Minnesota pheasant hunters now have 194 access sites in 28 counties available to them through the state’s Walk-In Access program. Photo courtesy the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Pheasant hunters heading to western and south-central Minnesota will have access to an additional 6,083 acres of land this fall as the state’s Walk-In Access program grows to more than 20,000 acres and the number of counties increases from 19 to 28.
Upland hunters who wish to hunt these areas must purchase a $3 Walk-In Access validation on their small game license to legally access land enrolled in the program. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources added the validation so it can learn how many hunters use Walk-In Access lands as well as where and how those lands are used.
More than 2,000 accessible acres have been added in Wilkin County on the northwestern edge of Minnesota’s pheasant range. Becker, Douglas and Otter Tail counties also have many new Walk-In Access sites.
Maps of all 194 Walk-In Access sites will be available for viewing at www.mndnr.gov/walkin by mid-August, and the sites are accessible come Sept. 1. The state’s pheasant hunting season opens on Saturday, Oct. 12.
Anthony’s Antics Afield is written by Anthony Hauck, Pheasants Forever’s Online Editor. Email Anthony at AHauck@pheasantsforever.organd follow him on Twitter @AnthonyHauckPF.