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WMA · South region
Oleander Wildlife Management Area hunting, 2026-27
Seasons, access rules and the nearest towns for this wildlife management area in Kandiyohi County.
Photo: Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Getting to Oleander Wildlife Management Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near Oleander Wildlife Management Area
- Parking areaParking · 0.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 0.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.5 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.6 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.3 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 Oleander WMA
Oleander WMA adds 403 acres of public ground to Kandiyohi County. Line up the 30 wildlife management areas in Kandiyohi County by acres and Oleander WMA comes 8th. Its deer permit area is 277; the 2026 designation there is 3-deer limit.
DNR runs Oleander WMA from its New London area office; email newlondon.wildlife@state.mn.us. Federal aid noted by DNR for Oleander WMA: Pittman-Robertson.
In DNR's words: Some of the old non-native grasslands will be converted to native grass in the near future. There are 40 acres of restored prairie on the far east side of the WMA. Native remnant prairie exists on the eastern and northern fringe of the large wetland.
Species on the record: deer, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, pheasant, waterfowl, wild turkey, mourning dove.
- White-tailed Deer
- Eastern Cottontail
- Gray Squirrel
- Snowshoe Hare
- Ruffed Grouse
- American Woodcock
- Ring-necked Pheasant
- Ducks
From the agency record (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Oleander Wildlife Management Area
Oleander WMA route text and lots
Use these DNR directions to find Oleander WMA; the map pins its 1 parking point.
| Section | Acres | Town | Hunting | Lots | DNR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oleander WMA | 403 | Sunburg | Open | 1 | DNR |
- Oleander WMA: Travel north on C.R. # 36 from its junction with Mn # 9 a distance of 1.3 miles then turn right on the township road and travel 1.2 miles to the south end of unit, north side rd. An access trail enters the unit at its south end which goes north to a parking area. There is parking lot off the township road on the east side of the WMA. It is situated next to a walk-in access trail entering the east side of the unit back into the old farm grove.
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Oleander WMA access rules
The rows below restate the access rules on the agency record for Oleander 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.
Oleander WMA and deer permit area 277
The 2026 designation for DPA 277 is 3-deer limit; firearms dates follow the 200-series window. DPA 277 allows 3 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 | |
| Early antlerless | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Firearms, 200 series | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | |
| Muzzleloader | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 |
It is also in the 2026 surveillance block, with mandatory CWD sampling Nov. 7-8. The DPA covers 1,147 square miles. DPA 277 counties: Kandiyohi, Meeker, Pope, Swift and Stearns.
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Seasons open on Oleander WMA
Dated seasons that apply on Oleander WMA (45 rows), with today's status in the last column.
| Quarry | Season | Where | Opening | Closing | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | DPA 277 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Early antlerless | DPA 277 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPA 277 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 200 series | DPA 277 | 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 | |
| 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 | |
| Woodcock | Regular | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Nov 2, 2026 | |
| 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 |
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 277 harvest, the area around Oleander WMA
Harvest numbers below are DPA 277 totals (4,575 in 2025), the closest DNR figure for Oleander WMA.
| Season | Bucks (adult) | Others | Registered | Per sq mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2,281 | 2,294 | 4,575 | 4.32 |
| 2024 | 2,360 | 1,941 | 4,301 | 4.07 |
| 2023 | 1,905 | 2,108 | 4,013 | 3.79 |
| 2022 | 2,085 | 2,690 | 4,775 | 4.51 |
| 2021 | 2,325 | 2,759 | 5,084 | 4.81 |
| 2020 | 2,051 | 2,129 | 4,180 | 5.15 |
| 2019 | 1,873 | 1,220 | 3,093 | 3.81 |
| 2018 | 1,668 | 1,317 | 2,985 | 3.68 |
| 2017 | 1,630 | 1,356 | 2,986 | 3.68 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Oleander WMA on the map with nearby land
Big pins mark Oleander WMA and its parking; Randall WPA is the nearest neighbor at 1.2 mi.
| Neighbor | Category | Acreage | DPA | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randall WPA | WPA | 747 | 277 | 1.2 mi | north |
| Sunburg WPA | WPA | 257 | 277 | 2.1 mi | southwest |
| Freese WPA | WPA | 442 | 277 | 2.2 mi | east |
| Brenner Lake WPA | WPA | 272 | 277 | 2.8 mi | northwest |
| Little Jo WMA | WMA | 301 | 277 | 2.9 mi | north |
| Brenner Lake WPA | WPA | 77 | 277 | 3.2 mi | northwest |
| Sunburg WMA | WMA | 109 | 277 | 3.5 mi | southwest |
| Cabinrock WMA | WMA | 259 | 277 | 3.5 mi | south |
Points: DNR WMA detail page map point (Compass feature_detail). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
What Kandiyohi County adds to a Oleander WMA trip
Oleander WMA is one of 99 public places we list in Kandiyohi County. Kandiyohi County is on the shotgun-only ordinance list: shotgun-only ordinance. Bear licenses in Kandiyohi County are no-quota, sold over the counter. Turkey: permit area 507 and 506. Area wildlife office: New London Area Wildlife Office ((320) 347-7630). Do not mistake Oleander WMA for closed Kandiyohi County ground such as Florida 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 Oleander WMA
From Oleander WMA the nearest town is Sunburg (2.6 mi). New London, with 1,316 residents, is the biggest town on the list. On the DNR record, the reference town is Sunburg. DNR staff closest to Oleander WMA work out of New London (9.0 mi).
| Place | County | Population | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunburg | Kandiyohi | 95 | 2.6 mi | southwest |
| Brooten | Stearns | 646 | 9.6 mi | northeast |
| Belgrade | Stearns | 742 | 11 mi | northeast |
| New London | Kandiyohi | 1,316 | 14 mi | southeast |
| Kerkhoven | Swift | 783 | 14 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 Oleander Wildlife Management Area
Willmar Rifle & Pistol Club, 17 miles away, is the nearest range to Oleander 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.
Oleander WMA legal light on key dates
Legal light at Oleander 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 | 7:03 a.m. | 7:27 p.m. | 6:33 a.m. | 7:57 p.m. | 7:27 p.m. |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Duck opener | 7:11 a.m. | 7:13 p.m. | 6:41 a.m. | 7:43 p.m. | 7:13 p.m. |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Pheasant opener | 7:29 a.m. | 6:47 p.m. | 6:59 a.m. | 7:17 p.m. | 6:47 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 7:07 a.m. | 5:02 p.m. | 6:37 a.m. | 5:32 p.m. | 5:02 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:36 a.m. | 4:42 p.m. | 7:06 a.m. | 5:12 p.m. | 4:42 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 8:00 a.m. | 4:46 p.m. | 7:30 a.m. | 5:16 p.m. | 4:46 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:39 a.m. | 8:04 p.m. | 6:09 a.m. | 8:34 p.m. | 8:04 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 Oleander WMA
Oleander WMA questions answered from its record
How do hunters reach Oleander WMA?
Travel north on C.R. # 36 from its junction with Mn # 9 a distance of 1.3 miles then turn right on the township road and travel 1.2 miles to the south end of unit, north side rd. Lots mapped: 1.
Who holds title to Oleander WMA?
Land manager for Oleander WMA: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, New London office.
Does chronic wasting disease testing apply on Oleander WMA?
DPA 277 is in the 2026 surveillance block (mandatory sampling Nov. 7-8).
What are the legal shooting hours at Oleander WMA?
On the Nov. 7 firearms opener, legal deer hours at Oleander WMA run 6:37 a.m. to 5:32 p.m..
If Oleander WMA is full, where is the next public land?
Public ground nearest by straight line: Randall WPA (1.2 mi), Sunburg WPA (2.1 mi) and Freese WPA (2.2 mi).
Are tree stands allowed on Oleander WMA, and for how long?
No. Portable stands and blinds come off Oleander WMA every day (northwest Minnesota has an overnight exception Nov. 1-Dec. 31), and no equipment stays overnight.
Oleander WMA: is overnight camping allowed?
Not unless DNR designates a site or issues a permit; WMA rules bar other camping.
Is hunting legal on Oleander 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 Oleander WMA offer?
403 acres.
What DPA is Oleander WMA, and what is its designation?
DPA 277 (200 series, 3-deer limit). Firearms deer runs Nov 7 to Nov 15, 2026 there.
What animals can be hunted at Oleander WMA?
Deer, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, pheasant, waterfowl, wild turkey and mourning dove, according to the agency page for Oleander WMA.
Other photos on this page: Cindy Sue Causey (CC BY 2.0); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Midwest Region (Public domain); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Public Domain Mark 1.0).