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WMA · Central region
Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt Wildlife Management Area hunting, 2026-27
Seasons, access rules and the nearest towns for this wildlife management area in Morrison County.
Photo: Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Getting to Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt Wildlife Management Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt Wildlife Management Area
- Parking areaParking · 2.4 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 Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA
Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA adds 702 acres of public ground to Morrison County. Line up the 18 wildlife management areas in Morrison County by acres and Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA comes 5th. It is made of 2 subunits, Large Marsh Unit (619 ac) and South Unit (83 ac).
Its deer permit area is 215; the 2026 designation there is 3-deer limit. DNR runs Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA from its Little Falls area office; email littlefalls.wildlife@state.mn.us.
In DNR's words: Management of this subunit focuses on maintaining and improving the habitat for a diversity of native plants and wildlife.
Species on the record: deer, small game, pheasant, ruffed grouse and woodcock, wild turkey.
- White-tailed Deer
- Eastern Cottontail
- Gray Squirrel
- Snowshoe Hare
- Ring-necked Pheasant
- Ruffed Grouse
- American Woodcock
- Wild Turkey
From the agency record (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt Wildlife Management Area
Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA route text and lots
Use these DNR directions to find Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA; the map pins its 1 parking point.
- Large Marsh Unit: From Swanville, go 1 mile south and east on county road 15. Limited access with no parking areas provided.
- South Unit: 1 mile south and east of Swanville on County Road 15. There is no parking lot on this WMA.
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA access rules
The rows below restate the access rules on the agency record for Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt 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 |
- Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the WMA except on designated routes and parking lots. OHVs, ATVs and snowmobiles are prohibited anywhere on the WMA. Closed to waterfowl hunting.
- Closed to waterfowl hunting. Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA: Large Marsh Unit: Closed to waterfowl hunting [MR 6230.0200, Subp. 3]. Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA: South Unit: Closed to waterfowl hunting [MR 6230.0200, Subp. 3].
- Large Marsh Unit: Closed to waterfowl hunting (MR 6230.0200, Subp. 3).
- South Unit: Closed to waterfowl hunting (MR 6230.0200, Subp. 3).
Sources: record, agency rules; booklet: 2026-2027 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations. Checked October 28, 2026.
Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA and deer permit area 215
The 2026 designation for DPA 215 is 3-deer limit; firearms dates follow the 200-series window. DPA 215 allows 3 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 | |
| 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 730 square miles. DPA 215 counties: Stearns, Morrison, Todd and Benton.
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Seasons open on Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA
Dated seasons that apply on Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA (31 rows), with today's status in the last column.
| Quarry | Season | Where | Opening | Closing | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | DPA 215 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Early antlerless | DPA 215 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPA 215 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 200 series | DPA 215 | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | Statewide | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 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 215 harvest, the area around Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA
Harvest numbers below are DPA 215 totals (5,267 in 2025), the closest DNR figure for Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA.
| Season | Bucks (adult) | Others | Registered | Per sq mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2,387 | 2,880 | 5,267 | 7.51 |
| 2024 | 2,390 | 2,523 | 4,913 | 7.01 |
| 2023 | 1,853 | 2,465 | 4,318 | 6.16 |
| 2022 | 1,856 | 2,490 | 4,346 | 6.20 |
| 2021 | 2,067 | 2,528 | 4,595 | 6.55 |
| 2020 | 2,094 | 3,070 | 5,164 | 7.36 |
| 2019 | 1,877 | 2,333 | 4,210 | 6.00 |
| 2018 | 1,728 | 2,333 | 4,061 | 5.79 |
| 2017 | 1,778 | 2,292 | 4,070 | 5.80 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA on the map with nearby land
Big pins mark Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA and its parking; Sponsa WMA is the nearest neighbor at 2.7 mi.
| Neighbor | Category | Acreage | DPA | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsa WMA | WMA | 218 | 215 | 2.7 mi | south |
| Oak Ridge WMA | WMA | 450 | 215 | 4.6 mi | southwest |
| Ireland WMA | WMA | 79 | 215 | 4.6 mi | west |
| Buckhorn Lake WMA | WMA | 157 | 215 | 6.1 mi | southwest |
| Culdrum WMA | WMA | 31 | 214 | 6.4 mi | north |
| Ostendorff WMA | WMA | 54 | 215 | 6.6 mi | southwest |
| Dohn Lake AMA | AMA | 4.2 | 215 | 9.1 mi | northwest |
| Big Birch Lake AMA | AMA | 0.9 | 215 | 9.3 mi | southwest |
Points: DNR WMA boundary layer (polygon centroid of the largest part). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
What Morrison County adds to a Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA trip
Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA is one of 27 public places we list in Morrison County. Quota bear area 45 overlaps the county (45 (700 permits)). Turkey: permit area 508 and 507. Area wildlife office: Little Falls Area Wildlife Office ((320) 232-1063). Do not mistake Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA for closed Morrison County ground such as Little Rock Creek Aquatic Management Area and Ripley Esker Scientific and Natural 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 Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA
From Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA the nearest town is Swanville (2.3 mi). Upsala, with 481 residents, is the biggest town on the list. On the DNR record, the reference town is Swanville. DNR staff closest to Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA work out of Little Falls (15 mi).
| Place | County | Population | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swanville | Morrison | 337 | 2.3 mi | northwest |
| Burtrum | Todd | 122 | 4.0 mi | southwest |
| Flensburg | Morrison | 210 | 5.6 mi | northeast |
| Upsala | Morrison | 481 | 5.8 mi | southeast |
| Sobieski | Morrison | 218 | 6.7 mi | east |
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 Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt Wildlife Management Area
Albany Sportsmen's Club, 15 miles away, is the nearest range to Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt 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.
Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA legal light on key dates
Legal light at Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt 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 | 7:00 a.m. | 7:25 p.m. | 6:30 a.m. | 7:55 p.m. | 7:25 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 | 7:27 a.m. | 6:44 p.m. | 6:57 a.m. | 7:14 p.m. | 6:44 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 7:06 a.m. | 4:58 p.m. | 6:36 a.m. | 5:28 p.m. | 4:58 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:35 a.m. | 4:38 p.m. | 7:05 a.m. | 5:08 p.m. | 4:38 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 8:00 a.m. | 4:42 p.m. | 7:30 a.m. | 5:12 p.m. | 4:42 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:36 a.m. | 8:02 p.m. | 6:06 a.m. | 8:32 p.m. | 8:02 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 Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA
Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA questions answered from its record
If Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA is full, where is the next public land?
Public ground nearest by straight line: Sponsa WMA (2.7 mi), Oak Ridge WMA (4.6 mi) and Ireland WMA (4.6 mi).
Are tree stands allowed on Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA, and for how long?
No. Portable stands and blinds come off Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA every day (northwest Minnesota has an overnight exception Nov. 1-Dec. 31), and no equipment stays overnight.
Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA: is overnight camping allowed?
Not unless DNR designates a site or issues a permit; WMA rules bar other camping.
Is hunting legal on Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt 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 Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA offer?
702 acres in 2 subunits.
What DPA is Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA, and what is its designation?
DPA 215 (200 series, 3-deer limit). Firearms deer runs Nov 7 to Nov 15, 2026 there.
What animals can be hunted at Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA?
Deer, small game, pheasant, ruffed grouse and woodcock and wild turkey, according to the agency page for Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA.
How do hunters reach Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA?
From Swanville, go 1 mile south and east on county road 15. Lots mapped: 1.
Who holds title to Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA?
Land manager for Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Little Falls office.
Does chronic wasting disease testing apply on Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA?
DPA 215 is in the 2026 surveillance block (mandatory sampling Nov. 7-8).
What are the legal shooting hours at Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA?
On the Nov. 7 firearms opener, legal deer hours at Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA run 6:36 a.m. to 5:28 p.m..
Last checks before driving to Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA
Boundaries on the ground beat any web page; watch for posted refuge areas on Clare Johnson – Carl W. Schmidt WMA.
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 2.0); Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Midwest Region (Public domain).