Minnesota Experiencing Fewer Small Game Hunters

UNDATED -- Minnesota continues to lose small game hunters in what the Department of Natural Resources says is a long-term trendline.

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The overall number of small game licenses sold in 2021 was down 4% from the previous year and down 7% from the 10-year average.

The number of Canadian goose and Ruffed grouse hunters are each down 26% from the 10-year average.

There were 21% fewer duck hunters and 18% fewer pheasant hunters than the 10-year averages.

The good news is that hunters experienced good success last year. The DNR estimates the overall bird harvest success was similar to the 10-year average. The pheasant harvest, however, was slightly above the 10-year numbers.

States with the most registered hunters

Stacker analyzed data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine which states have the most registered hunters. Read on to see how your state ranks on Stacker’s list.

Gallery Credit: Meagan Drillinger

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