Brainerd is home to much area able to be hunted, including miles of trails and acres of state land offering ample Minnesota hunting opportunities for small game, ruffed Grouse, and whitetail deer.

In addition you will find links for your Minnesota hunting license and Minnesota hunting seasons. Brainerd offers an excellent opportunity to bag that big Minnesota Whitetail deer or build memories hunting grouse with family or friends. For a great Minnesota Hunting experience Visit Brainerd!

Hunting Areas Near Brainerd

Pillsbury State Forest
Grouse hunters find good bird hunting here in the fall. The forest is closed to off-highway vehicles so bird hunters are assured that they will not be disturbed by ATV traffic while walking the old logging roads.

The trails at Pillsbury State Forest meander through a heavy forested area and are dotted with small lakes and ponds where you’re likely to see evidence of beavers and other wildlife. You may also find several varieties of wildflowers, including the yellow lady’s slipper.

Meadow Brook WMA
Over 5,700 acres of primarily forested land (aspen, oak and northern hardwoods) with numerous forested wetlands throughout. Area actively managed through timber sales. This is large non-motorized WMA that provides 12 miles of hunter walking trails. Excellent hunting for ruffed grouse, woodcock and deer in addition to waterfowl, bear, and wolves.

Poor Farm WMA
312 acres with a mix of forest and old fields with a 30 acre bullrush marsh in the NW corner just ouside of Brainerd. Hunting for deer, bear, small game, forest game birds, and waterfowl.

Ray Cook WMA
128 acres with two wetlands bounded by lowland brush, oak, aspen, and prairie grass fields. Hunting for deer, bear, small game, forest game birds, and waterfowl.

Loerch WMA
206 Acres with a waterfowl impoundment (30 acres) in the NE corner of the unit. Area surrounding the impoundment is primarily aspen and oak. Hunting for deer, bear, small game, forest game birds, waterfowl, and wolves.

Hesitation WMA
270 acres of primarily forested land with a small wetland impoundment SE of Rice lake. Hunting for deer, bear, small game, forest game birds, and waterfowl

Deer Hunt at Crow Wing State Park
The park will be closed to all visitors from December 13 through December 15. The park will be open only to participating hunters.