Deer Permit Area 338, Minnesota

Flat to gently rolling agricultural land dominated by row crops (corn and soybeans) in the Minnesota River Valley. Scattered woodlots, river bottoms, and wetland pockets provide deer cover amid a largely open landscape. Minimal forest; habitat is classic south-central MN farmland with riparian corridors along the Minnesota River and its tributaries.

Extremely limited public land — only 14.31 sq mi (3.03%) of the 472 sq mi unit is publicly accessible. Hunters rely almost entirely on private land permission. Small WMAs and waterfowl production areas exist in the Minnesota Valley corridor but are scattered. No large state forest or contiguous public block. Private landowner relationships are essential.

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White-tailed deer are the primary target with a strong agricultural population. Wild turkey are well established throughout south-central MN farmland and river bottoms in this region. Ring-necked pheasant are present in the agricultural matrix. Grouse, bear, and moose are not characteristic of this prairie-fringe landscape.

Zone 300 Hunter Choice designation means antlerless permits are available OTC after the lottery draw, making it one of the more accessible antlerless-tag units in MN. Two firearms seasons (A: early Nov, B: late Nov) plus a full archery season Sept–Dec. Antler point restriction requires minimum 4 points on one side for legal bucks. CWD surveillance zone — mandatory testing for deer 1+ year old harvested during opening firearms weekend. Shotgun-slug zone historically (2026 repeal of shotgun zone may allow rifles — verify current regs). No early antlerless season.