The district offers public hunting on over 30 waterfowl production areas located in a 14-county area of east-central Minnesota, many within easy driving distance of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Unless otherwise posted, or specifically prohibited, waterfowl production areas are open to all hunting seasons in accordance with state and federal regulations. Waterfowl, deer, pheasant, and turkey are some of the most commonly pursued game species. 

For general restrictions and regulations, please visit our Rules & Policies page. 

General Regulations: 

• A Minnesota State hunting license is required for all hunts on district lands.
• Waterfowl Production Areas in Minnesota are open to hunting and fishing in accordance with state hunting and fishing regulations unless otherwise noted. See specific district websites for regulations and access hours.
• Small game hunters using shotguns, including turkey hunters, are required to use and possess only non-toxic shot.
• During the small game and migratory bird seasons, hunting dogs must be under the immediate control of the hunter.
• Hunters must wear an article of blaze orange/pink consistent with state regulations.
• Constructing or occupying permanent stands or blinds is prohibited. The use of nails, wire, screws or bolts to attach a stand to a tree or hunting from a tree, into which a metal object has been driven to support a hunter is also prohibited.
• Portable hunting stands must be set up and removed each day. No items can be left overnight on district lands.
• The use or possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited while hunting.
• Distribution of feed or bait; or hunting over bait is prohibited. This includes salts and minerals
• No motorized boats are allowed.
• Parking lots are provided on most waterfowl production areas and hunters are encouraged to use them during their visit.
• Closed to all motorized vehicles (ATVs included).
• Closed to artifact hunting, cultural disturbance, digging, burying, or disturbing the soil. 
• Soberg Waterfowl Production Area is CLOSED to firearms hunting.
• We prohibit all types of motorized vehicles on frozen water bodies
• Waterfowl Production Areas in Minnesota are open to hunting and fishing in accordance
  with state hunting and fishing regulations unless otherwise noted.
• Hunting is prohibited within the Headquarters WPA in Becker County, Hitterdal WPA in
  Clay County, McIntosh WPA in Polk County, Townsend WPA in Otter Tail County, Mavis
  WPA in Otter Tail County, Gilmore WPA in Otter Tail County, portions of Knollwood WPA
  in Otter Tail County, Larson WPA in Douglas County, those portions of Phare Lake WPA
  in Renville County that lies within the Phare Lake State Game Refuge, portions of the
  Edward-Long Lake WPA in Stevens County, Worthington WPA in Nobles County and on
  portions of the Wolf Lake WPA in Cottonwood County. Soberg WPA in Dakata County is
  CLOSED to firearms hunting Please contact the refuge manager with specific questions.
• During the small game and migratory bird seasons, we allow the use of dogs while
  hunting, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.
• Nontoxic shot is required for all migratory and upland game hunting, including but not
  limited to wild turkey.
• Unprotected wild animals may be taken from September 1 through the last day of February,
  or by any person legally hunting a protected species

District-specific Information: 

• Single projectile ammunition (shotgun slugs or bullets) are prohibited on Soberg WPA, Dakota County.
• Some areas are posted as No Hunting Zones to protect buildings, private property or critical habitat areas. Firearms and weapons must be cased and unloaded while accessing hunting areas through No Hunting Zones.
• Training and allowing pets off leash are prohibited.
• The district provides aerial photos of each WPA on its website to help hunters plan their hunting trips.