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Home › Minnesota › Public land › Lamprey Pass WMA

WMA · Central region

Lamprey Pass Wildlife Management Area hunting, 2026-27

Seasons, access rules and the nearest towns for this wildlife management area in Anoka County and 1 neighbor.

Get driving directionsAll Anoka County spots

We have no photo of Lamprey Pass WMA; this nearby stand-in is from Washington County (Farm silos and barns behind a green cornfield near Afton in Washington County).

Photo: fastfonz (CC BY 2.0)

Getting to Lamprey Pass Wildlife Management Area

Get driving directionsParking on Google MapsTrailheads on Google Maps

Parking, trailheads and gates near Lamprey Pass Wildlife Management Area

  • Parking areaParking · 0.5 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 · 1.0 mi from the centreDirections
  • Boat rampBoat ramp · 1.3 mi from the centreDirections
  • car parkingParking · 1.5 mi from the centreDirections
  • truck parkingParking · 1.5 mi from the centreDirections
  • car parkingParking · 1.5 mi from the centreDirections
  • Parking areaParking · 1.6 mi from the centreDirections
  • Parking areaParking · 1.9 mi from the centreDirections
  • Parking areaParking · 1.9 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 Lamprey Pass WMA

Lamprey Pass WMA adds 1,277 acres of public ground to Anoka and Washington counties. Line up the 7 wildlife management areas in Anoka County by acres and Lamprey Pass WMA comes 2nd. Its deer permit area is 236; the 2026 designation there is 3-deer limit.

DNR runs Lamprey Pass WMA from its North Metro area office; email forestlake.wildlife@state.mn.us. Federal aid noted by DNR for Lamprey Pass WMA: Pittman-Robertson.

In DNR's words: Lamprey Pass is the largest WMA outside of Carlos Avery in the North Metro area. It was purchased by Uri Lamprey in 1881 and managed as a hunt club until the 1970's. The DNR purchased the area in 1981.

Species on the record: deer, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, pheasant, waterfowl, wild turkey, mourning dove.

From the agency record (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026.

Nearby

Places to hunt and shoot around Lamprey Pass Wildlife Management Area

Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area

Public land · 4 mi from Lamprey Pass Wildlife Management Area

Directions
Gordie Mikkelson Wildlife Management Area

Public land · 9 mi from Lamprey Pass Wildlife Management Area

Directions
Shooting Ranges Near Blaine

Range · 10 mi from Lamprey Pass Wildlife Management Area

Directions
William O’Brien State Park

Public land · 13 mi from Lamprey Pass Wildlife Management Area

Directions
Shooting Ranges Near Coon Rapids

Range · 15 mi from Lamprey Pass Wildlife Management Area

Directions
Bethel Wildlife Management Area

Public land · 16 mi from Lamprey Pass Wildlife Management Area

Directions

Lamprey Pass WMA route text and lots

Use these DNR directions to find Lamprey Pass WMA; the map pins its 3 parking points.

SectionAcresTownHuntingLotsDNR
Lamprey Pass WMA1,277Forest LakeOpen3DNR
  • Lamprey Pass WMA: 2 miles west of Forest Lake on Hwy 97 crossing I-35, then 1/2 mile north on W. Freeway Dr. Wheelchair access is limited to three gravel parking lots on the east, south and west and the county road on the south.

DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.

Lamprey Pass WMA access rules

The rows below restate the access rules on the agency record for Lamprey Pass WMA.

ActivityStatus
Hunting, trappingRegular seasons
VehiclesDesignated roads, lots
Target shootingNot allowed
Guns in transitCased, unloaded
CampingDesignated or permit
Portable stands, blindsRemove daily
Overnight stands, northwestNov 1-Dec 31
DogsLeash Apr 16-Jul 14
DronesNot allowed
Gear left overnightNot allowed

Sources: record, agency rules; booklet: 2026-2027 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations. Checked October 28, 2026.

DNR notices for Lamprey Pass WMA

  • DNR offers voluntary CWD sampling Oct. 1-Dec. 31 for deer from Lamprey Pass WMA after the Stillwater detection.

DNR notice text: NOTICE TO DEER HUNTERS: This WMA is within DPA 236 with voluntary CWD sampling available October 1 – December 31 due to the new detection of CWD in a wild deer near Stillwater.

DNR WMA visitor alerts on the unit page; checked October 28, 2026. CWD rules.

Lamprey Pass WMA and deer permit area 236

The 2026 designation for DPA 236 is 3-deer limit; firearms dates follow the 200-series window. DPA 236 allows 3 deer, so bonus permits come into play after the first deer.

HuntFirst dayLast dayNow
ArcherySep 19, 2026Dec 31, 2026
Youth deerOct 15, 2026Oct 18, 2026
Early antlerlessOct 15, 2026Oct 18, 2026
Firearms, 200 seriesNov 7, 2026Nov 15, 2026
MuzzleloaderNov 28, 2026Dec 13, 2026

CWD sampling in DPA 236 is voluntary. The DPA covers 401 square miles. DPA 236 counties: Chisago, Washington and Anoka.

DPA 236 pageDPA indexChronic wasting disease

From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.

Seasons open on Lamprey Pass WMA

Dated seasons that apply on Lamprey Pass WMA (45 rows), with today's status in the last column.

QuarrySeasonWhereOpeningClosingStatus
DeerArcheryDPA 236Sep 19, 2026Dec 31, 2026
DeerEarly antlerlessDPA 236Oct 15, 2026Oct 18, 2026
DeerYouth deerDPA 236Oct 15, 2026Oct 18, 2026
DeerFirearms, 200 seriesDPA 236Nov 7, 2026Nov 15, 2026
DeerMuzzleloaderStatewideNov 28, 2026Dec 13, 2026
Wild turkeyFallStatewideOct 3, 2026Nov 1, 2026
Wild turkeySpring archery-onlyStatewideApr 14, 2027May 31, 2027
Wild turkeySpring period AStatewideApr 14, 2027Apr 20, 2027
Wild turkeySpring youthStatewideApr 14, 2027May 31, 2027
Wild turkeySpring period BStatewideApr 21, 2027Apr 27, 2027
Wild turkeySpring period CStatewideApr 28, 2027May 4, 2027
Wild turkeySpring period DStatewideMay 5, 2027May 11, 2027
Wild turkeySpring period EStatewideMay 12, 2027May 18, 2027
Wild turkeySpring period FStatewideMay 19, 2027May 31, 2027
PheasantRegularStatewideOct 10, 2026Jan 3, 2027
Ruffed, spruce grouseRegularStatewideSep 19, 2026Jan 3, 2027
Hungarian partridgeRegularStatewideSep 19, 2026Jan 3, 2027
WoodcockRegularStatewideSep 19, 2026Nov 2, 2026
Mourning doveRegularStatewideSep 1, 2026Nov 29, 2026
Rabbits, haresRegularStatewideSep 19, 2026Feb 28, 2027
JackrabbitRegularStatewideSep 19, 2026Feb 28, 2027
SquirrelsRegularStatewideSep 19, 2026Feb 28, 2027
CrowCrow segmentStatewideSep 1, 2026Oct 31, 2026
Canada gooseEarly geeseStatewideSep 5, 2026Sep 20, 2026
Light geeseEarly geeseStatewideSep 5, 2026Sep 20, 2026
TealEarly teal seasonStatewideSep 5, 2026Sep 9, 2026
Youth waterfowlYouth daysStatewideSep 12, 2026Sep 13, 2026
DucksRegular ducksNorth ZoneSep 26, 2026Nov 24, 2026
DucksRegular ducksCentral ZoneSep 26, 2026Oct 4, 2026
GeeseRegular geeseNorth ZoneSep 26, 2026Dec 25, 2026
GeeseRegular geeseCentral ZoneSep 26, 2026Oct 4, 2026
Take-a-KidTake-a-KidStatewideSep 26, 2026Sep 27, 2026
DucksRegular ducksCentral ZoneOct 10, 2026Nov 29, 2026
GeeseRegular geeseCentral ZoneOct 10, 2026Dec 30, 2026
Raccoon, foxesHunting (north)North furbearer zoneOct 17, 2026Mar 15, 2027
Badger, opossum, weaselsHunting (north)North furbearer zoneOct 17, 2026Mar 15, 2027
DucksRegular ducksSouth ZoneOct 17, 2026Dec 6, 2026
GeeseRegular geeseSouth ZoneOct 17, 2026Jan 6, 2027
Raccoon, foxesHunting (south)South furbearer zoneOct 24, 2026Mar 15, 2027
Badger, opossum, weaselsHunting (south)South furbearer zoneOct 24, 2026Mar 15, 2027
BobcatHunt and trap (north)North furbearer zoneDec 12, 2026Jan 17, 2027
CrowCrow segmentStatewideDec 15, 2026Jan 15, 2027
BobcatHunt and trap (south)South furbearer zoneJan 2, 2027Jan 17, 2027
Light geeseSpring light gooseStatewideFeb 18, 2027Apr 30, 2027
CrowCrow segmentStatewideMar 1, 2027Mar 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 236 harvest, the area around Lamprey Pass WMA

Harvest numbers below are DPA 236 totals (2,388 in 2025), the closest DNR figure for Lamprey Pass WMA.

SeasonBucks (adult)OthersRegisteredPer sq mi
20251,3241,0642,3886.46
20241,1829032,0855.64
20231,0928941,9865.37
20221,0889862,0745.61
20211,1068371,9435.25
20201,1119922,1035.69
20199798341,8134.90
20189077441,6514.46
20178748591,7334.69

2019-2025 from Table 3 (total harvest per permit area; 2024-2025 exclude special hunts); 2017-2018 from Table 9 (all seasons, special hunts reallocated to the surrounding DPA). DPA boundaries changed over time (e.g. 103/108 in 2018), so older DPAs may not match 2026 polygons.

DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.

Lamprey Pass WMA on the map with nearby land

Big pins mark Lamprey Pass WMA and its parking; Carlos Avery WMA is the nearest neighbor at 4.2 mi.

NeighborCategoryAcreageDPADistanceDirection
Carlos Avery WMAWMA24,5982354.2 minorthwest
Hardwood Creek WMAWMA5832365.4 misoutheast
Paul Hugo Farms WMAWMA3572367.9 misoutheast
Linwood Lake AMAAMA492278.0 minorthwest
Gordie Mikkelson WMAWMA8602279.0 minorthwest
Keystone Woods WMAWMA1,8402369.2 misoutheast
Mallard Marsh WMAWMA562279.7 minorthwest
Marvin W. Schubring Memorial WMAWMA28522711 minorth

Points: DNR WMA detail page map point (Compass feature_detail). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.

What Anoka County adds to a Lamprey Pass WMA trip

19,956Public land (GIS)
18,435WMA acres
836SNA acres
48AMA acres

Lamprey Pass WMA is one of 8 public places we list in Anoka County. Feeding ban: Anoka County is inside it. Bear licenses in Anoka County are no-quota, sold over the counter. Turkey: permit area 510 and 511. Area wildlife office: North Metro Area Wildlife Office ((651) 539-3324). Do not mistake Lamprey Pass WMA for closed Anoka County ground such as Blaine Airport Rich Fen Scientific and Natural Area and Blaine Preserve Scientific and Natural Area.

About Anoka CountyTurkey zonesBear areas

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 Lamprey Pass WMA

From Lamprey Pass WMA the nearest town is Forest Lake (3.4 mi). On the DNR record, the reference town is Forest Lake. DNR staff closest to Lamprey Pass WMA work out of Forest Lake (4.9 mi).

PlaceCountyPopulationDistanceDirection
Forest LakeWashington20,7003.4 mieast
ColumbusAnoka4,3073.5 miwest
CentervilleAnoka3,9566.4 misouth
WyomingChisago8,1736.5 minortheast
HugoWashington16,7657.6 misoutheast
North Metro wildlife office

DNR office · Forest Lake, Anoka County · about 5 mi away

(651) 539-3324MapOnline
Central Office

DNR office · St. Paul, Ramsey County · about 21 mi away

(651) 296-6157MapOnline
Team Awesome Outdoors

sporting goods · Forest Lake, Washington County · about 3 mi away

(320) 384-7086Map
O'Brien Taxidermy

taxidermy · Forest Lake, Anoka County · about 4 mi away

(651) 464-4460Map
Barry Peterson Taxidermy

taxidermy · Forest Lake, Anoka County · about 4 mi away

(651) 982-0930MapOnline
Drury Fire Arms

sporting goods · Hugo, Washington County · about 6 mi away

(651) 762-5626MapOnline

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 Lamprey Pass Wildlife Management Area

Checked October 28, 2026: 3 upcoming events at or near the property (DU gun or purse bingo).

Still to come

DatesWhatHow farPlaceNext stepFrom
Nov 1, 2026Gun Bingo At Splitrocks!, a DU gun or purse bingo6
Split Rocks (Wyoming)
Buy ticketsSource, checked 10/28/2026
Nov 21, 2026Forest Lake Trap Team Boomstick Bingo!, a DU gun or purse bingo3
American Legion Post 225 (Forest Lake)
Buy ticketsSource, checked 10/28/2026
Dec 5, 2026Ducks Unlimited and Hugo Legion Bingo!, a DU gun or purse bingo8
American Legion Post 620 (Hugo)
Buy ticketsSource, checked 10/28/2026
More Minnesota events hereChapter Banquets and Gun Bingo Nights

Club event in this area? Submit it

Range options on the drive to Lamprey Pass Wildlife Management Area

Ramsey County has the public range nearest Lamprey Pass Wildlife Management Area: Marsden Archery Range (13 miles). Two club ranges follow. The property rules exclude target shooting.

Marsden Archery Range
public range

Arden Hills, Ramsey County · 13 mi

Set up for archery, 3D archery

Public, run by Ramsey County Parks and Recreation · source: findarcheryranges.com

Best Defense Armory &
Range
indoor range

Forest Lake, Washington County · 3 mi

Access not stated · source: gunranges.org

Forest Lake Sportsmen's Club
sportsmen’s club

Forest Lake, Chisago County · 3 mi

Set up for rifle, shotgun, trap, skeet, sporting clays

Access not stated · source: gunranges.org

From the operators’ pages and directory listings, checked October 28, 2026; target shooting rule from the DNR WMA rules.

Lamprey Pass WMA legal light on key dates

Legal light at Lamprey Pass 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.

DaySeason pointSun upSun downShooting opensDeer closeBird close
Sep 19, 2026Archery and grouse opener6:54 a.m.7:18 p.m.6:24 a.m.7:48 p.m.7:18 p.m.
Sep 26, 2026Duck opener7:02 a.m.7:04 p.m.6:32 a.m.7:34 p.m.7:04 p.m.
Oct 10, 2026Pheasant opener7:20 a.m.6:38 p.m.6:50 a.m.7:08 p.m.6:38 p.m.
Nov 7, 2026Firearms deer opener6:58 a.m.4:54 p.m.6:28 a.m.5:24 p.m.4:54 p.m.
Nov 28, 2026Muzzleloader opener7:27 a.m.4:34 p.m.6:57 a.m.5:04 p.m.4:34 p.m.
Dec 31, 2026Archery close7:51 a.m.4:38 p.m.7:21 a.m.5:08 p.m.4:38 p.m.
Apr 14, 2027Spring turkey opener6:30 a.m.7:55 p.m.6:00 a.m.8:25 p.m.7:55 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 Lamprey Pass WMA

Dirt road through bare oak woods with late snow near Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area, Anoka County
Dirt road through bare oak woods with late snow near Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area, Anoka County
Red sunset sky reflected on Golden Lake in Anoka County
Red sunset sky reflected on Golden Lake in Anoka County
American woodcock camouflaged in leaves
American woodcock camouflaged in leaves

Similar public land near Lamprey Pass WMA

WMA

Carlos Avery WMA

24,598 ac, 4 mi

WMA

Hardwood Creek WMA

583 ac, 5 mi

WMA

Paul Hugo Farms WMA

357 ac, 8 mi

WMA

Gordie Mikkelson WMA

860 ac, 9 mi

Wildlife management areasState forestsGrouse management areas

Lamprey Pass WMA questions answered from its record

What are the legal shooting hours at Lamprey Pass WMA?

On the Nov. 7 firearms opener, legal deer hours at Lamprey Pass WMA run 6:28 a.m. to 5:24 p.m..

If Lamprey Pass WMA is full, where is the next public land?

Public ground nearest by straight line: Carlos Avery WMA (4.2 mi), Hardwood Creek WMA (5.4 mi) and Paul Hugo Farms WMA (7.9 mi).

Are tree stands allowed on Lamprey Pass WMA, and for how long?

No. Portable stands and blinds come off Lamprey Pass WMA every day (northwest Minnesota has an overnight exception Nov. 1-Dec. 31), and no equipment stays overnight.

Lamprey Pass WMA: is overnight camping allowed?

Not unless DNR designates a site or issues a permit; WMA rules bar other camping.

Is hunting legal on Lamprey Pass 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 Lamprey Pass WMA offer?

1,277 acres.

What DPA is Lamprey Pass WMA, and what is its designation?

DPA 236 (200 series, 3-deer limit). Firearms deer runs Nov 7 to Nov 15, 2026 there.

What animals can be hunted at Lamprey Pass WMA?

Deer, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, pheasant, waterfowl, wild turkey and mourning dove, according to the agency page for Lamprey Pass WMA.

How do hunters reach Lamprey Pass WMA?

2 miles west of Forest Lake on Hwy 97 crossing I-35, then 1/2 mile north on W. Freeway Dr. Lots mapped: 3.

Who holds title to Lamprey Pass WMA?

Land manager for Lamprey Pass WMA: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, North Metro office.

Does chronic wasting disease testing apply on Lamprey Pass WMA?

DPA 236 is outside the CWD zones, with optional testing.

Last checks before driving to Lamprey Pass WMA

Boundaries on the ground beat any web page; watch for posted refuge areas on Lamprey Pass WMA.

All pinsFull listAnoka CountyDPA 236Wildlife management areasAgency page

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-SA 2.0); Me in ME (CC BY 2.0); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Midwest Region (Public domain).