Minnesota Releases New Hunting Regulations

Minnesota hunters can now review the state’s updated hunting and trapping regulations for the 2026 seasons. Licenses go on sale Saturday, August 1st.

The new rules eliminate Minnesota’s statewide shotgun zone for deer hunting. However, 13 counties have adopted local restrictions covering part or all of the county.

The D-N-R is also beginning a four-year rotation for mandatory chronic wasting disease testing. Southwest Minnesota is first, with certain deer taken during firearms opening weekend required to be tested this year.

Hunters will use Minnesota’s new electronic licensing system to purchase licenses and validate and register harvested animals. Licenses can be carried on paper, as a P-D-F or through the state’s mobile app.

Waterfowl information is now included in the main hunting and trapping regulations instead of a separate booklet. Printed copies will be available at locations that sell D-N-R licenses. The regulations are also available on the Minnesota DNR website.