MINNESOTA NEWS: 34 State Parks Open to Deer Hunting in 2007

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has issued a reminder that deer hunts will take place this fall in 34 state parks for those who have received special deer hunt permits.

Most parks holding a special hunt will remain open to the public. However, DNR officials strongly suggest visitors wear blaze orange remain within the designated no hunting areas.

For safety reasons, public use of some parks will be restricted.

Restrictions for parks in southern Minnesota

At Beaver Creek Valley State Park in Houston County and Frontenac State Park in Goodhue County, only the campgrounds are open to the public. All other areas of these parks are available to hunters only.

Due to the extensive area open to hunting at Lake Shetek State Park, the public is encouraged to visit a neighboring park such as Camden, Split Rock Creek or Kilen Woods instead, during the hunt scheduled for Dec. 1-2.

Visitors who plan to use the parks during the special hunt event should stop at the office when they arrive to pick up a map of the no-hunting zones in the park and remember to wear blaze orange. Maps of these zones will also be posted in various locations in the park.


Visitors might also consider choosing an alternate park nearby for recreation if a special hunt is being conducted at the park they had planned to visit.

For information, people may contact the park, or the DNR Information Center at (651) 297-6157 or (888) 646-6367.

State parks open to hunters only during the special deer hunt

Crow Wing State Park (Nov. 30 - Dec. 2), Nerstrand Big Woods (Nov. 24-25), St. Croix State Park (Nov. 10-13).

Whitewater State Park (Nov. 17-19), Wild River State Park (Nov. 3-6) (Accessible elevated platform for disabled hunters available); William O'Brien State Park (Nov. 3-4).

State parks that will remain open to the public during the special deer hunt

Blue Mounds State Park (Nov. 3-4), Buffalo River State Park (Nov. 3-4),

Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park (Nov. 17-19, Nov. 23-25).

Glacial Lakes State Park (Nov. 10-13), Great River Bluffs State Park (Nov. 17-19, Nov. 23-25), Hayes Lake State Park (Nov. 3-18).

Itasca State Park (Nov. 3-11), Lake Bemidji State Park (Nov. 3-6), Lake Bronson State Park (Nov. 3-11).

Lake Carlos State Park (Nov. 3-6), Lake Louise State Park (Nov. 24-25), Lake Shetek State Park (Dec. 1-2).

Maplewood State Park (Nov. 3-11), Myre-Big Island (Nov. 24-25), Scenic State Park (Nov. 3-18), Zippel Bay State Park (Nov. 3-18).

State parks where access is limited during special hunt

Beaver Creek Valley State Park (Nov. 3-4), Frontenac State Park (Nov. 17-19), Gooseberry Falls State Park (Nov. 3-18).

Interstate State Park (Nov. 29-Dec. 2), Jay Cooke State Park (Nov. 24-28), Judge Magney State Park (Nov. 3-18).

Savanna Portage State Park (Nov. 10-18), Split Rock Lighthouse State Park (Nov. 3-18), Tettegouche State Park (Nov. 3-18).

For information, call the DNR Information Center or visit the state park pages at www.mnstateparks.info.

Source: http://www.stillwatercourier.com/articles/index.cfm?id=26102§ion=Outdoors&property_id=23