Minnesota Special deer hunt permits still available
An over-abundance of deer at Lake Carlos State Park and a low number of
requests for special hunt permits for the park has prompted the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to extend the
availability of special hunt permits to any hunters who have already
purchased a valid 2A season license, a multi-zone buck license or an
all-season deer license.
“Although 27 permits for the antlerless only hunt are available,”
said Ryan Sansness, assistant manager of Lake Carlos State Park. “To
date, only eight permits have been requested for the special hunt being
held in the park Nov. 3-6. As a result, interested hunters are invited
to submit their names in a special lottery that will be held in the park
on Oct. 23.”
Sansness said the hunt is needed to manage the high deer population
that threatens the park’s natural habitat. “Too many deer can take a
heavy toll on the vegetation in certain areas,” Sansness said. “We
need to get the population under better control. We hope we can do that
with a special hunt in the park.”
To enter the name in the lottery, applicants must present a valid
firearms license for Zone 2A, multi-buck-zone or all-season deer
license.
Hunters can submit their name at the park in advance of the lottery and
do not need to be present at the drawing. The drawing will be held at
the park visitor center at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23. If fewer than
19 people apply for the special hunt permit, all those with a valid
license who entered the lottery will receive one. Any remaining special
deer hunt permits will be issued at the park office on a first-come,
first-served basis on Nov. 2 during regular business hours. No more
permits will be issued after close of business on Nov. 2.
Sansness added that intensive harvest permits that allow people to
harvest up to four additional antlerless deer are permitted for the
park’s hunt, but reminds hunters that the permits must be purchased in
advance.
An informational meeting about the hunt will be held at the park’s
visitor center Oct. 23, immediately following the lottery drawing.
Hunters who already receive a permit and those whose names were drawn at
the lottery are encouraged to attend. Neighboring landowners and other
interested citizens also are invited to the meeting that will include
information on the hunt boundaries and regulations plus a question and
answer period.
For more information, call Lake Carlos State Park at (320) 852-7200.
Up to four bonus permits may be purchased for this hunt. Up to four
bonus permits may be purchased for this hunt.
A state park vehicle permit is required if hunters use their vehicle
within the park. A park daily permit is $5. The state park annual
vehicle permit is $25 and is valid in all Minnesota state parks and
recreation areas for one year from the month of purchase.
