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WMA · South region
Caron Wildlife Management Area hunting, 2026-27
Seasons, access rules and the nearest towns for this wildlife management area in Martin County.
Photo: Tony Webster (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to Caron Wildlife Management Area
What the file says about Caron WMA
Caron WMA adds 954 acres of public ground to Martin County. Line up the 20 wildlife management areas in Martin County by acres and Caron WMA comes 2nd. Its deer permit area is 252; the 2026 designation there is either-sex.
DNR runs Caron WMA from its Windom area office; email windom.wildlife@state.mn.us. Federal aid noted by DNR for Caron WMA: Pittman-Robertson.
Species on the record: deer, small game, pheasant, waterfowl, mourning dove.
- White-tailed Deer
- Eastern Cottontail
- Gray Squirrel
- Snowshoe Hare
- Ring-necked Pheasant
- Ducks
- Canada Goose
- Mourning Dove
From the agency record (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Caron Wildlife Management Area
Caron WMA route text and lots
Use these DNR directions to find Caron WMA; the map pins its 1 parking point.
| Section | Acres | Town | Hunting | Lots | DNR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caron WMA | 954 | Sherburn | Open | 1 | DNR |
- Caron WMA: From Sherburn, go 2 1/2 miles N on SH 4 then 1 1/2 miles W on Co Rd 132.
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Caron WMA access rules
The rows below restate the access rules on the agency record for Caron 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.
Caron WMA and deer permit area 252
The 2026 designation for DPA 252 is either-sex; firearms dates follow the 200-series window. In DPA 252 the license is good for a buck or an antlerless deer.
| Hunt | First day | Last day | Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Youth deer | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Firearms, 200 series | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | |
| Muzzleloader | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 |
It is also in the 2026 surveillance block, with mandatory CWD sampling Nov. 7-8. The DPA covers 737 square miles. DPA 252 counties: Martin, Watonwan, Jackson and Cottonwood.
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Seasons open on Caron WMA
Dated seasons that apply on Caron WMA (34 rows), with today's status in the last column.
| Quarry | Season | Where | Opening | Closing | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | DPA 252 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPA 252 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 200 series | DPA 252 | 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 252 harvest, the area around Caron WMA
Harvest numbers below are DPA 252 totals (601 in 2025), the closest DNR figure for Caron WMA.
| Season | Bucks (adult) | Others | Registered | Per sq mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 425 | 176 | 601 | 0.84 |
| 2024 | 393 | 162 | 555 | 0.78 |
| 2023 | 388 | 219 | 607 | 0.85 |
| 2022 | 419 | 169 | 588 | 0.82 |
| 2021 | 375 | 174 | 549 | 0.77 |
| 2020 | 397 | 196 | 593 | 0.83 |
| 2019 | 405 | 142 | 547 | 0.77 |
| 2018 | 328 | 170 | 498 | 0.70 |
| 2017 | 327 | 146 | 473 | 0.66 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Caron WMA on the map with nearby land
Big pins mark Caron WMA and its parking; Four Corners WMA is the nearest neighbor at 1.7 mi.
| Neighbor | Category | Acreage | DPA | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Four Corners WMA | WMA | 612 | 252 | 1.7 mi | southeast |
| Big Twin Lake AMA | AMA | 0.3 | 252 | 1.9 mi | northeast |
| Fox Lake WMA | WMA | 35 | 252 | 3.1 mi | southeast |
| Seymour Lake WMA | WMA | 291 | 252 | 3.1 mi | east |
| Rooney Run WMA | WMA | 540 | 252 | 4.7 mi | east |
| Clam Lake AMA | AMA | 6.8 | 252 | 5.1 mi | northeast |
| Krahmer WMA | WMA | 376 | 252 | 7.2 mi | east |
| Artz WMA | WMA | 16 | 250 | 7.8 mi | west |
Points: DNR WMA detail page map point (Compass feature_detail). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
What Martin County adds to a Caron WMA trip
Caron WMA is one of 28 public places we list in Martin County. Bear licenses in Martin County are no-quota, sold over the counter. Turkey: permit area 504. Area wildlife office: Windom Area Wildlife Office ((507) 832-6025).
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 Caron WMA
From Caron WMA the nearest town is Sherburn (3.9 mi). On the DNR record, the reference town is Sherburn. DNR staff closest to Caron WMA work out of Windom (20 mi).
| Place | County | Population | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sherburn | Martin | 1,050 | 3.9 mi | southeast |
| Trimont | Martin | 689 | 4.7 mi | northeast |
| Alpha | Jackson | 96 | 6.9 mi | southwest |
| Welcome | Martin | 695 | 8.4 mi | east |
| Dunnell | Martin | 127 | 9.9 mi | south |
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.
Closest Minnesota ranges to Caron Wildlife Management Area
Des Moines Valley Sportsmans Club, 12 miles away, is the nearest range to Caron 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.
Caron WMA legal light on key dates
Legal light at Caron 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 | 7:01 a.m. | 7:24 p.m. | 6:31 a.m. | 7:54 p.m. | 7:24 p.m. |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Duck opener | 7:09 a.m. | 7:11 p.m. | 6:39 a.m. | 7:41 p.m. | 7:11 p.m. |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Pheasant opener | 7:26 a.m. | 6:46 p.m. | 6:56 a.m. | 7:16 p.m. | 6:46 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 7:02 a.m. | 5:04 p.m. | 6:32 a.m. | 5:34 p.m. | 5:04 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:29 a.m. | 4:46 p.m. | 6:59 a.m. | 5:16 p.m. | 4:46 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 7:52 a.m. | 4:51 p.m. | 7:22 a.m. | 5:21 p.m. | 4:51 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:40 a.m. | 8:00 p.m. | 6:10 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 Caron WMA
Caron WMA questions answered from its record
Caron WMA: is overnight camping allowed?
Not unless DNR designates a site or issues a permit; WMA rules bar other camping.
Is hunting legal on Caron 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 Caron WMA offer?
954 acres.
What DPA is Caron WMA, and what is its designation?
DPA 252 (200 series, either-sex). Firearms deer runs Nov 7 to Nov 15, 2026 there.
What animals can be hunted at Caron WMA?
Deer, small game, pheasant, waterfowl and mourning dove, according to the agency page for Caron WMA.
How do hunters reach Caron WMA?
From Sherburn, go 2 1/2 miles N on SH 4 then 1 1/2 miles W on Co Rd 132. Lots mapped: 1.
Who holds title to Caron WMA?
Land manager for Caron WMA: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Windom office.
Does chronic wasting disease testing apply on Caron WMA?
DPA 252 is in the 2026 surveillance block (mandatory sampling Nov. 7-8).
What are the legal shooting hours at Caron WMA?
On the Nov. 7 firearms opener, legal deer hours at Caron WMA run 6:32 a.m. to 5:34 p.m..
If Caron WMA is full, where is the next public land?
Public ground nearest by straight line: Four Corners WMA (1.7 mi), Big Twin Lake AMA (1.9 mi) and Fox Lake WMA (3.1 mi).
Are tree stands allowed on Caron WMA, and for how long?
No. Portable stands and blinds come off Caron WMA every day (northwest Minnesota has an overnight exception Nov. 1-Dec. 31), and no equipment stays overnight.
Other photos on this page: Cindy Sue Causey (CC BY 2.0); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Public Domain Mark 1.0); cuatrok77 (CC BY-SA 2.0).