Deer Permit Area 157, Minnesota

Mixed deciduous and coniferous forest (aspen, red pine, white pine, northern red oak, sugar maple) with abundant wetland complexes, bogs, and river corridors including the Snake and Rum River drainages. Relatively flat to gently rolling terrain typical of east-central Minnesota lake country. Roughly 7% public land out of 902 square miles total.

moderate

White-tailed deer are the primary quarry; archery season runs September 16 through December 31, Zone 100 firearms season runs early-to-mid November (approximately Nov 7-22), and muzzleloader season follows in late November through mid-December. Two-deer limit with only one buck allowed. Black bear are present throughout the forested WMA and state forest areas; bear licenses are available via Minnesota's quota/lottery system separately. Ruffed grouse and American woodcock are present and huntable under OTC small game licenses — aspen regeneration areas on the Mille Lacs WMA provide prime habitat. Wild turkey are not well-established in this northern unit. No elk present.

The Mille Lacs WMA is the standout public land destination — a 39,000-acre block of managed forest and wetland with extensive trail access and strong deer and bear populations. Location within 90 minutes of the Twin Cities metro keeps pressure moderate but manageable. Ruffed grouse and woodcock hunting in the aspen edges is excellent and often uncrowded. The unit is an either-sex area with a 2-deer limit, offering OTC firearm tags without a draw.