Home › Minnesota › Public land › Choice WMA
WMA · Central region
Choice Wildlife Management Area hunting, 2026-27
Seasons, access rules and the nearest towns for this wildlife management area in Fillmore County.
Photo: TimWilson (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to Choice Wildlife Management Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near Choice Wildlife Management Area
- Parking areaParking · 0.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 0.7 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 0.8 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.0 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.5 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.7 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.8 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.2 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.
What the file says about Choice WMA
Choice WMA adds 1,664 acres of public ground to Fillmore County. Line up the 14 wildlife management areas in Fillmore County by acres and Choice WMA comes 1st. Its deer permit area is 648 (it also reaches DPA 649); the 2026 designation there is 5-deer limit.
DNR runs Choice WMA from its Rochester area office; email rochester.wildlife@state.mn.us.
In DNR's words: This unit is managed primarily for deer, turkey and pheasants, with some small game hunting as well. Management activities include use of prescribed fire on native grasses, direct seeding of hardwoods and timber sales.
Species on the record: deer, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, pheasant, wild turkey.
- White-tailed Deer
- Eastern Cottontail
- Gray Squirrel
- Snowshoe Hare
- Ruffed Grouse
- American Woodcock
- Ring-necked Pheasant
- Wild Turkey
From the agency record (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Choice Wildlife Management Area
Choice WMA route text and lots
Use these DNR directions to find Choice WMA; the map pins its 1 parking point.
| Section | Acres | Town | Hunting | Lots | DNR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choice WMA | 1,664 | Choice | Open | 1 | DNR |
- Choice WMA: From Choice take County Road 13 east 1 mile, turn south on township road for 1/4 mile to parking lot (west access point) or continue on County road 13 for additional 1 1/2 miles to north end of WMA (both sides of road). Access from County Road 13 that divides the WMA. Parking lots exist throughout the WMA.
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Choice WMA access rules
The rows below restate the access rules on the agency record for Choice 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.
Choice WMA and deer permit area 648
The 2026 designation for DPA 648 is 5-deer limit; firearms dates follow the 200-series window. DPA 648 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 648 in the CWD management zone. Expect the Dec. 18-20 late CWD season in DPA 648. Three-buck rule: DPA 648. A carcass disposal rule covers the area. The DPA covers 333 square miles. DPA 648 counties: Fillmore and Olmsted.
It also touches: DPA 649 (5-deer limit)
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Seasons open on Choice WMA
Dated seasons that apply on Choice WMA (33 rows), with today's status in the last column.
| Quarry | Season | Where | Opening | Closing | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | DPAs 648, 649 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Early antlerless | DPAs 648, 649 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPAs 648, 649 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 200 series | DPAs 648, 649 | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | |
| Deer | Late southeast | DPAs 648, 649 | Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | Statewide | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Deer | Late CWD hunt | DPAs 648, 649 | 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 | |
| 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 |
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 648 harvest, the area around Choice WMA
Harvest numbers below are DPA 648 totals (1,763 in 2025), the closest DNR figure for Choice WMA.
| Season | Bucks (adult) | Others | Registered | Per sq mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 858 | 905 | 1,763 | 5.31 |
| 2024 | 808 | 981 | 1,789 | 5.39 |
| 2023 | 767 | 902 | 1,669 | 5.03 |
| 2022 | 692 | 759 | 1,451 | 4.37 |
| 2021 | 766 | 791 | 1,557 | 4.69 |
| 2020 | 831 | 1,008 | 1,839 | 5.54 |
| 2019 | 838 | 878 | 1,716 | 5.17 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Choice WMA on the map with nearby land
Big pins mark Choice WMA and its parking; Shattuck Creek AMA is the nearest neighbor at 2.2 mi.
| Neighbor | Category | Acreage | DPA | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shattuck Creek AMA | AMA | 3.3 | 648 | 2.2 mi | west |
| So. Fork Root River AMA | AMA | 25 | 648 | 2.5 mi | west |
| Yucatan WMA | WMA | 967 | 649 | 3.4 mi | northeast |
| Dr. Johan C. Hvoslef WMA | WMA | 295 | 648 | 6.2 mi | southwest |
| Chisholm Valley WMA | WMA | 80 | 649 | 7.9 mi | northeast |
| Ferndale Ridge WMA | WMA | 658 | 649 | 8.3 mi | northeast |
| Gribben Creek AMA | AMA | 26 | 648 | 8.8 mi | northwest |
| Rushford Sand Barrens SNA | SNA | 214 | 648 | 9.0 mi | north |
Points: DNR WMA detail page map point (Compass feature_detail). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
What Fillmore County adds to a Choice WMA trip
Choice 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 Choice 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 Choice WMA
From Choice WMA the nearest town is Spring Grove (9.3 mi). On the DNR record, the reference town is Choice. DNR staff closest to Choice WMA work out of Altura (34 mi).
| Place | County | Population | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Grove | Houston | 1,202 | 9.3 mi | southeast |
| Whalan | Fillmore | 69 | 9.5 mi | northwest |
| Mabel | Fillmore | 705 | 9.6 mi | south |
| Peterson | Fillmore | 227 | 9.6 mi | north |
| Rushford Village | Fillmore | 799 | 10 mi | north |
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 Choice Wildlife Management Area
Checked October 28, 2026: 1 upcoming event at or near the property (Whitetails Unlimited banquet).
Still to come
| Dates | What | How far | Place | Next step | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 23, 2027 | Whitetails Unlimited Houston County Chapter Banquet, a Whitetails Unlimited banquet | 9 | Fest Building (Spring Grove) | Event details | Source |
Closest Minnesota ranges to Choice Wildlife Management Area
Mabel Sportsmans Club, 10 miles away, is the nearest range to Choice 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.
Choice WMA legal light on key dates
Legal light at Choice 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. | 7:12 p.m. | 6:19 a.m. | 7:42 p.m. | 7:12 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. | 4:34 p.m. | 6:47 a.m. | 5:04 p.m. | 4:34 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 7:40 a.m. | 4:39 p.m. | 7:10 a.m. | 5:09 p.m. | 4:39 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:28 a.m. | 7:48 p.m. | 5:58 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 Choice WMA
Choice WMA questions answered from its record
What are the legal shooting hours at Choice WMA?
On the Nov. 7 firearms opener, legal deer hours at Choice WMA run 6:20 a.m. to 5:22 p.m..
If Choice WMA is full, where is the next public land?
Public ground nearest by straight line: Shattuck Creek AMA (2.2 mi), So. Fork Root River AMA (2.5 mi) and Yucatan WMA (3.4 mi).
Are tree stands allowed on Choice WMA, and for how long?
No. Portable stands and blinds come off Choice WMA every day (northwest Minnesota has an overnight exception Nov. 1-Dec. 31), and no equipment stays overnight.
Choice WMA: is overnight camping allowed?
Not unless DNR designates a site or issues a permit; WMA rules bar other camping.
Is hunting legal on Choice 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 Choice WMA offer?
1,664 acres.
What DPA is Choice WMA, and what is its designation?
DPA 648 (600 series, 5-deer limit). Firearms deer runs Nov 7 to Nov 15, 2026 there.
What animals can be hunted at Choice WMA?
Deer, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, pheasant and wild turkey, according to the agency page for Choice WMA.
How do hunters reach Choice WMA?
From Choice take County Road 13 east 1 mile, turn south on township road for 1/4 mile to parking lot (west access point) or continue on County road 13 for additional 1 1/2 miles to north end of WMA (both sides of road). Lots mapped: 1.
Who holds title to Choice WMA?
Land manager for Choice WMA: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Rochester office.
Does chronic wasting disease testing apply on Choice WMA?
DPA 648 is in the CWD management zone.
Other photos on this page: Sank63 (CC BY 2.0); Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Public Domain Mark 1.0).