Minnesota ATV Restrictions Start November 9 – What To Know

The Minnesota Department Of Natural Resources shared on social media a reminder to OHV riders that restrictions are beginning this weekend in portions of Minnesota. Some riding restrictions have already been in place for several days.

Restrictions for deer hunting season.

The Minnesota Firearm Deer Season starts this weekend. To minimize any hunter and ATV rider conflicts, restrictions are put in place for several weeks.

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Starting November 9th, the Northeastern Minnesota 100 series deer management area will be restricted. This will continue through November 24th.

The 200 & 300 series deer management areas will also be restricted to OHV riders from November 9 through the 17th.

OHV trails in Southeastern Minnesota have been closed since November 1st.

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Are hunters allowed to use OHV during deer season?

During the deer season, licensed deer hunters are allowed to use their OHV vehicles while they are hunting as long as it's before legal shooting time, between the hours of 11 am to 2 pm, and after legal shooting time.

In Minnesota, legal shooting time starts a half hour before sunrise and ends a half hour after sunset.

The restrictions apply to all state forest trails and access routes. They do not apply to state forest roads. The restrictions are put in place to minimize conflicts between recreational riders and hunters.

It's also a good reminder that if you are out walking in nature or on rural roads to be sure to wear blaze orange so you can be properly identified. Hunters are taught in firearms safety classes to identify their target before they shoot, but there's no harm in being extra safe. Consider blaze orange for any pets outdoors in the woods as well.