State game refuges

Restrictions

A state game refuge is closed to the hunting and trapping of wild animals unless listed below or in the activity tables on this webpage.

Even though a refuge may be open, it could contain privately owned land on which the landowner may prohibit access.

General restrictions

  • A person may not trap beaver or otter within any state-owned game refuge without first obtaining a permit from the appropriate wildlife manager.
  • Unprotected wild animals may be taken when there is an open season for any protected species but only during the hours and by methods allowed for the protected species.
  • Firearms must be cased and unloaded and bows must be cased unless lawfully hunting in a refuge.

Special restrictions

This refuge is open under the following restrictions:

  • The portions of the refuge within Lac qui Parle State Park, Lac qui Parle Mission Site, Rosemoen Island or portions that are posted with “State Wildlife Sanctuary – Do Not Trespass” signs are closed to hunting except for permitted participants in disability hunts or those with specific authorization.

The remainder of the refuge is open to:

  • Deer hunting
  • Waterfowl hunting at designated hunting stations only from Oct. 19 through the end of the goose season. Stations are available first-come, first-served.
  • Small game (including turkey) other than waterfowl, except from Oct. 14 through Nov. 30. Small game hunting is not allowed on closed Canada goose hunting days during a split goose season.

No unauthorized person may trespass during the dates posted on any part of the refuge posted with “State Wildlife Sanctuary – Do Not Trespass” signs. Exceptions are:

  • Ice fishing.
  • Open water fishing is permitted in the posted closed area except from Nov. 1 through the close of the open Canada goose season.

Unprotected animals may be taken at any time and by any legal method.

The Talcot Lake Game Refuge is open to waterfowl hunting only at designated hunting stations only during the Canada goose season. The Talcot Lake Waterfowl Refuge is closed to waterfowl hunting, except for persons with disabilities hunting geese at designated hunting stations.

The majority of Ogechie Lake lies within Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, and the remainder lies within tribal land. As such, all of Ogechie Lake is closed to public hunting.

From Sept. 1 through the final day of the duck season, or as otherwise posted, a person may not hunt, trap, fish or trespass on portions of state wildlife management areas or federal waterfowl production areas that are posted to prohibit trespass.

State goose refuges are closed to goose or waterfowl hunting (as posted) except when specifically opened during special seasons (LINK TO TABLE). Other forms of hunting and trapping are permitted during the established seasons.

Refuge activitity lookup

Refuges may be private property. Landowner permission may be required. Small game includes turkey but excludes waterfowl. Use this table to view refuges open to goose hunting.

Hunting and trapping Goose hunting

Use the search box to locate refuges and view what hunting and trapping activities are allowed.

Goose hunting

Use the search box to locate refuges and view when goose hunting is allowed.

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