Trip Planner
We highly recommend applying for the Quota Tags. This will give you a greater chance at taking home a Trophy Black Bear. It can take a few years to get drawn so don't get discouraged. It all depends on number of applicants and how many tags they are giving out that given year. The Quota Tag offers a better hunt and success rate as there are less hunters and other baits to compete with.
Rest assured, Lake of the Woods Outfitters will work hard and push for a successful hunt in the no quota areas as well.
License Costs and Lottery Information
MN Resident License Fees
- Bear Lottery application $5
- Lottery Deadline May 2nd, 2025
- Bear license $44 - available for purchase June 1st
- Youth Bear license (age 10-12) – $0
- Youth Bear license (age 13-17) $5
- Small Game
- Small game - 72 hour $19.00
- Small game - Military - $0
- Small game - (senior citizen) $13.50
- Small game - (youth 16-17) $5.00
- Small game (18-64) $22.00
- Sports - individual $41.00 (angling and small game hunting)
- Sports-combination $57.00 (angling and small game hunting)
- Sandhill Crane Permit - $3.00
- MN State Waterfowl Stamp $7.50
- Federal Duck Stamp $27.50
- Hip Certified - $0
- Apprentice Hunter Validation $3.50
MN Non-Resident License Fees
- Lottery application $5
- Bear license $231 - available for purchase June 1st
- Youth Bear License (age 13-17) $5
- Youth Bear License (age 10-12) $0
- Small Game
- Small game - 72 hour $75.00
- Small game - (youth 16-17) $5.00
- Small game (18 and older) $102.00
- Sand Hill Crane Permit $3
- MN State Waterfowl Stamp $7.50
- Federal Duck Stamp $27.50
- Hip Certified - $0
****Price does not include any additional fees charged (such as Agent Fee of $1.00, or online convenience fees, etc.)
****Also Please reference the MN DNR License Page as prices may vary year to year.
Use Area 99 if you wish to apply for preference only. You won't be eligible to be drawn for a permit but will accrue a preference point that will count in future years.
Important Dates:
Bear
- Lottery Deadline
- Baiting Starts
- Season Dates
- September 1 - October 12, 2025,
Waterfowl
- Youth Waterfowl
- Sept 13, 2025 -Sept 14, 2025
- Sept 12, 2026 -Sept 13, 2026
- Sept 11, 2027 -Sept 12, 2027
- Sept 9, 2028 -Sept 10, 2028
- Teal
- Ducks, Coots, Mergansers - North zone -
- Sandhill Crane
- Sept 13, 2025 -Oct 19, 2025
- Sept 19, 2026 -Oct 17, 2026
- Sept 18, 2027 - Oct 16, 2027
- Early Goose
- Goose - North Zone
Lottery application for quota zone is available late March to early April and closes with a deadline for the lottery the First Friday in May. Notice if you have been selected for a quota license you will be notified by June 1. Bear lottery winners must purchase their license by August 1, 2025. Unsold licenses will then become available for purchase by anyone starting August 6, 2025* at 12:00PM.
- As in the past, preference will not be given for the current year if applicant is successful in the drawing (first or second choice) but does not purchase a license.
*This date may chage by a day or two, please check the MN DNR License Page on exact date for current year.
Check the MN DNR Website for license availability and more information.
