Application deadline approaching for special youth deer hunts

Bowhunters age 12 to 17 and firearms deer hunter age 12 to 15 are reminded that the August 19th deadline for applying for most of the 2005 special youth hunts is fast approaching. The DNR began accepting applications July 1st.

The archery hunts will be as follows: Camp Ripley, October 8-9, 150 permits; Lake Alexander TNC Preserve in Morrison County, October 8-9, 20 permits; Arden Hills Army Training Site A, October 20-21; Arden Hills Army Training Site B, October 22-23.

The firearms hunts will be as follows: Whitewater WMA Sanctuary, October 20-23, 50 permits (participants may hunt by archery or firearms); Lake Bemidji State Park, October 22-23, 25 antlerless only permits; Rydell National Wildlife Refuge, October 22-23, 20 permits; St. Croix State Park, October 29-30, 100 permits.

Applications for these hunts can be made at any Electronic License System vendor, or at the DNR License Center in St. Paul. When applying, tell the clerk you want to apply for a special youth archery hunt, license type 630, or a special youth firearms hunt, license type 631. A list of the specific hunt area numbers can be found on page 41 of the 2005 Hunting regulations Handbook. Eligible hunters may apply for only one youth archery hunt, and one youth firearms hunt. There is no cost to apply.

An additional firearms youth hunt has been added at William O’Brien State Park in Washington County for October 15th and 16th. This will be an antlerless only hunt, and corresponds with the Early Antlerless Season that will be taking place in the area at that time. Interested youth age 12 to 15 must fill out a paper application available at the park or on the DNR website, www.dnr.state.mn.us, and mail the application to the park by September 1st.

All participants in special youth hunts must have their firearms safety certificate, a valid Minnesota deer license, and be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian during the hunt. There is a mandatory orientation session prior to each hunt.

The special youth hunts are sponsored by several Minnesota conservation organizations, including: The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, Minnesota State Archery Association, Bluffland Whitetails Association, Friends of Rydell Refuge and The Nature Conservancy.