Minnesota DNR, partners celebrate 2026 Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener in Grand Rapids

This weekend, hundreds of thousands of deer hunters will head out to camps and stands across Minnesota for the opening weekend of firearms season. To celebrate this tradition, the DNR will join partners in Grand Rapids, Minn., for the annual Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener on Thursday, Nov. 5

“Deer opener is one of Minnesota’s great traditions,” Governor Tim Walz said. “There’s nothing more Minnesotan than spending time with family and friends in the woods, breathing in the crisp autumn air, and enjoying the outdoors together. Before you head out, get your license through Minnesota’s new electronic licensing system. Good luck this weekend, and have a safe hunt.”

The DNR and Explore Minnesota are hosting a listening session with invited conservation organizations, Tribal partners and local businesses, followed by an opportunity for media interviews with listening session participants at Timberlake Lodge.

“Minnesota’s deer opener is a longstanding tradition that brings together families, friends and communities,” DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen said. “We’re thrilled to join conservation partners and community members in Grand Rapids to celebrate the season and recommit to our joint efforts to promote healthy deer populations and quality hunting opportunities. Together, we’re helping ensure that Minnesota’s great outdoors remains thriving for generations to come.”

The DNR and Explore Minnesota regularly co-host hunting openers and listening sessions. These conversations underscore the importance of conservation and tourism working in tandem for the benefit of Minnesota’s residents, wildlife and habitat.

“Deer season is a Minnesota tradition and an economic engine worth nearly half a billion dollars a year,” said Randolph Briley, Deputy Director, Outdoor Recreation for Explore Minnesota. “When hunters head to deer camp, they fill motels, cafés, gas stations and sporting goods stores in communities across Greater Minnesota. Healthy herds and strong hunting traditions are good for our outdoor heritage and good for our local economies.”

After the listening session, participants and members of the public are invited to Rapids Brewing Company, for a Minnesota Deer Opener Pint Night hosted by Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, and the Minnesota Wildlife Federation, to celebrate the start of Minnesota’s firearms deer season.

“Minnesota’s deer opener and public lands are cornerstones of Minnesota’s hunting heritage, linking generations of hunters to the land, wildlife, and a shared commitment to stewardship,” Chance Adams, President of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers said. “We’re proud to celebrate this tradition and hope Minnesotans enjoy the outdoors and create lasting memories this deer season.”

Statewide, about 400,000 hunters are expected to take part in one of the highest-participation weekends of any deer season in Minnesota.

“We are proud to partner with the Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener once again and celebrate the great tradition that is Minnesota’s opening weekend for firearms season,” Jared Mazurek, Executive Director of Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, said. “Our organization was built by and for Minnesota deer hunters, and this annual event is a great way to keep conservation local and welcome in the next generation.”

In Minnesota, archery deer season began Saturday, Sept. 19 and continues through Thursday, Dec. 31. The statewide firearms deer season begins Saturday, Nov. 7, with various closing dates depending on a hunter’s deer permit area. Muzzleloader season begins Saturday, Nov. 28, and continues through Sunday, Dec. 13.

“Hunting is our shared legacy, and participating in the Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener is one way we ensure Minnesota’s hunting traditions will endure,” said Brad Gausman, Executive Director of MN Wildlife Federation. “As deer hunters prepare for opening day, we wish them a safe and successful season.”

Before heading out into the field, hunters are encouraged to buy licenses ahead of time. There are three ways to buy a license — mobile app, online or in person from a license agent — and three ways to carry it: paper, digital copy or stored in the app. Customers can access the system on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/licenses/online-sales.html) or by searching “Minnesota DNR Licensing” in the Apple or Google app stores.

People who are interested in deer harvest data can find preliminary data for 2026 on DNR’s deer reports and statistics webpage (mndnr.gov/mammals/deer/management/statistics.html), which is updated twice each week on Monday and Thursday.