Minnesota youth have from now until Friday, Aug. 14, to apply for one of 18 special deer hunts in October and November.  Youth hunts are when young people can hunt in select state parks and other refuge areas as long as they're with a parent or guardian.  

The Minnesota DNR reminds us that participating in a one of these hunts does not prevent the youth from participating in the regular firearms deer season, but any deer harvested do count against the youth’s season bag limit. Also, while an adult parent, guardian or mentor must accompany the youth at all times while hunting, only the youth may hunt. Furthermore, both youth and mentor must attend a mandatory pre-hunt orientation clinic.

The 2 archery hunts are for youth ages 12 to 17 and will take place at the following locations:

  • Camp Ripley, 175 permits, hunt is Oct. 10-11, clinic is Oct. 9-10.
  • Lake Alexander Preserve, 20 permits, hunt is Oct. 10-11, clinic is Oct. 9.

The 16 firearms hunts are for youths 12 to 15 and will take place at these locations:

  • Afton State Park, 25 permits, hunt is Nov. 7-8, clinic is Oct. 24.
  • Banning State Park, six permits, hunt is Oct. 31 to Nov.1, park will mail clinic information.
  • Blue Mounds State Park, 10 permits, hunt is Nov. 21-22, clinic is Nov. 20.
  • Buffalo River State Park, 14 permits, hunt is Nov. 7-8, clinic is Nov. 6.
  • Camden State Park, 15 permits, hunt is Oct. 31 to Nov.1, clinic is Oct. 30.
  • Itasca State Park, 75 permits, hunt is Oct. 24-25, clinic is Oct. 17 or Oct. 23.
  • Kilen Woods State Park, five permits, hunt is Oct. 24-25, clinic is Oct. 23.
  • Lake Bemidji State Park, 20 permits, hunt is Oct. 16-18, clinic is Oct. 15.
  • Lake Shetek State Park, 12 permits, hunt is Oct. 24-25, clinic is Oct. 23.
  • Rydell National Wildlife Refuge, 15 permits, hunt is Oct. 17-18, refuge will mail clinic information.
  • St. Croix State Park, 90 permits, hunt is Oct. 31 to Nov.1, clinic is Oct. 24 or 30.
  • Savanna Portage State Park I, 20 permits, hunt is Oct. 24-25, clinic is Oct. 23.
  • Savanna Portage State Park II, 20 permits, hunt is Oct. 31 to Nov.1, clinic is Oct. 30.
  • Sibley State Park, 10 permits, hunt is Oct. 24-25, clinic is Oct. 23.
  • Tettegouche State Park, 10 permits, hunt is Oct. 17-18, clinic is Oct. 16.
  • Zippel Bay State Park, 20 permits, hunt is Oct. 24-25, park will mail clinic information.

This is a great chance to get your kids to gain some hunting experience without as so many other hunters out there with them.  Get your license using the link below and happy hunting.

 

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