hunting licenses go on sale Aug. 1 each year.

Participation in a youth hunt does not affect one's eligibility to participate in the regular deer seasons, but harvested deer count toward a youth's annual statewide bag limit.



  • All participating youth must attend orientation as required by the hunt administrator prior to the hunt (details will be included in notices to successful applicants).
  • An adult mentor, who may not hunt, must accompany participants during the orientation and the hunt.

Information

If permit applications exceed the number of permits available, computerized drawings will be used to issue permits.

  • Drawings for antlerless deer or special area permits are based on a preference system. Hunters accumulate preference by applying without getting drawn. Applicants receiving an antlerless deer or special hunt area permit lose their accrued preference.
  • Preference is not affected by applying for a different area than the year before or by not applying for one or more years.
  • Preference for group applications is based on the member with the fewest points.
  • Only successful applicants will be notified.
  • Information about the drawings and individual applications is available by the end of September on the lottery page.
  • Download a complete list of these special hunts.file to be updated?

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