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WMA · 2026-27
Gordie Mikkelson Wildlife Management Area hunting guide and rules
Everything we could verify about this wildlife management area in Anoka County.
Photo: Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Getting to Gordie Mikkelson Wildlife Management Area
Gordie Mikkelson WMA: acres, owner and deer area
Gordie Mikkelson WMA spreads over 860 acres of Anoka County. Of 7 wildlife management areas in Anoka County, Gordie Mikkelson WMA is number 3 by acreage. Hunters on Gordie Mikkelson WMA follow DPA 227, which DNR made 3-deer limit for 2026.
The DNR North Metro area wildlife office manages it (forestlake.wildlife@state.mn.us). The Gordie Mikkelson WMA record names Pittman-Robertson federal aid.
From the DNR unit description: Mikkelson WMA has grown rapidly in size in recent years and was acquired from a variety of previous landowners. A large portion was previously operated as a Camp Fire USA children's camp.
Game species: deer, black bear, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, pheasant, wild turkey.
- White-tailed Deer
- Black Bear
- Eastern Cottontail
- Gray Squirrel
- Snowshoe Hare
- Ruffed Grouse
- American Woodcock
- Ring-necked Pheasant
From the agency record (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Gordie Mikkelson Wildlife Management Area
Parking lots and routes for Gordie Mikkelson WMA
Gordie Mikkelson WMA has 2 DNR parking points; directions below are the DNR route text.
| Subunit | Acres | Nearest town | Hunting | Parking | Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gordie Mikkelson WMA | 860 | Martin Lake | Open | 2 | DNR |
- Gordie Mikkelson WMA: 5 1/2 miles west of Wyoming on Co Rd 22, then 1/4 mile north on Co Rd 85. Wheelchair access is limited to gravel parking lots on the east and south.
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Map: Gordie Mikkelson WMA and its neighbors
8 public areas lie within 45 miles of Gordie Mikkelson WMA, adding 26,253 acres; Linwood Lake AMA is closest.
| Public land | Type | Acres | DPA | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linwood Lake AMA | AMA | 49 | 227 | 1.0 mi | southeast |
| Marvin W. Schubring Memorial WMA | WMA | 285 | 227 | 3.6 mi | northeast |
| Mallard Marsh WMA | WMA | 56 | 227 | 4.3 mi | southwest |
| Carlos Avery WMA | WMA | 24,598 | 235 | 4.8 mi | southeast |
| Hoffman Lake WMA | WMA | 115 | 227 | 5.6 mi | northeast |
| Athens WMA | WMA | 192 | 227 | 8.0 mi | northwest |
| Bethel WMA | WMA | 755 | 227 | 8.3 mi | west |
| Robert and Marilyn Burman WMA | WMA | 204 | 227 | 8.4 mi | west |
Points: DNR WMA detail page map point (Compass feature_detail). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
Gordie Mikkelson WMA: the use rules
These are the use rules the agency lists for Gordie Mikkelson WMA; posted signs on site still govern.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| 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 |
- The eastern portion of this WMA is closed to the discharge of firearms. This line starts at the parking lot and is posted with signs indicating the boundary.
Sources: record, agency rules; booklet: 2026-2027 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations. Checked October 28, 2026.
When you can hunt Gordie Mikkelson WMA
Every dated hunting window for Gordie Mikkelson WMA: 15 species, 32 rows.
| Game | Segment | Where | Starts | Ends | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | DPA 227 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Early antlerless | DPA 227 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPA 227 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 200 series | DPA 227 | 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 | |
| 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 | |
| Pheasant | Regular | Statewide | Oct 10, 2026 | Jan 3, 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 | |
| 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 |
Pheasant shooting starts at 9 a.m.; ducks, geese and small game stop at sunset.
From the 2026-2027 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026. All Minnesota seasons.
Gordie Mikkelson WMA deer calendar and limits
DPA 227 (200 series) is 3-deer limit in 2026. Hunters may take up to 3 deer in DPA 227 across licenses and bonus permits; only one may be a buck in most DPAs.
| Season | Begins | Through | Today |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Youth deer | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Early antlerless | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Firearms, 200 series | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | |
| Muzzleloader | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 |
Testing for CWD is optional in DPA 227. Area of DPA 227: 491 sq mi. Counties in DPA 227: Isanti, Anoka, Sherburne, Chisago and Mille Lacs.
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
How many deer DPA 227 gives up around Gordie Mikkelson WMA
DNR reports harvest by deer permit area, not by WMA or county; DPA 227 registered 4,198 deer in 2025, 8% up on 2024.
| Year | Adult bucks | Other deer | Total | Per sq mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2,031 | 2,167 | 4,198 | 8.90 |
| 2024 | 2,005 | 1,888 | 3,893 | 8.25 |
| 2023 | 1,745 | 1,725 | 3,470 | 7.36 |
| 2022 | 1,696 | 1,824 | 3,520 | 7.46 |
| 2021 | 1,754 | 1,624 | 3,378 | 7.16 |
| 2020 | 1,763 | 1,964 | 3,727 | 7.90 |
| 2019 | 1,527 | 1,414 | 2,941 | 6.24 |
| 2018 | 1,330 | 1,492 | 2,822 | 5.98 |
| 2017 | 1,327 | 1,399 | 2,726 | 5.78 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Gordie Mikkelson WMA: towns, DNR office and shops
Gordie Mikkelson WMA is 2.1 mi from Martin Lake, the nearest community. East Bethel is the bigger town nearby at 12,288 people. Directions on the DNR page begin at Martin Lake. Forest Lake has the nearest DNR office to Gordie Mikkelson WMA, 5.9 mi away.
| Nearest towns | County | Population | Miles | Heading |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Lake | Anoka | – | 2.1 mi | east |
| East Bethel | Anoka | 12,288 | 4.4 mi | west |
| Bethel | Anoka | 480 | 7.4 mi | west |
| Columbus | Anoka | 4,307 | 8.1 mi | south |
| Wyoming | Chisago | 8,173 | 8.2 mi | east |
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.
County rules that reach Gordie Mikkelson WMA
Our Anoka County list runs to 8 public areas, including Gordie Mikkelson WMA. Deer feeding and attractants are banned in Anoka County. No bear lottery in Anoka County: it is no-quota ground. Turkey permit area here: 510 and 511. The county's nearest wildlife office is North Metro Area Wildlife Office in Forest Lake. Anoka County also has 4 closed places, Blaine Airport Rich Fen Scientific and Natural Area among them.
County acres from DNR and federal GIS layers (counties.json); zones from the 2026-2027 booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Public lanes and clubs for Gordie Mikkelson Wildlife Management Area hunters
From Gordie Mikkelson Wildlife Management Area, Marsden Archery Range is the nearest city, county or park district range (19 miles). Nearby sportsmen’s clubs fill the other cards. Target shooting is off limits here.
From the operators’ pages and directory listings, checked October 28, 2026; target shooting rule from the DNR WMA rules.
Scheduled close to Gordie Mikkelson Wildlife Management Area
1 upcoming event here or nearby as of October 28, 2026.
Coming up
| Held on | Event | Mi | Where held | Link | Checked at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2026 | Gun Bingo At Splitrocks!, a DU gun or purse bingo | 8 | Split Rocks (Wyoming) | Buy tickets | Source |
Gordie Mikkelson WMA country, seen through a lens
Gordie Mikkelson WMA: sunrise, sunset and legal hours
These Gordie Mikkelson WMA hours use the NOAA solar formula for the unit's coordinates.
| When | Event | Rise | Set | Opens | Deer, bear end | Birds end |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 19, 2026 | Archery and grouse opener | 6:54 a.m. | 7:18 p.m. | 6:24 a.m. | 7:48 p.m. | 7:18 p.m. |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Duck opener | 7:03 a.m. | 7:05 p.m. | 6:33 a.m. | 7:35 p.m. | 7:05 p.m. |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Pheasant opener | 7:20 a.m. | 6:38 p.m. | 6:50 a.m. | 7:08 p.m. | 6:38 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 6:59 a.m. | 4:54 p.m. | 6:29 a.m. | 5:24 p.m. | 4:54 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:28 a.m. | 4:34 p.m. | 6:58 a.m. | 5:04 p.m. | 4:34 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 7:52 a.m. | 4:38 p.m. | 7:22 a.m. | 5:08 p.m. | 4:38 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:31 a.m. | 7:55 p.m. | 6:01 a.m. | 8:25 p.m. | 7:55 p.m. |
Clock times include Daylight Saving Time until Nov. 1.
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.
Gordie Mikkelson WMA: what hunters usually ask
What time can you shoot deer at Gordie Mikkelson WMA on Nov. 7?
Nov. 7: 6:29 a.m. to 5:24 p.m. for deer, sunrise 6:59 a.m..
What other public tracts sit near Gordie Mikkelson WMA?
Gordie Mikkelson WMA neighbors on our list: Linwood Lake AMA (1.0 mi), Marvin W. Schubring Memorial WMA (3.6 mi) and Mallard Marsh WMA (4.3 mi).
Gordie Mikkelson WMA: what are the stand and blind rules?
Take it down each evening. Gordie Mikkelson WMA follows the WMA rule on daily removal of stands, blinds and other gear.
Are there campsites on Gordie Mikkelson WMA?
WMA rules allow camping only in designated areas or with a permit.
Is Gordie Mikkelson WMA public ground you can hunt?
Yes. A Minnesota license for the game you hunt is all you need on Gordie Mikkelson WMA; WMA rules cover vehicles, stands and camping.
What size is the Gordie Mikkelson WMA unit?
Agency maps put it at 860 acres.
Gordie Mikkelson WMA: which DPA sets the deer rules?
DPA 227, 3-deer limit for 2026. The rifle and shotgun season goes Nov 7 to Nov 15, 2026.
What is there to hunt on Gordie Mikkelson WMA?
On the Gordie Mikkelson WMA record the game list reads deer, black bear, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, pheasant and wild turkey.
Where do you park at Gordie Mikkelson WMA?
5 1/2 miles west of Wyoming on Co Rd 22, then 1/4 mile north on Co Rd 85. DNR maps 2 parking points.
Who should I contact about Gordie Mikkelson WMA?
Gordie Mikkelson WMA belongs to Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; the North Metro office looks after it.
Is Gordie Mikkelson WMA inside a CWD zone?
Gordie Mikkelson WMA sits in DPA 227, which is outside the CWD zones, with optional testing.
Gordie Mikkelson WMA trip checklist from this page
No paper tags in Minnesota: validate the electronic license where the animal falls, then register it on time.
Sources: source · source · source · source · source; regulations from the 2026-2027 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations. Checked October 28, 2026.
Other photos on this page: Me in ME (CC BY 2.0); Russ (CC BY 2.0); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Public Domain Mark 1.0).