University of Minnesota
UMore Park
http://www.umorepark.umn.edu
612-626-8431

Vermillion Highlands: A Research, Recreation and Wildlife Management Area

Wildlife Management

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.

Hunting Annual Schedule

TurkeySpring turkey hunt: April 13-May 26, 2011

Spring turkey hunting on Vermillion Highlands is permitted with a valid license for Permit Area 601. Visit the DNR Wild Turkey Hunting webpage for application and license information.
DeerArchery Hunt: September 17-October 30, 2011
  • Estimated 70 permits will be available (application deadline August 15, 2011)
Shotgun Hunt: November 5-18, 2011
  • Estimated 25 permits will be available (application deadline September 8, 2011)
Muzzleloader Hunt: November 26-December 11, 2011
  • Estimated 25 permits will be available (application deadline September 8, 2011)
Application information for the Archery Hunt and additional information is available on the DNR Web site for Vermillion Highlands.Shotgun and Muzzleloader special deer hunt applications will be handled through the Electronic Licensing System (ELS).  Lottery winners must attend a mandatory orientation session prior to deer hunting on Vermillion Highlands.
PheasantLate season pheasant hunt: December 12, 2011-January 1, 2012

Pheasant hunting is available on a first-come, first-served basis by designated parking spaces. Hunters are required to park in one of the designated parking slots located within the WMA.The pheasant hunt parking space map will be available early December 2011.
GooseLate season goose hunt: Dates to be determined

Goose hunting on the Vermillion Highlands is permitted during the December (Late) season only. All regular rules and regulations apply. Visit the DNR Web site for additional information.


Trapping Annual Schedule

FurbearersOctober 23, 2010-March 15, 2011 (Winter 2011-2012 dates to be determined)

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.


For additional details on the season start and end dates and required licenses and permits, visit the DNR Web site.

View the DNR 2010 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook (4.05 MB PDF) with special attention to the regulations pertaining to the Public Lands and Wildlife Refuges section.

Maps and Directions

View a map of Vermillion Highlands (415 KB PDF).

For directions to Vermillion Highlands located on the south side of UMore Park, view 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 horseback riding, hiking and cross-country skiing.

 

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 December 12 through October 31 annually.