Minnesota Archery Deer Season 2026-27

Legal equipment

Minnesota allows compound bows, recurve bows, and (in most cases) crossbows during archery season, each meeting the state's minimum specifications. Some equipment rules — broadhead design, crossbow eligibility, and any zone-specific restrictions — vary and are set by the wildlife agency each year. Confirm the current equipment list with Minnesota's wildlife agency before you hunt.

Tags and antlerless rules during archery

Tag allowances and antlerless-only windows vary by zone and by segment within Minnesota's deer season — some of the dates in the table above are antlerless-only, while others allow either sex. Review each zone row for its specific rules, and confirm current tag limits, antler-point restrictions, and any special antlerless permits required for the archery season with Minnesota's wildlife agency.

How archery overlaps firearm seasons

Minnesota's archery season runs continuously from September 19 through December 31, so it stays open through both the Firearm A season (opening November 7) and the muzzleloader season (November 28 – December 13) — archery hunters can hunt on any date without a closure.

What changed for 2026-27

Season dates are set annually by Minnesota's wildlife agency and can shift from year to year based on herd surveys, weather, and management goals. The dates above reflect the official 2026–27 season as published by the Minnesota wildlife agency; check the source link above for any addenda issued after publication, and always reverify before you hunt.

Frequently asked questions