Landowners in 21 southwestern Minnesota counties can earn money by allowing public hunting on their private land through the Walk-In Access program. 

Entering its second year as a pilot program, WIA targets privately owned parcels of 40 acres or more that are already enrolled in a conservation program such as Reinvest In Minnesota or the Conservation Reserve Program.

River bottoms, wetlands and other habitat will also be considered for WIA this year.

WIA pays landowners by the acre to allow hunting access. 

Sign-up opens Feb. 1 and continue through April 15. Local Soil and Water Conservation District offices are handling program details and enrollments.