Maple Ridge Resort
42388 Turtle Lake Rd
Bigfork, MN 56628
218-832-3837
1-877-261-3837
Email Us

Big Game, Birds and Waterfowl - Hunt For It All At Maple Ridge Resort

For the avid hunter in the family, there is plenty of opportunity to sharpen those hunting skills in the Minnesota Northwoods. Whether you seek big game, small game, or waterfowl, there is a wide variety available for your hunting pleasure. This area has an abundance of whitetail deer and open season starts in mid-September for archery and early November for firearms. Ruffed grouse are also a commodity in the Northwoods. The open season for grouse and partridge begins in mid-September and continues to the end of the year. For that "really big game" hunter, the season for Minnesota Black Bear opens at the end of August.

The more than 1,000 lakes in Itasca County make perfect haven for many migratory birds that come each year to nest and stay for the summer and fall. Canadian Geese and ducks are popular birds hunted on our area lakes. Waterfowl season begins the end of September. See exact season dates below.

The Northwoods is alive with the many sights and sounds of an abundant supply of wildlife. It offers a tremendous opportunity to teach your family about Minnesota's greatest resource - nature. We encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful experience and book your next hunting vacation with us. Your hunting party will want to return to Maple Ridge Resort year after year. If you have a particular hunting question just drop us an email or give us a call at 1-877-261-3837. See the schedule below for information on season opening information.

2012-2013 Minnesota Hunting Calendar
This calendar will be updated as information becomes available from the MN/DNR.

Small Game

Cottontail Rabbit, Jack-rabbit and Snowshoe Hare, Gray & Fox Squirrel	Sept.15, 2011 - Feb. 29, 2012
Pheasant	Oct. 13, 2012 - Jan. 1, 2013
Ruffed, Spruce Grouse & Partridge	Sept. 15, 2012 - Jan. 1, 2013
Sharp-tailed Grouse	Sept. 15, 2012 - Nov. 30, 2012
Fall Wild Turkey Lottery Deadline	July 27, 2012
Fall Wild Turkey First Season	Sept. 29, 2012 - Oct. 28, 2012
2012 Spring Wild Turkey Lottery Application Deadline	Jan. 13, 2012
2012 Spring Wild Turkey Season	Apr. 18, 2012 -

Big Game

Bear Hunt Lottery Deadline (applications avail. late Mar.)	May 4, 2012
Bear Hunt - Opener	Sept. 1 - Oct. 14, 2012
Antlerless Deer and Special Hunt Lottery Deadline	Sept. 6, 2012
Deer Hunt Early Antlerless Opener	Oct. 20-21, 2012 (tentative)
Deer Hunting License on Sale	tba
Deer Opener - Archery	Sept. 15 - Dec. 31, 2012
Deer Opener - Firearms	Nov. 3 - 18, 2012
Deer Opener - Muzzleloader	Nov. 24 - Dec. 9, 2012
Elk Hunt Lottery Deadline	June 1, 2012
Elk (Bull)	TBA
Elk - Antlerless - residents only	TBA
Moose Hunt Lottery Deadline	May 4, 2012
Moose - Northeast Zone	Sept. 29 - Oct. 14, 2012

Furbearers - Trapping/Hunting

Raccoon	Oct. 20, 2012 - March 15, 2013
Gray & Red Fox, Badger	Oct. 20, 2012 - March 15, 2013
Bobcat	Nov. 24, 2012 - Jan, 5, 2013
Pine Marten & Fisher	Nov. 24, 2012 - Dec. 2, 2012
Mink & Muskrat	Oct. 22, 2012 - Feb. 28, 2013
Beaver	Oct. 27, 2012 - April 30, 2013
Otter	Oct. 27, 2012 - Jan. 5, 2013

Migratory Birds

Spring Light Goose Season	Mar. 1 - Apr. 30, 2012
Crow 2012 - 1st Season	Mar. 1 - 31, 2012
General Duck and Goose	Sept. 22 - Nov. 27, 2012
Snow, Blue, Ross & White-Fronted Geese	Sept. 29 - Dec. 23, 2012
Early Canada Goose	Sept. 1 - 22, 2012
Youth Waterfowl Hunt Day	Sept. 15, 2012
Late Canada Goose	TBA
Rails, Snipe - opener	Sept. 1 - Nov. 5, 2012
Woodcock	Sept. 22 - Nov. 5, 2012
Crow 2012 - Second Season	July 15 - Oct 15, 2012

Helpful links for great Minnesota Hunting:

2011 Hunting Regulations (.pdf) Note: 2012 Regulations will be added as soon as they are available.

2011 Waterfowl Hunting Regulations (.pdf)

2011 Deer Zone Permit Area Map (.pdf)

Mandatory Deer Harvest Registration Information

Deer Hunters Survey - 2010 Edition

Hunting License Information

Hunter Education and Safety

Maple Ridge Resort, Minnesota Resorts

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