Hunters Achieve Mixed Success in Minnesota’s Accessible Deer Season

A recent accessible deer hunt in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, yielded mixed results for participants. Of the two archery hunters involved in the inaugural event from October 9 to 12, one successfully filled their tag, according to Randy Sorensen, executive director of the Options Resource Center for Independent Living. A veteran from Fosston and a hunter from Frazee took part in the hunt, with the Frazee hunter bagging a doe on the first day.

Despite the success of one participant, the Fosston hunter was unable to secure a deer, as none came within range. This event, which allowed four hunters with disabilities to participate, was organized in collaboration with the East Grand Forks Parks and Recreation Department. Notably, only two hunters applied for the available tags, a significant drop compared to previous years.

The regular archery hunt in East Grand Forks is scheduled for November 15 to 23, with 12 tags available—nine for antlerless deer and three for either-sex. This archery hunt is part of ongoing efforts by the city to manage the deer population on the Minnesota side of the Greenway. Last year’s inaugural hunt saw a much higher level of participation, with 40 applicants for just ten permits.

In a related event, the Accessible Deer Hunt at Rydell National Wildlife Refuge in Polk County, which took place from October 16 to 18, saw four out of 16 hunters successfully fill their tags. This year’s event marked the 30th anniversary of the hunt, which is designed for hunters with disabilities. Sorensen noted that while only four hunters were successful, “almost everyone” saw deer during the hunt.

The participants ranged in age from 19 to 83 years and included both men and women, with six of the hunters being veterans. Hunters came from various regions, including Minnesota, North Dakota, and Tennessee, representing multiple disability groups such as those with pulmonary conditions, paralysis, and traumatic brain injuries. Volunteers played a crucial role, with 38 individuals contributing their time to ensure the event’s success.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has reported positive deer populations across many regions in anticipation of the upcoming firearms deer season, which begins on November 8. Over 400,000 hunters are expected to participate in this year’s season. In northwest Minnesota, recent mild winters have led to strong deer populations, with many does giving birth to twins or triplets. As a result, several deer permit areas have increased harvest limits, although some areas remain restricted to bucks only.

Significant changes are also on the horizon for Minnesota’s shotgun-only zone for deer hunting. Starting in 2026, hunters will generally be allowed to use both legal rifles and shotguns throughout the state during the deer hunting season, unless a specific county enacts an ordinance to continue restricting firearm types.

For hunters looking to plan their outings, the DNR recommends using the “plan your hunt” tool on their website. This resource provides a comprehensive guide to hunting regulations, deer processing, and chronic wasting disease sampling. Additionally, the DNR has urged hunters to familiarize themselves with the differences between deer and elk in the field, as elk can occasionally be seen in areas outside of northwest Minnesota.

With the annual rut approaching in early November, hunters are reminded that this is a prime time for deer movements. The DNR emphasizes that despite varying weather patterns, the peak rut typically occurs consistently each year, presenting an optimal opportunity for hunters to engage with the deer population.