Vermillion Highlands is a modified wildlife management area (WMA), defined by a unique joint management effort, including representation from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), University of Minnesota, and Dakota County, in order that research, recreation, and wildlife management activities can take place simultaneously on the property. Vermillion Highlands, the state's first and only modified WMA offers a variety of hunting activities throughout the year. Permitted trapping, archery and firearms hunting provide for responsible management of turkey, deer, pheasant, goose, coyote, raccoon and other animals.
Wildlife management activities at Vermillion Highlands are administered by the Minnesota DNR. Please contact the DNR area manager at 651-322-4643 with questions or to learn more about hunting at Vermillion Highlands. Special note to hunters: In addition to hunting activities, Vermillion Highlands is home to the Lone Rock Trail, used by hikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers. These activities take place January 2 through October 31 annually.
Hunting Annual Schedule | Turkey | April 15-May 28, 2009: Spring turkey hunt
Visit the DNR Web site for lottery and license information.
| Pheasant
| December 14, 2009-January 3, 2010
Pheasant hunting is available on a first-come first-served basis by designated parking spaces. The pheasant hunt parking space map will be available early December 2009.
| Deer
| Archery: September 19-November 1, 2009
- Note: Winners of the archery hunt lottery have already been notified
Firearms: November 7-November 20, 2009
Muzzleloader: November 28-December 13, 2009
Visit the DNR Web site for lottery and license information. Lottery winners must attend a mandatory orientation session prior to deer hunting on Vermillion Highlands.
| Goose
| December 12-21, 2009: Late season goose hunt
All regular rules and regulations apply. Visit the DNR Web site for license and permit information.
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Trapping Annual Schedule
| Furbearers | October 24-March 15, 2010
All trappers must, regardless of furbearers taken, obtain a special use permit from the Vermillion Highlands DNR area manager. Call 651-322-4643 for information.
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For additional details on the season start and end dates and required licenses and permits, visit the DNR Web site.
View the DNR 2009 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook with special attention to the regulations pertaining to the Public Lands and Wildlife Refuges section.
Maps and Directions
View a map of Vermillion Highlands.
For directions to Vermillion Highlands located on the south side of UMore Park, vie the Map and Directions to UMore Park (65.3 KB PDF). View the Lone Rock Trail Map (214.7 KB PDF) to note the location of the recreational trail loops for hoseback riding, hiking, and cross-country skiing.
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