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Controlled deer hunts begin Oct. 6 at eight Ramsey County parks and open spaces

Ramsey County Parks & Recreation, in partnership with the Metro Bowhunters Resource Base, will conduct controlled archery deer hunts this fall and winter throughout the county parks and open space system.

Daylong hunts will be conducted at eight park and trail locations on select dates in October, November and December. Two separate hunts will be held at each location. Each hunt period is three days long, with the second hunt occurring two to three weeks after the first.

2023 hunt locations and dates are:

  • Battle Creek Regional Park (Saint Paul/Maplewood) 
    Oct. 9–11 and Oct. 30–Nov. 1
  • Former Boys Totem Town Site (Saint Paul/Maplewood) 
    Oct. 9–11 and Oct. 30–Nov. 1
  • Fish Creek Open Space (Maplewood/Saint Paul) 
    Oct. 20–22 and Nov. 10–12
  • Poplar Lake County Park (Shoreview/White Bear Township) 
    Oct. 6–8 and Oct. 27–29 
  • Rice Creek North Regional Trail (Shoreview)  
    Oct 23–25, Nov 13–15 
  • Turtle Creek Open Space & McCullough Park (Shoreview)  
    Dec. 1–3 and Dec. 15–17
  • Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park (Vadnais Heights) 
    Oct 23–25, Nov 13–15

During the hunts, entire parks, open spaces or portions of parks or open spaces will be closed. The Battle Creek off-leash dog area will be closed during the hunts; the Rice Creek North off-leash dog area will remain open. Major paved trails through the Rice Creek North Regional Trail and Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park will remain open for park users. Signs will be posted at common entry points in parks identifying open trails and areas where park visitors are requested to stay out.

Archers for the 2023 hunts have already been selected and permitted to participate in the hunts. Archers interested in participating in future hunts should visit mbrb.org.

Deer management information

Learn more about deer management and controlled hunts within Ramsey County:

Posted on Friday, September 8, 2023 - 8:00 a.m.