Minnesota Hunting Opener 2025: A Deep Dive into Dates, Regulations, and What to Expect

Minnesota Hunting Opener 2025: A Deep Dive into Dates, Regulations, and What to Expect

As inland forests shift into autumn hues, hunters across Minnesota gear up for one of the most anticipated events of the year: the deer season opener. Here's everything you need to know to prepare for 2025.

Key Dates for Deer Season 2025

• Archery Season: Opens September 13 and runs through December 31 MN Department of Natural ResourcesMinnesota DNR Files.

• Youth & Early Antlerless Season: From October 16 to October 19 MN Department of Natural ResourcesHuntwise.

• Firearm Season: Begins November 8; closing dates vary by Deer Permit Area (DPA) MN Department of Natural ResourcesMinnesota DNR Files.

• Muzzleloader Season: Runs from November 29 to December 14 MN Department of Natural ResourcesMinnesota DNR Files.

• Late CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) Season: Specified DPAs (605, 642–649) have special dates December 19–21 MN Department of Natural ResourcesMinnesota DNR Files.

These dates are crucial for keeping your hunt legal, productive, and mindful of conservation goals.

Major Legislative & Regulatory Updates for 2025

Streamlined Licensing:

• A new single statewide firearms license now covers both the traditional “A” and late southeast “B” seasons. This simplifies licensing—no more juggling multiple permits Minnesota DNR FilesFish Hunt Forever.

Shotgun Zone Remains—For Now:

• The historic shotgun-only zone continues in effect for 2025. However, legislation passed in 2025 mandates its repeal for the 2026 season onward Minnesota DNR FilesMN Revisor's OfficeUltimate Pheasant Hunting Forums.

• Starting in 2026, counties may choose to restrict firearms types locally, provided they go through public hearings and proper procedures MN Revisor's Office.

CWD Testing & Management:

• Mandatory CWD sampling is required during opening weekend of firearm season (Nov 8–9) in CWD surveillance/management zones Minnesota DNR Files+1.

• Self-service testing stations are available across Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of opening weekend; mail-in kits also remain an option; earlier kit forms are invalid post-Nov 2024