Edge of the Wilderness Area Hunting Information

The Edge of the Wilderness Area boasts impressive numbers of small and large game as well as plentiful waterfowl. Many hunters are drawn to the area because of the huge amount of state and federal public hunting lands. Use this page as a guide in helping plan your next hunting trip.

Click on the Photos below to see a larger image.

2008 - 2009 Minnesota Hunting Calendar
This calendar will be updated as information becomes available from the MN/DNR.

Small Game

Cottontail Rabbit, Jack-rabbit and Snowshoe Hare, Gray & Fox Squirrel	Sept.13, 2008
Pheasant	Oct. 11, 2008 - Jan. 1, 2009
Ruffed & Spruce Grouse	Sept. 16 - Jan.1, 2009
Sharp-tailed Grouse	Sept. 15 - Nov. 30, 2008
2008 Spring Wild Turkey (first season)	April 16 - May 29, 2008
Fall Wild Turkey Lottery Deadline	July 27, 2008
Fall Wild Turkey (first season)	Oct. 15 - 19, 2008
Fall Wild Turkey (second season)	Oct. 22 - 26, 2008
2008 Spring Wild Turkey Application Deadline	Dec. 7, 2008

Big Game

Bear hunt 2008 Application Deadline	May 4, 2008
Bear hunt - opener	Sept. 1 - Oct. 14, 2008
Special Youth Deer Hunt Application Deadline	Aug. 17, 2008
Deer Hunt Either Sex Application Deadline	Sept. 6, 2008
Deer Hunt Early Antlerless Opener	Oct. 13, 2008
Deer Hunting License on Sale	tba
Deer Hunt - Last Day toUpgrade Firearms Deer License	Nov. 2, 2008
Deer Opener - Archery	Sept. 13 - Dec. 31, 2008
Deer Opener - Firearms	Nov. 8, 2008
Deer Opener - Muzzleloader	Nov. 29 - Dec. 29, 2008
Elk Lottery Deadline	July 13, 2008
Elk (Bull)	tba
Elk - Antlerless - residents only	tba
Moose hunting license applications deadline	May 4, 2008
Moose - northeast zone	Oct. 4 - Oct. 20, 2008

Furbearers - Trapping/Hunting

Raccoon	Oct. 25, 2008 - March 15, 2009
Gray & Red Fox	Oct. 25, 2008 - March 15, 2009
Bobcat	Nov. 29, 2008 - Jan, 6, 2009
Pine Marten & Fisher	Nov. 29, 2008 - Dec. 9, 2009
Mink & Muskrat (north zone) > Opener	Oct. 25, 2008 - Feb. 29, 2009
Mink & Muskrat (south zone) > Opener	Nov. 1, 2008 - May 15, 2009
Beaver (north zone) > Opener	Oct. 25, 2008 - May 15, 2009
Beaver (south zone) > Opener	Nov. 1, 2008 - May 15, 2009
Otter (north zone) > Opener	Oct. 25, 2008 - Jan. 6, 2009
Otter (south zone) > Opener	Nov. 1, 2008 - Jan. 6, 2009

Migratory Birds

Spring Light Goose Season	March 1 - April 30, 2008
General duck and goose	Oct. 4, 2008 (tentative)
Rails, snipe - opener	Sept. 1 - Nov. 4, 2008
Woodcock	Sept. 20 - Nov. 5, 2008
Crow 2008 - First Season	March 1 - 31, 2008
Crow 2008 - Second Season	July 15, - Oct. 15, 2008
Mourning doves	Sept. 1 - 2008
Early Canada goose	Sept. 6 - 2008 (tentative)
Late Canada Goose	tba

Hunting Resources

Completion of a Hunter Education/Firearms Safety course is a must to purchase a hunting license for anyone born on or after Dec. 31, 1979. Click here for the full story.

Licensing & Regulations:

Minnesota DNR Region II, Northeast Regional Wildlife Headquarters -- 1201 East Highway 2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Phone: 218-327-4413

Wildlife Management Areas: Looking for land to hunt on? Minnesota has over 11 million acres of public lands.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Hunting Pages

Maps:

Associations:

Minnesota Deer Hunters Association - in Grand Rapids

Minnesota Ducks Unlimited

Minnesota Waterfowl Association

Professional Bowhunters Society

Minnesota Shooting Sports Education Center

The Ruffed Grouse Society

Hunter Education & Training:

Firearms Safety Training - conducted by the DNR
Advanced Hunter Education Training - this course meets all other states' hunter education requirements

Miscellaneous Hunting Info:

"A well regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." -- Second Amendment to the Constitution