Youth deer and early antlerless-only deer hunting seasons now thru Oct. 20

Youth deer and early antlerless-only deer hunting seasons now thru Oct. 20

October 17, 2024

Minnesota’s youth deer season will take place statewide Thursday, Oct. 17, through Sunday, Oct. 20. The season coincides with statewide teacher workshops, so many Minnesota students don’t have school during the youth season.

There’s also the early antlerless-only deer season Oct. 17-20. The season increases opportunities for hunters in deer permit areas where deer populations are above population goals or where there is an increased risk of chronic wasting disease. Permit areas open during the hunt are 214, 215, 218, 219, 221, 222, 223, 225, 227, 229, 236, 341, 605, 642, 643, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 661 and 701.

A few other reminders for Oct. 17-20:

  • All deer hunters, including archery hunters, must wear blaze orange or pink during these and any open firearms deer season;
  • Hunters need to know the difference between deer and elk, especially in northwest Minnesota, though elk can be observed anywhere in the state;
  • And deer hunters are invited to share wildlife observations on the DNR website.

-DNR