Minnesota State Parks Offer Special Youth Deer Hunting Opportunities This Fall

(KNSI) — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is once again offering special youth deer hunting opportunities in state parks this fall.

The application-only hunts give those between the ages of 12 and 15 a chance to hunt deer with adult supervision in state park locations that offer different settings and often different dates than the regular statewide youth deer season. Applications are due no later than Friday, August 15th.

Paul Burr, acting big game program coordinator with the Minnesota DNR, says these special hunts create positive experiences for young hunters while serving the dual purpose of wildlife management. “Youth who apply can explore new places to hunt in state parks with great opportunities to see and harvest deer and make great hunting memories.”

Beyond the firearms opportunities, young hunters can also participate in special archery programs. Sand Prairie Wildlife Management Area in Sherburne County opens exclusively to youth archery hunters ages ten to 17 during the regular archery season. Meanwhile, Camp Ripley in Morrison County hosts a special youth archery hunt for participants ages 12 to 17.

These special hunts operate separately from the statewide youth deer season scheduled for October 16th through 19th, which does not require an application. Hunters interested in the Camp Ripley youth archery hunt can contact Jan Ekert with the Minnesota State Archery Association at jancrs1@gmail.com or 320-339-9927.

For more information about special deer hunts and nontoxic ammunition requirements, click here.

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