Minnesota Hunting License Guide

Promoting ethical hunting practices in Minnesota

Millions flood to hunting grounds across the United States every year. Yet, this grand privilege carries with it a hefty responsibility.

It is required for hunters to obtain the appropriate licenses to ensure that they are adhering to all laws and are actually contributing a beneficial contribution toward conservation work. In the absence of these licenses, hunting can have unbelievably lethargic negative effects on wildlife populations and the surrounding ecosystem.

Acquiring and Holding a License

A license is necessary for any individual intending to capture, buy, sell, transport, or possess protected wild animals in Minnesota, with some exceptions. License holders are required to have their license and stamp validations with them when hunting or trapping or when moving from the area they’ve hunted or trapped.

If a person is ticketed for failing to have a license, they will not be convicted if they can provide a license that was valid at the time of arrest to the court or arresting officer.

Modification of Deer Licenses

Individuals who have bought a regular firearm deer license and want to change their season option (A or B) must surrender their original license and all associated unused tags to obtain a new license. The replacement license costs $5, plus a $1 issuing fee, and can be obtained from any ELS license agent. Replacement licenses must be issued before the original license’s season begins.

License holders also have the option to switch from a regular firearms deer license to a youth deer license, provided the qualifying youth purchased the incorrect license.

Before the start of the archery season, archery licenses can be converted to firearm or muzzleloader licenses.

Regular firearm licenses can be converted to muzzleloaders or archery licenses before the start of the firearm season.

Electronic Licensing

Licenses are issued through the Department’s Electronic Licensing System (ELS), which can be accessed at 1,500 license agent locations throughout Minnesota, the DNR website, or via the toll-free number 888-665-4236. Note that additional fees may apply.

License Requirements

To buy noncommercial game licenses, both nonresidents and residents must have their social security number registered with DNR or be able to provide it.

Residency Requirements

For the purposes of licensing, a resident is a person who has maintained a legal residence in Minnesota for at least 60 consecutive days before purchasing a license.

Validity of Hunting Licenses

Hunting licenses are valid during legal seasons from March 1 to the end of February.

Border Waters Policies

When hunting or trapping on border waters with adjacent states or provinces, individuals with a Minnesota license can only capture wild animals on the Minnesota side of the border.

Revocation of Hunting Privileges

Various scenarios can lead to the revocation of hunting privileges, ranging from multiple violations under small game or trapping licenses to specific violations related to big game animals.

Replacement of Lost Licenses

Duplicate licenses can be obtained from any ELS license agent or the DNR License Center in St. Paul for a fee.

Apprentice Hunter Validation

Apprentice Hunter Validation is a short-term exception to the requirement for completing hunter firearms safety training.

Refunds

Please ensure the accuracy of your license and/or receipt before leaving the license agent location, as sales are final and refunds are only issued under specific circumstances.

Firearms Safety Certificates

Anyone born after December 31, 1979, needs to have completed firearms safety training to get a license to hunt with a firearm.

Concealed carry permits do not meet requirements for firearms safety.

Residents and Non-Residents

Detailed definitions of who qualifies as a resident or non-resident are provided, along with specific regulations for military personnel.

Non-Residents

Regardless of age, non-residents must have an appropriate hunting license to hunt in Minnesota. Special provisions apply to students.

State Pheasant and Migratory Waterfowl Stamps

Certain groups of residents and non-resident hunters must have a Minnesota Pheasant Stamp validation or Minnesota Migratory Waterfowl Stamp validation while hunting or capturing pheasants or migratory waterfowl, respectively.

Federal Migratory Waterfowl Stamp

Waterfowl hunters aged 16 and above need a valid Federal Duck Stamp when hunting or taking migratory waterfowl. These can be purchased at post offices or licensed agents.

Trespassing Signs in Minnesota

there are rules about posting signs on private land to prevent trespassing. The signs should be posted at the primary corners of each parcel of land and at access roads and trails at points of entrance to each parcel. The signs should have lettering at least 2 inches high and contain the signature or the legible name and telephone number of the owner, occupant, lessee, or authorized manager.

Only the owner, occupant, or lessee can give notification to stay off private land, authorization to remove a sign posted to prevent trespass, or legal permission to enter private land or to take wild animals near occupied buildings or corrals.

Violating the Minnesota Trespass Law can result in civil or criminal penalties. Civil penalties include fines of $50 for the first violation, $200 for the second violation in a 3-year period, $500 and loss of every license and registration for a third or subsequent violation in a 3-year period, and $50 for unauthorized removal of a sign posted under this law. Criminal penalties include at least a misdemeanor for violation of this law.

Why is it necessary to procure Hunting Licenses in Minnesota?

Without a permit, it is illegal to hunt any wildlife in Minnesota. Having a permit permits those who hunt to contribute to conservation efforts in the area, helping to manage sustainable game populations. It also offers hunters a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the regulations and resources of the state.

• A, these licenses regulate the hunting industry by ensuring that only individuals who can demonstrate a basic understanding of hunting safety and ethics can participate in this activity. Eventually, this reduces the chances of unfortunate incidents occurring during hunts that could cause injury or even death.
• B, these licenses play a crucial role in funding conservation efforts across the country. Funds generated from hunting licenses are allocated to various initiatives, such as habitat restoration and sustainable wildlife management practices campaigns. If not for this, various species could become endangered or even go extinct. Accordingly, hunting licenses provide an opportunity for responsible hunting and aid in preserving wildlife for future generations.

The Conditions for Acquiring a Hunting License in Minnesota

here are all requirements and fees needed for a hunting permit in Minnesota:

Resident Hunting

Prairie Chicken, Sandhill Crane, Goose, Wild Rice

Non-Resident Hunting

The process for gaining a hunting permit in Minnesota Normally includes finishing a program of education for hunters and passing an evaluation to indicate your knowledge of safety and ethics when it comes to hunting.

After satisfying these requirements, the license can be purchased online or from approved locations like sporting goods stores or public offices.

Aside from passing a test, age criteria for obtaining a permit differ according to the rules of the state.

In certain states, hunters must be at minimum 12 years of age while some let them start at eight years old.

The particulars of the license can also vary if you intend to hunt big game, small game, or a combination of hunting and fishing.

It is useful to acquaint yourself with the requirements and regulations specific to your Minnesota before venturing into the field.

Gaining a hunting permit is necessary to be a conscientious hunter in Minnesota. Not only does it assure that you adhere to regulations and safety requirements, but it also plays a role in conserving wildlife populations and the environment as a whole.

Firearms Regulations while hunting in MN

The subsequent content delineates broad hunting regulations. For game-specific regulations, refer to the Big Game, Small Game, Trapping, Waterfowl, and Wild Turkey sections within this guide.

Transportation of Firearms

The transportation of firearms, including handguns, in motor vehicles is subject to the following rules unless an exception applies:

• Firearms must be unloaded and contained in a case explicitly designed for them.
• Firearms can be transported in the closed trunk of a vehicle while unloaded.
• Firearms can be transported under a valid handgun or pistol carry permit.

Exceptions include the transportation of unloaded, uncased firearms (excluding pistols) in motor vehicles, including ATVs, under these circumstances:

• At a shooting range with permission.
• Lawfully hunting on private or public land or traveling to/from a hunting or trapping site.

In certain locations, firearms must be transported unloaded and cased:

• Within Anoka, Hennepin, or Ramsey counties.
• Within a city of 2,500 or more residents.
• On school grounds.
• As restricted in game refuges, shining, thermal imaging, or night vision laws.

Transportation of Bows

Archery bows and crossbows can be transported uncased in a motor vehicle but cannot be armed with a bolt or arrow.

Handling of Handguns

Individuals 18 or older can carry a handgun for hunting or target shooting in the woods, fields, or waters. Individuals under 18 may carry handguns for hunting under direct supervision from a parent or guardian and with necessary firearm safety qualifications (refer to page 35). However, while bowhunting for deer, firearms are not permitted unless one is licensed to carry a concealed weapon. Questions regarding handguns should be directed to local law enforcement authorities.

The “Concealed carry or permit to carry” laws apply to specific hunting activities. Generally, individuals with this permit may carry their uncased, loaded handguns while hunting or traveling to/from hunting locations under hunting firearms transportation laws. However, possession of the handgun while shining is still subject to these laws (refer to page 30, artificial lights, for more information).

Crossbow Regulations

Changes in regulations now permit:

• Individuals aged 60 and over have a valid archery license to hunt deer or turkey during regular archery seasons.
• Individuals with a regular firearms license to hunt deer, bear, or turkey during respective firearms seasons.
• Disabled individuals with a valid permit and archery license to hunt with crossbows or a bow with a mechanical device.

However, hunting with a crossbow or possession of a crossbow in a motor vehicle is not permitted when any hunting season is open unless the crossbow is not armed with a bolt or arrow.

Firearm Possession Pre, During, and Post Firearms Deer Season

(Note: This section does not apply to the Muzzleloader Season, see page 87)

In areas where firearms may legally hunt deer, no person may possess a firearm or ammunition outdoors during the fifth day before the open firearms season and the second day after the close of the season, with certain exceptions. For detailed exceptions, refer to the full rules mentioned here.

Parent/Guardian Responsibility

A parent or legal guardian must not knowingly allow a minor to hunt without the required license, permit, training, or certification or in violation of game and fish laws.

Definition of “Taking”

“Taking” refers to pursuing, shooting, killing, capturing, trapping, snaring, angling, spearing, netting wild animals, and using any device to do so. It includes the attempt to take wild animals or assist another person in doing so.

Definition of “Possession”

Game animals are considered in a person’s possession whether on hand, in cold storage, in transport, or elsewhere.