Minnesota Firearm Deer Season 2026-27

Legal equipment

Minnesota's firearm season allows centerfire firearms loaded per the state's caliber and cartridge rules — some states restrict certain zones to straight-wall or shotgun-only ammunition. Confirm the exact list of legal calibers, ammunition types, and any zone-specific firearm restrictions with Minnesota's wildlife agency before you hunt.

Tags and antlerless rules during firearm season

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 firearm season with Minnesota's wildlife agency.

How firearm season overlaps muzzleloader

Firearm A opens November 7 across all series, closing November 22 in the 100 Series or November 15 in the 200 & 300 Series. The later Firearm B season in the 300 Series (November 21–29) overlaps the start of muzzleloader season (November 28 – December 13).

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