As the chill of late fall settles over Minnesota's woods and fields, hunters are wrapping up a solid firearms deer season that's already outpacing last year's haul. By Thursday morning on November 20, 2025, the state had tallied 128,759 deer registered through the firearms hunt alone. When you factor in the antlerless permits and the youth hunts, that total climbs to 152,472 deer taken so far. That's putting Minnesota about 8% ahead of where things stood at this point in 2024, according to Glen Schmitt from Outdoor News.
This uptick has got a lot of guys out there feeling good about their time in the stand or blind. The firearms season is winding down for most of the state, but down in the southeast region, it's still going strong from November 22 through 30. After that, muzzleloader enthusiasts can keep at it until December 14, and archery hunters have the longest window, stretching all the way to December 31. It's a setup that gives plenty of chances to fill the freezer, no matter your preferred method.
Breaking it down by region, Schmitt points out that every part of Minnesota saw more deer harvested this year compared to last. That's a welcome change after some leaner times in spots. Take the northeast region—it's up a solid 13% from 2024. But even with that jump, the numbers there are still on the low side overall. Last year was especially tough in that area, with very few deer getting taken. Schmitt figures a big part of the problem is the heavy wolf population up north and northeast. Those predators have been putting real pressure on the deer herds, making it harder for hunters to spot and bag their quarry.
This wolf situation has folks talking. Schmitt mentions there could be some building momentum for the Department of Natural Resources to bring back a wolf hunting season in Minnesota. It's an idea that's got its supporters among hunters who see it as a way to balance things out and boost deer numbers. But he also notes it's controversial—plenty of people on both sides of the debate, from wildlife advocates to those who hunt for food and tradition. Whatever happens, it's clear the wolf-deer dynamic is shaping how seasons play out up there, and it's something a lot of experienced outdoorsmen are keeping an eye on as they plan their next trips.
Shifting gears to waterfowl, it's been a different story this fall. Schmitt describes the duck and goose seasons as largely disappointing across the state. Hunters were geared up for a push of ducks migrating into central Minnesota last weekend, but it just didn't materialize. Maybe the weather wasn't quite cold enough to drive them south yet. Still, there's time left—the central zone stays open for duck hunting through November 30, and the southern zone hangs on until December 7. Schmitt's holding out hope that things pick up, especially in central areas, with some colder temps forecasted for next week. A good freeze could finally get those birds moving and give guys a shot at limits before the season wraps.
For those who like to mix it up beyond hunting, fall fishing is looking promising right now. Water temperatures are sitting in the low to mid 40s on many lakes, which Schmitt says should make for some decent action. He had mixed results himself last week—some days the fish were biting, others not so much. But he's optimistic there are still a couple more weeks of open water before ice starts forming and shifts everything to hard-water mode. It's that perfect window for trolling or casting for walleye, bass, or whatever's lurking below, especially if you're bundling up against the wind and enjoying the quiet before winter fully kicks in.
All in all, this season's been a reminder of why so many stick with these pursuits year after year. The deer numbers are up, offering real success stories for those who've put in the hours scouting and sitting tight. The wolf talk adds a layer of intrigue, hinting at potential changes that could reshape hunting up north. Waterfowl might not have delivered the big flights yet, but with weather turning, there's still a chance to salvage some memorable hunts. And don't forget the fishing—it's a low-pressure way to unwind after a long day in the woods. As the calendar flips toward December, Minnesota's outdoors scene is alive with opportunities, whether you're after venison, ducks, or a stringer of fish to fry up back home.
