Minnesota has fantastic opportunities to connect to its tremendous land and water resources, including more than 12 million acres of state, federal and county land.
For some, learning to hunt can be as simple as asking a friend or family member to take them out the next time they go into the field. For others, a structured program is an appealing learning process and the DNR offers multiple opportunities to teach new hunters how to get out there and harvest their own wild game.
- Mentored hunts with partners
There are many conservation organizations around the state that host mentored hunts for youth, adults and families. These organizations are dedicated to conserving the habitats that wildlife depend on, and connecting people to Minnesota's rich outdoors traditions. For additional information about the mentored hunting opportunities that these organizations offer, please reach out to the contacts listed below:
- Adult learn to hunt
Deer
Do you value strong connections to your outdoors and the food you eat? Are you looking for a new way to interact with the fields, woods, and waters around you? Join us for a series of free, one-hour lunchtime webinars designed to teach you how to hunt deer.
A program to introduce adults interested in the outdoors to hunting deer. Courses cover regulations, stewardship, and equipment; scouting for sign with mentors; skinning and processing a deer; range days to develop firearms proficiency; and culminates in a mentored hunt.
- Becoming an outdoors woman
Becoming an Outdoors Woman classes help you learn a particular skill. Some classes are designed for beginners while others are designed to hone your existing skills. Our calendar is loaded with instructive activities that you, your friends and family will enjoy.
- Skills webinars
Family skills webinars are part of the Minnesota DNR's outdoor skills and stewardship series, which provides women and families with relevant information on upcoming hunting and fishing seasons as well as skill-building instruction so you can enjoy these opportunities.
- Youth opportunities
A special deer season
A state-wide four-day hunt over a long October weekend so youth can get out ahead of the firearms opener to learn how to hunt deer.
Youth-only deer hunts
Many state parks and other public lands host special youth hunts before the regular deer season.
Youth hunting calendar
Scroll table right to see more »04/17/24 - 05/31/24 Spring wild turkey - Youth Statewide 08/16/24 Youth deer hunt application deadline 09/07/24 - 09/08/24 Youth Waterfowl Hunt Statewide 09/21/24 Take a Kid Hunting Weekend Statewide 10/17/24 - 10/20/24 Deer - Youth Statewide 04/16/25 - 05/31/25 Spring wild turkey - Youth Statewide 08/15/25 Youth deer hunt application deadline 09/06/25 - 09/07/25 Youth Waterfowl Hunt Statewide 09/20/25 Take a Kid Hunting Weekend Statewide 10/16/25 - 10/19/25 Deer - Youth Statewide - Hunts for those with physical challenges
Capable Partners organizes many activities across the state to connect sportsmen and women with limited mobility to Minnesota’s outdoors.
Midwest Outdoors Unlimited provides outdoor recreational activities for Disabled American Veterans, disabled individuals and disabled youth.