Change Zones: Deer Archery Hunting In Minnesota

Deer hunting with a bow and arrow is a popular activity in Minnesota, and the state offers various licenses and permits to facilitate this. Archery season in Minnesota typically runs from mid-September to the end of December, providing ample opportunity for hunters to take part. The specific zones and permit areas for deer hunting are outlined by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which also provides interactive maps for reference. Hunters must designate their chosen deer permit area when purchasing a license, but they can use that license to hunt anywhere in the state using their chosen method.

Hunting zones and permits

Deer hunting with a bow is a great way to enjoy autumn in Minnesota. Whether you use a compound bow, crossbow, recurve bow, or traditional long bow, you can hunt from mid-September to the end of December. Archery season opens more than a month before the statewide firearms season and continues long after the firearms season has closed, giving you plenty of time to hunt when pressure is low.

For firearm deer hunters, deer zones designate areas of the state where season dates and regulations vary. The area of the state where rifles can be used is Zone 100. Areas of the state open to deer hunting with shotguns using slugs or other legal firearms other than rifles are designated as Zone 200. The southeast comprises Zone 300. Zone 701 comprises the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Zones in the 600s are disease management zones for chronic wasting disease.

Wildlife managers use landscape features such as rivers and roads to divide Minnesota into deer permit areas that have similar habitat, land uses, deer populations, and deer hunter distribution. These deer permit areas enhance management by grouping similar characteristics on which management decisions are based within a specific area. Hunters must designate the deer permit area in which they plan to hunt when they buy a deer hunting license but may use that license to hunt anywhere in the state using the method their deer hunting license allows.

All deer licenses (archery, firearms, muzzleloader, and bonus permits) go on sale on the first Tuesday of August. Once on sale, licenses may be purchased at any time before or during the season. After a deer season is open, all licenses and permits are valid the same day of purchase if purchased before legal shooting hours. If the license or permit is purchased after legal shooting hours have begun, it is valid the following day. A person may purchase no more than one firearms, muzzleloader, and archery deer license in a calendar year.

Hunting with a bow and arrow

Choosing the Right Equipment

• Bow: Select a bow that suits your needs and abilities. Compound bows are popular for hunting due to their power and accuracy. Traditional bows, such as recurve or long bows, offer a more challenging experience.
• Arrows: Choose arrows with the right spine (stiffness) and length for your bow. For hunting, consider carbon or aluminium/carbon hybrid arrows for their strength, speed, and penetration.
• Arrowheads: For big game hunting, use sharp cut-on-contact broadheads or chisel-point broadheads to slice through thick skin and break bones.

Hunting Techniques

• Stand Hunting: Set up an elevated stand or ground blind near deer travel corridors, pinch points, field edges, or thickets. Take into account wind direction to avoid your scent reaching the deer.
• Still Hunting: Move slowly and quietly, stopping often to scan for deer.
• Deer Drives: Work in groups to drive deer out of heavy cover, with one group pushing the deer and the other trying to get a shot.

Legal Considerations

• License and Permits: Ensure you have the appropriate license and permits for the area and type of hunting you intend to do.
• Equipment Restrictions: Your bow must have a minimum pull of 30 pounds, and arrowheads must meet specific criteria for metal cutting edges, barbs, and diameter.
• Baiting and Tagging: Do not hunt with the aid of bait. Properly tag your deer at the kill site and register it within 48 hours.

Deer Behaviour and Habitat

• Scouting: Look for deer droppings, tracks, trails, scrapes, and rubs to identify areas where deer are active.
• Advantageous Sites: Hunt near oak trees that drop acorns, recently harvested grain fields, secluded ponds, or areas with large vegetable gardens or fruit trees.
• Wind Direction: Always hunt with the wind in your face to prevent your scent from reaching the deer.

Remember to follow all local regulations and guidelines, and most importantly, stay safe and enjoy your time in the great outdoors!

Hunting with a firearm

Deer hunting is a popular activity in Minnesota, with white-tailed deer found throughout the state. Hunting with a firearm is a traditional way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with friends and family.

Zones

For firearm deer hunters, there are designated zones in Minnesota where season dates and regulations vary. These zones are as follows:

• Zone 100: the area of the state where rifles can be used.
• Zone 200: areas of the state open to deer hunting with shotguns using slugs or other legal firearms other than rifles.
• Zone 300: the southeast of the state.
• Zone 701: the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• Zones 600s: disease management zones for chronic wasting disease.

Hunting License

Hunters must designate the deer permit area in which they plan to hunt when they buy a deer hunting license. However, they may use that license to hunt anywhere in the state using the method their deer hunting license allows.

Hunting Season

The deer hunting season is closed as of June 2023. Details for the 2024 season will be available on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

Equipment

When hunting with a firearm, hunters must use legal ammunition. Blaze orange or pink is required to be worn above the waist, and a hat must be worn with blaze orange or pink.

Deer Registration

Hunters need to tag their deer at the kill site and register it within 48 hours after the deer was taken and before the deer is processed either privately or personally.

Chronic Wasting Disease

Determine if chronic wasting disease surveillance and control regulations will impact your hunt. Some portions of the state require that all harvested deer be tested for Chronic Wasting Disease.

Hunting regulations

For those interested in bowhunting deer, there are a few key regulations to keep in mind. Firstly, archery deer hunting is allowed throughout Minnesota from mid-September to the end of December. This extended season means that hunters can avoid the higher pressure of the statewide firearms season. Hunters must also designate the deer permit area they plan to hunt when buying a license, but the license can be used anywhere in the state.

There are specific zones designated for firearm deer hunters, and these vary in terms of season dates and regulations. Zone 100 is the area where rifles can be used, while Zone 200 is open for deer hunting with shotguns using slugs or other legal firearms besides rifles. The southeast comprises Zone 300, and Zone 701 includes the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Zones in the 600s are designated as disease management zones for chronic wasting disease.

When hunting deer with a bow, hunters can use a compound bow, crossbow, recurve bow, or traditional longbow. The bow must have a pull of at least 30 pounds, and arrowheads must have a minimum of two metal cutting edges, be barbless, and measure at least 7/8 inch in diameter. Crossbows must deliver a minimum of 42 pounds of energy at 10 feet and have a safety feature. Crossbow bolts must be a minimum of 10 inches in length.

Hunters are limited to harvesting only one buck per calendar year, and this applies across all license combinations. A buck is legally defined as having at least one antler that is at least 3 inches long. Fawn bucks, or "button bucks," do not meet this criterion and cannot be legally harvested. Antlerless deer are those without an antler of at least 3 inches in length.

Hunters are required to tag their deer at the kill site and register it within 48 hours. This involves cutting out notches on the tag to indicate the month, date, and time of day the deer was killed. Additionally, the use of bait to take deer is prohibited.

Hunting licenses

To purchase a hunting license in Minnesota, individuals must meet the state's residency requirements. To qualify as a resident, an individual must have maintained a legal residence in Minnesota for at least 60 days prior to applying for or purchasing a license. Additionally, residents aged 21 or older must possess a valid Minnesota driver's license or public safety ID. Non-residents can also obtain hunting licenses, but the process and requirements may differ.

When purchasing a deer hunting license, hunters must designate the deer permit area in which they plan to hunt. However, they can use their license to hunt anywhere in the state using the method allowed by their license. For firearm deer hunters, the zones designate areas with different season dates and regulations. Zone 100, for example, allows the use of rifles, while Zone 200 is open to deer hunting with shotguns using slugs or other legal firearms.

It is important to note that specific regulations and restrictions apply to hunting deer in Minnesota. These include restrictions on the use of bait, requirements for legal equipment and ammunition, and definitions of legal bucks and antlerless deer. Hunters should also be aware of chronic wasting disease surveillance and control regulations, which may require testing for harvested deer in certain areas.

In addition to hunting licenses, Minnesota offers various permits that may be required for specific types of hunting or to access certain areas. These include disability permits, landowner permits, and permits for special hunts or disease management hunts. Hunters should carefully review the regulations and requirements for the specific type of hunting they plan to participate in to ensure they have the necessary licenses and permits.

Frequently asked questions