Minnesota

Centerfire rifles of .22 caliber (5.56mm) or larger firing expanding bullets are legal in the northern forested Rifle Zone (Series 100 units). In the southern agricultural Shotgun Zone, rifles are restricted to shotguns, muzzleloaders, and handguns. Suppressors legal with federal paperwork. FMJ prohibited.

10, 12, 16, and 20 gauge shotguns firing single slugs or sabots are the legal firearm choice in southern Minnesota's Shotgun Zone. 3-shell capacity limit. Buckshot is illegal for deer hunting. Non-toxic shot required for all waterfowl hunting across prairie pothole lakes.

Minimum .40 caliber single-barrel muzzleloaders firing a single lead ball or sabot. Modern in-line muzzleloaders with 209 primers and magnifying scopes are fully legal during the dedicated 16-day late-season Muzzleloader hunt statewide. Black powder or commercial synthetic powders only.

Compound, recurve, and longbows with minimum 30 lb draw weight. Broadheads must have minimum 7/8-inch cutting width. Mechanical broadheads legal. Bow season runs continuously from mid-September through December 31 without interruption by firearms seasons.

Following recent legislative reform, crossbows are now 100% legal for ALL licensed hunters during the entire Minnesota archery deer season without any age or medical disability requirements. Minimum 100 lb draw weight with working safety and legal broadheads.

Centerfire handguns .22 caliber or larger with expanding bullets are legal for big game statewide, including within the southern Shotgun Zone. Minimum .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, or 10mm Auto recommended for ethical whitetail and black bear harvest.