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Roseau River Wildlife Management Area hunting, season by season
75,163 acres of public land open to hunters in Roseau County and 1 neighbor, with DPA 201 deer dates.
Photo: Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Getting to Roseau River Wildlife Management Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near Roseau River Wildlife Management Area
- Boat rampBoat ramp · 1.2 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.
Roseau River WMA in brief, from the agency file
75,163 acres of Roseau and Kittson counties belong to Roseau River WMA. Size rank in Roseau County: 1st of 31 wildlife management areas. For deer it falls in DPA 201 (it also reaches DPA 263), set at 2-deer limit for 2026.
Questions go to the Roseau River WMA DNR wildlife office at roseauriver.wildlife@state.mn.us. Its DNR record carries the federal aid code Pittman-Robertson.
DNR notes on the habitat: RRWMA is part of the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail.
Game listed: deer, black bear, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, sharp-tailed grouse, waterfowl.
- White-tailed Deer
- Black Bear
- Eastern Cottontail
- Gray Squirrel
- Snowshoe Hare
- Ruffed Grouse
- American Woodcock
- Sharp-tailed Grouse
From the agency record (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Roseau River Wildlife Management Area
Subunits and parking at Roseau River WMA
Each subunit of Roseau River WMA has its own DNR page; the map below pins 2 parking spots.
| Subunit | Acreage | Near | Open? | Parking | Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roseau River WMA | 75,163 | Pinecreek | Open | 2 | DNR |
- Roseau River WMA: From Pinecreek, go 3 miles west on County Highway 3. There are 5 boat launches available for public use. Two are located on the east and west ends of Pool 1 west, one at the northwest corner of Pool 2, one at the west end of Pool 3, and one along the Roseau River (see visitor map).
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Roseau River WMA pinned among nearby tracts
Ondatra WMA lies 4.0 mi southeast of Roseau River WMA, the nearest of 8 public areas within 45 miles.
| Area | Type | Acres | DPA | Straight line | Which way |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ondatra WMA | WMA | 122 | 201 | 4.0 mi | southeast |
| Moose Marsh WMA | WMA | 77 | 267 | 7.4 mi | east |
| Taxidae WMA | WMA | 121 | 263 | 7.5 mi | southwest |
| Bonasa WMA | WMA | 848 | 263 | 11 mi | southwest |
| Polonia WMA | WMA | 357 | 263 | 12 mi | southwest |
| Caribou WMA | WMA | 14,138 | 263 | 15 mi | west |
| Beaches Lake WMA | WMA | 30,623 | 263 | 15 mi | west |
| Pine Creek Peatland SNA | SNA | 953 | 267 | 15 mi | east |
Points: DNR WMA detail page map point (Compass feature_detail). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
Rules for hunting Roseau River WMA
Site rules for Roseau River WMA, condensed from the record.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| 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 |
- There are three sanctuaries on Roseau River Wildlife Management Area: Pool 1, Pool 2, and Pool 3. Roseau River WMA: Trappers must obtain permit [MR 6230.0200 subp 1]. Roseau River WMA: Pool 1 sanctuary open to muzzleloader deer hunting, trappers must obtain permit [MR 6230.0200].
- Roseau River WMA: Trappers must obtain permit (MR 6230.0200 subp 1).
- Roseau River WMA: Pool 1 sanctuary open to muzzleloader deer hunting, trappers must obtain permit (MR 6230.0200). Reason given: Deer density reduction.
- Waterfowl on Roseau River WMA work through a controlled hunting zone with designated stations and a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. ban on occupying them.
Sources: record, agency rules; booklet: 2026-2027 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations. Checked October 28, 2026.
Roseau River WMA visitor alerts
- 1. Cattail plugs that previously blocked the Stubdike 2 channel (NW Pool 2) have been removed. Access and launching of watercraft for this portion of Pool 2 will be at the boat launch. 2. Drawing for ADA deer hunting blind is open to youth (youth firearms season) and ADA applicants (regular firearms season). Enter the drawing by email or phone. Draw will occur on October 1st for 2 day slots. ADA archery reservations are first-come first-serve over the phone or in-person. 3. View the current …
DNR WMA visitor alerts on the unit page; checked October 28, 2026. CWD rules.
Roseau River WMA season dates
This table covers Roseau River WMA only: deer rows follow its DPA, the rest come from its game species list.
| Species | Type | Zone or DPA | Begins | Through | Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | DPAs 201, 263 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPAs 201, 263 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 200 series | DPAs 201, 263 | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 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 12 | Sep 1, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Ruffed, spruce grouse | Regular | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | |
| Sharp-tailed grouse | Northwest zone | Northwest zone | Sep 19, 2026 | Nov 30, 2026 | |
| 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 |
Wear blaze orange or pink in the firearms deer season; waterfowl hunters on water are exempt under DNR rules.
From the 2026-2027 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026. All Minnesota seasons.
Deer seasons on Roseau River WMA
200-series DPA 201 carries the 2-deer limit designation this year. With bonus permits, a hunter can fill the 2-deer limit in DPA 201.
| Season | Starts | Ends | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Optional CWD testing only in DPA 201. WMAs in DPA 201 carry extra rules. Size of DPA 201: 169 square miles. DPA 201 sits wholly in Roseau County.
Other deer permit areas on this land: DPA 263 (2-deer limit)
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Deer harvest around Roseau River WMA (DPA 201)
The whole of DPA 201 gave up 270 deer in 2025; the DNR publishes no figure for Roseau River WMA itself.
| Year | Adult male | Rest | Harvest | Density |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 140 | 130 | 270 | 1.68 |
| 2024 | 148 | 76 | 224 | 1.39 |
| 2023 | 101 | 104 | 205 | 1.27 |
| 2022 | 91 | 132 | 223 | 1.38 |
| 2021 | 140 | 120 | 260 | 1.61 |
| 2020 | 115 | 116 | 231 | 1.43 |
| 2019 | 133 | 97 | 230 | 1.43 |
| 2018 | 146 | 108 | 254 | 1.58 |
| 2017 | 133 | 155 | 288 | 1.79 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Roseau River WMA nearby towns
Badger is the closest town to Roseau River WMA, about 12 mi away. The largest nearby is Roseau (2,699 people). The DNR detail page starts its directions from Pinecreek. For questions, the Roseau DNR office is 10 mi from Roseau River WMA.
| Town | County | Pop. 2024 | Miles off | Bearing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badger | Roseau | 417 | 12 mi | southeast |
| Greenbush | Roseau | 674 | 14 mi | south |
| Roseau | Roseau | 2,699 | 21 mi | east |
| Lake Bronson | Kittson | 170 | 24 mi | southwest |
| Strathcona | Roseau | 28 | 24 mi | south |
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.
Roseau River WMA: Roseau County facts
Counting Roseau River WMA, Roseau County has 39 listed public areas. For bear, Roseau County lies partly in quota area 12; 2026 permits: 12 (100 permits). Roseau County turkey hunters declare area 509. County questions go to Roseau River WMA Area Wildlife Office, Roseau.
County acres from DNR and federal GIS layers (counties.json); zones from the 2026-2027 booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Range time on the drive to Roseau River Wildlife Management Area
Three ranges near Roseau River Wildlife Management Area follow, starting with Lock & Load Hunting Club at 33 miles. No target practice on the property, per its rules.
From the operators’ pages and directory listings, checked October 28, 2026; target shooting rule from the DNR WMA rules.
A look at the landscape around Roseau River WMA
Roseau River WMA shooting hours on key dates
Times are worked out for the Roseau River WMA map point on Central Time; big game ends half an hour after sunset, birds at sunset.
| Date | Moment | Sunrise | Sunset | Open | Big game close | Birds close |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 19, 2026 | Archery and grouse opener | 7:05 a.m. | 7:32 p.m. | 6:35 a.m. | 8:02 p.m. | 7:32 p.m. |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Duck opener | 7:15 a.m. | 7:17 p.m. | 6:45 a.m. | 7:47 p.m. | 7:17 p.m. |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Pheasant opener | 7:36 a.m. | 6:48 p.m. | 7:06 a.m. | 7:18 p.m. | 6:48 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 7:20 a.m. | 4:57 p.m. | 6:50 a.m. | 5:27 p.m. | 4:57 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:53 a.m. | 4:34 p.m. | 7:23 a.m. | 5:04 p.m. | 4:34 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 8:18 a.m. | 4:36 p.m. | 7:48 a.m. | 5:06 p.m. | 4:36 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:38 a.m. | 8:13 p.m. | 6:08 a.m. | 8:43 p.m. | 8:13 p.m. |
Times are rounded to the minute.
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.
Straight answers on hunting Roseau River WMA
Where is the access for Roseau River WMA?
From Pinecreek, go 3 miles west on County Highway 3. The map above shows 2 parking pins.
Which species does Roseau River WMA hold?
Game on the agency list for Roseau River WMA: deer, black bear, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, sharp-tailed grouse and waterfowl.
Is CWD sampling required at Roseau River WMA?
DNR lists DPA 201 as outside the CWD zones, with optional testing.
Who do I call about Roseau River WMA?
Roseau River WMA falls under Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Roseau River WMA office).
Which public ground lies closest to Roseau River WMA?
Next-closest public land: Ondatra WMA (4.0 mi), Moose Marsh WMA (7.4 mi) and Taxidae WMA (7.5 mi).
How early does shooting start at Roseau River WMA on the opener?
Opening day of the firearms season: shooting from 6:50 a.m., done by 5:27 p.m..
Can I camp on Roseau River WMA during the season?
Generally no: designated areas or a permit only.
Can I leave a stand on Roseau River WMA overnight?
Daily removal applies on Roseau River WMA, so plan on a climber or a hang-on you carry out.
Roughly how large is the Roseau River WMA unit?
The mapped size is 75,163 acres.
Can you hunt on Roseau River WMA this season?
Yes. Hunting and trapping are open on state WMAs during regular seasons unless DNR posts an exception, and Roseau River WMA shows open hunting status.
Which deer permit area holds Roseau River WMA?
Roseau River WMA falls in DPA 201, 2-deer limit. Expect the firearms season from Nov 7 to Nov 15, 2026.
Roseau River WMA: three things to confirm first
Carry your license, validate a deer or turkey at the kill site and register it (48 hours for deer and bear, 24 for turkey).
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: Joe Passe (CC BY-SA 2.0); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Public Domain Mark 1.0); USFWS Midwest Region (Public Domain Mark 1.0).