2012 Camp Ripley archery hunts deadline - Deer Hunting - Deer Hunting

The Aug. 17 application deadline is approaching for the 2012 regular archery deer hunts at Camp Ripley near Little Falls, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR began accepting applications on July 1.

Hunters may pick from only one of two hunting seasons: Thursday and Friday, Oct. 18-19 (code 668) or Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 27-28 (code 669). A total of 5,000 permits, 2,500 per two-day hunt, are available. Successful applicants must purchase a valid archery license at least two days before their hunt to participate.

The bag limit for this year’s hunt is two. Bonus permits may be used to take antlerless deer. Additional rules and instructions for this year’s hunt can be found online at http://www.mndnr.gov/hunting/deer.

Hunters may choose from four options to apply for the Camp Ripley archery hunts:

Through the DNR’s computerized Electronic Licensing System at any one of 1,500 agents located throughout Minnesota.
By telephone at 888-665-4236.
Through DNR’s Internet licensing link at http://www.mndnr.gov/buyalicense.
At the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul.
The application fee for the hunt is $8 per applicant. Those who apply by phone or Internet will be charged an additional convenience fee of 3 percent ($0.24) per transaction.

To apply, resident hunters 21 and older must provide a valid state driver’s license or public safety identification number. Residents under 21 may also provide a DNR firearms safety training number to apply. Nonresident hunters must apply using a valid driver’s license number, public safety identification number, or DNR customer number from a recent Minnesota hunting or fishing license.

All applicants must be at least 10 years old prior to the hunt for which they apply. In addition, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1980, must have a firearms safety certificate or other evidence of successfully completing a hunter safety course to obtain a license to hunt or trap in Minnesota.

Hunters may apply as individuals, or as a group of up to four individuals. Group members may only apply for the same two-day season. The first group applicant must specify “Create New Group” when asked, and will receive a group number. Subsequent group applicants must specify they want to “Join an Existing Group” and must use the same group number supplied to the first group applicant.

The archery hunt at Camp Ripley is an annual event. The DNR coordinates the hunt with the Department of Military Affairs, which manages the 53,000-acre military reservation.