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WMA · 2026-27
Spring Lake Islands Wildlife Management Area hunting guide and rules
Everything we could verify about this wildlife management area in Dakota County.
Photo: Joe Passe (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Getting to Spring Lake Islands Wildlife Management Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near Spring Lake Islands Wildlife Management Area
- Parking areaParking · 0.6 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 0.7 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 0.8 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.9 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.9 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.1 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.1 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.2 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.5 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.
Spring Lake Islands WMA: acres, owner and deer area
Spring Lake Islands WMA spreads over 765 acres of Dakota County. Of 8 wildlife management areas in Dakota County, Spring Lake Islands WMA is number 4 by acreage. Hunters on Spring Lake Islands WMA follow DPA 601, which DNR made 5-deer limit for 2026.
The DNR South Metro area wildlife office manages it (vermillionriver.wildlife@state.mn.us).
From the DNR unit description: It consists of a series of islands surrounded by shallow water channels. Large stump fields make navigation a challenge and due to yearly flooding events it is an ever changing system.
Game species: deer, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, waterfowl.
- White-tailed Deer
- Eastern Cottontail
- Gray Squirrel
- Snowshoe Hare
- Ruffed Grouse
- American Woodcock
- Ducks
- Canada Goose
From the agency record (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Spring Lake Islands Wildlife Management Area
Parking lots and routes for Spring Lake Islands WMA
DNR maps no parking point for Spring Lake Islands WMA; use the route text below.
| Subunit | Acres | Nearest town | Hunting | Parking | Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Lake Islands WMA | 765 | Rosemount | Open | – | DNR |
- Spring Lake Islands WMA: From Rosemount, take US-52 to MN-55, then take MN-55 east for 4.5 miles, then turn left (north) on Mississippi Trail/CSAH 42 for 1 mile, then left on Hilary Path for 0.7 miles to public access. There is a small boat launch at the end of Hilary Path located off of County Rd. 42. This access is very shallow.
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Map: Spring Lake Islands WMA and its neighbors
8 public areas lie within 45 miles of Spring Lake Islands WMA, adding 13,740 acres; Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA is closest.
| Public land | Type | Acres | DPA | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA | WMA | 2,838 | 605 | 6.1 mi | southwest |
| Vermillion River WMA | WMA | 1,493 | 605 | 7.6 mi | southwest |
| So. Branch Vermillion River AMA | AMA | 62 | 605 | 7.8 mi | south |
| Vermillion River AMA | AMA | 398 | 605 | 8.5 mi | southwest |
| Hastings WMA | WMA | 40 | 605 | 8.6 mi | southeast |
| Hampton Woods WMA | WMA | 207 | 605 | 10 mi | south |
| Afton State Park | State park | 1,599 | 601 | 12 mi | northeast |
| Gores Pool #3 WMA | WMA | 7,103 | 341, 605 | 15 mi | southeast |
Points: DNR WMA detail page map point (Compass feature_detail). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
Spring Lake Islands WMA: the use rules
These are the use rules the agency lists for Spring Lake Islands WMA; posted signs on site still govern.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| 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 is a 300 foot No Firearms Discharge Zone located along the southern boundary of this WMA, adjacent to Spring Lake Park Reserve (Dakota County Regional Park).
Sources: record, agency rules; booklet: 2026-2027 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations. Checked October 28, 2026.
When you can hunt Spring Lake Islands WMA
Every dated hunting window for Spring Lake Islands WMA: 18 species, 34 rows.
| Game | Segment | Where | Starts | Ends | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | DPA 601 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Early antlerless | DPA 601 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPA 601 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Metro firearms (DPA 601) | DPA 601 | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | Statewide | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 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 |
Pheasant shooting starts at 9 a.m.; ducks, geese and small game stop at sunset.
From the 2026-2027 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026. All Minnesota seasons.
Spring Lake Islands WMA deer calendar and limits
DPA 601 (600 series) is 5-deer limit in 2026. Hunters may take up to 5 deer in DPA 601 across licenses and bonus permits; only one may be a buck in most DPAs.
| Season | Begins | Through | Today |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Youth deer | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Early antlerless | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Metro firearms (DPA 601) | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Muzzleloader | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 |
The CWD management zone takes in DPA 601. Carcass disposal: rule in effect. Area of DPA 601: 1,436 sq mi. Counties in DPA 601: Hennepin, Washington, Anoka, Ramsey and Dakota.
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
How many deer DPA 601 gives up around Spring Lake Islands WMA
DNR reports harvest by deer permit area, not by WMA or county; DPA 601 registered 2,588 deer in 2025, 20% down on 2018.
| Year | Adult bucks | Other deer | Total | Per sq mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1,373 | 1,215 | 2,588 | 1.95 |
| 2018 | 1,426 | 1,804 | 3,230 | 1.99 |
| 2017 | 1,417 | 1,778 | 3,195 | 1.97 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Spring Lake Islands WMA: towns, DNR office and shops
Spring Lake Islands WMA is 4.0 mi from Coates, the nearest community. Cottage Grove is the bigger town nearby at 42,760 people. Directions on the DNR page begin at Rosemount. Rosemount has the nearest DNR office to Spring Lake Islands WMA, 4.6 mi away.
| Nearest towns | County | Population | Miles | Heading |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coates | Dakota | 136 | 4.0 mi | southwest |
| Rosemount | Dakota | 30,581 | 4.1 mi | west |
| St. Paul Park | Washington | 5,381 | 4.9 mi | north |
| Cottage Grove | Washington | 42,760 | 5.0 mi | northeast |
| Inver Grove Heights | Dakota | 36,226 | 5.6 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.
County rules that reach Spring Lake Islands WMA
Our Dakota County list runs to 13 public areas, including Spring Lake Islands WMA. Deer feeding and attractants are banned in Dakota County. No bear lottery in Dakota County: it is no-quota ground. Turkey permit area here: 503 and 510. The county's nearest wildlife office is Vermillion River Complex Area Wildlife Office in Rosemount. Dakota County also has 4 closed places, Chimney Rock Scientific and Natural Area among them.
County acres from DNR and federal GIS layers (counties.json); zones from the 2026-2027 booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Public lanes and clubs for Spring Lake Islands Wildlife Management Area hunters
From Spring Lake Islands Wildlife Management Area, Spring Lake Park Archery Range is the nearest city, county or park district range (1 mile). Nearby sportsmen’s clubs fill the other cards. Target shooting is off limits here.
From the operators’ pages and directory listings, checked October 28, 2026; target shooting rule from the DNR WMA rules.
Scheduled close to Spring Lake Islands Wildlife Management Area
2 upcoming events here or nearby as of October 28, 2026.
Coming up
| Held on | Event | Mi | Where held | Link | Checked at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 4, 2026 | Cottage Grove/Woodbury 2026 Dinner, a DU dinner | 8 | Tinucci's (Newport) | Buy tickets | Source |
| Mar 13, 2027 | Capital City Strutters Banquet, an NWTF chapter banquet | 8 | Newport | Buy tickets | Source |
Spring Lake Islands WMA country, seen through a lens
Spring Lake Islands WMA: sunrise, sunset and legal hours
These Spring Lake Islands WMA hours use the NOAA solar formula for the unit's coordinates.
| When | Event | Rise | Set | Opens | Deer, bear end | Birds end |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 19, 2026 | Archery and grouse opener | 6:54 a.m. | 7:18 p.m. | 6:24 a.m. | 7:48 p.m. | 7:18 p.m. |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Duck opener | 7:02 a.m. | 7:04 p.m. | 6:32 a.m. | 7:34 p.m. | 7:04 p.m. |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Pheasant opener | 7:19 a.m. | 6:38 p.m. | 6:49 a.m. | 7:08 p.m. | 6:38 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 6:57 a.m. | 4:54 p.m. | 6:27 a.m. | 5:24 p.m. | 4:54 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:25 a.m. | 4:35 p.m. | 6:55 a.m. | 5:05 p.m. | 4:35 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 7:49 a.m. | 4:40 p.m. | 7:19 a.m. | 5:10 p.m. | 4:40 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:31 a.m. | 7:54 p.m. | 6:01 a.m. | 8:24 p.m. | 7:54 p.m. |
Clock times include Daylight Saving Time until Nov. 1.
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.
Spring Lake Islands WMA: what hunters usually ask
What size is the Spring Lake Islands WMA unit?
Agency maps put it at 765 acres.
Spring Lake Islands WMA: which DPA sets the deer rules?
DPA 601, 5-deer limit for 2026. The rifle and shotgun season goes Nov 7 to Nov 29, 2026.
What is there to hunt on Spring Lake Islands WMA?
On the Spring Lake Islands WMA record the game list reads deer, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock and waterfowl.
Where do you park at Spring Lake Islands WMA?
From Rosemount, take US-52 to MN-55, then take MN-55 east for 4.5 miles, then turn left (north) on Mississippi Trail/CSAH 42 for 1 mile, then left on Hilary Path for 0.7 miles to public access. No parking point is mapped.
Who should I contact about Spring Lake Islands WMA?
Spring Lake Islands WMA belongs to Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; the South Metro office looks after it.
Is Spring Lake Islands WMA inside a CWD zone?
Spring Lake Islands WMA sits in DPA 601, which is in the CWD management zone.
What time can you shoot deer at Spring Lake Islands WMA on Nov. 7?
Nov. 7: 6:27 a.m. to 5:24 p.m. for deer, sunrise 6:57 a.m..
What other public tracts sit near Spring Lake Islands WMA?
Spring Lake Islands WMA neighbors on our list: Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA (6.1 mi), Vermillion River WMA (7.6 mi) and So. Branch Vermillion River AMA (7.8 mi).
Spring Lake Islands WMA: what are the stand and blind rules?
Take it down each evening. Spring Lake Islands WMA follows the WMA rule on daily removal of stands, blinds and other gear.
Are there campsites on Spring Lake Islands WMA?
WMA rules allow camping only in designated areas or with a permit.
Is Spring Lake Islands WMA public ground you can hunt?
Yes. A Minnesota license for the game you hunt is all you need on Spring Lake Islands WMA; WMA rules cover vehicles, stands and camping.
Spring Lake Islands WMA trip checklist from this page
No paper tags in Minnesota: validate the electronic license where the animal falls, then register it on time.
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: fastfonz (CC BY 2.0); fastfonz (CC BY 2.0); USFWS Mountain Prairie (CC BY 2.0).