Explore the outdoors this winter hunting Minnesota small game

Hunting pheasants, ruffed grouse, squirrels or rabbits offers opportunities to enjoy the Minnesota outdoors as temperatures fall and snow blankets the landscape.

• Pheasants – hunting season is open through Jan. 2, 2022. On Dec. 1, the daily bag limit increases to three roosters, with a possession limit of nine roosters. Tip: Pheasants that had found cover in standing crops now congregate in tall grass or cattail marshes. Try hunting there and remember to be safe around thin ice.
• Grouse – hunting season is open through Jan. 2, 2022. Tip: Wintertime grouse hunters may find success during the golden hour, that last hour before sunset when ruffed grouse move out of their snow roosts to feed.
• Squirrels – hunting season is open through Feb. 28, 2022. Tip: Squirrels can be particularly active in the winter because they are in their breeding season.
• Rabbits – hunting season is open through Feb. 28, 2022. Tip: Be ready for action around thick cover, such as brush piles, thorn tangles and briars.

Anyone looking to learn more about how or where to hunt can find more information and how-to guides on the DNR’s learn to hunt pages. Hunters can find regulations and complete bag limit information on the DNR website.

Join this webinar on lifetime licenses and other outdoor-themed gifts
Contact: Benji Kohn, volunteer mentor program coordinator, 651-259-5178. 

Anyone interested in getting some great gift ideas for outdoor enthusiasts is invited to join a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources webinar that will cover gifts that you can get through the DNR — like a chance to snuggle up in a camper cabin, membership to the state parks passport club, or a lifetime of hunting or fishing fun with lifetime hunting or fishing licenses.

The webinar is at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 1, and is part of the DNR’s Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series, which aims to give participants quick, relevant information on upcoming seasons and events, and skills to help enjoy these opportunities. Registration and more information are available on the DNR website.