Minnesota Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Complete guide to Minnesota hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through MN DNR.
Minnesota Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Listed resident option: from $7.50 — Listed non-resident option: from $7.50
- Managed by: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- License year: 2025-2026 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: senior, youth, disabled veteran, active military
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/online-sales.html
Minnesota Hunting License Fees (2025-2026)
Minnesota is a powerhouse hunting state managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Land of 10,000 Lakes offers outstanding white-tailed deer, waterfowl, wild turkey, black bear, grouse, and pheasant hunting across its diverse landscape of northern forests, prairie grasslands, and agricultural heartland. Minnesota uses a species-specific licensing system rather than a general hunting license — meaning you buy a license for each type of game. A resident small game license costs $22, with deer at $34. The Individual Super Sports package ($108) bundles fishing, small game, waterfowl, and a deer tag. Non-residents pay $102 for small game and $185 for deer. Minnesota sits at the intersection of three major flyways, making it one of the best waterfowl states. Hunter education is required for anyone born after December 31, 1979. For the 2026-2027 season, firearm deer openers follow the traditional early November schedule with zone-based dates.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Small Game | $22.00 | — | 1 year | |
| NR Small Game | — | $102.00 | 1 year | |
| Resident Deer (Firearm) | $34.00 | — | Season | |
| NR Deer (Firearm) | — | $185.00 | Season | |
| Resident Bear (no quota) | $44.00 | — | Season | |
| NR Bear (no quota) | — | $230.00 | Season | |
| Resident Individual Super Sports | $108.00 | — | 1 year | Fishing + small game + waterfowl + deer tag |
| Resident 3-Day Small Game | $19.00 | — | 3 days | |
| Resident Migratory Waterfowl Stamp | $7.50 | $7.50 | 1 year | |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $27.50 | $27.50 | 1 year | |
| Apprentice Hunter Validation | $3.50 | $3.50 | 1 year |
Prices from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Last verified: 2026-04-01. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your Minnesota license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for anyone born after December 31, 1979. DNR Firearms Certification or equivalent needed.
How to Buy a Minnesota Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Minnesota Department of Natural Resources or an authorized retail agent listed by the state agency.
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Minnesota.
Need help? Call Minnesota Department of Natural Resources at 888-646-6367
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
Minnesota Hunting Seasons (2025-2026)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | September 19 | December 31 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Firearms | November 7 | November 22 | Zone dependent; A-season Nov 7-22, B-season Nov 7-15 |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | November 28 | December 13 | |
| Black Bear | General | September 1 | October 18 | |
| Turkey | Spring | April 15 | May 31 | |
| Turkey | Fall | October 1 | October 31 | |
| Pheasant | General | October 17 | January 1 | |
| Duck | General | September 26 | November 24 | Estimated flyway dates |
| Grouse (Ruffed) | General | September 19 | January 1 |
View full Minnesota season regulations on MN DNR
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Compare turkey license costs and season dates across all states →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Reduced | Minnesota residents 65+ may qualify for reduced-fee licenses |
| Youth | Reduced or Free | Youth licenses significantly discounted depending on age |
| Disabled Veteran | Free | Totally disabled Minnesota veterans |
| Active Military | Resident rates | Active duty military on leave in Minnesota |
Minnesota Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Minnesota official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- Blaze orange cap and upper garment required during firearms deer season.
- Minnesota uses a species-specific license system — no single general hunting license.
- CWD management zones have additional regulations and mandatory testing.
- Antler point restrictions apply in some deer permit areas.
Read full Minnesota regulations on MN DNR
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Minnesota Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guide
Minnesota Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Minnesota?
Minnesota uses species-specific licenses. Small game costs $22, deer (firearm) $34, bear $44. The Super Sports package at $108 bundles multiple licenses. Non-residents pay $102 for small game and $185 for deer.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Minnesota?
Yes, anyone born after December 31, 1979 must have a DNR Firearms Certification. The Apprentice Hunter Validation ($3.50) lets new hunters learn first.
Can non-residents hunt in Minnesota?
Yes. Non-residents pay $102 for small game and $185 for firearm deer. Bear permits cost $230 for non-residents.
What is the deer season in Minnesota?
Archery from mid-September through December. Firearms in November (16 days). Muzzleloader from late November through mid-December.
Are there free hunting licenses in Minnesota?
Totally disabled veterans qualify for free licenses. Youth licenses are significantly discounted. Seniors 65+ may qualify for reduced fees.
Can I buy a Minnesota hunting license online?
Yes, through the MN DNR online system, by phone at 888-646-6367, or at authorized license agents.