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Walk-In Access

The State of MN has received federal funding to compensate landowners to open their habitat acres to public hunting. This is a cooperative effort by the MN Board of Water & Soil Resources (BWSR), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Pheasants Forever (PF) and Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD). Here are some of the highlights of this voluntary program:

  • Targeted at lands already enrolled in federal or state conservation programs like CRP, CREP, RIM, WRP

  • Minimum size of 40 acres, with a bonus payment for more than 160 acre

  • Access during all open hunting seasons 

  • DNR Conservation Officers responsible for any enforcement action

  • Landowner payments range from $10-$13/ac. based on size and duration of enrollment

  • Signage to mark property boundaries is provided by the program​

The Walk-In Access (WIA) program is limited to a 47 county area in southwestern Minnesota. The Walk in Access program began in 2011 and has grown from 10,000 acres to 27,000 acres. There are approximately 3,400 acres in the Walk-in Access program in Lincoln County. Landowners interested in this program should contact 507-694-1630.

Resources:

MN DNR Walk-In Access Program

Walk-In Access Hunting Atlas

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