Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District Hunting & Fishing Guide 2026–27

Detroit Lakes WMD hunt unit map

Hunt units are colored by 2026–2027 status. Toggle layers for FWS-owned land, the approved refuge boundary and private easements. Use satellite imagery to scout marshes, timber edges and access points.

Hunting at Detroit Lakes WMD

• 🦌 Big Game
• 🦆 Waterfowl
• 🦃 Wild Turkey
• 🐦 Upland Birds
• 🕊️ Migratory Birds
• 🐇 Small Game
• 🐗 Feral & Exotic
• 🎣 Fishing

Hunting opportunities include big game, waterfowl, wild turkey, upland birds, migratory birds, small game, and feral & exotic, subject to state seasons and refuge-specific rules. Fishing is available — freshwater fishing.

Both the grasslands and prairie potholes of northwest Minnesota were largely eliminated when the land was converted to agriculture, but Detroit Lakes WMD preserves important habitat in this area for waterfowl and other wildlife.

Categories are those listed by USFWS for this station; exact species, seasons and bag limits follow Minnesota regulations plus refuge-specific rules.

Hunt units (2)

When to hunt Detroit Lakes WMD

Typical U.S. season windows for the game categories offered here. Minnesota sets the exact dates, and refuges often open fewer days than the statewide season — use this to plan scouting, then confirm the 2026–2027 dates in the state regulations and the refuge hunt brochure.

Permits & licenses

Fishing at Detroit Lakes WMD

• 🐟 Freshwater fishing

The fishing opportunities on most wetland management districts are marginal but are offered in accordance with state seasons and regulations. Available species include northern pike, walleye, crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass and sunfish.

State fishing licenses and regulations apply. Some waters close seasonally to protect wildlife.

How to get to Detroit Lakes WMD

The navigation point is the station reference location published by USFWS — often the headquarters or main entrance. For a specific hunt unit, open its page or click it on the map for coordinates and parking planning.

Sunrise, sunset & shooting hours

7-day hunting weather

Waterfowl Production Areas managed by Detroit Lakes WMD

This district manages 186 named WPAs totaling 50,605 acres of walk-in public land. The largest are listed below; each links to its county guide with a satellite map and directions.

Showing the 25 largest of 186. All tracts are on the map above and in the KML download.

Guides for hunting Detroit Lakes WMD

Detroit Lakes WMD FAQ

Nearby refuges & public land

Waterfowl Production Areas within 35 miles

• Headquarters WPA 167 ac · 0.2 mi NW
• Bristlin Partnership WPA 9.0 ac · 0.2 mi E
• Brandy Lake WPA 281 ac · 2.3 mi W
• Struss WPA 97 ac · 3.0 mi SE
• Tessman WPA 160 ac · 3.2 mi W
• Detroit Mountain WPA 81 ac · 3.3 mi SE

All refuges in Minnesota →