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Phyllis Voosen Wildlife Management Area: seasons, rules and access
968 acres of wildlife management area ground in Redwood County, deer permit area 289.
Photo: Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Getting to Phyllis Voosen Wildlife Management Area
Phyllis Voosen WMA on paper: the record in brief
Phyllis Voosen WMA covers 968 acres in Redwood County. Among Redwood County’s 27 wildlife management areas, it sits 2nd for acres. The 2026 deer designation for DPA 289 is 2-deer limit.
Management sits with the New Ulm area wildlife staff, reachable at newlondon.wildlife@state.mn.us. Federal aid on file for Phyllis Voosen WMA: NAWCA SWIM 2012; OHF.
Hunted here: deer, small game, pheasant, waterfowl, wild turkey, mourning dove.
- White-tailed Deer
- Eastern Cottontail
- Gray Squirrel
- Snowshoe Hare
- Ring-necked Pheasant
- Ducks
- Canada Goose
- Wild Turkey
From the agency record (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Phyllis Voosen Wildlife Management Area
Getting into Phyllis Voosen WMA
Directions and parking for Phyllis Voosen WMA as the DNR detail pages give them (0 parking points mapped).
| Piece | Acres | Town | Status | Lots | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phyllis Voosen WMA | 968 | Vesta | Open | – | DNR |
- Phyllis Voosen WMA: From Vesta take CSAH 30 W 2.5 mi to Dayton Ave. Go S on Dayton Ave .5 miles, WMA will be on the E side of the road.
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Use rules to read before hunting Phyllis Voosen WMA
Phyllis Voosen 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.
Phyllis Voosen WMA deer rules: DPA 289
DPA 289 is a 200-series area set to 2-deer limit for 2026. The 2-deer limit in DPA 289 is reached with bonus permits on top of the regular license.
| 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 821 square miles, DPA 289 is the unit deer rules follow. DPA 289 overlaps Redwood, Yellow Medicine, Brown and Lyon.
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Phyllis Voosen WMA dates, species by species
Season rows matched to Phyllis Voosen 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 289 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPA 289 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 200 series | DPA 289 | 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 | |
| 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 Phyllis Voosen WMA
In 2025 hunters registered 558 deer across DPA 289 (0.68 per square mile); the table runs back to 2017.
| Season | Adult males | Antlerless and fawns | DPA total | Deer per sq mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 306 | 252 | 558 | 0.68 |
| 2024 | 313 | 213 | 526 | 0.65 |
| 2023 | 260 | 252 | 512 | 0.63 |
| 2022 | 272 | 179 | 451 | 0.55 |
| 2021 | 253 | 143 | 396 | 0.49 |
| 2020 | 236 | 149 | 385 | 0.47 |
| 2019 | 250 | 134 | 384 | 0.47 |
| 2018 | 201 | 125 | 326 | 0.40 |
| 2017 | 255 | 160 | 415 | 0.51 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Phyllis Voosen WMA and the public ground around it
Straight-line distances run from the Phyllis Voosen WMA map point; Faxvog WMA (1.3 mi, east) leads the list.
| Nearby | Kind | Acres | DPA | Miles | Heading |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faxvog WMA | WMA | 323 | 289 | 1.3 mi | east |
| Rohlik's Slough WMA | WMA | 301 | 289 | 4.4 mi | southeast |
| Westline WMA | WMA | 257 | 289 | 5.2 mi | south |
| Timm's Lake WMA | WMA | 203 | 289 | 5.3 mi | northwest |
| Posen WMA | WMA | 155 | 289 | 5.4 mi | north |
| Busack WPA | WPA | 60 | 289 | 6.7 mi | north |
| Sandy Slough WMA | WMA | 79 | 289 | 6.8 mi | southwest |
| Daub's Lake WMA | WMA | 599 | 289 | 8.4 mi | east |
Points: DNR WMA detail page map point (Compass feature_detail). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
Redwood County around Phyllis Voosen WMA
In Redwood County there are 34 records like Phyllis Voosen WMA to choose from. For bear, Redwood County is no-quota. Turkey permit area 504 and 505 covers the county. Marshall Area Wildlife Office (Marshall) is the closest area wildlife office to the county centre. Watch for closed ground in Redwood County such as Ramsey Creek Aquatic Management 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 Phyllis Voosen WMA
Closest town: Vesta, 2.3 mi in a straight line from Phyllis Voosen WMA. The unit page lists Vesta as nearest town. The nearest DNR office is Marshall Area Wildlife Office in Marshall, 15 mi away.
| Town | County | 2024 population | Away | Which way |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vesta | Redwood | 268 | 2.3 mi | northeast |
| Seaforth | Redwood | 82 | 6.1 mi | east |
| Lucan | Redwood | 205 | 6.2 mi | south |
| Milroy | Redwood | 254 | 7.1 mi | southwest |
| Echo | Yellow Medicine | 235 | 8.8 mi | north |
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 Phyllis Voosen Wildlife Management Area: where to check a zero
Hunters on Phyllis Voosen Wildlife Management Area can sight in at Shooters Sporting Clays (6 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 Phyllis Voosen WMA
Shooting starts 30 minutes before sunrise at Phyllis Voosen 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 | 7:04 a.m. | 7:27 p.m. | 6:34 a.m. | 7:57 p.m. | 7:27 p.m. |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Duck opener | 7:12 a.m. | 7:14 p.m. | 6:42 a.m. | 7:44 p.m. | 7:14 p.m. |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Pheasant opener | 7:29 a.m. | 6:48 p.m. | 6:59 a.m. | 7:18 p.m. | 6:48 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 7:06 a.m. | 5:05 p.m. | 6:36 a.m. | 5:35 p.m. | 5:05 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:34 a.m. | 4:46 p.m. | 7:04 a.m. | 5:16 p.m. | 4:46 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 7:58 a.m. | 4:51 p.m. | 7:28 a.m. | 5:21 p.m. | 4:51 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:41 a.m. | 8:03 p.m. | 6:11 a.m. | 8:33 p.m. | 8:03 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 Phyllis Voosen WMA
Quick answers before you hunt Phyllis Voosen WMA
What are the 2026 deer rules on Phyllis Voosen WMA?
It is in deer permit area 289 (2-deer limit). Guns: Nov 7 to Nov 15, 2026.
Phyllis Voosen WMA size: how much huntable ground?
Phyllis Voosen WMA covers 968 acres.
What route leads to Phyllis Voosen WMA?
From Vesta take CSAH 30 W 2.5 mi to Dayton Ave. Go S on Dayton Ave .5 miles, WMA will be on the E side of the road. Parking points on file: 0.
What can you hunt on Phyllis Voosen WMA?
Expect deer, small game, pheasant, waterfowl, wild turkey and mourning dove on Phyllis Voosen WMA, per the record.
Do deer from Phyllis Voosen WMA need CWD testing?
Its DPA (289) is in the 2026 surveillance block (mandatory sampling Nov. 7-8).
Which office should I call about Phyllis Voosen WMA?
Phyllis Voosen WMA is managed by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, from its New Ulm office.
Where can I hunt public land close to Phyllis Voosen WMA?
The nearest public units are Faxvog WMA (1.3 mi), Rohlik's Slough WMA (4.4 mi) and Westline WMA (5.2 mi).
When is legal light on Phyllis Voosen WMA for the opener?
For the opener, 6:36 a.m. to 5:35 p.m.; birds stop at 5:05 p.m..
Is camping at Phyllis Voosen WMA allowed under WMA rules?
Camping is limited to designated areas or a DNR permit.
Can decoys or gear stay on Phyllis Voosen WMA overnight?
Stands are portable-only and leave with you; the one exception is the northwest overnight window from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31.
May the public hunt Phyllis Voosen WMA?
Yes. The DNR WMA rules allow hunting and trapping in season on Phyllis Voosen WMA.
Phyllis Voosen WMA: what to double-check first
Seasons, closures and notices on Phyllis Voosen 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: Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0); Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0); DaPuglet (CC BY-SA 2.0).