Home › Minnesota › Public land › Aitkin WMA
Public hunting · WMA
Aitkin Wildlife Management Area hunting, season by season
3,412 acres of public land open to hunters in Aitkin County, with DPA 155 deer dates.
Photo: Lorie Shaull (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to Aitkin Wildlife Management Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near Aitkin Wildlife Management Area
- Parking areaParking · 0.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 0.9 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.9 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.0 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.5 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.
Aitkin WMA in brief, from the agency file
3,412 acres of Aitkin County belong to Aitkin WMA. Size rank in Aitkin County: 5th of 27 wildlife management areas. DNR splits it into 2 subunits: Main Unit (3,336 ac) and South Unit (77 ac).
For deer it falls in DPA 155, set at antlerless permit lottery for 2026. Questions go to the Aitkin DNR wildlife office at aitkin.wildlife@state.mn.us.
DNR notes on the habitat: Upland timber on this WMA is managed for deer, bear, and ruffed grouse while marshy and low grassy areas are managed for open land species like sharp-tailed grouse, sandhill cranes and short-eared owls.
Game listed: deer, black bear, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock.
- White-tailed Deer
- Black Bear
- Eastern Cottontail
- Gray Squirrel
- Snowshoe Hare
- Ruffed Grouse
- American Woodcock
From the agency record (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Aitkin Wildlife Management Area
Subunits and parking at Aitkin WMA
Each subunit of Aitkin WMA has its own DNR page; the map below pins 5 parking spots.
- Main Unit: From Aitkin, go 5 miles NE on Hwy 169/210, 1/2 mile E on Co.Rd.56. Wheelchair access is limited to public roads adjacent to and through the unit and in the gravel pit.
- South Unit: From Aitkin, go 2 miles NE on Hwy 169/210, E 0.6 miles on 365th St, S 0.5 miles on 380th Ave., E 1 mile on 360th St. Parking is available only along township road.
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Aitkin WMA pinned among nearby tracts
French Lake WMA lies 3.4 mi northeast of Aitkin WMA, the nearest of 8 public areas within 45 miles.
| Area | Type | Acres | DPA | Straight line | Which way |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| French Lake WMA | WMA | 535 | 171 | 3.4 mi | northeast |
| Deer Run WMA | WMA | 699 | 171 | 4.0 mi | northwest |
| Newstrom Lake WMA | WMA | 795 | 155 | 4.7 mi | east |
| Gun Lake WMA | WMA | 829 | 171 | 7.3 mi | northeast |
| Waukenabo State Forest | State forest | 15,624 | 155, 171 | 7.8 mi | northwest |
| Rabbit Lake WMA | WMA | 390 | 155 | 9.8 mi | south |
| Little Willow River WMA | WMA | 1,860 | 171 | 9.9 mi | northwest |
| Spirit Lake AMA | AMA | 13 | 155 | 10 mi | southwest |
Points: DNR WMA boundary layer (polygon centroid of the largest part). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
Rules for hunting Aitkin WMA
Site rules for Aitkin WMA, condensed from the record.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| 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 |
- No target shooting is permitted in the gravel pit. Respect private property on adjacent lands.
Sources: record, agency rules; booklet: 2026-2027 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations. Checked October 28, 2026.
Aitkin WMA season dates
This table covers Aitkin WMA only: deer rows follow its DPA, the rest come from its game species list.
| Species | Type | Zone or DPA | Begins | Through | Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | DPA 155 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPA 155 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 100 series | DPA 155 | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | Statewide | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Black bear | No-quota area | No Quota Area | Sep 1, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Quota areas | Quota area 51 | Sep 1, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| 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 |
Wear blaze orange or pink in the firearms deer season; waterfowl hunters on water are exempt under DNR rules.
From the 2026-2027 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026. All Minnesota seasons.
Deer seasons on Aitkin WMA
100-series DPA 155 carries the antlerless permit lottery designation this year (750 lottery permits for antlerless deer). To shoot an antlerless deer with a firearm in DPA 155, declare the area in the lottery by Sept. 10.
| Season | Starts | Ends | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Optional CWD testing only in DPA 155. Size of DPA 155: 528 square miles. Aitkin, Crow Wing and Mille Lacs share DPA 155.
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Deer harvest around Aitkin WMA (DPA 155)
The whole of DPA 155 gave up 1,134 deer in 2025; the DNR publishes no figure for Aitkin WMA itself.
| Year | Adult male | Rest | Harvest | Density |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 908 | 226 | 1,134 | 2.27 |
| 2024 | 745 | 192 | 937 | 1.88 |
| 2023 | 624 | 157 | 781 | 1.57 |
| 2022 | 737 | 555 | 1,292 | 2.59 |
| 2021 | 741 | 634 | 1,375 | 2.76 |
| 2020 | 768 | 1,026 | 1,794 | 3.60 |
| 2019 | 782 | 1,024 | 1,806 | 3.62 |
| 2018 | 1,194 | 1,689 | 2,883 | 4.86 |
| 2017 | 1,504 | 1,729 | 3,233 | 5.45 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Aitkin WMA nearby towns
Aitkin is the closest town to Aitkin WMA, about 6.3 mi away. The DNR detail page starts its directions from Aitkin. For questions, the Aitkin DNR office is 6.7 mi from Aitkin WMA.
| Town | County | Pop. 2024 | Miles off | Bearing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aitkin | Aitkin | 2,174 | 6.3 mi | southwest |
| Palisade | Aitkin | 169 | 10 mi | northeast |
| McGregor | Aitkin | 378 | 14 mi | east |
| Cuyuna | Crow Wing | 327 | 16 mi | west |
| Deerwood | Crow Wing | 570 | 16 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.
Aitkin WMA: Aitkin County facts
Counting Aitkin WMA, Aitkin County has 43 listed public areas. Aitkin County is one of the feeding ban counties. For bear, Aitkin County lies partly in quota area 51; 2026 permits: 51 (1500 permits). Aitkin County turkey hunters declare area 508. County questions go to Aitkin Area Wildlife Office, Aitkin. 4 places in Aitkin County are closed to hunting, such as Cedar Lake Aquatic Management Area.
County acres from DNR and federal GIS layers (counties.json); zones from the 2026-2027 booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Range time on the drive to Aitkin Wildlife Management Area
Three ranges near Aitkin Wildlife Management Area follow, starting with Minnewawa Sportsmen's Club at 17 miles. No target practice on the property, per its rules.
From the operators’ pages and directory listings, checked October 28, 2026; target shooting rule from the DNR WMA rules.
Aitkin Wildlife Management Area and nearby events
On the ground itself or close by: 1 upcoming event, covering NWTF chapter banquet.
Next on the calendar
| When | Listing | Distance | Venue | Tickets or seats | Read at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 27, 2027 | Aitkin Gobblers Hunting Heritage Event NWTF Banquet, an NWTF chapter banquet | 6 | Aitkin | Buy tickets | Source |
A look at the landscape around Aitkin WMA
Aitkin WMA shooting hours on key dates
Times are worked out for the Aitkin WMA map point on Central Time; big game ends half an hour after sunset, birds at sunset.
| Date | Moment | Sunrise | Sunset | Open | Big game close | Birds close |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 19, 2026 | Archery and grouse opener | 6:56 a.m. | 7:21 p.m. | 6:26 a.m. | 7:51 p.m. | 7:21 p.m. |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Duck opener | 7:05 a.m. | 7:07 p.m. | 6:35 a.m. | 7:37 p.m. | 7:07 p.m. |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Pheasant opener | 7:23 a.m. | 6:39 p.m. | 6:53 a.m. | 7:09 p.m. | 6:39 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 7:04 a.m. | 4:53 p.m. | 6:34 a.m. | 5:23 p.m. | 4:53 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:34 a.m. | 4:32 p.m. | 7:04 a.m. | 5:02 p.m. | 4:32 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 7:58 a.m. | 4:35 p.m. | 7:28 a.m. | 5:05 p.m. | 4:35 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:31 a.m. | 7:59 p.m. | 6:01 a.m. | 8:29 p.m. | 7:59 p.m. |
Times are rounded to the minute.
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.
Straight answers on hunting Aitkin WMA
How early does shooting start at Aitkin WMA on the opener?
Opening day of the firearms season: shooting from 6:34 a.m., done by 5:23 p.m..
Is CWD sampling required at Aitkin WMA?
DNR lists DPA 155 as outside the CWD zones, with optional testing.
Can I leave a stand on Aitkin WMA overnight?
Daily removal applies on Aitkin WMA, so plan on a climber or a hang-on you carry out.
Which public ground lies closest to Aitkin WMA?
Next-closest public land: French Lake WMA (3.4 mi), Deer Run WMA (4.0 mi) and Newstrom Lake WMA (4.7 mi).
Can you hunt on Aitkin WMA this season?
Yes. Hunting and trapping are open on state WMAs during regular seasons unless DNR posts an exception, and Aitkin WMA shows open hunting status.
Can I camp on Aitkin WMA during the season?
Generally no: designated areas or a permit only.
Which deer permit area holds Aitkin WMA?
Aitkin WMA falls in DPA 155, antlerless permit lottery. Expect the firearms season from Nov 7 to Nov 22, 2026.
Roughly how large is the Aitkin WMA unit?
The mapped size is 3,412 acres in 2 subunits.
Where is the access for Aitkin WMA?
From Aitkin, go 5 miles NE on Hwy 169/210, 1/2 mile E on Co.Rd.56. The map above shows 5 parking pins.
Which species does Aitkin WMA hold?
Game on the agency list for Aitkin WMA: deer, black bear, small game and ruffed grouse and woodcock.
Who do I call about Aitkin WMA?
Aitkin WMA falls under Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Aitkin office).
Aitkin WMA: three things to confirm first
Carry your license, validate a deer or turkey at the kill site and register it (48 hours for deer and bear, 24 for turkey).
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: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Public Domain Mark 1.0); YellowstoneNPS (Public domain); USFWS Mountain Prairie (CC BY 2.0).