There are plenty of WMA's around, check out the DNR website's recreation compass. South west of the metro (Chaska - Jordan area) there is state land along the minnesota river that is only open to archery hunting I've never hunted it but should be good area. Northwest there's alot ot WMA land around Mille Lacs depending on how far you want to go. I've seen a lot of deer around Aitkin (2 hr drive) but haven't hunted there. I'd like to hunt the Mississippi river valley but haven't had the time yet. South east MN has good deer numbers. WMAs don't require parking permit. You'd have to check DNR website for State Forest regs. I believe they vary. I mainly hunt the Le Sueur area and also around Fertile, trying out Hill City this year for bear and maybe deer.