Minnesota

Firearms for taking big game must meet the following criteria:

• At least .220 Caliber and has centerfire ignition
• Loaded only with single projectile ammunition
• The projectile has a soft point or is an expanding bullet type
• Muzzleloaders (long gun or handgun) cannot be loaded at the breech (black powder revolvers are not legal for taking big game if they are loaded through the cylinder)
• Smooth-bore muzzleloaders used must be at least .45 caliber
• Rifled muzzleloaders are at least .40 caliber
• Muzzleloaders with scopes are legal for taking deer
• Only legal shotguns loaded with single-slug shotgun shells, legal muzzleloaders, and legal handguns may be used for taking deer south of the rifle/shotgun boundary

Minnesota Muzzleloader Hunting Season 2024-2025

2024 Deer Season

	09/14/24 – 12/31/24	Deer – Archery	Statewide
	10/17/24 – 10/20/24	Deer – Early Antlerless
	10/17/24 – 10/20/24	Deer – Youth	Statewide
	11/9/24 – 11/24/24	Deer – Firearm (Season A)	100 Series permit areas
	11/9/24 – 11/17/24	Deer – Firearm (Season A)	200 & 300 Series permit areas
	11/23/24 – 12/1/24	Deer – Firearm (Season B)	300 Series permit areas
	11/30/24 – 12/15/24	Deer – Muzzleloader	Statewide

Minnesota Hunting Regulations

• CLICK HERE for the full hunting season dates
• Notice Social Security Number collection information (Requirement for anyone buying hunting or fishing licenses. Commercial licenses applications require a Federal Employer Identification number, MN Tax Identification number or Social Security Number. Commercial licenses are issued at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources license center located at 500 Lafayette Rd. St Paul, MN 55155-4040.

This information is subject to change, for more information visit: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/

Additional Links

HUNTING REGULATIONS
DEER SEASON
DEER SEASON MAP

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