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Minnesota WMA
Lyons Wildlife Management Area: seasons, rules and access
572 acres of wildlife management area ground in Lyon County, deer permit area 288.
Photo: Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Getting to Lyons Wildlife Management Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near Lyons Wildlife Management Area
- Parking areaParking · 2.7 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.9 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.4 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.
Lyons WMA on paper: the record in brief
Lyons WMA covers 572 acres in Lyon County. Among Lyon County’s 50 wildlife management areas, it sits 8th for acres. The 2026 deer designation for DPA 288 is either-sex.
Management sits with the Marshall area wildlife staff, reachable at marshall.wildlife@state.mn.us. Federal aid on file for Lyons WMA: Pittman-Robertson.
Hunted here: deer, small game, pheasant, waterfowl, mourning dove.
- White-tailed Deer
- Eastern Cottontail
- Gray Squirrel
- Snowshoe Hare
- Ring-necked Pheasant
- Ducks
- Canada Goose
- Mourning Dove
From the agency record (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Lyons Wildlife Management Area
Getting into Lyons WMA
Directions and parking for Lyons WMA as the DNR detail pages give them (0 parking points mapped).
| Piece | Acres | Town | Status | Lots | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lyons WMA | 572 | Balaton | Open | – | DNR |
- Lyons WMA: From Balaton, go 3 miles N on CSAH 5 then 1/2 mile W on CR 60
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Use rules to read before hunting Lyons WMA
Lyons WMA follows the rules below on top of the statewide booklet.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| 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.
Lyons WMA deer rules: DPA 288
DPA 288 is a 200-series area set to either-sex for 2026. A buck or a doe both count in DPA 288 this year.
| Deer season | Opening | Closing | Right 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 |
Surveillance block: bring adult deer taken Nov. 7-8 for sampling. At 630 square miles, DPA 288 is the unit deer rules follow. All of DPA 288 sits inside Lyon County.
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Lyons WMA dates, species by species
Season rows matched to Lyons WMA by its game species list; trapping-only seasons are on the species pages.
| Species | Hunt | Zone | First day | Last day | Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | DPA 288 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPA 288 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 200 series | DPA 288 | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | Statewide | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| 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 | |
| Mourning dove | Regular | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 29, 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 |
Zone rows for ducks and furbearers depend on map lines, not on this unit; DNR draws them along highways.
From the 2026-2027 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026. All Minnesota seasons.
Harvest trend near Lyons WMA
In 2025 hunters registered 731 deer across DPA 288 (1.17 per square mile); the table runs back to 2017.
| Season | Adult males | Antlerless and fawns | DPA total | Deer per sq mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 459 | 272 | 731 | 1.17 |
| 2024 | 459 | 175 | 634 | 1.02 |
| 2023 | 344 | 212 | 556 | 0.89 |
| 2022 | 383 | 243 | 626 | 1.00 |
| 2021 | 453 | 211 | 664 | 1.06 |
| 2020 | 446 | 264 | 710 | 1.14 |
| 2019 | 403 | 245 | 648 | 1.04 |
| 2018 | 369 | 288 | 657 | 1.05 |
| 2017 | 421 | 253 | 674 | 1.08 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Lyons WMA and the public ground around it
Straight-line distances run from the Lyons WMA map point; Lyrock WMA (1.8 mi, west) leads the list.
| Nearby | Kind | Acres | DPA | Miles | Heading |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lyrock WMA | WMA | 55 | 288 | 1.8 mi | west |
| Ringneck Ravine WMA | WMA | 69 | 288 | 2.1 mi | north |
| Richard Dwire WMA | WMA | 40 | 288 | 2.2 mi | northwest |
| Sodus WMA | WMA | 757 | 288 | 2.2 mi | east |
| Happy Hollow WMA | WMA | 19 | 288 | 2.5 mi | south |
| Rock Lake Marsh WMA | WMA | 100 | 288 | 2.9 mi | southwest |
| Dayland Marsh WMA | WMA | 21 | 288 | 2.9 mi | southeast |
| Big Stone WMD | Wetland district | 4,267 | 286, 288 | 2.9 mi | northwest |
Points: DNR WMA detail page map point (Compass feature_detail). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
Lyon County around Lyons WMA
In Lyon County there are 61 records like Lyons WMA to choose from. For bear, Lyon County is no-quota. Turkey permit area 504 covers the county. Marshall Area Wildlife Office (Marshall) is the closest area wildlife office to the county centre. Watch for closed ground in Lyon County such as Glynn Prairie Scientific and Natural Area.
County acres from DNR and federal GIS layers (counties.json); zones from the 2026-2027 booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Gas, food and processors near Lyons WMA
Closest town: Russell, 3.8 mi in a straight line from Lyons WMA. Most services: Balaton, population 585. The unit page lists Balaton as nearest town. The nearest DNR office is Marshall Area Wildlife Office in Marshall, 14 mi away.
| Town | County | 2024 population | Away | Which way |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russell | Lyon | 356 | 3.8 mi | northwest |
| Balaton | Lyon | 585 | 4.2 mi | south |
| Lynd | Lyon | 435 | 7.5 mi | north |
| Garvin | Lyon | 117 | 8.1 mi | southeast |
| Florence | Lyon | 21 | 9.4 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.
Before Lyons Wildlife Management Area: where to check a zero
Hunters on Lyons Wildlife Management Area can sight in at Peaceful Acres Sporting Clays (13 miles), the nearest listing. Target shooting is not allowed on the property itself.
From the operators’ pages and directory listings, checked October 28, 2026; target shooting rule from the DNR WMA rules.
Legal hunting hours worked out for Lyons WMA
Shooting starts 30 minutes before sunrise at Lyons WMA; the two closing columns split big game from birds.
| Date | Season | Sunrise | Sunset | First shot | Last, big game | Last, birds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 19, 2026 | Archery and grouse opener | 7:06 a.m. | 7:29 p.m. | 6:36 a.m. | 7:59 p.m. | 7:29 p.m. |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Duck opener | 7:14 a.m. | 7:16 p.m. | 6:44 a.m. | 7:46 p.m. | 7:16 p.m. |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Pheasant opener | 7:30 a.m. | 6:50 p.m. | 7:00 a.m. | 7:20 p.m. | 6:50 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 7:08 a.m. | 5:07 p.m. | 6:38 a.m. | 5:37 p.m. | 5:07 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:35 a.m. | 4:48 p.m. | 7:05 a.m. | 5:18 p.m. | 4:48 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 7:59 a.m. | 4:53 p.m. | 7:29 a.m. | 5:23 p.m. | 4:53 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:43 a.m. | 8:05 p.m. | 6:13 a.m. | 8:35 p.m. | 8:05 p.m. |
Early teal runs sunrise to sunset.
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.
Pictures that suit a day on Lyons WMA
Quick answers before you hunt Lyons WMA
Do deer from Lyons WMA need CWD testing?
Its DPA (288) is in the 2026 surveillance block (mandatory sampling Nov. 7-8).
Who manages Lyons WMA?
Lyons WMA is managed by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, from its Marshall office.
Where can I hunt public land close to Lyons WMA?
The nearest public units are Lyrock WMA (1.8 mi), Ringneck Ravine WMA (2.1 mi) and Richard Dwire WMA (2.2 mi).
When is legal light on Lyons WMA for the opener?
For the opener, 6:38 a.m. to 5:37 p.m.; birds stop at 5:07 p.m..
Is camping at Lyons WMA allowed under WMA rules?
Camping is limited to designated areas or a DNR permit.
Can decoys or gear stay on Lyons WMA overnight?
Stands are portable-only and leave with you; the one exception is the northwest overnight window from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31.
Lyons WMA size: how much huntable ground?
Lyons WMA covers 572 acres.
May the public hunt Lyons WMA?
Yes. The DNR WMA rules allow hunting and trapping in season on Lyons WMA.
What can you hunt on Lyons WMA?
Expect deer, small game, pheasant, waterfowl and mourning dove on Lyons WMA, per the record.
What are the 2026 deer rules on Lyons WMA?
It is in deer permit area 288 (either-sex). Guns: Nov 7 to Nov 15, 2026.
What route leads to Lyons WMA?
From Balaton, go 3 miles N on CSAH 5 then 1/2 mile W on CR 60 Parking points on file: 0.
Lyons WMA: what to double-check first
Seasons, closures and notices on Lyons WMA can change mid-season; posted signs and the agency page have the final word.
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: Michel Curi (CC BY 2.0); Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0); cuatrok77 (CC BY-SA 2.0).