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WMA · Northeast region
Duck Lake Wildlife Management Area hunting, 2026-27
Seasons, access rules and the nearest towns for this wildlife management area in Crow Wing County.
Photo: Sharon Mollerus (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to Duck Lake Wildlife Management Area
What the file says about Duck Lake WMA
Duck Lake WMA adds 1,041 acres of public ground to Crow Wing County. Line up the 19 wildlife management areas in Crow Wing County by acres and Duck Lake WMA comes 2nd. Its deer permit area is 171; the 2026 designation there is antlerless permit lottery.
DNR runs Duck Lake WMA from its Brainerd area office; email brainerd.wildlife@state.mn.us.
In DNR's words: There is a private island (approx. 25 ac.) in the unit on the east side. Water access to Duck Lake is a carry-in/canoe type only.
Species on the record: deer, black bear, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, waterfowl, wild turkey.
- White-tailed Deer
- Black Bear
- Eastern Cottontail
- Gray Squirrel
- Snowshoe Hare
- Ruffed Grouse
- American Woodcock
- Ducks
From the agency record (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Duck Lake Wildlife Management Area
Duck Lake WMA route text and lots
Use these DNR directions to find Duck Lake WMA; the map pins its 1 parking point.
| Section | Acres | Town | Hunting | Lots | DNR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duck Lake WMA | 1,041 | Emily | Open | 1 | DNR |
- Duck Lake WMA: From the junction of St. Hwy. 6 and Co. Rd. 1 in Emily, head east on Co. Rd. 1 for 4.0 miles to Duck Lake WMA access trail on north side of Co. Rd.
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Duck Lake WMA access rules
The rows below restate the access rules on the agency record for Duck Lake 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.
Duck Lake WMA and deer permit area 171
The 2026 designation for DPA 171 is antlerless permit lottery, and 500 antlerless permits go out by lottery; firearms dates follow the 100-series window. Antlerless deer in DPA 171 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, 100 series | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | |
| Muzzleloader | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 |
CWD sampling in DPA 171 is voluntary. The DPA covers 769 square miles. DPA 171 counties: Aitkin, Cass and Crow Wing.
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Seasons open on Duck Lake WMA
Dated seasons that apply on Duck Lake WMA (43 rows), with today's status in the last column.
| Quarry | Season | Where | Opening | Closing | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | DPA 171 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPA 171 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 100 series | DPA 171 | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | Statewide | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Quota areas | Quota areas 45, 46, 51 | Sep 1, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Fall | Statewide | Oct 3, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring archery-only | Statewide | Apr 14, 2027 | May 31, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring period A | Statewide | Apr 14, 2027 | Apr 20, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring youth | Statewide | Apr 14, 2027 | May 31, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring period B | Statewide | Apr 21, 2027 | Apr 27, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring period C | Statewide | Apr 28, 2027 | May 4, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring period D | Statewide | May 5, 2027 | May 11, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring period E | Statewide | May 12, 2027 | May 18, 2027 | |
| Wild turkey | Spring period F | Statewide | May 19, 2027 | May 31, 2027 | |
| 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 | |
| Canada goose | Early geese | Statewide | Sep 5, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | |
| Light geese | Early geese | Statewide | Sep 5, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | |
| Teal | Early teal season | Statewide | Sep 5, 2026 | Sep 9, 2026 | |
| Youth waterfowl | Youth days | Statewide | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 13, 2026 | |
| Ducks | Regular ducks | North Zone | Sep 26, 2026 | Nov 24, 2026 | |
| Ducks | Regular ducks | Central Zone | Sep 26, 2026 | Oct 4, 2026 | |
| Geese | Regular geese | North Zone | Sep 26, 2026 | Dec 25, 2026 | |
| Geese | Regular geese | Central Zone | Sep 26, 2026 | Oct 4, 2026 | |
| Take-a-Kid | Take-a-Kid | Statewide | Sep 26, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | |
| Ducks | Regular ducks | Central Zone | Oct 10, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Geese | Regular geese | Central Zone | Oct 10, 2026 | Dec 30, 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 | |
| Ducks | Regular ducks | South Zone | Oct 17, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Geese | Regular geese | South Zone | Oct 17, 2026 | Jan 6, 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 | |
| Light geese | Spring light goose | Statewide | Feb 18, 2027 | Apr 30, 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 171 harvest, the area around Duck Lake WMA
Harvest numbers below are DPA 171 totals (1,165 in 2025), the closest DNR figure for Duck Lake WMA.
| Season | Bucks (adult) | Others | Registered | Per sq mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 959 | 206 | 1,165 | 1.57 |
| 2024 | 880 | 188 | 1,068 | 1.44 |
| 2023 | 664 | 155 | 819 | 1.11 |
| 2022 | 632 | 348 | 980 | 1.32 |
| 2021 | 746 | 386 | 1,132 | 1.53 |
| 2020 | 460 | 604 | 1,064 | 1.70 |
| 2019 | 626 | 651 | 1,277 | 2.04 |
| 2018 | 916 | 853 | 1,769 | 2.52 |
| 2017 | 1,161 | 1,544 | 2,705 | 3.86 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Duck Lake WMA on the map with nearby land
Big pins mark Duck Lake WMA and its parking; Birchdale WMA is the nearest neighbor at 2.4 mi.
| Neighbor | Category | Acreage | DPA | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birchdale WMA | WMA | 1,426 | 171 | 2.4 mi | southeast |
| Emily State Forest | State forest | 640 | 604 | 2.5 mi | southwest |
| Ruth Lake AMA | AMA | 20 | 171 | 3.4 mi | west |
| Roosevelt Lake AMA | AMA | 110 | 172 | 5.7 mi | northwest |
| Rogers Lake AMA | AMA | 54 | 604 | 5.8 mi | south |
| Allen Lake AMA | AMA | 73 | 172 | 6.0 mi | northwest |
| Cuyuna Scout Camp AMA | AMA | 243 | 604 | 7.4 mi | southwest |
| Upper Dean WMA | WMA | 40 | 604 | 7.5 mi | south |
Points: DNR WMA detail page map point (Compass feature_detail). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
What Crow Wing County adds to a Duck Lake WMA trip
Duck Lake WMA is one of 49 public places we list in Crow Wing County. Feeding ban: Crow Wing County is inside it. Quota bear area 45, 51 and 46 overlaps the county (45 (700 permits), 51 (1500 permits) and 46 (950 permits)). Turkey: permit area 508 and 507. Area wildlife office: Brainerd Area Wildlife Office ((218) 203-4323). Do not mistake Duck Lake WMA for closed Crow Wing County ground such as Borden Creek Aquatic Management Area and Hubert Lake Aquatic Management Area.
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 Duck Lake WMA
From Duck Lake WMA the nearest town is Emily (4.8 mi). Crosslake, with 2,412 residents, is the biggest town on the list. On the DNR record, the reference town is Emily. DNR staff closest to Duck Lake WMA work out of Aitkin (18 mi).
| Place | County | Population | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emily | Crow Wing | 863 | 4.8 mi | west |
| Fifty Lakes | Crow Wing | 449 | 11 mi | west |
| Crosslake | Crow Wing | 2,412 | 12 mi | southwest |
| Manhattan Beach | Crow Wing | 63 | 12 mi | west |
| Cuyuna | Crow Wing | 327 | 17 mi | south |
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.
Closest Minnesota ranges to Duck Lake Wildlife Management Area
Moose-Willow Sportsmen Club, 15 miles away, is the nearest range to Duck Lake 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.
Duck Lake WMA legal light on key dates
Legal light at Duck Lake 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 | 6:57 a.m. | 7:22 p.m. | 6:27 a.m. | 7:52 p.m. | 7:22 p.m. |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Duck opener | 7:06 a.m. | 7:08 p.m. | 6:36 a.m. | 7:38 p.m. | 7:08 p.m. |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Pheasant opener | 7:25 a.m. | 6:40 p.m. | 6:55 a.m. | 7:10 p.m. | 6:40 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 7:05 a.m. | 4:53 p.m. | 6:35 a.m. | 5:23 p.m. | 4:53 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:35 a.m. | 4:32 p.m. | 7:05 a.m. | 5:02 p.m. | 4:32 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 8:00 a.m. | 4:36 p.m. | 7:30 a.m. | 5:06 p.m. | 4:36 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:32 a.m. | 8:00 p.m. | 6:02 a.m. | 8:30 p.m. | 8:00 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 Duck Lake WMA
Duck Lake WMA questions answered from its record
Is hunting legal on Duck Lake 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 Duck Lake WMA offer?
1,041 acres.
What DPA is Duck Lake WMA, and what is its designation?
DPA 171 (100 series, antlerless permit lottery). Firearms deer runs Nov 7 to Nov 22, 2026 there.
What animals can be hunted at Duck Lake WMA?
Deer, black bear, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, waterfowl and wild turkey, according to the agency page for Duck Lake WMA.
How do hunters reach Duck Lake WMA?
From the junction of St. Hwy. 6 and Co. Rd. 1 in Emily, head east on Co. Rd. 1 for 4.0 miles to Duck Lake WMA access trail on north side of Co. Rd. Lots mapped: 1.
Who holds title to Duck Lake WMA?
Land manager for Duck Lake WMA: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Brainerd office.
Does chronic wasting disease testing apply on Duck Lake WMA?
DPA 171 is outside the CWD zones, with optional testing.
What are the legal shooting hours at Duck Lake WMA?
On the Nov. 7 firearms opener, legal deer hours at Duck Lake WMA run 6:35 a.m. to 5:23 p.m..
If Duck Lake WMA is full, where is the next public land?
Public ground nearest by straight line: Birchdale WMA (2.4 mi), Emily State Forest (2.5 mi) and Ruth Lake AMA (3.4 mi).
Are tree stands allowed on Duck Lake WMA, and for how long?
No. Portable stands and blinds come off Duck Lake WMA every day (northwest Minnesota has an overnight exception Nov. 1-Dec. 31), and no equipment stays overnight.
Duck Lake WMA: is overnight camping allowed?
Not unless DNR designates a site or issues a permit; WMA rules bar other camping.
Other photos on this page: USFWS Mountain Prairie (CC BY 2.0); USFWS Mountain Prairie (CC BY 2.0); fishhawk (CC BY 2.0).