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WMA · Northeast region
Little Willow River Wildlife Management Area hunting, 2026-27
Seasons, access rules and the nearest towns for this wildlife management area in Aitkin County.
Photo: Lorie Shaull (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to Little Willow River Wildlife Management Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near Little Willow River Wildlife Management Area
- Parking areaParking · 0.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.7 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 Willow River WMA
Little Willow River WMA adds 1,860 acres of public ground to Aitkin County. Line up the 27 wildlife management areas in Aitkin County by acres and Little Willow River WMA comes 7th. It is made of 2 subunits, Main Unit (1,786 ac) and Round Lake Unit (74 ac).
Its deer permit area is 171; the 2026 designation there is antlerless permit lottery. DNR runs Little Willow River WMA from its Aitkin area office; email aitkin.wildlife@state.mn.us.
In DNR's words: This is a cooperative WMA with Aitkin County. On this unit the impoundments are managed for waterfowl while the timber types are managed for deer, bear, ruffed grouse and woodcock.
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 Willow River Wildlife Management Area
Little Willow River WMA route text and lots
Use these DNR directions to find Little Willow River WMA; the map pins its 4 parking points.
- Main Unit: From Palisade; East access: 8.5 miles W. on Co. Rd. 3 then 1.5 miles S. on Co. Rd. 1, both sides of road. Impoundment access: 10.5 miles W. on Co. Rd. 3 then 1 mile S. on 400th Place, take trail to east. Limited wheelchair access at the parking areas and entrance roads.
- Round Lake Unit: From Palisade go 8 miles W. on Co. Rd. 3, N. side of road.
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Little Willow River WMA access rules
The rows below restate the access rules on the agency record for Little Willow 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 |
- No wild rice harvesting allowed. Permits are required for beaver and otter trapping. Respect private property on adjacent lands.
Sources: record, agency rules; booklet: 2026-2027 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations. Checked October 28, 2026.
Little Willow River WMA and deer permit area 171
The 2026 designation for DPA 171 is antlerless permit lottery, and 500 antlerless permits go out by lottery; firearms dates follow the 100-series window. Antlerless deer in DPA 171 need a lottery permit for the firearms seasons; the declaration deadline was Sept. 10.
| Hunt | First day | Last day | Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Youth deer | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Firearms, 100 series | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | |
| Muzzleloader | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 |
CWD sampling in DPA 171 is voluntary. The DPA covers 769 square miles. DPA 171 counties: Aitkin, Cass and Crow Wing.
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Seasons open on Little Willow River WMA
Dated seasons that apply on Little Willow River WMA (44 rows), with today's status in the last column.
| Quarry | Season | Where | Opening | Closing | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | DPA 171 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPA 171 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 100 series | DPA 171 | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | Statewide | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Black bear | No-quota area | No Quota Area | Sep 1, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Quota areas | Quota area 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 171 harvest, the area around Little Willow River WMA
Harvest numbers below are DPA 171 totals (1,165 in 2025), the closest DNR figure for Little Willow River WMA.
| Season | Bucks (adult) | Others | Registered | Per sq mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 959 | 206 | 1,165 | 1.57 |
| 2024 | 880 | 188 | 1,068 | 1.44 |
| 2023 | 664 | 155 | 819 | 1.11 |
| 2022 | 632 | 348 | 980 | 1.32 |
| 2021 | 746 | 386 | 1,132 | 1.53 |
| 2020 | 460 | 604 | 1,064 | 1.70 |
| 2019 | 626 | 651 | 1,277 | 2.04 |
| 2018 | 916 | 853 | 1,769 | 2.52 |
| 2017 | 1,161 | 1,544 | 2,705 | 3.86 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Little Willow River WMA on the map with nearby land
Big pins mark Little Willow River WMA and its parking; Waukenabo State Forest is the nearest neighbor at 2.1 mi.
| Neighbor | Category | Acreage | DPA | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukenabo State Forest | State forest | 15,624 | 155, 171 | 2.1 mi | southeast |
| Deer Run WMA | WMA | 699 | 171 | 7.1 mi | south |
| Birchdale WMA | WMA | 1,426 | 171 | 7.2 mi | west |
| Gun Lake WMA | WMA | 829 | 171 | 8.7 mi | east |
| French Lake WMA | WMA | 535 | 171 | 8.9 mi | southeast |
| Duck Lake WMA | WMA | 1,041 | 171 | 9.2 mi | west |
| Upper Dean WMA | WMA | 40 | 604 | 9.5 mi | southwest |
| Aitkin WMA | WMA | 3,412 | 155 | 9.9 mi | southeast |
Points: DNR WMA boundary layer (point inside polygon (centroid falls outside) of the largest part). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
What Aitkin County adds to a Little Willow River WMA trip
Little Willow River WMA is one of 43 public places we list in Aitkin County. Feeding ban: Aitkin County is inside it. Quota bear area 51 overlaps the county (51 (1500 permits)). Turkey: permit area 508. Area wildlife office: Aitkin Area Wildlife Office ((218) 429-3053). Do not mistake Little Willow River WMA for closed Aitkin County ground such as Cedar Lake Aquatic Management Area and Glacier 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 Willow River WMA
From Little Willow River WMA the nearest town is Palisade (10.0 mi). Crosby, with 2,328 residents, is the biggest town on the list. On the DNR record, the reference town is Palisade. DNR staff closest to Little Willow River WMA work out of Aitkin (13 mi).
| Place | County | Population | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palisade | Aitkin | 169 | 10.0 mi | east |
| Aitkin | Aitkin | 2,174 | 12 mi | south |
| Emily | Crow Wing | 863 | 14 mi | west |
| Cuyuna | Crow Wing | 327 | 17 mi | southwest |
| Crosby | Crow Wing | 2,328 | 19 mi | southwest |
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 Willow River Wildlife Management Area
Moose-Willow Sportsmen Club, 14 miles away, is the nearest range to Little Willow 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 Willow River WMA legal light on key dates
Legal light at Little Willow 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 | 6:56 a.m. | 7:21 p.m. | 6:26 a.m. | 7:51 p.m. | 7:21 p.m. |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Duck opener | 7:05 a.m. | 7:07 p.m. | 6:35 a.m. | 7:37 p.m. | 7:07 p.m. |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Pheasant opener | 7:24 a.m. | 6:39 p.m. | 6:54 a.m. | 7:09 p.m. | 6:39 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 7:05 a.m. | 4:53 p.m. | 6:35 a.m. | 5:23 p.m. | 4:53 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:35 a.m. | 4:32 p.m. | 7:05 a.m. | 5:02 p.m. | 4:32 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 7:59 a.m. | 4:35 p.m. | 7:29 a.m. | 5:05 p.m. | 4:35 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:31 a.m. | 8:00 p.m. | 6:01 a.m. | 8:30 p.m. | 8:00 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 Willow River WMA
Little Willow River WMA questions answered from its record
Is hunting legal on Little Willow 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 Willow River WMA offer?
1,860 acres in 2 subunits.
What DPA is Little Willow River WMA, and what is its designation?
DPA 171 (100 series, antlerless permit lottery). Firearms deer runs Nov 7 to Nov 22, 2026 there.
What animals can be hunted at Little Willow River WMA?
Deer, black bear, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, waterfowl and wild turkey, according to the agency page for Little Willow River WMA.
How do hunters reach Little Willow River WMA?
From Palisade; East access: 8.5 miles W. on Co. Rd. 3 then 1.5 miles S. on Co. Rd. 1, both sides of road. Impoundment access: 10.5 miles W. on Co. Rd. 3 then 1 mile S. on 400th Place, take trail to east. Lots mapped: 4.
Who holds title to Little Willow River WMA?
Land manager for Little Willow River WMA: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Aitkin office.
Does chronic wasting disease testing apply on Little Willow River WMA?
DPA 171 is outside the CWD zones, with optional testing.
What are the legal shooting hours at Little Willow River WMA?
On the Nov. 7 firearms opener, legal deer hours at Little Willow River WMA run 6:35 a.m. to 5:23 p.m..
If Little Willow River WMA is full, where is the next public land?
Public ground nearest by straight line: Waukenabo State Forest (2.1 mi), Deer Run WMA (7.1 mi) and Birchdale WMA (7.2 mi).
Are tree stands allowed on Little Willow River WMA, and for how long?
No. Portable stands and blinds come off Little Willow River WMA every day (northwest Minnesota has an overnight exception Nov. 1-Dec. 31), and no equipment stays overnight.
Little Willow River WMA: is overnight camping allowed?
Not unless DNR designates a site or issues a permit; WMA rules bar other camping.
Last checks before driving to Little Willow River WMA
Boundaries on the ground beat any web page; watch for posted refuge areas on Little Willow 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: USFWS Headquarters (CC BY 2.0); Alabama Extension (CC0 1.0); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Midwest Region (Public domain).