Minnesota DNR announces deer and bear hunting deadlines

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced a September 10 deadline for firearm and muzzleloader hunters wishing to participate in the antlerless deer permit area lottery. Hunters who purchase their licenses by this date will be automatically entered into the lottery for their declared deer permit area. Successful applicants will receive a postcard by mail authorizing them to harvest an antlerless deer in conjunction with their regular license.

No application is required for permit areas designated with either-sex, two-deer, three-deer, or five-deer limits. Notably, a new provision this year allows hunters to apply for both the antlerless permit lottery and special hunts, whereas previously they were restricted to choosing only one.

Additionally, the Minnesota bear hunting season is scheduled to open on September 1. The DNR has advised hunters to avoid shooting bears that have been marked for research purposes.