Minnesota Deer Season runs from September 16, 2023 - December 31, 2023. Whether you are a seasoned hunter, or this is your first time, it’s always smart to make sure you have a plan and understand the hunting regulations for the year. This blog will provide you with several resources so that you have all the information you need!

Minnesota Deer Seasons 2023

Archery Deer Season: September 16, 2023 - December 31, 2023

Youth Deer Season: October 19, 2023 - October 23, 2023

Early Antlerless Season: October 19, 2023 - October 22, 2023

Firearms (Season A) 100 Series permit areas: November 4th-19th, 2023

Firearms (Season A) 200 & 300 Series permit areas: November 4th-12th, 2023

Firearms (Season B) 300 Series permit areas: November 18th-26th, 2023

Deer Season Muzzleloader: November 25th, 2023 - December 10th, 2023

Crossbow regulations for MN Archery Season have changed. 

FIGURING OUT YOUR PERMIT AREA

The first step to buying your hunting license is figuring out the permit area you will be hunting in. A person with an archery license can hunt within any permit area except for 287 (Itasca State Park). It is important to understand that different permit areas also have different bag limits. Click here to view the Minnesota 2023 Deer Season Area Map. (WILL BE UPDATED ONCE 2023 MAP IS RELEASED)

***2023 BAG LIMITS***

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BUYING YOUR LICENSE

Now that you've figured out what permit area you are hunting in, it's time to buy your license. You can purchase a license online, via phone or in-person at an approved location.

PURCHASE A HUNTING LICENSE ONLINE

Click here to purchase a hunting license online. When purchasing a hunting license online, it is important to make sure that you only purchase from the DNR website. Make sure to allow 5-10 business days for license tags, permits and passes to arrive via U.S. postal mail.

PURCHASE A HUNTING LICENSE BY PHONE

You can purchase licenses by phone at 1-888-665-4236. This toll-free line is open 24/7 and provides immediate licensing. At the end of the call, you will receive your license number, which will be valid until you receive an actual license via mail.

PURCHASE A HUNTING LICENSE IN-PERSON

Click here to view approved locations to buy your license in-person.

ARCHERY EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS

Bows and arrows for big game in Minnesota must meet the following criteria:

• Bows must have a pull of no less than 30 pounds at or before full draw. (Bows with low draw weight may not effectively kill big game.)
• Arrowheads used for taking big game must have a minimum of two metal cutting edges, be of barbless broadhead design, with a diameter of at least 7/8 inch. 
• "expandable" broadheads may be used to take big game if they meet requirements above and 1) are at least 7/8 inch in width and no more than 2 inches in width at or after impact; and 2) are of a barbless design and function in a barbless manner. 
• A hand-held mechanical release attached to the bowstring may be used if the person's own strength draws and holds the bowstring.

Click here to download the 2023 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations

Thinking about trying archery hunting this year? Read this blog:  5 Things to Know Before You Buy a Bow