MINNESOTA — The number of small game hunters in Minnesota in 2024 decreased slightly from 2023 and was 5% below the 10-year average. Overall, 228,661 small game licenses were sold for the 2024 hunting seasons, compared to the 10-year average of 240,812 small game licenses. But like the previous season, hunters who pursued the top small game species (waterfowl, grouse and pheasants) had similar or slightly better success rates compared to the 10-year averages, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ small game hunter mail survey. Hunter success of 69%, similar to the 10-year average, and an average harvest of 6.7 roosters, above the 10-year average of 5.4 roosters. The complete small game hunter survey report is on the Minnesota DNR website ( mndnr.gov/wildlife/research/wildlife-research-publications.html#reports ).