As a new hunter to the state of MN I have the following observations.
There is lots of public land in this state for hunting. I live near the Twin Cities and have had no problem finding land within reasonable driving distance.
The DNR (Dep't. of Natural Resources) is friendly and helpful. Great source of information.
I have hunted the following areas.
Superior National Forest near Eveleth.
Pillsbury State Forest near Pillager.
The two forests above reminded me of hunting in northern Maine near Katahdin or in the southwest foothills of the NY Adirondacks near Piseco or Black Lake. There is a fair amount of mature pine trees and hardwood stands with fairly open shooting under the treee cover. There is some secondary growth, but the forests allow one to easily still hunt and shoot cleanly without too much intervening brush. The land is fairly flat (relative to the foothill regions of NY and northern Maine), but there are hills and ravines. There is some swamp land, but circumnavigating it is possible in a still hunt.
Rum River State Forest near Ogilvie.
This has some pines, mature hardwood stands and swamp. There is a lot of secondary growth with plenty of intervening brush, through which shots may have to be taken if one does not clear shootng lanes. This reminds me of the east central region of PA, near the Poconos, with little hills and ravines. Again, there are no mountains. Again, the swamps may be circumnavigated.
All the regions have good road access and trails throughout the forests. This is much better than what one will find in NY and Maine. PA is almost as well established with trails and access, but still not as good as MN.
Overall, MN offers very reasonable hunting opportunities to its residents and hunting guests.
