2026 special deer hunts

New for 2026

A new, stand-alone application for firearms and muzzleloader special deer hunts now exists in the electronic licensing system. Hunters may apply for both a firearms and a muzzleloader special deer hunt but must first purchase a firearms or muzzleloader license, or have one added to the shopping cart. Hunters no longer have to choose between the anterless permit lottery and the special hunt lottery.
Learn more about special hunt applications.

Deadlines

Youth hunts:Friday, Aug. 14 (unless noted otherwise)
Adult hunts:Thursday, Sept. 10 (unless noted otherwise)

Hunts, no permit needed

Special hunts listed in the following table do not require application for a permit. They are being held to reduce deer numbers in areas where hunting is not normally allowed. Anyone may hunt deer as specified in these areas without a special permit. No other species of wild animal may be taken during the hunts and hunting is only allowed during the dates specified. Deer taken should be registered using the hunt number listed in the table.


Area nameHuntPermitsDatesBagTypeAdditional info
City of Baxter989Unlimited09/19/2026-12/31/20265Either-SexApplication required.
City of East Gull Lake880Unlimited09/19/2026-12/31/20265Either-SexAdditional information available on the City of East Gull Lake website (https://eastgulllake.gov)
City of Grand Rapids995Unlimited09/19/2026-12/31/20263Either-SexPermit required from city police dept. Mandatory CWD sampling. DNR Wildlife Office 218-328-8860
City of Jackson928Unlimited09/19/2026-12/31/20263Either-SexCity of Jackson allows use of archery within the city limits.
City of Red Wing977Unlimited09/19/2026-12/31/20265OtherFee: $20.00, $10 to Red Wing Public Works, $10 for local qualification costs.
Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area987Unlimited09/19/2026-12/31/20263Either-Sex
Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area- Carver Rapids Unit & Thompson Ferry Unit Archery979Unlimited09/19/2026-12/31/20265Either-Sex


Area nameHuntPermitsDatesBagNontoxic ammoTypeAdditional info
City of Baxter955Unlimited10/15/2026-10/18/20265 DeerN/AAntlerless onlyApplication required.
City of Baxter993Unlimited11/07/2026-11/22/20265 DeerN/AEither-SexApplication required.
City of Grand Rapids931Unlimited11/07/2026-11/22/20263 DeerN/AEither-SexMandatory CWD sampling. DNR Wildlife Office 218-328-8860.
Franz Jevne State Park988Unlimited11/07/2026-11/22/20263 DeerRequiredEither-SexOpen, no special hunt permit required. Follow DPA 105 regulations.
Itasca State Park287Unlimited11/07/2026-11/15/20261 DeerRequiredEither-SexOpen to firearm hunting deer during the firearm (A) deer season. No application required. Includes Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary SNA. Please contact Louis Peterson (218) 407-5645 for more information.
Schoolcraft State Park912Unlimited11/07/2026-11/22/20261 DeerRequiredEither-SexHunters must follow regulations for DPA 679.


Area nameHuntPermitsDatesBagNontoxic ammoTypeAdditional info
City of Baxter941Unlimited11/28/2026-12/13/20265N/AEither-SexApplication required.
City of Grand Rapids946Unlimited11/28/2026-12/13/20263N/AEither-SexMandatory CWD sampling. DNR Wildlife Office 218-328-8860.
Itasca State Park287Unlimited11/28/2026-12/13/20261RequiredEither-Sex Includes Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary SNA.
Schoolcraft State Park971Unlimited11/28/2026-12/13/20261RequiredEither-SexFollow regulations for DPA 679.

Hunts, permit required

Special hunt permits are required to hunt deer in places where the number of hunters must be limited to control the harvest or for safety. Before submitting an application, check with the location you are interested in hunting. Different special hunt areas have different regulations such as requiring bonus permit use, taking an antlerless deer first, written permission, and/or proficiency tests.


Youth with valid licenses may participate in these hunts.
Area nameHuntPermitsDatesBagTypeAdditional info
Bemidji Regional Airport9862009/19/2026-12/31/20265Either-SexDeadline: 08/01/2026, Fee: $15.00, There are 3 City of Bemidji Hunt areas. Hunters will designate first, second and third choice for location. A lottery drawing will be held if applications exceed permits available.
Carleton Game Refuge9724011/26/2026-12/31/20265Earn-a-buckDeadline: 10/01/2026, Apply online at https://www.carleton.edu/arboretum/visitor-information/archery-hunt/
City of Bemidji (NE)9852209/19/2026-12/31/20265Either-SexDeadline: 08/01/2026, Fee: $15.00, There are 3 City of Bemidji Hunt areas. Hunters will designate first, second and third choice for location. A lottery drawing will be held if applications exceed permits available.
City of Bemidji (West)9852209/19/2026-12/31/20265Either-SexDeadline: 08/01/2026, Fee: $15.00, There are 3 City of Bemidji Hunt areas. Hunters will designate first, second and third choice for location. A lottery drawing will be held if applications exceed permits available.
City of Blue Earth8972009/19/2026-12/31/20262Earn-a-buckDeadline: 08/10/2026, Fee: $15.00, $30.00 Participation Fee if selected. Contact hunt administrator Tharen Haugh 507-526-5959 or [email protected] for details on qualification and orientation.
City of Canby9841509/19/2026-12/31/20262Antlerless onlyDeadline: 08/28/2026, Fee: $10.00
City of Duluth98040009/19/2026-12/31/20263Either-SexDeadline: 06/15/2026, Fee: $40.00. Mandatory orientation and must have a Bowhunter's Education Certificate. Proficiency testing required by 6/12/26. Hunt information is available at https://www.bowhuntersalliance.org.
City of East Grand Forks9962411/14/2026-11/22/20262Earn-a-buckDeadline: 09/09/2026
City of Granite Falls9821509/19/2026-12/31/20261Antlerless onlyDeadline: 09/01/2026
City of Hallock9921509/19/2026-12/31/20262Antlerless only$25 hunt administration fee per permit if selected (payable to City of Hallock). Proficiency test required.
City of Lake Benton9244009/19/2026-12/31/20262Earn-a-buckFee: $15.00, $15 application fee plus $10 fee if selected to hunt.
City of Mankato9814009/19/2026-12/31/20265Earn-a-buckDeadline: 07/17/2026, Fee: $20.00. Mandatory orientation. Contact Justin Lundborg at 507-387-8397 or [email protected] for further details.
City of New Ulm9765610/10/2026-12/31/20263OtherDeadline: 09/09/2026, Fee: $20.00, Succesful applicants will pay an additional $30 participation fee. Proficiency test required.
City of Ortonville9833009/19/2026-12/31/20265Earn-a-buckDeadline: 08/01/2026, Fee: $20.00, Hunters must pass an Ortonville administered qualification shoot. Mandatory orientation.
City of Owatonna9903210/18/2026-11/15/2026, 11/16/2026-12/13/20265Either-SexDeadline: 09/04/2026, Fee: $20.00, Hunters must pass a proficiency test. No crossbows allowed. Application fee is non-refundable.
City of Red Lake Falls9981009/19/2026-12/31/20261Antlerless onlyDeadline: 09/01/2026, Call Hunt Administrator, Kelly Brekke, at 218-253-2996 or email [email protected]. Proficiency test required.
City of Redwood Falls9782009/19/2026-12/31/20263OtherFee: $20.00, Succesful applicants will pay an additional $40 participation fee. Proficiency test required.
City of Two Harbors8961509/19/2026-12/31/20262Earn-a-buckDeadline: 07/31/2026, No fee. Proficiency test required.
City of Warroad9741009/19/2026-12/31/20265Either-SexSend application to Warroad Police Department. Archery proficiency test is required. Hunters are assigned specific blinds. All harvested deer must be checked in at the Warroad police department.
City of Windom9701509/19/2026-12/31/20262Antlerless onlyDeadline: 08/27/2026, Fee: $20.00, Cost to cover proficiency test
Pin Oak Prairie Scientific and Natural Area926810/01/2026-11/30/20265Either-SexDeadline: 08/26/2026, Contact hunt administrator Todd Froberg at 507-206-2858 or [email protected] to apply for hunt. Application deadline is August 26th.
Vermillion Highlands Research, Recreation and Wildlife Management Area9756009/19/2026-10/30/20263OtherDeadline: 08/14/2026. Apply online at https://forms.office.com/g/7V9vKJZFUe by August 14, 2026.


Youth with valid licenses may participate in these hunts.
Mandatory orientation.
Area nameHuntPermitsDatesBagNontoxic ammoTypeAdditional info
Cascade River State Park9003011/07/2026-11/22/20261RequiredEither-Sex
Forestville Mystery Cave State Park9337511/07/2026-11/08/20263RequiredEither-Sex
Frontenac State Park9406011/21/2026-11/22/20263RequiredEither-Sex
Glacial Lakes State Park9192011/12/2026-11/15/20261RequiredAntlerless only
Gooseberry Falls State Park9042511/07/2026-11/22/20261RequiredEither-Sex
Great River Bluffs State Park and King's and Queen's Bluff Scientific and Natural Area9624011/21/2026-11/22/20263RequiredEither-Sexincludes King's and Queen's Bluffs SNA as part of Great River Bluffs SP hunt
Hayes Lake State Park9085011/07/2026-11/22/20262RequiredEither-Sex
Judge C.R. Magney State Park9112511/07/2026-11/22/20261RequiredEither-Sex
Kilen Woods State Park9911012/26/2026-01/02/20272RequiredAntlerless only
Lake Bemidji State Park9093011/07/2026-11/10/20262RequiredEither-Sex
Lake Bronson State Park9152511/07/2026-11/15/20262RequiredEarn-a-buck
Lake Carlos State Park9132011/07/2026-11/10/20261RequiredAntlerless only
Lake Louise State Park9032511/14/2026-11/15/20263RequiredEarn-a-buck
Lake Rebecca Park Reserve9507511/14/2026-11/15/20265RequiredEither-SexFirearms are restricted to shotgun or muzzleloaders only. Mandatory orientation. Contact Steven Hogg at 763-694-7848 or [email protected].
Maplewood State Park91610011/07/2026-11/10/20262RequiredEither-Sex
Miesville Ravine Park Reserve9174011/07/2026-11/15/20265RequiredEither-SexShotguns or muzzleloaders only. No handguns or rifles. All participants who receive permits for this hunt must attend a mandatory hunter orientation class that is put on by Dakota County staff at the Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center in Spring Lake Park Reserve.
Old Mill State Park9221011/07/2026-11/10/20261RequiredEither-Sex
Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge9014011/14/2026-11/22/20261N/AEither-Sex
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park9051511/07/2026-11/22/20261RequiredEither-Sex
St. Croix State Park90220011/19/2026-11/22/20261RequiredEither-Sex
Tettegouche State Park9062511/07/2026-11/22/20261RequiredEither-Sex
Whitewater State Game Refuge93410011/21/2026-11/29/20262N/AAntlerless only
Whitewater State Park9275011/21/2026-11/22/20263RequiredEither-Sex
Wild River State Park9205511/07/2026-11/09/20263RequiredEither-Sex
William O'Brien State Park9145011/14/2026-11/15/20263RequiredEither-Sex
Zippel Bay State Park9107511/07/2026-11/22/20263RequiredEarn-a-buck
Zumbro Falls Woods Scientific and Natural Area - 3A Firearm9211211/07/2026-11/15/20263RequiredEither-SexDeer harvested during the Zumbro Falls Woods SNA - 3A special hunt should be registered using Registration Area #921. Because this hunt occurs on a Scientific & Natural Area, non-toxic ammunition is required to take deer.
Zumbro Falls Woods Scientific and Natural Area - 3B Firearm9231211/21/2026-11/29/20263RequiredEither-SexDeer harvested during the Zumbro Falls Woods SNA - 3B special hunt should be registered using Registration Area #923. Because this hunt is on a Scientific & Natural Area, non-toxic ammunition is required to take deer.”


Youth with valid licenses may participate in these hunts.
Area nameHuntPermitsDatesBagNontoxic ammoTypeAdditional info
Afton State Park9643012/08/2026-12/10/20263RequiredAntlerless onlyMandatory orientation.
Beaver Creek Valley State Park9182512/05/2026-12/06/20263RequiredEither-Sex
Big Stone Lake State Park (Meadowbrook Area only)9731012/05/2026-12/13/20262RequiredAntlerless only
Crow Wing State Park9361512/05/2026-12/09/20262RequiredEither-Sex
Hayes Lake State Park9385011/28/2026-12/13/20262RequiredEither-Sex
Jay Cooke State Park9357512/05/2026-12/09/20261RequiredEither-Sex
Lake Bemidji State Park9473012/04/2026-12/06/20262RequiredEither-Sex
Lake Bronson State Park9531511/28/2026-12/13/20262RequiredEither-Sex
Lake Maria State Park9602712/11/2026-12/13/20263RequiredEarn-a-buck
Lake Vermilion - Soudan Underground Mine State Park9371511/28/2026-12/13/20262RequiredEither-Sex
McCarthy Beach State Park9291511/28/2026-12/13/20262RequiredEither-Sex
Miesville Ravine Park Reserve9434012/05/2026-12/13/20265RequiredEither-SexNo handguns. All participants who receive permits for this hunt must attend a mandatory hunter orientation class that is put on by Dakota County staff at the Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center in Spring Lake Park Reserve. You must attend one of these two dates: Wednesday, October 22 from 6-7:30 pm or Wednesday, October 29 from 10-11:30 am.
Myre Big Island State Park9395012/05/2026-12/06/20265RequiredAntlerless only
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park and Prairie Creek Woods Scientific and Natural Area9305012/05/2026-12/06/20265RequiredEarn-a-buck
Rice Lake State Park9322012/05/2026-12/06/20263RequiredAntlerless only
Sakatah Lake State Park8941512/05/2026-12/06/20263RequiredEarn-a-buck
Savanna Portage State Park9483011/28/2026-12/06/20262RequiredEither-Sex
Scenic State Park9071511/28/2026-12/13/20262RequiredEither-Sex
Sibley State Park9426012/05/2026-12/06/20262RequiredAntlerless only
St. Croix State Park9497512/01/2026-12/06/20261RequiredEither-Sex
Vermillion Highlands Research, Recreation and Wildlife Management Area9442011/28/2026-12/13/20263N/AOtherMandatory orientation.


Area nameHuntPermitsDatesBagNontoxic ammoTypeOrientation
Afton State Park95130Nov. 7-83RequiredEither-SexOct. 31
Banning State Park9656Oct. 31- Nov.12RequiredEither-SexOct. 31
Baxter, City of961Oct. 15-185N/AEither sex
Blue Mounds State Park96610Dec. 5-62RequiredEither-SexDec. 4
Buffalo River State Park95912Oct. 24-252RequiredEarn-a-buckOct. 23
Camden State Park96712Oct. 24-252RequiredEarn-a-buckOct. 23
Kilen Woods State Park9636Oct. 31 - Nov.12RequiredEither sexMore information will be mailed out concerning orientation, etc., to successful applicants.
Lake Bemidji State Park95410Oct. 16-182RequiredEither-SexOct. 15
Lake Bronson State Park96910Oct. 24-251RequiredEither-SexOct. 23
Lake Shetek State Park96815Nov. 21-222RequiredAntlerless onlyOct. 20
Minneopa State Park89912Nov. 14-152RequiredEither-SexMandatory orientation
Savanna Portage State Park95825Oct. 24-252RequiredEither-Sex
Sibley State Park95210Oct. 24-251RequiredEither-SexMore information will be mailed out concerning orientation, etc., to successful applicants.
St. Croix State Park95645Oct. 31 - Nov. 11RequiredEither-SexMust attend orientation unless you have attended a past orientation at St. Croix.

Youth hunt information

Youth hunters must be 12-15 years of age to participate in firearms youth special hunts.


  • Firearms participants must have a firearms safety certificate and must obtain a license for taking deer by firearms, valid for any zone or season option, by the beginning date of the respective hunt.
  • An apprentice hunter license will be valid in lieu of a firearms safety certificate for these hunts.
  • Blaze orange/pink requirements are in effect in areas open during firearms youth deer hunts.
  • Nontoxic ammunition is required for all hunts except the Rydell National Wildlife Refuge.


  • Online
  • In person at a DNR license sales agent or the DNR License Center (located at 500 Lafayette Road in St. Paul, open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday).

Applicants may only apply for one youth firearms hunt. Group applications and party hunting are not allowed. A drawing will be held if applications exceed available permits for each hunt. Unsuccessful applicants will receive preference for future youth hunt lotteries of the same type.

Each hunter must purchase their hunting license in addition to applying for the special youth hunt. Hunting licenses go on sale Aug. 1 each year.

Participation in a youth hunt does not affect one's eligibility to participate in the regular deer seasons, but harvested deer count toward a youth's annual statewide bag limit.



  • All participating youth must attend orientation as required by the hunt administrator prior to the hunt (details will be included in notices to successful applicants).
  • An adult mentor, who may not hunt, must accompany participants during the orientation and the hunt.

Information

If permit applications exceed the number of permits available, computerized drawings will be used to issue permits.

  • Drawings for antlerless deer or special area permits are based on a preference system. Hunters accumulate preference by applying without getting drawn. Applicants receiving an antlerless deer or special hunt area permit lose their accrued preference.
  • Preference is not affected by applying for a different area than the year before or by not applying for one or more years.
  • Preference for group applications is based on the member with the fewest points.
  • Only successful applicants will be notified.
  • Information about the drawings and individual applications is available by the end of September on the lottery page.
  • Download a complete list of these hunts

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