Public land that may allow hunting in Dakota County, Minnesota
10 listed public land units overlap Dakota County (PAD-US 4.1). Some extend into neighboring counties; acreage is for the whole Minnesota unit.
Check seasons, licenses and area rules with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
| Area | Acres (approx.) | Manager | Access | County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge National Wildlife Refuge | 10,371 | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | Restricted access | Scott County, Carver County + 2 more |
| Vermillion Highlands Research Recreation and State Wildlife Management Area State wildlife / game area | 2,841 | State: fish and wildlife agency | Restricted access | Dakota County |
| Vermillion River State Wildlife Management Area State wildlife / game area | 1,080 | State: fish and wildlife agency | Restricted access | Dakota County |
| Chub Lake State Wildlife Management Area State wildlife / game area | 203 | State: fish and wildlife agency | Restricted access | Dakota County |
| Gores State Aquatic Management Area (Dakota) State wildlife / game area | 186 | State: fish and wildlife agency | Restricted access | Dakota County |
| Mud Creek State Wildlife Management Area State wildlife / game area | 156 | State: fish and wildlife agency | Restricted access | Dakota County |
| Dakota County Waterfowl Production Area Waterfowl Production Area | 116 | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | Restricted access | Dakota County, Scott County |
| Gemini State Aquatic Management Area (Goodhue) State wildlife / game area | 80 | State: fish and wildlife agency | Restricted access | Goodhue County, Dakota County |
| Hastings State Wildlife Management Area State wildlife / game area | 79 | State: fish and wildlife agency | Restricted access | Dakota County |
| So. Branch Vermillion River State Aquatic Management Area (Dakota) State wildlife / game area | 65 | State: fish and wildlife agency | Restricted access | Dakota County |