Hunting in Minnesota: 9 Animals To Hunt in the Fall

Minnesota’s most popular hunting season is the fall, when the most game animals can be hunted. Numerous hunting seasons in the state begin in September, which brings hunters from across the country to take advantage of the variety of wildlife available for hunting. Unless otherwise noted, hunters must meet the state’s license requirement, regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, before taking any game during the fall season.

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These are the most prominently hunted animals in the fall in the state of Minnesota:

1. Crow - Crow have three hunting seasons in Minnesota. The third hunting season takes place in the fall, from early September until the end of October. A license is not required to take crow as long as the bird is in season. Crows may also be taken out of season, if they are found to be doing damage.
2. Mourning Dove - Mourning dove season occurs from early September until the first week of November.
3. Bear - Bear hunting season takes place from early September to mid-October.
4. Canada Goose (Early Season) Early season for Canadian geese takes place during the month of September for approximately three weeks.
5. Deer - Archery deer season occurs from mid-September to late December. Deer must be registered with the DNR within 48 hours of the taking. Deer hunters should also be aware that any license that is purchased after opening day is not valid until the second day after it has been issued.
6. Sharp-tailed Grouse - Hunters in Minnesota can take aim at sharp-tail grouse from mid-September until the end of November. Some areas of the state are closed to hunting this bird, so hunters are advised to check with the DNR for an accurate map before going afield.

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7. Small Game (Rabbits, Squirrel) - Small game may be hunted from mid-September to mid-February. Small game hunters should keep in mind that the blaze orange requirement applies no matter what time of year they are hunting small game.
8. Prairie Chicken - Prairie Chicken may be hunted briefly from the end of September until the first week of October. Hunters should check with the DNR for accurate boundaries as they are subject to change annually. Prairie chicken licenses are only issued to Minnesota residents and distributed by lottery.
9. Turkey (Fall Season) - Turkey season takes place from early October to early November.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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