Most big game and small game animals in Minnesota are restricted to specific hunting seasons during the calendar year. There are a small number of common mammals and birds that do not fall under a protected class, and hunting in Minnesota for these species can be done year-round.
In many cases, mammals and birds that can be hunted throughout the year are considered invasive species that cause destruction to important habitats and protected species. The
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources does not require residents or non-residents to purchase a license to hunt unprotected species.
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- Coyotes - Wild members of the dog family, coyotes are larger than foxes and smaller than wolves. They weigh around 30 pounds and average 18 inches in height. Coyotes can be destructive to deer, sheep, wild turkeys, and cattle. They can also threaten domestic cats and dogs and, in rare cases, attack humans. Care must be taken to not mistake wolves for coyotes. Hunting wolves requires a license in Minnesota. Shooting a wolf thinking it is a coyote is a violation of Minnesota fish and game laws and is punishable with a fine or jail time.
- Woodchucks - Woodchucks can be found in both rural and urban areas where they feed on a variety of vegetables and grasses. These small rodents can destroy a garden or flower bed in a short time. Hunting or trapping woodchucks is allowed. Minnesota law allows woodchucks to be harvested at any time and in any manner except with artificial lights or using a motor vehicle. Poison may not be used on woodchucks unless the safety of humans and domestic pets or livestock can be assured beforehand.
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- Crows - Crows are scavengers by nature and will eat virtually anything. They typically gather in large communal roosts in any area with a significant number of large trees. Crows can comfortably live in forests, on agricultural lands or in urban settings – meaning they can become a major nuisance for human populations. If a crow is doing damage or about to do damage to trees, crops, livestock, or wildlife, they can be hunted without a license in season or at any time out of season. Electronic calls or sounds may be used to hunt crows. Crows may be hunted with a legal firearm (10 gauge or lower shotgun, rifle, handgun) or bow and arrow. The regular hunting seasons for crows in Minnesota is during March and from mid-July to mid-October, the DNR said.
This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.
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