Afton State Park Closes for Deer Opener
Minnesota's firearms deer hunting season opens Saturday, with limited public access at more than a dozen state parks.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Hunting
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will close Afton State Park in Hastings on Saturday for the firearms deer hunting season opener. Access for the non-hunting public is also limited at more than a dozen other state parks, including Tettegouche, Gooseberry Falls, and Forestville/Mystery Cave.
Why it matters
The managed hunts help control deer populations within the parks, and unchecked growth can harm other animals and plants. Visitors planning outings during the season need to know which parks are affected before they travel.
The closure applies to a single park on Saturday, while limited access covers more than a dozen parks statewide. The full list of affected parks and their hours is not included in the extraction.
The players
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
The state agency responsible for managing Minnesota's state parks and wildlife, which set the closures and managed hunts.
Afton State Park
A Hastings-area state park closed to the public for the deer hunting opener.
The details
Hikers are advised to wear blaze orange or other brightly colored clothing when visiting state parks during hunting season. Visitors should check park statuses on the DNR website before heading out.
Timeline
Saturday: Firearms deer hunting season opens and Afton State Park closes to the public.
December 2026: Managed hunts continue on state park lands.
Seasonal Patterns
The DNR's managed hunts in state parks follow an established practice of using hunting to control deer populations that can damage other wildlife and plants. This season's closures continue that approach into the firearms opener and through December.
Visitors to Minnesota state parks should check the DNR website for current park statuses before traveling during the hunting season. Wearing blaze orange or other bright colors is recommended for anyone entering parks while hunts are active.
The takeaway
Checking park status before you go and wearing bright colors can keep a state park trip safe during deer season. Plan around the closures so your outing isn't wasted.
What happens next
Managed hunts continue on state park lands into December 2026.
Further reading
For more on the rules and seasons, see Hunting coverage for Minnesota readers.
More information
Check current closures on the DNR state park status and hunting-season closures list before visiting.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Star Tribune.
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