For Midwesterners, August marks the coming of fall. While the last month of summer is represented by back-to-school shopping, two-a-days, and hurried last-minute vacations, for hunters, it means opening day is right around the corner. It’s when hunters double down on food plot preparation, begin to check that all their gear is in order, and check that their SD cards or data plans are ready for trail cameras. It also means it’s time to buy tags and licenses. For Minnesotans, this year represents a change and a push toward simplification.
What It Was
In previous years, Minnesota hunters wanting to buy a firearms license could choose an A or B license. While A covered the statewide deer gun season, the B license was only for the late southeast season. Recently, due to the expansion of the CWD management zone in the southeast, only two DPAs (338 and 341) still required a B license to hunt during the late southeast B season. Neighboring DPAs allowed hunting during both seasons with either an A or B license. This meant there was little to no benefit in purchasing a B-season license.
The Change
For the fall 2025 deer season, the Minnesota DNR has streamlined the process for purchasing a firearms deer license. There is now a single statewide firearms deer license. The B season license has been eliminated, and a statewide license is valid during both the statewide firearms A season and the late southeast B season.
Paul Burr, the DNR acting big game program coordinator, stated:
“We love getting ready for deer season each year. Many hunters prepare for time out in the forests and fields like it’s a major holiday. We’re reminding hunters to closely review the new hunting regulations and all the details that apply to them, so they’re ready to enjoy deer seasons.”
Zooming Out
For deer hunters, August is a time of preparation. It also means it’s time to double-check your state’s regulations to see if anything has changed from the previous year. For Minnesota, they’ve simplified the process and eliminated the need to purchase a B license. You can purchase your Minnesota license here.
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Sources:
Cory Ross is currently a writer for OutdoorHub who has chosen not to write a short bio at this time.
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