Minnesota Youth Deer Season Runs October 15th-18th, DNR Urges Early License Purchase

(KNSI) – Young hunters across Minnesota get their own deer season next week, and the Department of Natural Resources wants families to buy licenses now instead of waiting until the last minute.

The statewide youth season runs Thursday, October 15th, through Sunday, October 18th, for hunters ages 10 to 17. It lines up with teacher workshops, when many schools are out for fall break.

About 20,000 young hunters take part each year, according to DNR deer coordinator Paul Burr. Since the season went statewide in 2019, youth hunters have taken about 6,700 deer per season. In a 2025 DNR survey, 80% of deer hunters agreed the youth season helps bring kids into the sport and strengthens family ties.

The DNR is pushing early license sales because of the new electronic license system that launched in June. The agency says the system is working well, but first-time users may need extra time. Some hunters with more than one record in the old system will also need help from the DNR License Center to merge their history into a new account.

Youth hunters use the same standard youth deer license they would for any other deer season. Kids 12 and under must have their account linked to an adult’s account. Hunters 13 and older can set up their own or have an adult create one and link it. The DNR has a guide on its website for linking accounts and adding a child’s firearms safety certification.

Hunting in mid-October usually means warmer weather than the November firearms opener, little or no snow, and deer moving more during daylight hours.

Chronic wasting disease testing is optional during the youth season. Hunters can make an appointment with an area wildlife office, request a mail-in kit or stop at a partner sampling location.

The early antlerless season runs the same four days in select permit areas and is open to both adults and youth. The state has also repealed the shotgun zone, but some counties have passed ordinances to remain shotgun-only, so hunters in the former zone should check with their county before heading out.

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