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Minnesota WMA
Staples Wildlife Management Area: seasons, rules and access
1,428 acres of wildlife management area ground in Todd County, deer permit area 214.
Photo: Tony Webster (CC BY 2.0)
Getting to Staples Wildlife Management Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near Staples Wildlife Management Area
- Parking areaParking · 0.5 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 0.6 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.9 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.
Staples WMA on paper: the record in brief
Staples WMA covers 1,428 acres in Todd County. Among Todd County’s 30 wildlife management areas, it sits 1st for acres. The 2026 deer designation for DPA 214 is 3-deer limit.
Management sits with the Little Falls area wildlife staff, reachable at littlefalls.wildlife@state.mn.us. Federal aid on file for Staples WMA: Pittman-Robertson.
DNR describes the unit this way: One of the largest wetland mitigation projects in the country.
Hunted here: deer, black bear, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, waterfowl, wild turkey.
- 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 Staples Wildlife Management Area
Getting into Staples WMA
Directions and parking for Staples WMA as the DNR detail pages give them (4 parking points mapped).
| Piece | Acres | Town | Status | Lots | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staples WMA | 1,428 | Staples | Open | 4 | DNR |
- Staples WMA: From Staples, go 1.5 miles south of highway 210, then 0.5 miles east on county road 7, then 2.5 miles south on township road. Disabled access is limited to the township roads on the east side, and parking lots throughout the WMA. Access to the interior of the WMA is only allowed with vehicles from the start of small game seasons through the end of the muzzleloader season.
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Use rules to read before hunting Staples WMA
Staples 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 |
- Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the WMA except on designated routes and parking lots. Off-highway vehicles (OHVs), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and snowmobiles are prohibited anywhere on the WMA, including on designated parking lots and access road.
Sources: record, agency rules; booklet: 2026-2027 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations. Checked October 28, 2026.
Staples WMA deer rules: DPA 214
DPA 214 is a 200-series area set to 3-deer limit for 2026. The 3-deer limit in DPA 214 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 561 square miles, DPA 214 is the unit deer rules follow. DPA 214 overlaps Todd, Morrison and Wadena.
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Staples WMA dates, species by species
Season rows matched to Staples 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 214 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Early antlerless | DPA 214 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPA 214 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 200 series | DPA 214 | 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 45 | Sep 1, 2026 | Oct 18, 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 | |
| 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 |
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 Staples WMA
In 2025 hunters registered 4,781 deer across DPA 214 (8.63 per square mile); the table runs back to 2017.
| Season | Adult males | Antlerless and fawns | DPA total | Deer per sq mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2,236 | 2,545 | 4,781 | 8.63 |
| 2024 | 2,109 | 2,271 | 4,380 | 7.90 |
| 2023 | 1,685 | 2,378 | 4,063 | 7.33 |
| 2022 | 1,759 | 2,374 | 4,133 | 7.46 |
| 2021 | 2,103 | 2,909 | 5,012 | 9.05 |
| 2020 | 2,238 | 3,242 | 5,480 | 9.89 |
| 2019 | 2,061 | 2,528 | 4,589 | 8.28 |
| 2018 | 1,863 | 2,593 | 4,456 | 8.04 |
| 2017 | 1,893 | 2,794 | 4,687 | 8.46 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Staples WMA and the public ground around it
Straight-line distances run from the Staples WMA map point; Lawrence Lake WMA (1.9 mi, northeast) leads the list.
| Nearby | Kind | Acres | DPA | Miles | Heading |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence Lake WMA | WMA | 202 | 214 | 1.9 mi | northeast |
| Dower Lake WMA | WMA | 40 | 214 | 5.2 mi | northwest |
| Philbrook WMA | WMA | 337 | 214 | 5.9 mi | east |
| Kobliska WMA | WMA | 411 | 214 | 8.2 mi | southeast |
| Long Prairie River WMA | WMA | 965 | 214 | 9.2 mi | south |
| Shamineau Lake AMA | AMA | 46 | 248 | 11 mi | east |
| Stanchfield Lake WMA | WMA | 83 | 248 | 12 mi | east |
| Turtle Creek WMA | WMA | 320 | 214 | 12 mi | south |
Points: DNR WMA detail page map point (Compass feature_detail). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
Todd County around Staples WMA
In Todd County there are 40 records like Staples WMA to choose from. Bear: quota area 45 reaches the county, 45 (700 permits) for 2026. Turkey permit area 507 covers the county. Little Falls Area Wildlife Office (Little Falls) is the closest area wildlife office to the county centre. Watch for closed ground in Todd County such as Jensen 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 Staples WMA
Closest town: Staples, 5.3 mi in a straight line from Staples WMA. The unit page lists Staples as nearest town. The nearest DNR office is Brainerd Area Wildlife Office in Brainerd, 28 mi away.
| Town | County | 2024 population | Away | Which way |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staples | Wadena | 3,075 | 5.3 mi | north |
| Motley | Morrison | 686 | 7.7 mi | east |
| Aldrich | Wadena | 34 | 8.8 mi | northwest |
| Verndale | Wadena | 512 | 12 mi | northwest |
| Bertha | Todd | 548 | 13 mi | west |
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 Staples Wildlife Management Area: where to check a zero
Hunters on Staples Wildlife Management Area can sight in at Ringneck Ridge Shooting Preserve (8 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 Staples WMA
Shooting starts 30 minutes before sunrise at Staples 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 | 7:01 a.m. | 7:25 p.m. | 6:31 a.m. | 7:55 p.m. | 7:25 p.m. |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Duck opener | 7:09 a.m. | 7:11 p.m. | 6:39 a.m. | 7:41 p.m. | 7:11 p.m. |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Pheasant opener | 7:28 a.m. | 6:44 p.m. | 6:58 a.m. | 7:14 p.m. | 6:44 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 7:08 a.m. | 4:58 p.m. | 6:38 a.m. | 5:28 p.m. | 4:58 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:37 a.m. | 4:37 p.m. | 7:07 a.m. | 5:07 p.m. | 4:37 p.m. |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Archery close | 8:02 a.m. | 4:41 p.m. | 7:32 a.m. | 5:11 p.m. | 4:41 p.m. |
| Apr 14, 2027 | Spring turkey opener | 6:36 a.m. | 8:03 p.m. | 6:06 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 Staples WMA
Quick answers before you hunt Staples WMA
What route leads to Staples WMA?
From Staples, go 1.5 miles south of highway 210, then 0.5 miles east on county road 7, then 2.5 miles south on township road. Parking points on file: 4.
What can you hunt on Staples WMA?
Expect deer, black bear, small game, ruffed grouse and woodcock, waterfowl and wild turkey on Staples WMA, per the record.
Do deer from Staples WMA need CWD testing?
Its DPA (214) is in the 2026 surveillance block (mandatory sampling Nov. 7-8).
Who manages Staples WMA?
Staples WMA is managed by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, from its Little Falls office.
Where can I hunt public land close to Staples WMA?
The nearest public units are Lawrence Lake WMA (1.9 mi), Dower Lake WMA (5.2 mi) and Philbrook WMA (5.9 mi).
When is legal light on Staples WMA for the opener?
For the opener, 6:38 a.m. to 5:28 p.m.; birds stop at 4:58 p.m..
Is camping at Staples WMA allowed under WMA rules?
Camping is limited to designated areas or a DNR permit.
Can decoys or gear stay on Staples WMA overnight?
Stands are portable-only and leave with you; the one exception is the northwest overnight window from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31.
Staples WMA size: how much huntable ground?
Staples WMA covers 1,428 acres.
May the public hunt Staples WMA?
Yes. The DNR WMA rules allow hunting and trapping in season on Staples WMA.
What are the 2026 deer rules on Staples WMA?
It is in deer permit area 214 (3-deer limit). Guns: Nov 7 to Nov 15, 2026.
Staples WMA: what to double-check first
Seasons, closures and notices on Staples 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: USFWS/Southeast (Public domain); GlacierNPS (Public domain); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Midwest Region (Public domain).