Thief Lake Wildlife
Management Area
Middle River

Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area
42280 240th Ave NE
Middle River, MN 56737
(218) 222-3747

Directions:
From Middle River, travel 10 miles east on Marshall County 6, then north 3.25 miles on Marshall County 49. The driveway to the headquarters is on the east side of the road.

Description of the WMA:
Thief Lake WMA is a large (55,000 acres) area comprised of a variety of habitat types. At its core lies 7100 acre Thief Lake, a large marsh that is an important production and staging area for waterfowl. The main purpose of this WMA is to manage and preserve wetland habitats and surrounding uplands for migratory birds, and to provide public recreational opportunities including hunting and trapping. Adjacent upland habitats provide for resident wildlife.

Unique recreational opportunites:
A Controlled Hunting Zone (CHZ) with 85 blinds and shooting stations is present for waterfowl hunting (primarily geese). An observation mound and picnic area are found on the southwest part of the lake. Four boat launches and five primitive camping areas are present.

Special restrictions and notes:
There is a 5100 acre sanctuary which includes part of the lake; a Controlled Hunting Zone with 85 blinds and shooting stations is present; there is a 10 HP limit for motors on Thief Lake.

State of Minnesota
Division of Fish & Wildlife

Regulations relating to the use of the Controlled Hunting Zone, Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area.

Controlled Hunt.

  1. Hunters must use designated hunting stations on a first come, first served basis.
  2. Hunters are limited to one trip to the blinds before noon, and one trip after noon, per day.
  3. Hunters are limited to six shells per trip in possession.
  4. Guns mes be unloaded and cased except within 10 feet of the hunting station.
  5. No person may park in or otherwise occupy any designated CHZ perking lot or occupy any hunting station from 10 PM to 5 AM.
  6. No more than three hunters to a blind at one time.
  7. Dogs must be kept on a leashe except within 10 feet of the hunting station, or while retrieving game. Dogs must be under control at all times.
  8. No loitering between stations.
  9. All persons occupying a hunting station must meet all license requirements to hunt waterfowl in Minnesota.
  10. After each party member has bagged the limit of Canada geese or expended the limit of shells, the party is required to promptly leave the station.
  11. No person shall leave any refuse or defeather any waterfowl in the CHZ or parking lots.
  12. There shall be no alcoholic beverages at any of the shooting stations.


Remember, for the best experience for everyone, stop by the headquarters and get more information regarding safety, enviromental rules, and other important information.
Can I be here? Find out at headquarters.
Can I shoot that? Find out at headquarters.
Can I boat there? Find out at headquarters.

Have a safe and enjoyable time while you stay at Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area.


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