Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
MN
Deer Hunting in Minnesota: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in Minnesota starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $34 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $185 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Sep 13 – Dec 31 Archery (Statewide)
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Minnesota Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Minnesota deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
Archery (Statewide); also check Youth/Early Antlerless.
For Minnesota deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Regular deer licenses are sold by weapon type; antlerless permits vary by deer permit area. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. CWD has been detected in Minnesota, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Minnesota
Minnesota deer rules are organized around deer permit areas, weapon-specific licenses, and CWD zone status. A regular resident deer license is $34 and a nonresident deer license is $185; additional antlerless opportunity is handled separately by permit-area rules. CWD sampling can be mandatory in DNR-designated management or surveillance DPAs during listed dates, and carcass movement rules can change by zone and testing option. Antler point rules are also DPA-specific: some 300-series areas use a four-point rule, while CWD management decisions can remove APRs to support disease-control harvest. Hunters should match the license, DPA, season, and current CWD map before relying on any statewide shortcut.
Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS
Minnesota Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Minnesota offers 8 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Minnesota Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$34
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$185
Over-the-counter tag available
Regular deer licenses are sold by weapon type; antlerless permits vary by deer permit area
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Minnesota deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Minnesota license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Minnesota
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Detected
DNR-designated CWD management or surveillance deer permit areas
CWD Testing / Transport
Required in listed zones
Zones: DNR-designated CWD management or surveillance deer permit areas
Carcass movement rules apply in CWD management zones; whole carcass and head/spine movement depends on the current DNR zone rules and testing pathway.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: 1 antlered + bonus antlerless
One deer per license; up to 5 in CWD management zones; bonus antlerless in surplus areas
Allowed Weapons
Bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Minnesota — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Minnesota?
It can be mandatory in DNR-designated CWD management or surveillance deer permit areas during listed dates. Check the current DNR CWD map before hunting, because sampling and carcass movement requirements are tied to the DPA and season.
What are the antler restrictions?
They vary by deer permit area. Some 300-series areas use a four-point rule, while DNR may remove APRs in CWD management areas. Use the current DPA regulations rather than a statewide rule of thumb.
Do I need a draw to hunt deer in Minnesota?
No, Minnesota offers over-the-counter (OTC) deer tags that can be purchased without a draw. Some special hunts or antlerless permits may require a separate lottery.
What deer species can I hunt in Minnesota?
Minnesota is home to White-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Minnesota?
Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Minnesota. A nonresident deer license is $185, and antlerless or special opportunities depend on the deer permit area and lottery/surplus rules.