Minnesota Conservation Officer Tales

Bow hunters can apply to participate in the 2008 regular archery deer hunt at Camp Ripley near Little Falls beginning July 1.

Hunters may pick from one of two Sunday-Monday hunting seasons, Oct. 19-20 (code 668) or Oct. 26-27 (code 669). A total of 5,000 permits, 2,500 per two-day hunt, will be made available. Because of conflicts with military training activities this fall, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) moved the hunting dates for season one three days later, and one day later for season two.

Hunters may choose from four options this year to apply for the Camp Ripley deer hunts:

• through the DNR’s computerized Electronic Licensing System at any one of 1,800 ELS agents located throughout Minnesota
• via telephone at 1-888-665-4236
• online using the DNR’s internet licensing link at mndnr.gov/licenses
• visiting the DNR License Center in St. Paul.

The application fee for the hunt is $8 per applicant. Application deadline is Aug. 15. People who apply by phone or online will be charged an additional convenience fee of $3.50 per transaction. This year, participants will be allowed to use bonus permits and take up to two deer during their hunt.

To apply, resident and nonresident hunters will need a valid state driver’s license or state issued identification card with current address; a firearms safety certificate number; or a DNR-issued ID number found on a recent Minnesota fishing or hunting license.

Any identification card used must list the applicant’s current mailing address so winner notification is sent to the proper address.

Applicants must be at least 12 years of age prior to the hunt for which they apply for. In addition, anyone born on or after January 1, 1980, must have a firearms safety certificate, a previous hunting license or other evidence of successfully completing a hunter safety course.

Hunters applying for a permit will be asked a series of questions and should prepare for these questions by completing a worksheet prior to making an application. Hunt application worksheets will be available at mndnr.gov/hunting. 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 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.