The Grand Rapids area offers some of the best hunting in Minnesota. Good habitat, well-managed and abundant public land, and an accommodating hospitality community combine for a desirable location for the serious outdoorsman – and outdoorswoman. Season opener dates for hunting and fishing can be found on our calendar of events.
Bird Hunting
Bring along your favorite bird dog and scattergun. Working aspen forests and hunters’ walking trails offer ruffed grouse hunters an exhilarating day in the field. The Grand Rapids area provides world-class upland bird hunting and is also the home of the prestigious National Ruffed Grouse Society Hunt held each October.
White Tail Deer Hunting
White tail deer hunters can find a prime location within a short drive of Grand Rapids, although some research work is required in advance to find the right location on public lands. The mixed hardwood forests and numerous lakes provide excellent habitat for white tail deer. Steeped in rich tradition, deer hunting opener weekend is practically a holiday of its own in Grand Rapids. Deer hunting widows can find plenty to do in the area with city-wide craft sales and special ladies entertainment.
Grand Rapids is the location of the state office of the Minnesota Deer Hunter’s Association and also the NE Regional Offices of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. A wide variety of sportsman’s clubs can also be found in the area.
Grand Rapids Area Maps and Information
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Hunting & Trapping Resource
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Hunting Land Locations Resource: Will give you hunting tips, description of the different types of public and private hunting land in Minnesota.
Check out Upper Mississippi-UMP Forest Legacy Project that was set up to protect more than 187.876 acres of Northwoods forests, wetlands and shoreline currently owned by UPM located in North-central to North-eastern Minnesota:
Download the Upper Mississippi-UPM Forest Legacy Project
Upper Mississippi-UPM Forest Legacy Project Map
Chippewa National Forest
Hunting Information
USDA Recreation Map
Deer River, MN
Johnson Lake Hunter Walking Trail
Skeeter Lake Hunter Walking Trail
Sugar Lake Hunter Walking Trail
Marcell, MN
Jingo Lake Hunter Walking Trail
Spur Lake Hunter Walking Trail
Itasca County Wildlife Management Areas
Minnesota State Forest Hunting Land in Itasca County: Select Itasca County from the drop down menu to pull up each of the hunter walking trail maps, and by clicking on the pdf tab you will be able to download and print each of the maps.
Private Property Hunting…it’s a privilege: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Regulations Handbook, require hunters to get permission to hunt agricultural land. Also, hunters can’t hunt any posted private land unless they have written permission, and they can’t hunt land if they’ve been told to leave. To find out if unmarked land is private, inquire at the county auditor’s office.