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WMA · Central region
Rice-Skunk Wildlife Management Area hunting, 2026-27
Seasons, access rules and the nearest towns for this wildlife management area in Morrison County.
Photo: Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Getting to Rice-Skunk Wildlife Management Area
What the file says about Rice-Skunk WMA
Rice-Skunk WMA adds 664 acres of public ground to Morrison County. Line up the 18 wildlife management areas in Morrison County by acres and Rice-Skunk WMA comes 6th. It is made of 4 subunits, Platte River 40 Unit (37 ac), Rice Lake Unit (89 ac), Skunk Lake West Unit (111 ac) and Skunk Lake East Unit (426 ac).
Its deer permit area is 221; the 2026 designation there is 3-deer limit. DNR runs Rice-Skunk WMA from its Little Falls area office; email littlefalls.wildlife@state.mn.us. Federal aid noted by DNR for Rice-Skunk WMA: Pittman-Robertson.
Species on the record: deer, small game, pheasant, waterfowl, wild turkey, ruffed grouse and woodcock.
- White-tailed Deer
- Eastern Cottontail
- Gray Squirrel
- Snowshoe Hare
- Ring-necked Pheasant
- Ducks
- Canada Goose
- Wild Turkey
From the agency record (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Rice-Skunk Wildlife Management Area
Rice-Skunk WMA route text and lots
Use these DNR directions to find Rice-Skunk WMA; the map pins its 6 parking points.
| Section | Acres | Town | Hunting | Lots | DNR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platte River 40 Unit | 37 | Little Falls | Open | – | DNR |
| Rice Lake Unit | 89 | Little Falls | Open | 1 | DNR |
| Skunk Lake West Unit | 111 | Little Falls | Open | 1 | DNR |
| Skunk Lake East Unit | 426 | Buckman | Open | 4 | DNR |
- Platte River 40 Unit: From Little Falls, go 2 miles south on Hwy 10, then 4 miles east on County Road 35, then 1/2 mile south on township road. Only access is carry-in access to Platte River off of public road-right-of-way, no parking areas.
- Rice Lake Unit: From Little Falls, go 2 miles south on highway 10, then 5 miles east on county road 35. Disabled access is limited to the DNR access road throughout the year, as well as the parking lot on the SE side of the tract from Sept. 1 through the end of November. The east end of the road and parking lot by the public access is only open to motor vehicles from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30 each year.
- Skunk Lake West Unit: From Little Falls, go 2 miles south on highway 10, then 4 miles east on county road 35, then 1 mile north on county road 256.
- Skunk Lake East Unit: From Buckman, go 4 miles west on county road 34, then 1 mile north on county road 36, then 1 mile west on township road. The minimum maintenance access road on this tract is only open during fall hunting season, and should only be accessed with 4-wheel drive vehicles. There may be low, wet spots along the road, which worsen during exceptionally wet years. This road may be closed during fall if road conditions warrant.
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Rice-Skunk WMA access rules
The rows below restate the access rules on the agency record for Rice-Skunk 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 |
- Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the WMA except on designated routes and parking lots. OHVs, ATVs, snowmobiles and motorized watercraft are prohibited anywhere on the WMA.
- Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the WMA except on designated routes and parking lots. Off-highway vehicles (OHVs), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles and motorized watercraft are prohibited anywhere on the WMA.
- Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the WMA except on designated routes and parking lots. Off-highway vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and motorized watercraft are prohibited anywhere on the WMA.
- Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the WMA except on designated routes and parking lots. Off-highway vehicles, all terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles are prohibited anywhere on the WMA.
Sources: record, agency rules; booklet: 2026-2027 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations. Checked October 28, 2026.
DNR notices for Rice-Skunk WMA
- Beginning in June of 2025, due to history of frequent vandalism, road damage, dumping and other illegal activity, the primitive water access is only open to motor vehicles from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30 each year. During the road closure, vehicles may park along the DNR access road and walk past the locked gate to access the tract.
DNR WMA visitor alerts on the unit page; checked October 28, 2026. CWD rules.
Rice-Skunk WMA and deer permit area 221
The 2026 designation for DPA 221 is 3-deer limit; firearms dates follow the 200-series window. DPA 221 allows 3 deer, so bonus permits come into play after the first deer.
| Hunt | First day | Last day | Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
CWD sampling in DPA 221 is voluntary. The DPA covers 650 square miles. DPA 221 counties: Morrison and Benton.
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Seasons open on Rice-Skunk WMA
Dated seasons that apply on Rice-Skunk WMA (44 rows), with today's status in the last column.
| Quarry | Season | Where | Opening | Closing | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | DPA 221 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Early antlerless | DPA 221 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPA 221 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 200 series | DPA 221 | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | Statewide | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 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 | |
| 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 221 harvest, the area around Rice-Skunk WMA
Harvest numbers below are DPA 221 totals (4,908 in 2025), the closest DNR figure for Rice-Skunk WMA.
| Season | Bucks (adult) | Others | Registered | Per sq mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2,283 | 2,625 | 4,908 | 7.65 |
| 2024 | 2,171 | 2,267 | 4,438 | 6.91 |
| 2023 | 1,774 | 2,276 | 4,050 | 6.31 |
| 2022 | 1,778 | 2,508 | 4,286 | 6.68 |
| 2021 | 2,037 | 2,546 | 4,583 | 7.14 |
| 2020 | 2,066 | 2,560 | 4,626 | 7.21 |
| 2019 | 1,821 | 2,182 | 4,003 | 6.24 |
| 2018 | 1,571 | 1,771 | 3,342 | 5.21 |
| 2017 | 1,524 | 1,350 | 2,874 | 4.48 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Rice-Skunk WMA on the map with nearby land
Big pins mark Rice-Skunk WMA and its parking; Crane Meadows WMA is the nearest neighbor at 1.3 mi.
| Neighbor | Category | Acreage | DPA | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crane Meadows WMA | WMA | 189 | 221 | 1.3 mi | southeast |
| Crane Meadows NWR | Wildlife refuge | 2,165 | 221 | 1.9 mi | northwest |
| Rice Area Sportsmens Club WMA, 580 ac | WMA | 580 | 221 | 4.3 mi | southeast |
| Pierz Fish Lake AMA | AMA | 57 | 221 | 5.3 mi | northeast |
| Coon Lake Marsh WMA | WMA | 54 | 221 | 6.0 mi | east |
| Ereaux WMA | WMA | 731 | 221 | 7.5 mi | northwest |
| McDougall WMA | WMA | 472 | 221 | 7.9 mi | southwest |
| McDougall AMA | AMA | 40 | 215 | 8.4 mi | southwest |
Points: DNR WMA boundary layer (polygon centroid of the largest part). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
What Morrison County adds to a Rice-Skunk WMA trip
Rice-Skunk WMA is one of 27 public places we list in Morrison County. Quota bear area 45 overlaps the county (45 (700 permits)). Turkey: permit area 508 and 507. Area wildlife office: Little Falls Area Wildlife Office ((320) 232-1063). Do not mistake Rice-Skunk WMA for closed Morrison County ground such as Little Rock Creek Aquatic Management Area and Ripley Esker Scientific and Natural 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 Rice-Skunk WMA
From Rice-Skunk WMA the nearest town is Genola (5.9 mi). Little Falls, with 9,206 residents, is the biggest town on the list. On the DNR record, the reference town is Little Falls. DNR staff closest to Rice-Skunk WMA work out of Little Falls (8.5 mi).
| Place | County | Population | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genola | Morrison | 70 | 5.9 mi | northeast |
| Buckman | Morrison | 309 | 6.1 mi | east |
| Pierz | Morrison | 1,461 | 6.9 mi | northeast |
| Royalton | Morrison | 1,280 | 7.1 mi | southwest |
| Little Falls | Morrison | 9,206 | 8.3 mi | northwest |
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 Rice-Skunk Wildlife Management Area
Checked October 28, 2026: 2 upcoming events at or near the property (DU gun or purse bingo and NWTF hunting heritage fundraiser).
Still to come
| Dates | What | How far | Place | Next step | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 13, 2026 | Morrison County DU Bags & Barrels Winter Bingo Dec 2026 (Little Falls), a DU gun or purse bingo | 8 | Rice Creek Hunt Club (Little Falls) | Buy tickets | Source |
| Mar 20, 2027 | Morrison Co. Wild Gobblers Hunting Heritage Event NWTF Fundraiser, an NWTF hunting heritage fundraiser | 8 | Little Falls | Buy tickets | Source |
Closest Minnesota ranges to Rice-Skunk Wildlife Management Area
Eastern Morrison County Sportsmans Club, 4 miles away, is the nearest range to Rice-Skunk 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.
Rice-Skunk WMA legal light on key dates
Legal light at Rice-Skunk 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 | 6:58 a.m. | 7:23 p.m. | 6:28 a.m. | 7:53 p.m. | 7:23 p.m. |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Duck opener | 7:07 a.m. | 7:09 p.m. | 6:37 a.m. | 7:39 p.m. | 7:09 p.m. |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Pheasant opener | 7:25 a.m. | 6:42 p.m. | 6:55 a.m. | 7:12 p.m. | 6:42 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 7:05 a.m. | 4:57 p.m. | 6:35 a.m. | 5:27 p.m. | 4:57 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:34 a.m. | 4:36 p.m. | 7:04 a.m. | 5:06 p.m. | 4:36 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 7:58 a.m. | 4:40 p.m. | 7:28 a.m. | 5:10 p.m. | 4:40 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:34 a.m. | 8:00 p.m. | 6:04 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 Rice-Skunk WMA
Rice-Skunk WMA questions answered from its record
Is hunting legal on Rice-Skunk 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 Rice-Skunk WMA offer?
664 acres in 4 subunits.
What DPA is Rice-Skunk WMA, and what is its designation?
DPA 221 (200 series, 3-deer limit). Firearms deer runs Nov 7 to Nov 15, 2026 there.
What animals can be hunted at Rice-Skunk WMA?
Deer, small game, pheasant, waterfowl, wild turkey and ruffed grouse and woodcock, according to the agency page for Rice-Skunk WMA.
How do hunters reach Rice-Skunk WMA?
From Little Falls, go 2 miles south on Hwy 10, then 4 miles east on County Road 35, then 1/2 mile south on township road. Lots mapped: 6.
Who holds title to Rice-Skunk WMA?
Land manager for Rice-Skunk WMA: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Little Falls office.
Does chronic wasting disease testing apply on Rice-Skunk WMA?
DPA 221 is outside the CWD zones, with optional testing.
What are the legal shooting hours at Rice-Skunk WMA?
On the Nov. 7 firearms opener, legal deer hours at Rice-Skunk WMA run 6:35 a.m. to 5:27 p.m..
If Rice-Skunk WMA is full, where is the next public land?
Public ground nearest by straight line: Crane Meadows WMA (1.3 mi), Crane Meadows NWR (1.9 mi) and Rice Area Sportsmens Club WMA (4.3 mi).
Are tree stands allowed on Rice-Skunk WMA, and for how long?
No. Portable stands and blinds come off Rice-Skunk WMA every day (northwest Minnesota has an overnight exception Nov. 1-Dec. 31), and no equipment stays overnight.
Rice-Skunk 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: Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0); Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0); GerryT (CC BY 2.0).