Deer Permit Area 294, Minnesota
Unit info
- Game species
- White-tailed Deer
- Group
- Zone 200 — Central Minnesota
- Area
- 690 mi²
- Public land
- N/A
White-tailed Deer — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 472
Draw odds for White-tailed Deeraren't on file for this unit yet. Check your state wildlife agency website for current draw statistics.
About this unit
AI-compiled · sourcedDPA 294 is a 686-square-mile farmland permit area in south-central Minnesota dominated by annual row crops (70%) with scattered grassland, wetlands, and minimal woody cover. Antlerless deer require a lottery permit (400 available for 2025); bucks can be taken by any licensed deer hunter. Public hunting land is limited at 15.5 sq. mi., so permission on private agricultural ground is key to success.
Flat to gently rolling south-central Minnesota farmland. Land cover is 70% annual row crops, 24% grassland and wetlands, 1% woody cover, 1% open water, and 6% developed. Total non-water area is 686 sq. mi. Deer concentrate in wooded draws, wetland edges, and shelterbelts surrounded by corn and soybean fields.
moderate
White-tailed deer are the primary game species. The population is being managed for stability — antlerless permits held at ~400-500 since 2020. No state forest presence means turkey, pheasant, and grouse habitat is limited; area is primarily a deer and waterfowl (WPA/WMA) landscape. Pheasant may be present on WMAs and walk-in access land given the agricultural setting.
400 antlerless lottery permits issued for 2025 (L500 designation in recent years). 2024 total harvest was 462 deer (387 firearms, 41 archery, 34 muzzleloader) with a 32% hunter success rate and 2 hunters per sq. mi. of land. Archery season runs Sept. 13 - Dec. 31; statewide firearms Nov. 8-16; muzzleloader Nov. 29 - Dec. 14. Shotgun slugs, muzzleloaders, and handguns legal for big game. Optional CWD testing available. DNR contact: Bill Schuna 507-873-5650.
Questions, tips & discussion
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Boundaries: MN DNR official Deer Permit Areas. Community info last updated 23d ago.