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Compound Bow Hunting in Minnesota — Trophy Bucks on 9.5 Million Public Acres

Whitetail DeerBlack BearWild TurkeyMoose

📅 2026 Season & License Info

Archery Season Open

September 13

Archery Season Close

December 31

Min Draw Weight

30 lbs

Resident License

$30/yr

Non-Resident License

$150/yr

Top Species

Whitetail Deer, Black Bear, Wild Turkey, Moose

📍 Top Public Hunting Spots

Chippewa National Forest

666,000 acres

Whitetail Deer, Bear, Turkey

North-central Minnesota. Historically top producer of Boone & Crockett whitetails. Pine forest with hardwood pockets.

Superior National Forest

3,900,000 acres

Whitetail Deer, Moose, Bear, Wolf

Northeastern Minnesota. True wilderness hunting. Best moose habitat in lower 48.

Carlos Avery WMA

25,000 acres

Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Duck

Twin Cities metro area. Surprisingly good deer hunting with wetland habitat mix.

⚖️ Minnesota Archery Regulations

  • •Minimum draw weight: 30 lbs (lowest in nation)
  • •Sunday hunting allowed
  • •Bear hunting requires separate license
  • •Archery season extends into January — late season tactics produce results

💡 Expert Tips for Minnesota

  • →Minnesota's Otter Tail County has produced more Boone & Crockett bucks than almost any county nationwide
  • →The October 31 – November 10 window is peak rut in central Minnesota
  • →Superior National Forest moose hunting (limited draw) is a true wilderness experience
  • →Late-season (December–January) bowhunting near food sources can be very effective
⚠️ Regulation Disclaimer: Hunting regulations change annually. Always verify current season dates, bag limits, and equipment requirements with the Minnesota state wildlife agency before hunting. This information is for planning purposes only.

Minnesota Bowhunting FAQ

Otter Tail County in west-central Minnesota has produced more Boone & Crockett entries in recent decades than nearly any other county in the country. The mix of agricultural land, wetlands, and hardwood forest creates ideal conditions for growing old-age-class bucks. St. Louis County (northeastern MN) is also historically strong, particularly on public land in the Superior National Forest.