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WMA · Northeast region
Little Nokasippi River Wildlife Management Area hunting, 2026-27
Seasons, access rules and the nearest towns for this wildlife management area in Crow Wing County.
Photo: Sharon Mollerus (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to Little Nokasippi River Wildlife Management Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near Little Nokasippi River Wildlife Management Area
- Parking areaParking · 3.1 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 Little Nokasippi River WMA
Little Nokasippi River WMA adds 481 acres of public ground to Crow Wing County. Line up the 19 wildlife management areas in Crow Wing County by acres and Little Nokasippi River WMA comes 4th. Its deer permit area is 249; the 2026 designation there is 2-deer limit.
DNR runs Little Nokasippi River WMA from its Brainerd area office; email brainerd.wildlife@state.mn.us. Federal aid noted by DNR for Little Nokasippi River WMA: NAWCA MN Headwaters 1.
Species on the record: deer, black bear, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, waterfowl, wild turkey.
- White-tailed Deer
- Black Bear
- Eastern Cottontail
- Gray Squirrel
- Snowshoe Hare
- Ruffed Grouse
- American Woodcock
- Ducks
From the agency record (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Little Nokasippi River Wildlife Management Area
Little Nokasippi River WMA route text and lots
Use these DNR directions to find Little Nokasippi River WMA; the map pins its 2 parking points.
| Section | Acres | Town | Hunting | Lots | DNR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Nokasippi River WMA | 481 | Fort Ripley | Open | 2 | DNR |
- Little Nokasippi River WMA: From the town of Fort Ripley, 0.7 miles north on St. Hwy. 371, east on Over-the-hill Township Road to the southern boundary where there are two parking areas available off of this road. One gravel parking lot is located in the northwest corner of the unit and there are two small parking areas available off of Over-the-Hill Township road.
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Little Nokasippi River WMA access rules
The rows below restate the access rules on the agency record for Little Nokasippi River 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.
Little Nokasippi River WMA and deer permit area 249
The 2026 designation for DPA 249 is 2-deer limit; firearms dates follow the 200-series window. DPA 249 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 249 is voluntary. The DPA covers 723 square miles. DPA 249 counties: Crow Wing, Morrison, Mille Lacs and Aitkin.
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Seasons open on Little Nokasippi River WMA
Dated seasons that apply on Little Nokasippi River WMA (43 rows), with today's status in the last column.
| Quarry | Season | Where | Opening | Closing | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | DPA 249 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPA 249 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 200 series | DPA 249 | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | Statewide | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Quota areas | Quota areas 45, 46, 51 | Sep 1, 2026 | Oct 18, 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 249 harvest, the area around Little Nokasippi River WMA
Harvest numbers below are DPA 249 totals (3,126 in 2025), the closest DNR figure for Little Nokasippi River WMA.
| Season | Bucks (adult) | Others | Registered | Per sq mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1,579 | 1,547 | 3,126 | 6.30 |
| 2024 | 1,516 | 1,256 | 2,772 | 5.59 |
| 2023 | 1,198 | 1,341 | 2,539 | 5.12 |
| 2022 | 1,289 | 1,374 | 2,663 | 5.37 |
| 2021 | 1,429 | 1,565 | 2,994 | 6.04 |
| 2020 | 1,610 | 1,825 | 3,435 | 6.93 |
| 2019 | 1,430 | 1,078 | 2,508 | 5.06 |
| 2018 | 1,233 | 1,316 | 2,549 | 5.08 |
| 2017 | 1,414 | 1,517 | 2,931 | 5.84 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Little Nokasippi River WMA on the map with nearby land
Big pins mark Little Nokasippi River WMA and its parking; Camp Ripley is the nearest neighbor at 3.9 mi.
| Neighbor | Category | Acreage | DPA | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Ripley | Military land | 52,340 | 248 | 3.9 mi | northwest |
| Crow Wing State Park | State park | 2,648 | 248, 249 | 6.5 mi | north |
| Camp Ripley RGMA | RGMA | 400 | 248 | 7.7 mi | northwest |
| Otter Point WMA | WMA | 34 | 221 | 8.8 mi | south |
| Ray Cook WMA | WMA | 252 | 249 | 9.8 mi | northeast |
| Stanchfield Lake WMA | WMA | 83 | 248 | 11 mi | northwest |
| Lake Alexander Woods SNA | SNA | 1,988 | 248 | 11 mi | west |
| Shamineau Lake AMA | AMA | 46 | 248 | 12 mi | west |
Points: DNR WMA detail page map point (Compass feature_detail). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
What Crow Wing County adds to a Little Nokasippi River WMA trip
Little Nokasippi River WMA is one of 49 public places we list in Crow Wing County. Feeding ban: Crow Wing County is inside it. Quota bear area 45, 51 and 46 overlaps the county (45 (700 permits), 51 (1500 permits) and 46 (950 permits)). Turkey: permit area 508 and 507. Area wildlife office: Brainerd Area Wildlife Office ((218) 203-4323). Do not mistake Little Nokasippi River WMA for closed Crow Wing County ground such as Borden Creek Aquatic Management Area and Hubert Lake 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 Little Nokasippi River WMA
From Little Nokasippi River WMA the nearest town is Fort Ripley (1.5 mi). Little Falls, with 9,206 residents, is the biggest town on the list. On the DNR record, the reference town is Fort Ripley. DNR staff closest to Little Nokasippi River WMA work out of Brainerd (13 mi).
| Place | County | Population | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Ripley | Crow Wing | 82 | 1.5 mi | southwest |
| Randall | Morrison | 614 | 9.8 mi | southwest |
| Baxter | Crow Wing | 9,186 | 12 mi | north |
| Pillager | Cass | 531 | 12 mi | northwest |
| Little Falls | Morrison | 9,206 | 14 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 Little Nokasippi River Wildlife Management Area
PointBlank Gun Training Outdoor Range Facility, 12 miles away, is the nearest range to Little Nokasippi River 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.
Little Nokasippi River WMA legal light on key dates
Legal light at Little Nokasippi River 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 | 6:59 a.m. | 7:24 p.m. | 6:29 a.m. | 7:54 p.m. | 7:24 p.m. |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Duck opener | 7:08 a.m. | 7:10 p.m. | 6:38 a.m. | 7:40 p.m. | 7:10 p.m. |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Pheasant opener | 7:26 a.m. | 6:43 p.m. | 6:56 a.m. | 7:13 p.m. | 6:43 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 7:06 a.m. | 4:57 p.m. | 6:36 a.m. | 5:27 p.m. | 4:57 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:35 a.m. | 4:36 p.m. | 7:05 a.m. | 5:06 p.m. | 4:36 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 8:00 a.m. | 4:40 p.m. | 7:30 a.m. | 5:10 p.m. | 4:40 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:34 a.m. | 8:01 p.m. | 6:04 a.m. | 8:31 p.m. | 8:01 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 Little Nokasippi River WMA
Little Nokasippi River WMA questions answered from its record
Who holds title to Little Nokasippi River WMA?
Land manager for Little Nokasippi River WMA: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Brainerd office.
Does chronic wasting disease testing apply on Little Nokasippi River WMA?
DPA 249 is outside the CWD zones, with optional testing.
What are the legal shooting hours at Little Nokasippi River WMA?
On the Nov. 7 firearms opener, legal deer hours at Little Nokasippi River WMA run 6:36 a.m. to 5:27 p.m..
If Little Nokasippi River WMA is full, where is the next public land?
Public ground nearest by straight line: Camp Ripley (3.9 mi), Crow Wing State Park (6.5 mi) and Camp Ripley RGMA (7.7 mi).
Are tree stands allowed on Little Nokasippi River WMA, and for how long?
No. Portable stands and blinds come off Little Nokasippi River WMA every day (northwest Minnesota has an overnight exception Nov. 1-Dec. 31), and no equipment stays overnight.
Little Nokasippi River WMA: is overnight camping allowed?
Not unless DNR designates a site or issues a permit; WMA rules bar other camping.
Is hunting legal on Little Nokasippi River 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 Little Nokasippi River WMA offer?
481 acres.
What DPA is Little Nokasippi River WMA, and what is its designation?
DPA 249 (200 series, 2-deer limit). Firearms deer runs Nov 7 to Nov 15, 2026 there.
What animals can be hunted at Little Nokasippi River WMA?
Deer, black bear, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, waterfowl and wild turkey, according to the agency page for Little Nokasippi River WMA.
How do hunters reach Little Nokasippi River WMA?
From the town of Fort Ripley, 0.7 miles north on St. Hwy. 371, east on Over-the-hill Township Road to the southern boundary where there are two parking areas available off of this road. Lots mapped: 2.
Last checks before driving to Little Nokasippi River WMA
Boundaries on the ground beat any web page; watch for posted refuge areas on Little Nokasippi River 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: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Midwest Region (Public domain); Pictures by Ann (CC BY 2.0); USFWS Midwest Region (Public Domain Mark 1.0).