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Minnesota WMA
Sedan Wildlife Management Area: seasons, rules and access
580 acres of wildlife management area ground in Pope County, deer permit area 218.
Photo: Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Getting to Sedan Wildlife Management Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near Sedan Wildlife Management Area
- Parking areaParking · 0.7 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.
Sedan WMA on paper: the record in brief
Sedan WMA covers 580 acres in Pope County. Among Pope County’s 26 wildlife management areas, it sits 1st for acres. The 2026 deer designation for DPA 218 is 3-deer limit.
Management sits with the Fergus Falls area wildlife staff, reachable at fergusfalls.wildlife@state.mn.us. Federal aid on file for Sedan WMA: Pittman-Robertson.
DNR describes the unit this way: A native prairie remnant is found on the east side. Dense marsh growth provides winter cover for pheasants and other wildlife.
Hunted here: deer, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, pheasant, waterfowl.
- White-tailed Deer
- Eastern Cottontail
- Gray Squirrel
- Snowshoe Hare
- Ruffed Grouse
- American Woodcock
- Ring-necked Pheasant
- Ducks
From the agency record (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Sedan Wildlife Management Area
Getting into Sedan WMA
Directions and parking for Sedan WMA as the DNR detail pages give them (1 parking point mapped).
| Piece | Acres | Town | Status | Lots | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan WMA | 580 | Sedan | Open | 1 | DNR |
- Sedan WMA: From Sedan, go 1 mile NW on SH 55.
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Use rules to read before hunting Sedan WMA
Sedan WMA follows the rules below on top of the statewide booklet.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| 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.
Sedan WMA deer rules: DPA 218
DPA 218 is a 200-series area set to 3-deer limit for 2026. The 3-deer limit in DPA 218 is reached with bonus permits on top of the regular license.
| Deer season | Opening | Closing | Right 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 |
Surveillance block: bring adult deer taken Nov. 7-8 for sampling. At 912 square miles, DPA 218 is the unit deer rules follow. DPA 218 overlaps Stearns, Pope, Meeker and Kandiyohi.
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Sedan WMA dates, species by species
Season rows matched to Sedan WMA by its game species list; trapping-only seasons are on the species pages.
| Species | Hunt | Zone | First day | Last day | Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | DPA 218 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Early antlerless | DPA 218 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPA 218 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 200 series | DPA 218 | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | Statewide | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| 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 |
Zone rows for ducks and furbearers depend on map lines, not on this unit; DNR draws them along highways.
From the 2026-2027 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026. All Minnesota seasons.
Harvest trend near Sedan WMA
In 2025 hunters registered 3,769 deer across DPA 218 (4.26 per square mile); the table runs back to 2017.
| Season | Adult males | Antlerless and fawns | DPA total | Deer per sq mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1,743 | 2,026 | 3,769 | 4.26 |
| 2024 | 1,715 | 1,838 | 3,553 | 4.02 |
| 2023 | 1,376 | 1,716 | 3,092 | 3.50 |
| 2022 | 1,426 | 1,846 | 3,272 | 3.70 |
| 2021 | 1,552 | 1,613 | 3,165 | 3.58 |
| 2020 | 1,462 | 1,692 | 3,154 | 3.57 |
| 2019 | 1,362 | 971 | 2,333 | 2.64 |
| 2018 | 1,267 | 1,002 | 2,269 | 2.57 |
| 2017 | 1,303 | 1,579 | 2,882 | 3.26 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Sedan WMA and the public ground around it
Straight-line distances run from the Sedan WMA map point; Sedan Pond WMA (1.5 mi, west) leads the list.
| Nearby | Kind | Acres | DPA | Miles | Heading |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan Pond WMA | WMA | 113 | 218 | 1.5 mi | west |
| Heinks WMA | WMA | 39 | 277 | 2.5 mi | west |
| Moe WPA | WPA | 23 | 277 | 2.5 mi | west |
| Glenwood WPA | WPA | 187 | 277 | 2.5 mi | west |
| Grove Lake WPA | WPA | 593 | 218 | 2.6 mi | northeast |
| Chippewa Falls WMA | WMA | 218 | 277 | 3.7 mi | southwest |
| State Lake WPA | WPA | 160 | 277 | 4.0 mi | west |
| Scofield WPA | WPA | 246 | 218 | 5.2 mi | northwest |
Points: DNR WMA detail page map point (Compass feature_detail). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
Pope County around Sedan WMA
In Pope County there are 98 records like Sedan WMA to choose from. Firearms deer: Pope County still has a local shotgun ordinance (shotgun-only ordinance). For bear, Pope County is no-quota. Turkey permit area 506 and 507 covers the county. New London Area Wildlife Office (New London) is the closest area wildlife office to the county centre. Watch for closed ground in Pope County such as Bruce Hitman Heron Rookery Scientific and Natural Area.
County acres from DNR and federal GIS layers (counties.json); zones from the 2026-2027 booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Gas, food and processors near Sedan WMA
Closest town: Sedan, 1.4 mi in a straight line from Sedan WMA. Most services: Glenwood, population 2,657. The unit page lists Sedan as nearest town. The nearest DNR office is New London Area Wildlife Office in New London, 22 mi away.
| Town | County | 2024 population | Away | Which way |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | Pope | 46 | 1.4 mi | southeast |
| Glenwood | Pope | 2,657 | 7.8 mi | northwest |
| Villard | Pope | 224 | 8.6 mi | north |
| Long Beach | Pope | 339 | 9.0 mi | northwest |
| Brooten | Stearns | 646 | 9.6 mi | southeast |
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.
Near Sedan Wildlife Management Area on the calendar
2 upcoming events here or nearby as of October 28, 2026.
Dates ahead
| Held on | Event | Away | Where held | Link | Checked at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 21, 2026 | Minnewaska DU Sportsman's Bingo 2026, a DU gun or purse bingo | 8 | Minnewaska House (Glenwood) | Buy tickets | Source |
| Apr 17, 2027 | Gobblers of Glacial Ridge Banquet, an NWTF chapter banquet | 8 | Glenwood | Buy tickets | Source |
Before Sedan Wildlife Management Area: where to check a zero
Hunters on Sedan Wildlife Management Area can sight in at Beste's Sporting Clays and Pheasant Hunting Preserve (15 miles), the nearest listing. Target shooting is not allowed on the property itself.
From the operators’ pages and directory listings, checked October 28, 2026; target shooting rule from the DNR WMA rules.
Legal hunting hours worked out for Sedan WMA
Shooting starts 30 minutes before sunrise at Sedan WMA; the two closing columns split big game from birds.
| Date | Season | Sunrise | Sunset | First shot | Last, big game | Last, birds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 19, 2026 | Archery and grouse opener | 7:03 a.m. | 7:27 p.m. | 6:33 a.m. | 7:57 p.m. | 7:27 p.m. |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Duck opener | 7:11 a.m. | 7:13 p.m. | 6:41 a.m. | 7:43 p.m. | 7:13 p.m. |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Pheasant opener | 7:29 a.m. | 6:47 p.m. | 6:59 a.m. | 7:17 p.m. | 6:47 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 7:08 a.m. | 5:02 p.m. | 6:38 a.m. | 5:32 p.m. | 5:02 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:37 a.m. | 4:42 p.m. | 7:07 a.m. | 5:12 p.m. | 4:42 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 8:01 a.m. | 4:46 p.m. | 7:31 a.m. | 5:16 p.m. | 4:46 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:39 a.m. | 8:04 p.m. | 6:09 a.m. | 8:34 p.m. | 8:04 p.m. |
Early teal runs sunrise to sunset.
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.
Pictures that suit a day on Sedan WMA
Quick answers before you hunt Sedan WMA
Where can I hunt public land close to Sedan WMA?
The nearest public units are Sedan Pond WMA (1.5 mi), Heinks WMA (2.5 mi) and Moe WPA (Pope County) (2.5 mi).
When is legal light on Sedan WMA for the opener?
For the opener, 6:38 a.m. to 5:32 p.m.; birds stop at 5:02 p.m..
Is camping at Sedan WMA allowed under WMA rules?
Camping is limited to designated areas or a DNR permit.
Can decoys or gear stay on Sedan WMA overnight?
Stands are portable-only and leave with you; the one exception is the northwest overnight window from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31.
Sedan WMA size: how much huntable ground?
Sedan WMA covers 580 acres.
May the public hunt Sedan WMA?
Yes. The DNR WMA rules allow hunting and trapping in season on Sedan WMA.
What can you hunt on Sedan WMA?
Expect deer, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, pheasant and waterfowl on Sedan WMA, per the record.
What are the 2026 deer rules on Sedan WMA?
It is in deer permit area 218 (3-deer limit). Guns: Nov 7 to Nov 15, 2026.
Who manages Sedan WMA?
Sedan WMA is managed by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, from its Fergus Falls office.
What route leads to Sedan WMA?
From Sedan, go 1 mile NW on SH 55. Parking points on file: 1.
Do deer from Sedan WMA need CWD testing?
Its DPA (218) is in the 2026 surveillance block (mandatory sampling Nov. 7-8).
Sedan WMA: what to double-check first
Seasons, closures and notices on Sedan WMA can change mid-season; posted signs and the agency page have the final word.
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: Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0); Ken Lund (CC BY-SA 2.0); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Midwest Region (Public domain).