Minnesota’s 2026 deer seasons are lined up for the next several weeks. Here are the key dates from the Minnesota DNR for hunters in central Minnesota and beyond.
Key dates
- Archery: Open now, statewide through Dec. 31.
- Youth season: Thursday, Oct. 15, through Sunday, Oct. 18, statewide.
- Early antlerless season: Oct. 15–18 in the areas where it’s offered.
- Firearms opener: Saturday, Nov. 7. Season length depends on the permit area, so check the DNR’s seasons page for your area.
New for 2026
The DNR says the statewide shotgun zone repeal is now in effect, and that mandatory chronic wasting disease sampling applies only in the CWD surveillance area during firearms opening weekend, Nov. 7–8. The DNR also has a new electronic licensing system and encourages hunters to buy licenses early.
Before you go
- Read the DNR’s “New for 2026” list and the regulations for your permit area.
- Wear blaze orange or blaze pink as required, and know what’s beyond your target.
- Let someone know where you’ll be hunting and when you expect to be back.
Sources: Minnesota DNR deer hunting, hunting seasons and news releases. Checked Oct. 10, 2026.
We do our best to get dates right, but seasons and rules can change. Please check with the Minnesota DNR before you go.
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