Walk-In Access (WIA) provides public hunting opportunities on private land that is already enrolled in existing conservation programs or lands with high quality natural cover.
WIA program is voluntary for landowners. Most landowners chose to enroll their property for two or three years. Enrolled lands are covered under the Minnesota recreational use laws that limit landowners' liability. DNR conservation officers handle trespass and hunting violations.
PROGRAM FUNDING: This program started in 2011 when the state received a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture's Voluntary Public Access Program. Another grant of 1.67 million was awarded to help fund the program from 2015 to 2018, by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under number 69-3A75-16-509. Additional funding includes:
- A one-time appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature in 2012
- A $5.00 surcharge on nonresident hunting licenses
- Donations of $1, $3, or $5 made by hunters purchasing deer and small game licenses
The DNR continues to seek permanent funding to continue the program into the future.
Minnesota's Walk-In Access Program is Established in Law
The 2012 Minnesota Legislature established a Walk-In Access (WIA) Program (Minnesota Statutes 97A.126) to provide public hunting access to wildlife habitat on private land.
Contact Us: For questions regarding the WIA Program, please contact us at [email protected].