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Minnesota WMA
Roger M. Holmes Wildlife Management Area: seasons, rules and access
1,031 acres of wildlife management area ground in Douglas County, deer permit area 213.
Photo: Ken Lund (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Getting to Roger M. Holmes Wildlife Management Area
Roger M. Holmes WMA on paper: the record in brief
Roger M. Holmes WMA covers 1,031 acres in Douglas County. Among Douglas County’s 37 wildlife management areas, it sits 1st for acres. The 2026 deer designation for DPA 213 is 3-deer limit.
Management sits with the Fergus Falls area wildlife staff, reachable at fergusfalls.wildlife@state.mn.us.
DNR describes the unit this way: For more information on this WMA, contact the Area Wildlife office at 320-634-0342.
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 Roger M. Holmes Wildlife Management Area
Getting into Roger M. Holmes WMA
Directions and parking for Roger M. Holmes WMA as the DNR detail pages give them (0 parking points mapped).
| Piece | Acres | Town | Status | Lots | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roger M. Holmes WMA | 1,031 | Miltona | Open | – | DNR |
- Roger M. Holmes WMA: From Miltona, go 3 miles East on CSAH 14, then 4 miles South on CSAH 14, then 2 miles East on CSAH 3.
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Use rules to read before hunting Roger M. Holmes WMA
Roger M. Holmes 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.
Roger M. Holmes WMA deer rules: DPA 213
DPA 213 is a 200-series area set to 3-deer limit for 2026. The 3-deer limit in DPA 213 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 | |
| Early antlerless | 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 1,163 square miles, DPA 213 is the unit deer rules follow. DPA 213 overlaps Douglas, Todd, Otter Tail, Pope and Stearns.
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Roger M. Holmes WMA dates, species by species
Season rows matched to Roger M. Holmes 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 213 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Early antlerless | DPA 213 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPA 213 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 200 series | DPA 213 | 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 Roger M. Holmes WMA
In 2025 hunters registered 6,423 deer across DPA 213 (6.08 per square mile); the table runs back to 2017.
| Season | Adult males | Antlerless and fawns | DPA total | Deer per sq mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3,119 | 3,304 | 6,423 | 6.08 |
| 2024 | 3,051 | 2,763 | 5,814 | 5.50 |
| 2023 | 2,320 | 2,738 | 5,058 | 4.79 |
| 2022 | 2,433 | 3,391 | 5,824 | 5.51 |
| 2021 | 3,014 | 3,674 | 6,688 | 6.33 |
| 2020 | 3,222 | 4,589 | 7,811 | 7.39 |
| 2019 | 2,965 | 3,358 | 6,323 | 5.98 |
| 2018 | 2,583 | 3,277 | 5,860 | 5.54 |
| 2017 | 2,572 | 2,801 | 5,373 | 5.08 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Roger M. Holmes WMA and the public ground around it
Straight-line distances run from the Roger M. Holmes WMA map point; Big Spruce WMA (3.1 mi, northwest) leads the list.
| Nearby | Kind | Acres | DPA | Miles | Heading |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Spruce WMA | WMA | 48 | 213 | 3.1 mi | northwest |
| Hedlof WPA | WPA | 62 | 213 | 3.8 mi | south |
| Hollister WMA | WMA | 82 | 213 | 4.3 mi | southeast |
| Belle River WMA | WMA | 253 | 213 | 5.2 mi | southwest |
| Spruce Creek WMA | WMA | 365 | 213 | 5.8 mi | north |
| Burleene WMA | WMA | 556 | 213 | 6.0 mi | northeast |
| Rose City WPA | WPA | 80 | 213 | 7.2 mi | north |
| Lake Carlos State Park | State park | 1,154 | 213 | 7.6 mi | west |
Points: DNR WMA detail page map point (Compass feature_detail). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
Douglas County around Roger M. Holmes WMA
In Douglas County there are 103 records like Roger M. Holmes WMA to choose from. For bear, Douglas County is no-quota. Turkey permit area 507 and 506 covers the county. Fergus Falls Area Wildlife Office (Fergus Falls) is the closest area wildlife office to the county centre. Watch for closed ground in Douglas County such as Crestwood Hills 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 Roger M. Holmes WMA
Closest town: Carlos, 5.4 mi in a straight line from Roger M. Holmes WMA. Most services: Alexandria, population 14,914. The unit page lists Miltona as nearest town. The nearest DNR office is Little Falls Area Wildlife Office in Little Falls, 40 mi away.
| Town | County | 2024 population | Away | Which way |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos | Douglas | 486 | 5.4 mi | west |
| Miltona | Douglas | 442 | 6.2 mi | northwest |
| Nelson | Douglas | 183 | 8.5 mi | southwest |
| Osakis | Douglas | 1,747 | 9.2 mi | south |
| Alexandria | Douglas | 14,914 | 12 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 Roger M. Holmes Wildlife Management Area: where to check a zero
Hunters on Roger M. Holmes Wildlife Management Area can sight in at Parkers Prairie Sportsmens Club (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 Roger M. Holmes WMA
Shooting starts 30 minutes before sunrise at Roger M. Holmes 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 | 7:02 a.m. | 7:27 p.m. | 6:32 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. | 6:46 p.m. | 6:59 a.m. | 7:16 p.m. | 6:46 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 7:09 a.m. | 5:00 p.m. | 6:39 a.m. | 5:30 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:38 a.m. | 4:40 p.m. | 7:08 a.m. | 5:10 p.m. | 4:40 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 8:02 a.m. | 4:44 p.m. | 7:32 a.m. | 5:14 p.m. | 4:44 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:38 a.m. | 8:04 p.m. | 6:08 a.m. | 8:34 p.m. | 8:04 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 Roger M. Holmes WMA
Quick answers before you hunt Roger M. Holmes WMA
Roger M. Holmes WMA size: how much huntable ground?
Roger M. Holmes WMA covers 1,031 acres.
May the public hunt Roger M. Holmes WMA?
Yes. The DNR WMA rules allow hunting and trapping in season on Roger M. Holmes WMA.
What can you hunt on Roger M. Holmes WMA?
Expect deer, small game, pheasant, waterfowl, wild turkey and mourning dove on Roger M. Holmes WMA, per the record.
What are the 2026 deer rules on Roger M. Holmes WMA?
It is in deer permit area 213 (3-deer limit). Guns: Nov 7 to Nov 15, 2026.
Who manages Roger M. Holmes WMA?
Roger M. Holmes WMA is managed by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, from its Fergus Falls office.
What route leads to Roger M. Holmes WMA?
From Miltona, go 3 miles East on CSAH 14, then 4 miles South on CSAH 14, then 2 miles East on CSAH 3. Parking points on file: 0.
When is legal light on Roger M. Holmes WMA for the opener?
For the opener, 6:39 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; birds stop at 5:00 p.m..
Do deer from Roger M. Holmes WMA need CWD testing?
Its DPA (213) is in the 2026 surveillance block (mandatory sampling Nov. 7-8).
Can decoys or gear stay on Roger M. Holmes WMA overnight?
Stands are portable-only and leave with you; the one exception is the northwest overnight window from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31.
Where can I hunt public land close to Roger M. Holmes WMA?
The nearest public units are Big Spruce WMA (3.1 mi), Hedlof WPA (3.8 mi) and Hollister WMA (4.3 mi).
Is camping at Roger M. Holmes WMA allowed under WMA rules?
Camping is limited to designated areas or a DNR permit.
Roger M. Holmes WMA: what to double-check first
Seasons, closures and notices on Roger M. Holmes 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: fishhawk (CC BY 2.0); ImagePerson (CC BY 4.0); Alabama Extension (CC0 1.0).