Deer Permit Area 154, Minnesota
Unit info
- Game species
- White-tailed Deer, Black Bear, Ruffed Grouse
- Group
- Zone 100 — Northern Minnesota
- Area
- 315 mi²
- Public land
- N/A
White-tailed Deer — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 502
Draw odds for White-tailed Deeraren't on file for this unit yet. Check your state wildlife agency website for current draw statistics.
Season & harvest data is published for White-tailed Deer so far. Black Bear, Ruffed Grouse also occur here — that data can be added as the community contributes.
About this unit
AI-compiled · sourcedDPA 154 is a newer permit area in northeastern Minnesota (the east half of former DPA 183), consisting almost entirely of heavily forested public land with 80% woody cover across 663 square miles. Deer populations are relatively low in portions of the area, making it sensitive to antlerless harvest; the DNR is managing conservatively with a lottery antlerless permit system offering only 25 permits. Hunters will find vast state forest, county-managed land, and lake-effect snow country near Lake Superior, with excellent opportunities for black bear and ruffed grouse alongside deer.
Heavily forested northeastern Minnesota wilderness, 80% woody cover and 14% grassland/wetlands across 663 square miles. Rocky ridges, boreal forest, birch-aspen stands, and numerous lakes characterize the landscape. Frequently impacted by lake-effect snow from Lake Superior. Minimal agricultural land (0% row crops, 3% developed).
low
Deer: One-deer limit, antlerless permit by lottery only (25 permits). Archery Sept 13-Dec 31; Youth Oct 16-19; Statewide Firearms Nov 8-23; Muzzleloader Nov 29-Dec 14. 2024 harvest was 643 total (570 firearms, 68 archery, 5 muzzleloader). Hunter success 0% reported for firearms (low density). Bear: Black bear present throughout northeastern MN boreal forest, drawn by zone with preference points, September season. Grouse: Ruffed grouse abundant in birch-aspen habitat, mid-September through January season, over-the-counter.
Massive public land base with 197.5 sq mi open to hunting. New DPA created in 2025 from the east half of former DPA 183. Conservative antlerless management with only 25 lottery permits issued annually to grow a low deer population. Excellent black bear and ruffed grouse hunting in boreal forest habitat. Remote lake-country setting with minimal agricultural pressure.
Questions, tips & discussion
Ask anything about Deer Permit Area 154— or drop a tip or trick: access points, where game holds, glassing spots, conditions, crowding, gear that worked. This is where the unit's species-specific intel gets built, hunter by hunter.
Nothing posted yet about Deer Permit Area 154.
Be the first — ask a question (“Best public access on the north end?”) or share a tip (“Glass the burn scars off the main ridge at first light”).
Boundaries: MN DNR official Deer Permit Areas. Community info last updated 23d ago.