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WMA · Central region
Schueler Wildlife Management Area hunting, 2026-27
Seasons, access rules and the nearest towns for this wildlife management area in Fillmore County and 1 neighbor.
Photo: TimWilson (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to Schueler Wildlife Management Area
What the file says about Schueler WMA
Schueler WMA adds 896 acres of public ground to Fillmore and Winona counties. Line up the 14 wildlife management areas in Fillmore County by acres and Schueler WMA comes 3rd. It is made of 2 subunits, West Subunit (704 ac) and East Subunit (192 ac).
Its deer permit area is 645; the 2026 designation there is 5-deer limit. DNR runs Schueler WMA from its Rochester area office; email rochester.wildlife@state.mn.us.
In DNR's words: Grasslands will be burned in order to maintain the grassland component, control encroaching woody vegetation, and provide nesting habitat. Selective harvest will be conducted to remove undesirable tree and brush species not killed by prescribed burn, in order to maintain or improve habitat structure and diversity. This WMA will be monitored for invasive species and control measures implemented as appropriate. Herbicide application will be considered as needed to control thistle, birdsfoot trefoil, hemp, and other known invasives.
Species on the record: deer, small game, pheasant, wild turkey, mourning dove.
- White-tailed Deer
- Eastern Cottontail
- Gray Squirrel
- Snowshoe Hare
- Ring-necked Pheasant
- Wild Turkey
- Mourning Dove
From the agency record (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Schueler Wildlife Management Area
Schueler WMA route text and lots
Use these DNR directions to find Schueler WMA; the map pins its 0 parking points.
| Section | Acres | Town | Hunting | Lots | DNR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Subunit | 704 | Rushford, MN | Open | – | DNR |
| East Subunit | 192 | Rushford, MN | Open | – | DNR |
- West Subunit: Located 1 mile north of Rushford, MN west of Highway 43. Parking lots are located off of County Road 25 and 27.
- East Subunit: 1 Mile north of Rushford, MN and west of Highway 43. Parking lots are located off of County Road 25 and 27.
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Schueler WMA access rules
The rows below restate the access rules on the agency record for Schueler 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.
Schueler WMA and deer permit area 645
The 2026 designation for DPA 645 is 5-deer limit; firearms dates follow the 200-series window. DPA 645 allows 5 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 | |
| Late southeast firearms | Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Muzzleloader | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Late CWD hunt | Dec 18, 2026 | Dec 20, 2026 |
DNR lists DPA 645 in the CWD management zone. Expect the Dec. 18-20 late CWD season in DPA 645. Three-buck rule: DPA 645. A carcass disposal rule covers the area. The DPA covers 335 square miles. DPA 645 counties: Winona, Fillmore and Olmsted.
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Seasons open on Schueler WMA
Dated seasons that apply on Schueler WMA (33 rows), with today's status in the last column.
| Quarry | Season | Where | Opening | Closing | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | DPA 645 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Early antlerless | DPA 645 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPA 645 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 200 series | DPA 645 | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | |
| Deer | Late southeast | DPA 645 | Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | Statewide | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Deer | Late CWD hunt | DPA 645 | Dec 18, 2026 | Dec 20, 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 | |
| Mourning dove | Regular | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 29, 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 645 harvest, the area around Schueler WMA
Harvest numbers below are DPA 645 totals (1,722 in 2025), the closest DNR figure for Schueler WMA.
| Season | Bucks (adult) | Others | Registered | Per sq mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 710 | 1,012 | 1,722 | 5.22 |
| 2024 | 708 | 919 | 1,627 | 4.93 |
| 2023 | 674 | 825 | 1,499 | 4.54 |
| 2022 | 659 | 850 | 1,509 | 4.57 |
| 2021 | 711 | 753 | 1,464 | 4.44 |
| 2020 | 785 | 992 | 1,777 | 5.38 |
| 2019 | 740 | 795 | 1,535 | 4.65 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Schueler WMA on the map with nearby land
Big pins mark Schueler WMA; Rush Creek Woods WMA is the nearest neighbor at 2.8 mi.
| Neighbor | Category | Acreage | DPA | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rush Creek Woods WMA | WMA | 367 | 646 | 2.8 mi | southeast |
| Coolridge, Hemmingway, PineCreek AMA | AMA | 3.5 | 645 | 4.2 mi | west |
| Rushford Sand Barrens SNA | SNA | 214 | 648 | 4.2 mi | south |
| Coolridge Creek AMA | AMA | 49 | 645 | 5.2 mi | northwest |
| Ferndale Ridge WMA | WMA | 658 | 649 | 6.6 mi | southeast |
| Chisholm Valley WMA | WMA | 80 | 649 | 7.9 mi | southeast |
| Gribben Creek AMA | AMA | 26 | 648 | 11 mi | southwest |
| Yucatan WMA | WMA | 967 | 649 | 11 mi | south |
Points: DNR WMA boundary layer (polygon centroid of the largest part). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
What Fillmore County adds to a Schueler WMA trip
Schueler WMA is one of 23 public places we list in Fillmore County. Feeding ban: Fillmore County is inside it. Bear licenses in Fillmore County are no-quota, sold over the counter. Turkey: permit area 501 and 503. Area wildlife office: Rochester Area Wildlife Office ((507) 206-2858). Do not mistake Schueler WMA for closed Fillmore County ground such as Bear Creek Aquatic Management Area and Big Springs Creek 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 Schueler WMA
From Schueler WMA the nearest town is Rushford (2.7 mi). On the DNR record, the reference town is Rushford, MN. DNR staff closest to Schueler WMA work out of Altura (22 mi).
| Place | County | Population | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rushford | Fillmore | 1,852 | 2.7 mi | southeast |
| Rushford Village | Fillmore | 799 | 2.9 mi | south |
| Peterson | Fillmore | 227 | 4.7 mi | southwest |
| Lewiston | Winona | 1,512 | 10 mi | northwest |
| Whalan | Fillmore | 69 | 11 mi | southwest |
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 Schueler Wildlife Management Area
Checked October 28, 2026: 1 upcoming event at or near the property (NWTF chapter banquet).
Still to come
| Dates | What | How far | Place | Next step | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2027 | Rush Creek Longbeards Banquet, an NWTF chapter banquet | 3 | Rushford | Buy tickets | Source |
Closest Minnesota ranges to Schueler Wildlife Management Area
Lewiston Sportsmen's Club, 11 miles away, is the nearest range to Schueler 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.
Schueler WMA legal light on key dates
Legal light at Schueler 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 | 6:49 a.m. | 7:13 p.m. | 6:19 a.m. | 7:43 p.m. | 7:13 p.m. |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Duck opener | 6:57 a.m. | 6:59 p.m. | 6:27 a.m. | 7:29 p.m. | 6:59 p.m. |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Pheasant opener | 7:14 a.m. | 6:34 p.m. | 6:44 a.m. | 7:04 p.m. | 6:34 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 6:50 a.m. | 4:52 p.m. | 6:20 a.m. | 5:22 p.m. | 4:52 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:17 a.m. | 4:33 p.m. | 6:47 a.m. | 5:03 p.m. | 4:33 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 7:41 a.m. | 4:38 p.m. | 7:11 a.m. | 5:08 p.m. | 4:38 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:27 a.m. | 7:48 p.m. | 5:57 a.m. | 8:18 p.m. | 7:48 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 Schueler WMA
Schueler WMA questions answered from its record
Are tree stands allowed on Schueler WMA, and for how long?
No. Portable stands and blinds come off Schueler WMA every day (northwest Minnesota has an overnight exception Nov. 1-Dec. 31), and no equipment stays overnight.
Schueler WMA: is overnight camping allowed?
Not unless DNR designates a site or issues a permit; WMA rules bar other camping.
Is hunting legal on Schueler 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 Schueler WMA offer?
896 acres in 2 subunits.
What DPA is Schueler WMA, and what is its designation?
DPA 645 (600 series, 5-deer limit). Firearms deer runs Nov 7 to Nov 15, 2026 there.
What animals can be hunted at Schueler WMA?
Deer, small game, pheasant, wild turkey and mourning dove, according to the agency page for Schueler WMA.
How do hunters reach Schueler WMA?
Located 1 mile north of Rushford, MN west of Highway 43. Lots mapped: 0.
Who holds title to Schueler WMA?
Land manager for Schueler WMA: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Rochester office.
Does chronic wasting disease testing apply on Schueler WMA?
DPA 645 is in the CWD management zone.
What are the legal shooting hours at Schueler WMA?
On the Nov. 7 firearms opener, legal deer hours at Schueler WMA run 6:20 a.m. to 5:22 p.m..
If Schueler WMA is full, where is the next public land?
Public ground nearest by straight line: Rush Creek Woods WMA (2.8 mi), Coolridge, Hemmingway, PineCreek AMA (4.2 mi) and Rushford Sand Barrens SNA (4.2 mi).
Other photos on this page: Pictures by Ann (CC BY 2.0); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Public Domain Mark 1.0); ImagePerson (CC BY 4.0).