Deer Permit Area 268, Minnesota

Central Minnesota agricultural landscape in the 200-series farmland zone. Approximately 153,000 acres dominated by cultivated crops (corn, soybeans, small grains) interspersed with woodlots, river bottoms, wetlands, and prairie lakes. Flat to gently rolling glacial till terrain typical of the Minnesota prairie-forest transition belt. Mixed habitat of farm fields, sloughs, and scattered timber patches provides excellent deer edge cover.

moderate

White-tailed deer are the primary big game species with reliable populations supported by heavy agriculture. Eastern wild turkey are present in central Minnesota mixed ag-timber habitat and huntable during spring and fall seasons. Ring-necked pheasant are present in the agricultural landscape, especially in Stearns, Kandiyohi, and Meeker county areas. Ruffed grouse occur in woodlot and brushy edges. Bear and moose are not established in this central farmland zone.

Hunter Choice (either-sex) designation means no draw or lottery is needed — hunters purchase an OTC license and may take one deer of either sex. No CWD management or surveillance zone restrictions apply; voluntary CWD testing is available. Agricultural food sources (corn and soybean fields) concentrate deer through late season. Central Minnesota location offers good access to metro-area hunters with moderate pressure. Turkey, pheasant, and ruffed grouse are all huntable species in the broader central MN zone.