DNR news release and question of the week, June 24, 2013

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources header

MINNESOTA DNR NEWS #48                                                                           June 24, 2013

IN THIS ISSUE
DNR accepting applications for 2013 Camp Ripley archery hunts
Question of the week: water trails


DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DNR accepting applications for 2013 Camp Ripley archery hunts

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting applications between
July 1 - Aug. 16 for the 2013 regular archery deer hunts at Camp Ripley near Little Falls. Because of military training needs, the dates for this year’s hunts are being held about a week later than usual.

Hunters may pick from only one of two hunting seasons, Oct. 26-27 (Sat.-Sun., code 668) or
Nov. 2-3 (Sat.-Sun., code 669). A total of 5,000 permits, 2,500 per two-day hunt, will be made available. Successful applicants must purchase a valid archery license at least two days before their hunt to participate. The bag limit is two and bonus permits may be used to take antlerless deer. Additional rules and instructions for this year’s hunt can be found on DNR’s deer hunting Web page.    

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

  • Through the DNR’s computerized Electronic Licensing System (ELS) at any one of 1,500 ELS agents located throughout Minnesota.
  • By telephone at 888-665-4236.
  • Through DNR’s Internet licensing link at www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/index.html.
  • At DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul.

The application fee is $12 per applicant. Those who apply by phone or Internet will be charged an additional convenience fee of 3 percent ($0.36) 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 MDNR customer number from a recent Minnesota hunting or fishing license.

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

Hunters may apply as individuals or as a group, 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.

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DNR QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Q: Because of their flat hulls, canoes and kayaks can navigate just about any body of water, but are there trails specifically designated for these types of activities? If so, where are they located and where can a person find information about them?

A: Minnesota has more than 4,500 miles of routes mapped and managed for canoeing, kayaking, boating and camping. There are 33 state water trails with a network of more than 1,400 public water accesses, campsites and rest areas. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources manages the first and largest water trails system in the nation, which started 50 years ago. A variety of opportunities are available - ranging from placid rivers ideal for beginners to challenging whitewater rapids to sea kayaking the North Shore of Lake Superior. In fact, there is a state water trail within an hour of most homes in Minnesota.

Remote camping on state water trails is generally free and nonreservable. There are also 34 state parks and recreation areas on state water trails where people can reserve a campsite for a fee. Free maps, river level reports and other trip planning information can be found on the DNR’s website at www.mndnr.gov/watertrails. 

Erik Wrede, DNR water trails coordinator