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WMA · Northeast region
Ripple 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 Ripple River Wildlife Management Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near Ripple River Wildlife Management Area
- Parking areaParking · 1.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.6 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.7 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.1 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.7 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 3.0 mi from the centreDirections
- Boat rampBoat ramp · 3.6 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 Ripple River WMA
Ripple River WMA adds 5,225 acres of public ground to Aitkin County. Line up the 27 wildlife management areas in Aitkin County by acres and Ripple River WMA comes 4th. It is made of 3 subunits, East Unit (1,251 ac), West Unit (3,929 ac) and Access Unit (45 ac).
Its deer permit area is 155; the 2026 designation there is antlerless permit lottery. DNR runs Ripple River WMA from its Aitkin area office; email aitkin.wildlife@state.mn.us. Federal aid noted by DNR for Ripple River WMA: Pittman-Robertson.
In DNR's words: This WMA is partly within the Wealthwood State Forest and adjoins state forestland to the south. Management emphasis on this subunit is for deer, bear and ruffed grouse. WMA rules apply even though the unit is within the State Forest. Respect private property on adjacent lands.
Species on the record: deer, black bear, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, waterfowl.
- 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 Ripple River Wildlife Management Area
Ripple River WMA route text and lots
Use these DNR directions to find Ripple River WMA; the map pins its 8 parking points.
| Section | Acres | Town | Hunting | Lots | DNR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Unit | 1,251 | Glen | Open | 2 | DNR |
| West Unit | 3,929 | Bennettville | Open | 6 | DNR |
| Access Unit | 45 | Bennettville | Open | – | DNR |
- East Unit: From Glen go 4 miles W. on Co. Rd. 12, 1.5 miles S. on 360th Avenue, 1 mile W. on 270th Lane. Wheelchair access is limited to the graveled access road into the unit.
- West Unit: From Aitkin; North side: 7 miles S. on Hwy. 169, 3.5 miles E. on Co. Rd. 28, parking on south side of road. East side: 7 miles S. on Hwy. 169, 4.5 miles E. on Co. Rd. 28, S. 2 miles on Co. Rd. 51, W. on trail. Wheelchair access is limited to graveled access roads.
- Access Unit: From Aitkin go 9 miles S. of Aitkin on Hwy. 169, 1 mile E. on 270th Street, 1/4 mile N., turn right at sign. Wheelchair access is limited to the access road and parking area.
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Ripple River WMA access rules
The rows below restate the access rules on the agency record for Ripple 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.
Ripple River WMA and deer permit area 155
The 2026 designation for DPA 155 is antlerless permit lottery, and 750 antlerless permits go out by lottery; firearms dates follow the 100-series window. Antlerless deer in DPA 155 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 155 is voluntary. The DPA covers 528 square miles. DPA 155 counties: Aitkin, Crow Wing and Mille Lacs.
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Seasons open on Ripple River WMA
Dated seasons that apply on Ripple River WMA (35 rows), with today's status in the last column.
| Quarry | Season | Where | Opening | Closing | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | DPA 155 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPA 155 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 100 series | DPA 155 | 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 | |
| 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 155 harvest, the area around Ripple River WMA
Harvest numbers below are DPA 155 totals (1,134 in 2025), the closest DNR figure for Ripple River WMA.
| Season | Bucks (adult) | Others | Registered | Per sq mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 908 | 226 | 1,134 | 2.27 |
| 2024 | 745 | 192 | 937 | 1.88 |
| 2023 | 624 | 157 | 781 | 1.57 |
| 2022 | 737 | 555 | 1,292 | 2.59 |
| 2021 | 741 | 634 | 1,375 | 2.76 |
| 2020 | 768 | 1,026 | 1,794 | 3.60 |
| 2019 | 782 | 1,024 | 1,806 | 3.62 |
| 2018 | 1,194 | 1,689 | 2,883 | 4.86 |
| 2017 | 1,504 | 1,729 | 3,233 | 5.45 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Ripple River WMA on the map with nearby land
Big pins mark Ripple River WMA and its parking; Wealthwood State Forest is the nearest neighbor at 2.6 mi.
| Neighbor | Category | Acreage | DPA | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wealthwood State Forest | State forest | 5,098 | 155 | 2.6 mi | south |
| Spirit Lake AMA | AMA | 13 | 155 | 3.0 mi | north |
| Farm Island Lake WMA | WMA | 34 | 604 | 5.1 mi | west |
| Mud River AMA | AMA | 113 | 604 | 5.2 mi | west |
| Rabbit Lake WMA | WMA | 390 | 155 | 7.3 mi | east |
| Cedar Lake WMA | WMA | 97 | 604 | 7.4 mi | northwest |
| Bay Lake AMA | AMA | 46 | 155 | 7.8 mi | west |
| Round-Rice Bed WMA | WMA | 978 | 155, 249 | 8.9 mi | southwest |
Points: DNR WMA boundary layer (polygon centroid of the largest part). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
What Aitkin County adds to a Ripple River WMA trip
Ripple 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 Ripple 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 Ripple River WMA
From Ripple River WMA the nearest town is Aitkin (8.1 mi). Crosby, with 2,328 residents, is the biggest town on the list. On the DNR record, the reference town is Glen. DNR staff closest to Ripple River WMA work out of Aitkin (7.7 mi).
| Place | County | Population | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aitkin | Aitkin | 2,174 | 8.1 mi | north |
| Garrison | Crow Wing | 201 | 10 mi | southwest |
| Deerwood | Crow Wing | 570 | 11 mi | west |
| Cuyuna | Crow Wing | 327 | 13 mi | northwest |
| Crosby | Crow Wing | 2,328 | 14 mi | northwest |
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.
Events at or near Ripple River Wildlife Management Area
Checked October 28, 2026: 1 upcoming event at or near the property (NWTF chapter banquet).
Still to come
| Dates | What | How far | Place | Next step | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 27, 2027 | Aitkin Gobblers Hunting Heritage Event NWTF Banquet, an NWTF chapter banquet | 8 | Aitkin | Buy tickets | Source |
Closest Minnesota ranges to Ripple River Wildlife Management Area
Wealth Wood Rod and Gun Club, 5 miles away, is the nearest range to Ripple 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.
Ripple River WMA legal light on key dates
Legal light at Ripple 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 | 7:23 a.m. | 6:40 p.m. | 6:53 a.m. | 7:10 p.m. | 6:40 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 7:04 a.m. | 4:53 p.m. | 6:34 a.m. | 5:23 p.m. | 4:53 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:33 a.m. | 4:33 p.m. | 7:03 a.m. | 5:03 p.m. | 4:33 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 7:58 a.m. | 4:36 p.m. | 7:28 a.m. | 5:06 p.m. | 4:36 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:31 a.m. | 7:59 p.m. | 6:01 a.m. | 8:29 p.m. | 7:59 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 Ripple River WMA
Ripple River WMA questions answered from its record
How many acres of hunting does Ripple River WMA offer?
5,225 acres in 3 subunits.
What DPA is Ripple River WMA, and what is its designation?
DPA 155 (100 series, antlerless permit lottery). Firearms deer runs Nov 7 to Nov 22, 2026 there.
What animals can be hunted at Ripple River WMA?
Deer, black bear, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock and waterfowl, according to the agency page for Ripple River WMA.
How do hunters reach Ripple River WMA?
From Glen go 4 miles W. on Co. Rd. 12, 1.5 miles S. on 360th Avenue, 1 mile W. on 270th Lane. Lots mapped: 8.
Who holds title to Ripple River WMA?
Land manager for Ripple River WMA: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Aitkin office.
Does chronic wasting disease testing apply on Ripple River WMA?
DPA 155 is outside the CWD zones, with optional testing.
What are the legal shooting hours at Ripple River WMA?
On the Nov. 7 firearms opener, legal deer hours at Ripple River WMA run 6:34 a.m. to 5:23 p.m..
If Ripple River WMA is full, where is the next public land?
Public ground nearest by straight line: Wealthwood State Forest (2.6 mi), Spirit Lake AMA (3.0 mi) and Farm Island Lake WMA (5.1 mi).
Are tree stands allowed on Ripple River WMA, and for how long?
No. Portable stands and blinds come off Ripple River WMA every day (northwest Minnesota has an overnight exception Nov. 1-Dec. 31), and no equipment stays overnight.
Ripple 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 Ripple River WMA in 2026-27?
Yes, in the regular seasons. Read the special restrictions on the DNR page and watch for posted refuge areas.
Other photos on this page: Frank.Vassen (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).