Hunting in Minnesota: 4 Things to Know Before Applying for a Hunting Permit for Adults

Adults who want to go hunting in Minnesota should familiarize themselves with the state's rules and regulations that apply to getting a hunting permit.

Knowing whether or not you are required to have a license and what is necessary to get the license is important.

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Here’s the basic information about getting an adult hunting permit in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources:

1. Hunters born after Dec. 31, 1979, must have a Firearms Safety Certificate to purchase a regular hunting license. Apprentice hunting licenses are available to anyone born after Dec. 31, 1979, who has not completed the hunter education firearms training, but a individual can only attain two of those during his or her lifetime. 

2. Military personnel who are Minnesota residents and who have served in active duty in the preceding 24 months or those who are stationed outside of the state and on leave may hunt small game without a license , although they must have a Federal Duck Stamp to hunt waterfowl. Proof of residency and leave are required.

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3. Hunters who need to complete the safety course requirement can take the class in a number of ways:

• Online: Huntercourse.com is used for residents 18 and older for a cost of $24.95 in 2015. Adults who have little to no field experience are encouraged, not required, to attend an optional field day class that is led by a Department of Natural Resources firearm safety instructor. In order to attend the in-person field day event, hunters must print the voucher they earn at the completion of the online course and present it to staff.
• Independent Study/Correspondence Course: This option provides potential hunters with a workbook and study guide to complete the requirements at their own pace. After studying the material hunters must contact the DNR to schedule a test in person at a service center. A field day must also be completed with an instructor before the education requirement is met.
• Firearms Safety Classroom Course: This course if offered through a traditional classroom environment. Classes are offered at varying times throughout the state and a full schedule is listed online.

4. Individuals born after Dec. 31, 1989, who have not been issued a trapping license in a previous license year, may not obtain a trapping license without the proper trapper education certificate.
This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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