East Colvill Wildlife Management Area: hunting and access
East Colvill Wildlife Management Area is 616 acres of state land managed by the Minnesota DNR in Cook County, near Grand Marais, inside Deer Permit Area 126. The DNR's WMA data lists deer, ruffed grouse and other forest upland birds, bear and small game for it. Hunters registered 117 deer in DPA 126 in 2025.
Data updated October 2026. Area facts: the DNR's wildlife management area data, read 2026-10. Harvest: DNR Deer Harvest Reports, 2021 to 2025.
State wildlife management areasState forest and other DNR landNational forestState parksEast Colvill WMACounty lineLakeHighway
| Size | 616 acres in 2 pieces |
|---|---|
| County | Cook County |
| Deer Permit Area | DPA 126 |
| DNR lists for hunting | deer, ruffed grouse and other forest upland birds, bear and small game |
| Nearest town (DNR) | Grand Marais |
| DNR area office | Two Harbors |
| Special restrictions | Yes, see the rules below |
| Nearest towns | Grand Marais (11 mi) and Lutsen (28 mi) |
What is East Colvill WMA like?
This WMA consists of two separate subunits which are aspen-birch and spruce-fir forest that are primarily managed for deer.
For deer, openings have been maintained by prescribed fire, cover has been produced by white spruce planting, and browse has been provided by handcutting mountain maple to regenerate. Good access. Park under powerline at gate and walk in. For deer habitat, openings have been maintained by prescribed fire and mowing, cover has been enhanced by white spruce planting, and browse has been provided by handcutting mountain maple to regenerate. Good access. Park under powerline at gate and walk in. The Superior Hiking Trail runs through unit.
In the DNR's words, from its wildlife management area data.
What can you hunt on East Colvill WMA?
The DNR's WMA data lists deer, ruffed grouse and other forest upland birds, bear and small game for East Colvill WMA. Each follows the statewide season and, for deer, the bag limit of the permit area.
What are the rules on East Colvill WMA?
Open to hunting and trapping in the regular seasons under the DNR's statewide WMA rules.
Special restriction the DNR lists for East Colvill WMA: Walk-in access only. Parking available 300 feet north of from Highway 61 at described access.
How many deer are taken around East Colvill WMA?
East Colvill WMA lies in Deer Permit Area 126. The DNR registered 117 deer in DPA 126 in 2025, against 85 in 2024.
| DPA | East Colvill WMA acres in it | Deer, 2025 | Deer, 2024 | Deer, 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DPA 126 | 616 | 117 | 85 | 62 |
Harvest for the whole deer permit area, not the WMA alone: Minnesota DNR Deer Harvest Reports (2021 to 2025, 2025 report).
How do you get to East Colvill WMA?
From the eastern city limits of Grand Marais, go 10.0 miles northeast on State Highway 61. Access is via the forest access road on the northwest side of the highway. From the eastern city limits of Grand Marais, go 11.5 miles northeast on State Highway 61. Access is via the public easement forest access road on the northwest side of the highway.
Nearest towns: Grand Marais (11 miles) and Lutsen (28 miles). Highways within 5 miles: MN 61.
What other public land is near East Colvill WMA?
DNR WMAs within 10 miles:
- Horseshoe Bay WMA: 276 acres, 6.4 miles away
- Swamp River WMA: 2,600 acres, 8.7 miles away
Public land within 3 miles of East Colvill WMA
Counting East Colvill WMA itself, 8,118 of the 31,454 acres within 3 miles of its boundary are public land open to the public (25.8%), by USGS PAD-US 4.1 (fee land open to the public).
| Manager | Acres within 3 miles |
|---|---|
| National forest | 4,054 |
| State parks | 2,688 |
| State forest and other DNR land | 735 |
| State wildlife management areas | 641 |
Questions hunters ask
Where is East Colvill WMA?
In Cook County, near Grand Marais. The DNR's directions: From the eastern city limits of Grand Marais, go 10.0 miles northeast on State Highway 61. Access is via the forest access road on the northwest side of the highway. From the eastern city limits of Grand Marais, go 11.5 miles northeast on State Highway 61. Access is via the public easement forest access road on the northwest side of the highway.
Which deer permit area is East Colvill WMA in?
Deer Permit Area 126. Its bag limit and firearms dates apply.
How much public land is around East Colvill WMA?
8,118 acres within 3 miles of its boundary, East Colvill WMA included, by PAD-US 4.1. 2 other WMAs are within 10 miles, the closest Horseshoe Bay WMA (6.4 miles).
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Where these facts come from
- Area description, species, rules and directions: DNR, East Colvill WMA; Minnesota DNR Wildlife Management Area boundaries, publicly accessible.
- Boundary and acres: the DNR's map layer above. Surrounding public land: USGS PAD-US 4.1 (fee land open to the public).
- Deer harvest: Minnesota DNR Deer Harvest Reports (2021 to 2025, 2025 report).
FilledTag is not part of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Check the DNR's rules and posted signs before you go.