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Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and Wildlife Management Area hunting, 2026-27
Seasons, access rules and the nearest towns for this wildlife management area in Dakota County.
Photo: Joe Passe (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Getting to Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and Wildlife Management Area
Parking, trailheads and gates near Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and Wildlife Management Area
- Parking areaParking · 1.1 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.1 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.3 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.4 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 1.7 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.0 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.2 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.2 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.2 mi from the centreDirections
- Parking areaParking · 2.3 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 Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA
Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA adds 2,838 acres of public ground to Dakota County. Line up the 8 wildlife management areas in Dakota County by acres and Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA comes 2nd. Its deer permit area is 605; the 2026 designation there is 5-deer limit.
DNR runs Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA from its South Metro area office; email vermillionriver.wildlife@state.mn.us.
In DNR's words: Please do not block field access roads or gates when parking and obey No Trespassing signs and fenced areas. Please respect and do not interfere with agricultural operations.
Species on the record: deer, pheasant, waterfowl, wild turkey.
From the agency record (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources); checked October 28, 2026.
Nearby
Places to hunt and shoot around Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and Wildlife Management Area
Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA route text and lots
Use these DNR directions to find Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA; the map pins its 2 parking points.
| Section | Acres | Town | Hunting | Lots | DNR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA | 2,838 | Farmington | Open | 2 | DNR |
- Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA: From the junction of Highway 52 and County Highway 46, travel 4.2 miles west on County Highway 46, take a left (south) on Biscayne Avenue, then go 1 mile to 170th Street W, take a left (east) and travel 1.1 miles to Station Trail, take a right (southeast) on Station Trail, then go 0.7 miles to parking area/trail head on the right side of the road.
DNR WMA detail pages (Compass feature records); checked October 28, 2026.
Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA access rules
The rows below restate the access rules on the agency record for Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and 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 |
- Vermillion Highlands—A Research, Recreation and Wildlife Management Area (Dakota County) is open to archery, firearms and muzzleloader deer hunting by special lottery only and is open to late season goose hunting and spring turkey hunting. Pheasant and goose hunting is open from December 15th through December 21st, 2025. Predator hunting is allowed from January 1 to March 15 by special permit only. Dogs must be leashed at all times, except during late season Pheasant and Goose hunting. No bikes allowed. Contact the Vermillion Complex Wildlife Office for questions at 651-322-4643.
Sources: record, agency rules; booklet: 2026-2027 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations. Checked October 28, 2026.
Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA: permit hunt dates
2 hunts listed for Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA; CLOSED means the area is shut to everyone but permit hunters.
| Hunt no. | Type | Permits | When | Limit | Deer type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 975 | Adult archery, permit required | 60 | Sep 19-Oct 30, 2026 | 3 | Other |
| 944 | Adult muzzleloader, permit required | 20 | Nov 28-Dec 13, 2026 | 3 | Other |
- Hunt 975 (Vermillion Highlands Research, Recreation and Wildlife Management Area): Deadline: 08/14/2026. Apply online at https://forms.office.com/g/7V9vKJZFUe by August 14, 2026.
- Hunt 944 (Vermillion Highlands Research, Recreation and Wildlife Management Area): Mandatory orientation.
DNR special deer hunts and DNR state park hunts; checked October 28, 2026. Special hunts and lotteries.
Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA and deer permit area 605
The 2026 designation for DPA 605 is 5-deer limit; firearms dates follow the 200-series window. DPA 605 allows 5 deer, so bonus permits come into play after the first deer.
| Hunt | First day | Last day | 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 | |
| Late southeast firearms | Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Muzzleloader | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Late CWD hunt | Dec 18, 2026 | Dec 20, 2026 |
DNR lists DPA 605 in the CWD management zone. Expect the Dec. 18-20 late CWD season in DPA 605. A carcass disposal rule covers the area. The DPA covers 1,229 square miles. DPA 605 counties: Dakota, Rice, Scott, Goodhue and Le Sueur.
From the DNR 2026 deer season map and the 2026-2027 regulations booklet; checked October 28, 2026.
Seasons open on Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA
Dated seasons that apply on Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA (30 rows), with today's status in the last column.
| Quarry | Season | Where | Opening | Closing | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery | DPA 605 | Sep 19, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Deer | Early antlerless | DPA 605 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Youth deer | DPA 605 | Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | |
| Deer | Firearms, 200 series | DPA 605 | Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 15, 2026 | |
| Deer | Late southeast | DPA 605 | Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | Statewide | Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| Deer | Late CWD hunt | DPA 605 | Dec 18, 2026 | Dec 20, 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 | |
| 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 | |
| Ducks | Regular ducks | Central Zone | Oct 10, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Geese | Regular geese | Central Zone | Oct 10, 2026 | Dec 30, 2026 | |
| Ducks | Regular ducks | South Zone | Oct 17, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | |
| Geese | Regular geese | South Zone | Oct 17, 2026 | Jan 6, 2027 | |
| Light geese | Spring light goose | Statewide | Feb 18, 2027 | Apr 30, 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 605 harvest, the area around Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA
Harvest numbers below are DPA 605 totals (3,115 in 2025), the closest DNR figure for Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA.
| Season | Bucks (adult) | Others | Registered | Per sq mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1,495 | 1,620 | 3,115 | 2.61 |
| 2024 | 1,374 | 1,452 | 2,826 | 2.37 |
| 2023 | 1,279 | 1,542 | 2,821 | 2.37 |
| 2022 | 1,326 | 1,606 | 2,932 | 2.46 |
| 2021 | 1,269 | 1,528 | 2,797 | 2.35 |
| 2020 | 1,508 | 2,070 | 3,578 | 3.00 |
DNR 2025 deer harvest report; earlier years from the DNR yearly reports. Checked October 28, 2026.
Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA on the map with nearby land
Big pins mark Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA and its parking; Vermillion River WMA is the nearest neighbor at 1.6 mi.
| Neighbor | Category | Acreage | DPA | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermillion River WMA | WMA | 1,493 | 605 | 1.6 mi | south |
| Vermillion River AMA | AMA | 398 | 605 | 2.4 mi | southwest |
| So. Branch Vermillion River AMA | AMA | 62 | 605 | 3.7 mi | southeast |
| Hampton Woods WMA | WMA | 207 | 605 | 4.9 mi | south |
| Spring Lake Islands WMA | WMA | 765 | 601 | 6.1 mi | northeast |
| Hastings WMA | WMA | 40 | 605 | 11 mi | east |
| Chub Lake WMA | WMA | 203 | 605 | 13 mi | southwest |
| Soberg WPA | WPA | 114 | 605 | 13 mi | west |
Points: DNR WMA detail page map point (Compass feature_detail). Straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.
What Dakota County adds to a Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA trip
Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA is one of 13 public places we list in Dakota County. Feeding ban: Dakota County is inside it. Bear licenses in Dakota County are no-quota, sold over the counter. Turkey: permit area 503 and 510. Area wildlife office: Vermillion River Complex Area Wildlife Office ((651) 322-4643). Do not mistake Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA for closed Dakota County ground such as Chimney Rock Scientific and Natural Area and Hastings Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural 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 Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA
From Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA the nearest town is Empire (1.8 mi). Rosemount, with 30,581 residents, is the biggest town on the list. On the DNR record, the reference town is Farmington. DNR staff closest to Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA work out of Rosemount (2.5 mi).
| Place | County | Population | Distance | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empire | Dakota | 3,068 | 1.8 mi | southwest |
| Coates | Dakota | 136 | 2.1 mi | northeast |
| Rosemount | Dakota | 30,581 | 3.7 mi | north |
| Vermillion | Dakota | 429 | 5.0 mi | east |
| Farmington | Dakota | 24,464 | 5.8 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.
Events at or near Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and Wildlife Management Area
Checked October 28, 2026: 2 upcoming events at or near the property (DU gun or purse bingo and NWTF hunting heritage fundraiser).
Still to come
| Dates | What | How far | Place | Next step | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 4, 2026 | Japanese Whiskey Night Bingo @ Bourbon Butcher!, a DU gun or purse bingo | 6 | Bourbon Butcher (Farmington) | Buy tickets | Source |
| Nov 24, 2026 | Capital City Strutters – Sportsman's Fun Night Out NWTF Fundraiser, an NWTF hunting heritage fundraiser | 9 | Lakeville | Event details | Source |
Range options on the drive to Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and Wildlife Management Area
Dakota County has the public range nearest Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and Wildlife Management Area: Spring Lake Park Archery Range (6 miles). Two club ranges follow. 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.
Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA legal light on key dates
Legal light at Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and 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 | 6:54 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. | 7:05 p.m. | 6:32 a.m. | 7:35 p.m. | 7:05 p.m. |
| Oct 10, 2026 | Pheasant opener | 7:20 a.m. | 6:39 p.m. | 6:50 a.m. | 7:09 p.m. | 6:39 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Firearms deer opener | 6:57 a.m. | 4:55 p.m. | 6:27 a.m. | 5:25 p.m. | 4:55 p.m. |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Muzzleloader opener | 7:25 a.m. | 4:36 p.m. | 6:55 a.m. | 5:06 p.m. | 4:36 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. |
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 Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA
Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA questions answered from its record
Is hunting legal on Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA in 2026-27?
Yes, in the regular seasons. Read the special restrictions on the DNR page and watch for posted refuge areas.
How many acres of hunting does Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA offer?
2,838 acres.
What DPA is Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA, and what is its designation?
DPA 605 (600 series, 5-deer limit). Firearms deer runs Nov 7 to Nov 15, 2026 there.
What animals can be hunted at Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA?
Deer, pheasant, waterfowl and wild turkey, according to the agency page for Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA.
How do hunters reach Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA?
From the junction of Highway 52 and County Highway 46, travel 4.2 miles west on County Highway 46, take a left (south) on Biscayne Avenue, then go 1 mile to 170th Street W, take a left (east) and travel 1.1 miles to Station Trail, take a right (southeast) on Station Trail, then go 0.7 miles to parking area/trail head on the right side of the road. Lots mapped: 2.
Who holds title to Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA?
Land manager for Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, South Metro office.
Does chronic wasting disease testing apply on Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA?
DPA 605 is in the CWD management zone.
What are the legal shooting hours at Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA?
On the Nov. 7 firearms opener, legal deer hours at Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA run 6:27 a.m. to 5:25 p.m..
If Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA is full, where is the next public land?
Public ground nearest by straight line: Vermillion River WMA (1.6 mi), Vermillion River AMA (2.4 mi) and So. Branch Vermillion River AMA (3.7 mi).
Are tree stands allowed on Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA, and for how long?
No. Portable stands and blinds come off Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA every day (northwest Minnesota has an overnight exception Nov. 1-Dec. 31), and no equipment stays overnight.
Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA: is overnight camping allowed?
Not unless DNR designates a site or issues a permit; WMA rules bar other camping.
Last checks before driving to Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA
Boundaries on the ground beat any web page; watch for posted refuge areas on Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and WMA.
Sources: source · 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); Chad Davis. (CC BY 2.0); fishhawk (CC BY 2.0).