Hunts in Minnesota state parks

Many Minnesota state parks hold managed hunts as a way to help control the deer population in the parks. Our goal is to ensure healthy natural communities. When too many deer are in one area, the native plants and animals are negatively affected.

Access to the parks varies around the state during these hunts. Some state parks remain open to all visitors, some have limited public access, and some are open only to hunters with special permits.

This site is designed to provide information to non-hunters. If you are a hunter, you'll find more information here.

State parks and recreation areas open to public hunting

At some state parks and state recreation areas, all or part of the park may be open to public hunting and/or trapping according to Minnesota regulations. Often, the park's maps will indicate which areas are open to public hunting or trapping. If you need additional information, please contact the park directly.

• Find hunt season dates for each type of game animal.
• Download Minnesota's hunting regulations.

Big Bog State Recreation Area

Most of the northern portion of Big Bog State Recreation Area is open to public hunting and trapping. Hunting and trapping is not allowed on or in the vicinity of Ludlow Island or the boardwalk.

• Main park page
• Park maps

Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

Much of Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area is open to public hunting but closed to trapping.

• Main park page
• Park maps

Forestville Mystery Cave State Park

Approximately 430 acres of Forestville Mystery Cave State Park is open to public hunting but closed to trapping.

• Main park page
• Park maps

Garden Island State Recreation Area

Much of Garden Island State Recreation Area is open to public hunting but closed to trapping.

• Main park page
• Park maps

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park

Approximately 3,000 acres of George H. Crosby Manitou State Park are open to public hunting but closed to trapping. The area open to hunting is east of the Manitou River and north of Minnesota Highway 61.

• Main park page
• Park maps

Greenleaf State Recreation Area

Greenleaf State Recreation Area is open to archery deer hunting following general archery season regulations. No special permit required.

• Main park page (includes maps)

La Salle Lake State Recreation Area

La Salle Lake State Recreation Area is open to public hunting and trapping of protected species during open seasons. Hunting and trapping is not allowed in the vicinity of the campground or cabins.

• Main park page
• Park maps

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Approximately 50 acres in the far northern part of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park are open to public hunting but closed to trapping.

• Main park page
• Park maps

Temperance River State Park

Approximately 600 acres of Temperance River State Park are open to public hunting but closed to trapping. The area open to hunting is located north of Minnesota Highway 61 and adjacent to the Cross River on both sides.

• Main park page
• Park maps

Tettegouche State Park

Approximately 3,700 acres of Tettegouche State Park are open to public hunting and trapping. The area open to hunting and trapping is the Palisade Valley Unit, located in the southern half of the park.

• Main page
• Park maps