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WMA · Northwest region
Dead Lake Wildlife Management Area hunting, 2026-27
Seasons, access rules and the nearest towns for this wildlife management area in Otter Tail County.
Photo: Tony Webster (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to Dead Lake Wildlife Management Area
What the file says about Dead Lake WMA
Dead Lake WMA adds 896 acres of public ground to Otter Tail County. Line up the 37 wildlife management areas in Otter Tail County by acres and Dead Lake WMA comes 5th. Its deer permit area is 239; the 2026 designation there is 2-deer limit.
DNR runs Dead Lake WMA from its Fergus Falls area office; email fergusfalls.wildlife@state.mn.us. Federal aid noted by DNR for Dead Lake WMA: Pittman-Robertson.
In DNR's words: Excellent deer and waterfowl hunting, as well as ruffed grouse and squirrel.
Species on the record: deer, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, waterfowl, wild turkey.
- White-tailed Deer
- Eastern Cottontail
- Gray Squirrel
- Snowshoe Hare
- Ruffed Grouse
- American Woodcock
- Ducks
- Canada Goose
From the agency record (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Dead Lake Wildlife Management Area
Dead Lake WMA route text and lots
Use these DNR directions to find Dead Lake WMA; the map pins its 3 parking points.
| Section | Acres | Town | Hunting | Lots | DNR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dead Lake WMA | 896 | Dent | Open | 3 | DNR |
- Dead Lake WMA: From Dent, go 5 miles S on CSAH 35 and 44. Several access points including 375th Ave. (south off of Hwy 44) to a parking area, and Murray Rd off of 370th Ave. Access to Battle Lake (within the unit) is via Murray Rd and secondary trail through a grass meadow.
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Dead Lake WMA access rules
The rows below restate the access rules on the agency record for Dead Lake 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.
Dead Lake WMA and deer permit area 239
The 2026 designation for DPA 239 is 2-deer limit; firearms dates follow the 200-series window. DPA 239 allows 2 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 | |
| Firearms, 200 series | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | |
| Muzzleloader | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 |
CWD sampling in DPA 239 is voluntary. The DPA covers 1,118 square miles. DPA 239 counties: Otter Tail, Becker, Clay and Wilkin.
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Seasons open on Dead Lake WMA
Dated seasons that apply on Dead Lake WMA (42 rows), with today's status in the last column.
| Quarry | Season | Where | Opening | Closing | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | DPA 239 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPA 239 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 200 series | DPA 239 | 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 | |
| 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 |
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 239 harvest, the area around Dead Lake WMA
Harvest numbers below are DPA 239 totals (3,595 in 2025), the closest DNR figure for Dead Lake WMA.
| Season | Bucks (adult) | Others | Registered | Per sq mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1,981 | 1,614 | 3,595 | 3.91 |
| 2024 | 1,906 | 1,435 | 3,341 | 3.64 |
| 2023 | 1,620 | 1,565 | 3,185 | 3.47 |
| 2022 | 1,619 | 1,597 | 3,216 | 3.50 |
| 2021 | 2,067 | 1,801 | 3,868 | 4.21 |
| 2020 | 2,083 | 1,847 | 3,930 | 4.28 |
| 2019 | 2,106 | 1,833 | 3,939 | 4.29 |
| 2018 | 1,957 | 1,834 | 3,791 | 4.13 |
| 2017 | 1,831 | 1,437 | 3,268 | 3.56 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Dead Lake WMA on the map with nearby land
Big pins mark Dead Lake WMA and its parking; Dead Lake AMA is the nearest neighbor at 1.3 mi.
| Neighbor | Category | Acreage | DPA | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dead Lake AMA | AMA | 111 | 239 | 1.3 mi | west |
| Mondt WPA | WPA | 377 | 239 | 2.7 mi | north |
| Amor WMA | WMA | 720 | 239 | 2.8 mi | south |
| Davies WMA | WMA | 390 | 239 | 2.9 mi | southeast |
| Dead River-Walker Lake AMA | AMA | 72 | 239 | 3.8 mi | southeast |
| McDonald Lake AMA | AMA | 6.6 | 239 | 5.5 mi | north |
| Head Lake WMA | WMA | 421 | 239 | 6.1 mi | east |
| Staff WPA | WPA | 377 | 239 | 6.4 mi | northwest |
Points: DNR WMA detail page map point (Compass feature_detail). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
What Otter Tail County adds to a Dead Lake WMA trip
Dead Lake WMA is one of 164 public places we list in Otter Tail County. Quota bear area 45 overlaps the county (45 (700 permits)). Turkey: permit area 507 and 506. Area wildlife office: Fergus Falls Area Wildlife Office ((218) 671-7969). Do not mistake Dead Lake WMA for closed Otter Tail County ground such as Gilmore Waterfowl Production Area and Holmstad 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 Dead Lake WMA
From Dead Lake WMA the nearest town is Dent (4.7 mi). Perham, with 3,708 residents, is the biggest town on the list. On the DNR record, the reference town is Dent. DNR staff closest to Dead Lake WMA work out of Fergus Falls (21 mi).
| Place | County | Population | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dent | Otter Tail | 170 | 4.7 mi | north |
| Richville | Otter Tail | 77 | 5.5 mi | east |
| Ottertail | Otter Tail | 721 | 8.8 mi | southeast |
| Perham | Otter Tail | 3,708 | 11 mi | northeast |
| Vergas | Otter Tail | 357 | 12 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 Dead Lake Wildlife Management Area
Checked October 28, 2026: 1 upcoming event at or near the property (NWTF hunting heritage fundraiser).
Still to come
| Dates | What | How far | Place | Next step | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 19, 2027 | Ottertail Lakes Hunting Heritage Event NWTF Fundraiser, an NWTF hunting heritage fundraiser | 9 | Ottertail | Buy tickets | Source |
Closest Minnesota ranges to Dead Lake Wildlife Management Area
Perham Gun Club, 11 miles away, is the nearest range to Dead Lake 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.
Dead Lake WMA legal light on key dates
Legal light at Dead Lake 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 | 7:04 a.m. | 7:29 p.m. | 6:34 a.m. | 7:59 p.m. | 7:29 p.m. |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Duck opener | 7:13 a.m. | 7:15 p.m. | 6:43 a.m. | 7:45 p.m. | 7:15 p.m. |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Pheasant opener | 7:32 a.m. | 6:48 p.m. | 7:02 a.m. | 7:18 p.m. | 6:48 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 7:12 a.m. | 5:01 p.m. | 6:42 a.m. | 5:31 p.m. | 5:01 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:42 a.m. | 4:41 p.m. | 7:12 a.m. | 5:11 p.m. | 4:41 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 8:07 a.m. | 4:44 p.m. | 7:37 a.m. | 5:14 p.m. | 4:44 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:40 a.m. | 8:07 p.m. | 6:10 a.m. | 8:37 p.m. | 8:07 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 Dead Lake WMA
Dead Lake WMA questions answered from its record
If Dead Lake WMA is full, where is the next public land?
Public ground nearest by straight line: Dead Lake AMA (1.3 mi), Mondt WPA (2.7 mi) and Amor WMA (2.8 mi).
Are tree stands allowed on Dead Lake WMA, and for how long?
No. Portable stands and blinds come off Dead Lake WMA every day (northwest Minnesota has an overnight exception Nov. 1-Dec. 31), and no equipment stays overnight.
Dead Lake WMA: is overnight camping allowed?
Not unless DNR designates a site or issues a permit; WMA rules bar other camping.
Is hunting legal on Dead Lake 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 Dead Lake WMA offer?
896 acres.
What DPA is Dead Lake WMA, and what is its designation?
DPA 239 (200 series, 2-deer limit). Firearms deer runs Nov 7 to Nov 15, 2026 there.
What animals can be hunted at Dead Lake WMA?
Deer, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, waterfowl and wild turkey, according to the agency page for Dead Lake WMA.
How do hunters reach Dead Lake WMA?
From Dent, go 5 miles S on CSAH 35 and 44. Lots mapped: 3.
Who holds title to Dead Lake WMA?
Land manager for Dead Lake WMA: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Fergus Falls office.
Does chronic wasting disease testing apply on Dead Lake WMA?
DPA 239 is outside the CWD zones, with optional testing.
What are the legal shooting hours at Dead Lake WMA?
On the Nov. 7 firearms opener, legal deer hours at Dead Lake WMA run 6:42 a.m. to 5:31 p.m..
Other photos on this page: GlacierNPS (Public domain); ShenandoahNPS (Public domain); YellowstoneNPS (Public domain).