Minnesota Wildlife

Apply for the Camp Ripley hunt

Hunters can apply for the fall archery deer hunt at Camp Ripley near Little Falls through Friday, Aug. 19. This year, the three-day hunt will happen on Oct. 28-30. A total of 2,500 permits will be made available. The bag limit is two and bonus permits may be used to take antlerless deer.

The archery hunt at Camp Ripley is an annual event. The DNR coordinates the hunt in collaboration with Central Lakes College Natural Resources Department, and the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs, which manages the 53,000-acre military reservation.

More details: Find hunt information and how to apply

Photo of Anthony Swenson at the 2021 Camp Ripley hunt

Take a kid deer hunting

Here?s a way to introduce youth to deer hunting ? special youth deer hunts. These hunts take place in several state parks, and in the Rydell National Wildlife Refuge, on various dates in the fall. Adults must accompany youth during these hunts. Apply for special youth deer hunt permits through Friday, Aug. 19, and keep in mind there is a limited number of permits for each hunt. These special youth deer hunts are different from the statewide youth deer season, which takes place Oct. 20-23 and does not require an application.

More details: Find hunt information and how to apply

Photo courtesy of Josh Salisbury, showing Jasmine Salisbury with her 2021 youth season opening day buck.

Bear hunters: Remember to buy your license, check regulations

Did you enter the lottery for a bear hunting license? The DNR has mailed postcards to lottery winners. You can also check the DNR website to see if you were selected. The deadline to purchase a bear license is Monday, Aug. 1. Surplus licenses will be available at noon Thursday, Aug. 4. Bear baiting begins Friday, Aug. 12, and the hunting season is Thursday, Sept. 1, through Sunday, Oct. 16.

More details: Review the bear season regulations

Ways to prepare now for hunting

Hunting season will be here before you know it and it?s not too early to prepare:

• Get your hunter?s safety certification if you're new
• Buy ammo now to avoid missing out on seasons
• Scout spots; look for paths and potential food sources
• Avoid the wait, buy your license and stamps early. Deer licenses go on sale Aug. 1.
• Plan your hunt dates

More details: Review our learn to hunt information to start preparing

Lamprey Pass WMA visitor alert

If you visit Lamprey Pass Wildlife Management Area near Forest Lake, be aware that West Freeway Drive to the parking lot on the east side of Lamprey Pass WMA and the Mud Lake boat access will be closed for construction beginning Monday, Aug. 1, through 2023. Two other parking lots are open and available for accessing the WMA, located on the south side via Lake Drive or on the northwest side off Kettle River Blvd. NE.

More details: To find visitor alerts and other information about WMAs across Minnesota, visit the DNR?s WMA finder. For questions about Lamprey Pass WMA, contact the Forest Lake Wildlife Office at 651-539-3324 or [email protected].