Administered through the local SWCD, the MN DNR Walk in Access program provides an opportunity for landowners to earn extra income ($18 dollars per acre) by allowing their land to be used for public hunting. 

 

Eligible Lands

- Enrollment is limited to 54 counties.

- Hunting is allowed during legal seasons between September 1 and May 31.

- Landowners are afforded liability protection through the Recreational Use Statutes. Specifically under Sections 604A.20 through 604A.27 under Public Benefit or Function Activities in the CIVIL LIABILITY LIMITATIONS Chapter

- Must be at least 40 acres in size or it must be contiguous with another WIA parcel that is 40 acres or more in size.

- Priority is given to lands enrolled in a conservation program such as the federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) or the state Reinvest in Minnesota Reserve program (RIM), or other state and federal conservation programs.

- Lands not enrolled in a conservation program may be eligible if high quality natural cover exists and is maintained by the landowner.

- Lands within 500 feet of a home or corral occupied by livestock cannot be enrolled, unless they are occupied by the cooperator or his/her livestock.

- The enrolled parcel must be accessible from a public road.

- The habitat must be maintained through the enrollment period.

- Landowners, or the State, may terminate the contract at any time (effective 30 days after written notice of termination is received).

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To learn more about the program and find out if you are eligible to participate, contact the SWCD or visit the MN DNR website: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/walkin/index.html