Minnesota has a plethora of game for hunters to enjoy, but only if hunters follow the rules and regulations established by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. These rules help hunters stay safe while respecting the beautiful state of Minnesota to ensure many more years of hunting.

If you would like to hunt, start by taking the mandatory firearms safety course if you were born after Dec. 31, 1979. If you would like to try hunting before taking the firearms safety course, you may purchase an apprentice hunter validation, but this can only be purchased for two hunting years per lifetime. You can only hunt with this license under the supervision of a licensed hunter. 

If you need to buy a license, it is relatively easy. Licenses are divided by residents and non-residents. To qualify as a resident, you must have lived in Minnesota for 60 consecutive days. If a student can prove they live in Minnesota during the school year, they can purchase the small game, deer, and bear hunting licenses at a resident rate. If you are under 21 and have a parent who is a Minnesota resident, you are also considered a Minnesota resident.

Hunters who would like to hone their skills can refer to the helpful guides created by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. If you need to find a location to hunt, there is also a guide for public hunting lands.