Grand Rapids to host 2026 Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener

GRAND RAPIDS — For many Minnesotans, the opening of the firearm deer hunting season in November is on par with the Super Bowl.

The statewide firearms deer season begins Saturday, Nov. 7, but a special event opening the season is coming a few days earlier.

Gov. Tim Walz's last official deer opener weekend will be in Grand Rapids. The Department of Natural Resources will partner with local partners to celebrate with events on Thursday.

The DNR said in a news release it expects around 400,000 hunters across the state to head out to camps and stands for the opening weekend of firearms season.

“Deer hunting in Minnesota is a time-honored tradition. It’s something people do year after year with friends and family, and it’s like an annual holiday for many, many people heading off to deer camp,” stated DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen.

Thursday’s events include a listening session with conservation organizations, tribal partners and local businesses.

Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and the Minnesota Wildlife Federation also invite the public to a Minnesota Deer Opener Pint Night 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday at Rapids Brewing Co.

The DNR said in the news release that it aims to highlight how conservation and tourism can work together to benefit Minnesota’s people, wildlife and habitat.

“I think one of the biggest takeaways is for people to notice the connections between local businesses and deer hunters coming up north to spend time in the Northwoods and support our local community,” said Lindsey Shartell, northeast regional wildlife manager for the DNR, in an interview with KAXE.

"It's definitely an event that Minnesota wins every year," Brad Gausman said on the KAXE Morning Show.

Gausman is the executive director of the Minnesota Wildlife Federation, a statewide nonprofit with a mission that combines conservation issues with celebrating opportunities for Minnesotans to get outdoors for recreation. The organization is an independent affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

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Overall, sales of hunting and fishing licenses have gone down in recent years, and Gausman encouraged people to help others recreate

"That's not to say that we don't still have a very robust hunting community that's going to take to the woods this weekend,” Gausman said. “ ... It's always a good time to bring somebody new to the field with you."

The DNR urges hunters to buy licenses before heading out to the field. People can buy a license via mobile app, online or in person from a license agent.

Season closing dates vary depending on a hunter’s deer permit area.

Those interested in deer harvest data can find early 2026 data on the DNR’s website.

Stella Mayerhoff is a Report for America corps member, covering Minnesota’s headwaters region for KAXE in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Report for America places talented journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and regions.