9 Things You Should Know About MNs Firearms Opener

If you are planning on participating in this year's firearms opener this weekend, there are some updates to the firearms licenses, as well as some other changes this year you might not be aware of. Here are 9 quick things you should know about the opener this year, which also happens to be this Saturday.

No 'B Season' License In 2025

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, this year, they have done away with the B Season license. There is now only one firearms license which can be used during both the statewide firearms (formally known as A season) and the late southeast seasons (formerly known as B season).

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Have A Valid License For The Area In Which You Are Hunting

Make sure you are aware of the area in which you are deer hunting, as the firearm license is valid for both a buck as well as an antlerless deer, unless you are hunting in a zone that only allows for bucks, or you were successful in your antlerless hunting permit.

Be Aware Of What Deer Permit Area You Are In

Be sure to brush up on the different deer permit areas you might be hunting in. Some areas have changed recently, and certain areas may require you to test for chronic wasting disease.

Shotgun Zone Still In Place For 2025, Changes Coming In '26

The Minnesota DNR is reminding hunters that there is still a shotgun zone for this season, but there will be changes coming for 2026. If you'd like more information on the changes, you can head here.

Do I Need To Submit A Testing Sample Or Not?

If you take a deer from a CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) zone, EX 2025 Deer Permit Area 604, remember that you'll have to submit a sample to the MN DNR. You can learn more about those zones here. 

No Baiting For Deer

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wants to remind hunters that they have to stop baiting for deer 10 days before hunting. Plus, some Minnesota counties have banned baiting/feeding practices altogether.

Haven't Gotten Your License Yet? Get It In-Person

If you haven't gotten your hunting license yet for this season, you are encouraged to get it in person rather than online or via the phone. You will need your site tag to hunt the firearms season legally, and it may not arrive in the mail in time if you wait.

Youth Tag Not Used During Youth Season Is Still Good

While your kid might be disappointed they didn't take a deer during the youth season, they can still put that tag to good use. If a youth hunter did not harvest a deer with a youth firearms license during the youth season, they are able to use their youth license for the regular firearms season.

Taking More Than One Deer? Make Sure You've Got The Licenses

If you are going to be harvesting more than one deer this year, make sure you've got all the right permits and licenses. You can't take multiple deer with a single license. It seems like common sense, but it's a rule for a reason.

H/T to the Minnesota DNR for the idea. 

Be Safe This Hunting Season

Above all else, be safe out there this year. We want you to make it back home to share the stories of the one that got away.