Public Land

[mrklean]

I just moved to the Buffalo area, where can i find either websites or maps or something that will show me where public land is. Or anyone out there that can give me advice to finding some hunting land for a new resident. Thanks

[BobT]

The DNR HSOforum has maps showing the locations of WMAs. I'm not sure about WPA maps though.

Another option would be to locate a county plot map.

Bob

[B. Amish]

search: mn dnr landview

they have both wma's and wpa's on there. it's not the easiest site to use though.

[dan z]

I think rand mcnally has a new map out that highlights all types of outdoor things pretty sure they cost thirty bucks find them at most sports retailers. its the one with the brown cover

[mrklean]

What areas cant you hunt is it WPAs?

[BobT]

WPAs (Waterfowl Production Areas) and WMAs (Wildlife Management Areas) may or may not be open to public hunting. Around here most are open. I believe it is common that WPAs are restricted to non-toxic shot but there too you need to find out. Usually, they are posted.

Bob

[Powerstroke]

The ones typically closed to hunting are SNA's. They Scientific and Natural Areas. These area areas with unique or rare features that are trying to be preserved.

[BradB]

The best way I've found is buying the county plat map. Find those tax forfeited areas (if they exist in your area) that are landlocked. It's better to do in winter or spring then now, but contact the adjacent landowners and see if you can somehow get permission into those areas. I've had excellent luck this way. Just be a nice guy and be polite.

[vitalshot5]

fleet farm has a public land map put out by rand mcnally.....very useful....like $8.

[BeerHunter]

Use google earth and go to the minnesota DNR HSOforum and get the public land download. Very nice lets you actually see the land also.

DNR WMA PAGE

Go to the bottom of the page and download it.

[mrklean]

That looks great, kinda stinks that most of the areas are 10+ miles away from me but it will due

[tybo]

One other way is the sportsmans atlas/map. They sell them sporting goods stores and at Game Fair. They have all public land listed but there are only as relevant for a few years as some land changes hands. Generally they have WMA's, WPA's, Refuges, etc but the county and tax forfeited land isn't usually on them. That would come from PRIM maps and plat books. I think you can order both of those from the Minnesota State Bookstore or go to the office in St Paul.

[chuckwagon]

Im with tybo, i use my sportsmans atlas all the time.I have a lot of different maps from the dnr like the prims and plats, but the atlas always ends up being what i use.

[sparcebag]

Minnesota Atlas Gazetteer,Topo maps of the entire state,Public lands & lake index.