Deer Tags
Minnesota Deer Tags
2026
Complete guide to deer tag requirements in Minnesota — official agency links, resident and nonresident tag fees, antlerless permits, bag limits, and how to purchase your tags. Minnesota manages whitetail deer through a zone-based system with hunting licenses including one deer (any sex) tag. Additional antlerless tags are available by zone based on population management goals. Minnesota also has a small population of woodland caribou in the far north and manages white-tailed deer aggressively in agricultural zones to prevent CWD spread and crop damage.
Separate Tag Required
Up to 3 Tags (Resident)
Resident Tag: $30
2026 Deer Tag Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Resident Tag Fee
$30
One deer license included; additional antlerless by permit in high-density zones
Nonresident Fee
$185
per nonresident deer tag
Max Tags (Resident)
3
deer per season
Tag Required?
Yes
Purchase separately
Antlerless Tags
Resident: $15
Nonresident: $30
Step-by-Step
How to Get Your Minnesota Deer Tag
Follow these steps to purchase and properly use your Minnesota deer tag for the 2026 season.
1
Purchase Your Base Hunting License
Before buying a deer tag, you must have a valid Minnesota hunting license. Residents and nonresidents must purchase the appropriate base license for the season. You can purchase online at the Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources website or at a licensed sporting goods retailer.
2
Purchase Your Deer Tag(s)
Purchase your deer tag(s) separately from Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources online, at a license agent, or at a sporting goods store.
Resident tags are $30 and nonresident tags are $185. Purchase online →
3
Know Your Requirements Before Hunting
Review Minnesota's current deer hunting regulations for season dates, legal shooting hours, legal deer definitions, antler restrictions (if any), and zone-specific rules. Regulations are available on the Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources website and at license agents. Minnesota Firearms Deer License required. Zone-specific restrictions may apply.
4
Immediately Tag Your Harvest
Upon harvesting a deer, you must immediately fill out your deer tag and attach it to the deer before moving it. Most states require you to notch the month and day, then attach it to a visible location. Keep your license and tags on your person while hunting and during transport.
Requirements
Minnesota Deer Tag Requirements
Minnesota Firearms Deer License required. Zone-specific restrictions may apply.
Important Notes
Minnesota-Specific Tag Information
CWD surveillance zones have special regulations. Deer must be checked at official check stations in some zones.
Source: Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources (www.dnr.state.mn.us).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current fees and tag requirements directly with Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources before purchasing.