400,000 Hunters Expected for Minnesota Deer Season Opening

More than 400,000 hunters are projected to enter Minnesota's forests this Saturday, Nov. 7, for the start of the statewide firearms deer season. The Department of Natural Resources anticipates high volume on the first day, a pattern that mirrors last year's rush. In the final two days before the previous opener, hunters purchased nearly 140,000 deer licenses.

The state transitioned to a new electronic licensing system in June. While this platform allows for mobile or digital possession of permits, initial transactions can be slow. Hunters whose records require migration from the legacy system may need direct assistance from the DNR License Center. Jamie Gangaware, the project executive for the electronic license system, advised buyers to secure their permits well in advance of the start date.

"Buy your license early rather than waiting until a day or two before opener; know how you will validate and register harvests; and, before you leave for your hunt, either sign into the app or get that paper license printed," Gangaware said.

Regulations require every deer to be registered within 48 hours of the kill. This registration must happen before the animal is processed or the antlers are removed. Hunters can validate and register simultaneously via the mobile app. Those using paper licenses can validate the animal immediately and complete registration later through the app or in person at a licensed agent. A new online "quick registration" option is also available for those who purchased permits in person.

The mobile application stores harvest data while the user is offline and uploads it once cell service is restored. A single sign-in remains valid for 30 days. The DNR also sells licenses through physical agents, though hunters should verify that a specific location is authorized for the current year.

In southwest Minnesota, a new mandate takes effect this weekend. Hunters are required to test any deer at least one year old for chronic wasting disease if harvested on Nov. 7 or 8. DNR staffed stations will operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on those two days and from 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 9. Self-service stations, mail-in kits, and participating taxidermists offer alternative testing methods. Testing remains voluntary in other parts of the state.

Archery season continues through Dec. 31, and muzzleloader season runs from Nov. 28 to Dec. 13. Closing dates for the firearms season vary by deer permit area. Preliminary harvest figures for 2026 are available on the DNR's statistics page, which receives updates on Mondays and Thursdays.