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WMA · Northwest region
Dittmer Wildlife Management Area hunting, 2026-27
Seasons, access rules and the nearest towns for this wildlife management area in Mahnomen County.
Photo: Matt Lavin (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Getting to Dittmer Wildlife Management Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near Dittmer Wildlife Management Area
- Parking areaParking · 0.6 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.7 mi from the centreDirections
Parking, trailhead and gate locations come from OpenStreetMap contributors. Roads into public land can be gated or seasonal; check with the managing agency before you go.
What the file says about Dittmer WMA
Dittmer WMA adds 562 acres of public ground to Mahnomen County. Line up the 16 wildlife management areas in Mahnomen County by acres and Dittmer WMA comes 7th. Its deer permit area is 297; the 2026 designation there is antlerless permit lottery.
DNR runs Dittmer WMA from its Detroit Lakes area office; email detroitlakes.wildlife@state.mn.us. Federal aid noted by DNR for Dittmer WMA: Pittman-Robertson.
Species on the record: deer, black bear, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock.
- White-tailed Deer
- Black Bear
- Eastern Cottontail
- Gray Squirrel
- Snowshoe Hare
- Ruffed Grouse
- American Woodcock
From the agency record (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Dittmer Wildlife Management Area
Dittmer WMA route text and lots
Use these DNR directions to find Dittmer WMA; the map pins its 0 parking points.
| Section | Acres | Town | Hunting | Lots | DNR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dittmer WMA | 562 | Bejou | Open | – | DNR |
- Dittmer WMA: From Bejou, go 2 miles S on US 59 then 3 miles W on TWP RD.
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Dittmer WMA access rules
The rows below restate the access rules on the agency record for Dittmer WMA.
| Activity | Status |
|---|---|
| Hunting, trapping | Regular seasons |
| Vehicles | Designated roads, lots |
| Target shooting | Not allowed |
| Guns in transit | Cased, unloaded |
| Camping | Designated or permit |
| Portable stands, blinds | Remove daily |
| Overnight stands, northwest | Nov 1-Dec 31 |
| Dogs | Leash Apr 16-Jul 14 |
| Drones | Not allowed |
| Gear left overnight | Not allowed |
Sources: record, agency rules; booklet: 2026-2027 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations. Checked October 28, 2026.
Dittmer WMA and deer permit area 297
The 2026 designation for DPA 297 is antlerless permit lottery, and 25 antlerless permits go out by lottery; firearms dates follow the 200-series window. Antlerless deer in DPA 297 need a lottery permit for the firearms seasons; the declaration deadline was Sept. 10.
| Hunt | First day | Last day | Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Youth deer | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Firearms, 200 series | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | |
| Muzzleloader | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 |
CWD sampling in DPA 297 is voluntary. The DPA covers 450 square miles. DPA 297 counties: Mahnomen and Becker.
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Seasons open on Dittmer WMA
Dated seasons that apply on Dittmer WMA (22 rows), with today's status in the last column.
| Quarry | Season | Where | Opening | Closing | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | DPA 297 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPA 297 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 200 series | DPA 297 | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | Statewide | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Black bear | No-quota area | No Quota Area | Sep 1, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Quota areas | Quota area 46 | Sep 1, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Ruffed, spruce grouse | Regular | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | |
| Hungarian partridge | Regular | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | |
| Woodcock | Regular | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Nov 2, 2026 | |
| Rabbits, hares | Regular | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Jackrabbit | Regular | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Squirrels | Regular | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Crow | Crow segment | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Oct 31, 2026 | |
| Take-a-Kid | Take-a-Kid | Statewide | Sep 26, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Raccoon, foxes | Hunting (north) | North furbearer zone | Oct 17, 2026 | Mar 15, 2027 | |
| Badger, opossum, weasels | Hunting (north) | North furbearer zone | Oct 17, 2026 | Mar 15, 2027 | |
| Raccoon, foxes | Hunting (south) | South furbearer zone | Oct 24, 2026 | Mar 15, 2027 | |
| Badger, opossum, weasels | Hunting (south) | South furbearer zone | Oct 24, 2026 | Mar 15, 2027 | |
| Bobcat | Hunt and trap (north) | North furbearer zone | Dec 12, 2026 | Jan 17, 2027 | |
| Crow | Crow segment | Statewide | Dec 15, 2026 | Jan 15, 2027 | |
| Bobcat | Hunt and trap (south) | South furbearer zone | Jan 2, 2027 | Jan 17, 2027 | |
| Crow | Crow segment | Statewide | Mar 1, 2027 | Mar 31, 2027 |
Waterfowl rows show the North, Central and South zones because DNR draws those lines on highways (MN 210/23/39, US 212/I-494/I-94), not by unit; check the DNR map.
From the 2026-2027 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026. All Minnesota seasons.
DPA 297 harvest, the area around Dittmer WMA
Harvest numbers below are DPA 297 totals (224 in 2025), the closest DNR figure for Dittmer WMA.
| Season | Bucks (adult) | Others | Registered | Per sq mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 195 | 29 | 224 | 0.51 |
| 2024 | 169 | 35 | 204 | 0.47 |
| 2023 | 118 | 27 | 145 | 0.33 |
| 2022 | 140 | 51 | 191 | 0.44 |
| 2021 | 189 | 32 | 221 | 0.50 |
| 2020 | 154 | 111 | 265 | 0.60 |
| 2019 | 176 | 93 | 269 | 0.61 |
| 2018 | 190 | 127 | 317 | 0.72 |
| 2017 | 202 | 60 | 262 | 0.60 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Dittmer WMA on the map with nearby land
Big pins mark Dittmer WMA; Bejou WMA is the nearest neighbor at 2.7 mi.
| Neighbor | Category | Acreage | DPA | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bejou WMA | WMA | 1,937 | 297 | 2.7 mi | northeast |
| Wambach WMA | WMA | 1,288 | 297 | 5.3 mi | east |
| Santee Prairie SNA | SNA | 456 | 297 | 5.9 mi | east |
| Barker WPA | WPA | 691 | 297 | 5.9 mi | southeast |
| Loncrace WMA | WMA | 253 | 297 | 5.9 mi | northeast |
| Detroit Lakes WMD | Wetland district | 51,280 | 208, 210 | 6.8 mi | northeast |
| Nelson Prairie WPA | WPA | 2,082 | 297 | 6.8 mi | northeast |
| Rush WMA | WMA | 813 | 297 | 7.7 mi | east |
Points: DNR WMA detail page map point (Compass feature_detail). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
What Mahnomen County adds to a Dittmer WMA trip
Dittmer WMA is one of 43 public places we list in Mahnomen County. Quota bear area 46 overlaps the county (46 (950 permits)). Turkey: permit area 509 and 507. Area wildlife office: Detroit Lakes Area Wildlife Office ((218) 846-8470).
County acres from DNR and federal GIS layers (counties.json); zones from the 2026-2027 booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Supplies and help close to Dittmer WMA
From Dittmer WMA the nearest town is Bejou (4.5 mi). Mahnomen, with 1,216 residents, is the biggest town on the list. On the DNR record, the reference town is Bejou. DNR staff closest to Dittmer WMA work out of Detroit Lakes (43 mi).
| Place | County | Population | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bejou | Mahnomen | 83 | 4.5 mi | northeast |
| Riverland | Mahnomen | – | 7.4 mi | southeast |
| Mahnomen | Mahnomen | 1,216 | 7.4 mi | southeast |
| Winger | Polk | 172 | 9.6 mi | north |
| Gary | Norman | 223 | 10 mi | west |
Towns from the 2024 Census gazetteer and population estimates; offices and businesses from services.json (DNR and business listings, chain stores and license agents left out); straight-line miles. Checked October 28, 2026.
Events at or near Dittmer Wildlife Management Area
Checked October 28, 2026: 1 upcoming event at or near the property (NWTF hunting heritage fundraiser).
Still to come
| Dates | What | How far | Place | Next step | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 18, 2027 | Prairie Toms Hunting Heritage Event NWTF Fundraiser, an NWTF hunting heritage fundraiser | 7 | Mahnomen | Buy tickets | Source |
Closest Minnesota ranges to Dittmer Wildlife Management Area
Walter Ranz Memorial Shooting Park, 14 miles away, is the nearest range to Dittmer Wildlife Management Area; check its access rule before going. The property rules exclude target shooting.
From the operators’ pages and directory listings, checked October 28, 2026; target shooting rule from the DNR WMA rules.
Dittmer WMA legal light on key dates
Legal light at Dittmer WMA: half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset for deer and bear, and to sunset for turkey, waterfowl and small game.
| Day | Season point | Sun up | Sun down | Shooting opens | Deer close | Bird close |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 19, 2026 | Archery and grouse opener | 7:05 a.m. | 7:31 p.m. | 6:35 a.m. | 8:01 p.m. | 7:31 p.m. |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Duck opener | 7:15 a.m. | 7:16 p.m. | 6:45 a.m. | 7:46 p.m. | 7:16 p.m. |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Pheasant opener | 7:34 a.m. | 6:48 p.m. | 7:04 a.m. | 7:18 p.m. | 6:48 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 7:16 a.m. | 5:00 p.m. | 6:46 a.m. | 5:30 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:46 a.m. | 4:39 p.m. | 7:16 a.m. | 5:09 p.m. | 4:39 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 8:11 a.m. | 4:42 p.m. | 7:41 a.m. | 5:12 p.m. | 4:42 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:39 a.m. | 8:10 p.m. | 6:09 a.m. | 8:40 p.m. | 8:10 p.m. |
Raccoon and fox may be hunted at night under DNR rules.
Hours rule from the DNR booklet shooting hours page; sun times calculated for the unit point (NOAA method, Central Time); checked October 28, 2026. Legal hours for every county.
Photos to set the scene for Dittmer WMA
Dittmer WMA questions answered from its record
Dittmer WMA: is overnight camping allowed?
Not unless DNR designates a site or issues a permit; WMA rules bar other camping.
Is hunting legal on Dittmer WMA in 2026-27?
Yes, in the regular seasons. Read the special restrictions on the DNR page and watch for posted refuge areas.
How many acres of hunting does Dittmer WMA offer?
562 acres.
What DPA is Dittmer WMA, and what is its designation?
DPA 297 (200 series, antlerless permit lottery). Firearms deer runs Nov 7 to Nov 15, 2026 there.
What animals can be hunted at Dittmer WMA?
Deer, black bear, small game and ruffed grouse and woodcock, according to the agency page for Dittmer WMA.
How do hunters reach Dittmer WMA?
From Bejou, go 2 miles S on US 59 then 3 miles W on TWP RD. Lots mapped: 0.
Who holds title to Dittmer WMA?
Land manager for Dittmer WMA: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Detroit Lakes office.
Does chronic wasting disease testing apply on Dittmer WMA?
DPA 297 is outside the CWD zones, with optional testing.
What are the legal shooting hours at Dittmer WMA?
On the Nov. 7 firearms opener, legal deer hours at Dittmer WMA run 6:46 a.m. to 5:30 p.m..
If Dittmer WMA is full, where is the next public land?
Public ground nearest by straight line: Bejou WMA (2.7 mi), Wambach WMA (5.3 mi) and Santee Prairie SNA (5.9 mi).
Are tree stands allowed on Dittmer WMA, and for how long?
No. Portable stands and blinds come off Dittmer WMA every day (northwest Minnesota has an overnight exception Nov. 1-Dec. 31), and no equipment stays overnight.
Other photos on this page: Matt Lavin (CC BY-SA 2.0); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Public Domain Mark 1.0); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Public Domain Mark 1.0).