County list · Minnesota

Public land that may allow hunting in Dakota County, Minnesota

10 listed public land units overlap Dakota County (PAD-US 4.1). Some extend into neighboring counties; acreage is for the whole Minnesota unit.

Seasons & licenses

Check seasons, licenses and area rules with the state agency before you go.

Check regulations with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

National Wildlife Refuge
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
10,371 acres
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Scott County, Carver County + 2 more
Restricted access
State wildlife / game area
Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and State Wildlife Management Area
2,841 acres
State: fish and wildlife agency · Dakota County
Restricted access
State wildlife / game area
Vermillion River State Wildlife Management Area
1,080 acres
State: fish and wildlife agency · Dakota County
Restricted access
State wildlife / game area
Chub Lake State Wildlife Management Area
203 acres
State: fish and wildlife agency · Dakota County
Restricted access
State wildlife / game area
Gores State Aquatic Management Area (Dakota)
186 acres
State: fish and wildlife agency · Dakota County
Restricted access
State wildlife / game area
Mud Creek State Wildlife Management Area
156 acres
State: fish and wildlife agency · Dakota County
Restricted access
Waterfowl Production Area
Dakota County Waterfowl Production Area
116 acres
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Dakota County, Scott County
Restricted access
State wildlife / game area
Gemini State Aquatic Management Area (Goodhue)
80 acres
State: fish and wildlife agency · Goodhue County, Dakota County
Restricted access
State wildlife / game area
Hastings State Wildlife Management Area
79 acres
State: fish and wildlife agency · Dakota County
Restricted access
State wildlife / game area
So. Branch Vermillion River State Aquatic Management Area (Dakota)
65 acres
State: fish and wildlife agency · Dakota County
Restricted access

See all listed areas in Minnesota

Minnesota deer season dates for 2026 (from the state agency) · Deer score calculator · How to score a buck