Explore the outdoors this winter hunting Minnesota small game

   Hunting pheasants, ruffed grouse, squirrels or rabbits offers opportunities to enjoy the Minnesota outdoors as temperatures fall and snow blankets the landscape.

   Pheasants – hunting season is open through Jan. 2, 2022. On Dec. 1, the daily bag limit increases to three roosters, with a possession limit of nine roosters. Tip: Pheasants that had found cover in standing crops now congregate in tall grass or cattail marshes. Try hunting there and remember to be safe around thin ice.

Grouse – hunting season is open through Jan. 2, 2022. Tip: Wintertime grouse hunters may find success during the golden hour, that last hour before sunset when ruffed grouse move out of their snow roosts to feed.

   Squirrels – hunting season is open through Feb. 28, 2022. Tip: Squirrels can be particularly active in the winter because they are in their breeding season.

   Rabbits – hunting season is open through Feb. 28, 2022. Tip: Be ready for action around thick cover, such as brush piles, thorn tangles and briars.

   Anyone looking to learn more about how or where to hunt can find more information and how-to guides on the DNR’s learn to hunt pages. Hunters can find regulations and complete bag limit information on the DNR website.