Deer Hunting gamelands?

[Larson15]

I have not hunted any gamelands since I have moved here and was looking for some reccomendations. Any suggestions on where to go that would be under an hour drive from St. Paul? I got a few friends who would like to get out this year and I cant take them to the farm I hunt.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[InTheNorthwoods]

What are gamelands?

[picksbigwagon]

more importantly, what are you looking to hunt? the DNR HSOforum has a recreation compass that pionts you to all the state land that is open (or closed, make sure you know) in MN

[Larson15]

deer

[SpecialK]

Are you asking about WMA's? (Wildlife Mgt Areas) State or Federal Forests? I know other states have land that they call "Walk ins" which is private land that has been leased by the state to provide access to the public but as far as I know we don't have that here.

[Chef]

If you really like your friend's and want to keep them, I'd take a pass on this project. There really isn't any place within an hours drive that is public where you have a chance to hunt and actually enjoy it.

[Jmnhunter]

If you really like your friend's and want to keep them, I'd take a pass on this project. There really isn't any place within an hours drive that is public where you have a chance to hunt and actually enjoy it.

thats a pretty pessimistic attitude;

if you put some time in scouting you can find some good land; I would focus on smaller chunks; look for tax forfeited land too (plat books)

After all, its more about having a good time with your friends and family, building traditions and memories

[Larson15]

I might go scout this weekend, I would like to take them somewhere we can all hunt and have a good time. Im getting tired of always hunting by myself! If we have to drive a little further so be it. Im going to try to find something in Anoka or Pine County. Suggestions are appreciated.

When I mentioned gamelands I was referring to anywhere you can go and hunt legally without having to worry about permission, etc.

[picksbigwagon]

pine county is good, Nemadji state forest is vast and around an hour or "so" north. Solara State forest is about the same...you will run into other people hunting these public lands as well. I would start with those two first. St. Croix State Park runs a hunt through a lottery every year, it is an earn a buck hunt but would be something to think about for next year. I have been wanting to do that hunt for a couple years and my buddy has a place up near there, so we just need to get off our Duffs (buddies name is Duffee) and pull the trigger next year to hunt up there

[Chef]

Originally Posted By: Chef

If you really like your friend's and want to keep them, I'd take a pass on this project. There really isn't any place within an hours drive that is public where you have a chance to hunt and actually enjoy it.

thats a pretty pessimistic attitude;

if you put some time in scouting you can find some good land; I would focus on smaller chunks; look for tax forfeited land too (plat books)

After all, its more about having a good time with your friends and family, building traditions and memories

Why isn't it realistic? Take a gander at all the threads the past month about encroachment on public lands. I don't know about you, but this doesn't sound like having a good time and building traditions.

By the way, I'm an eternal optimist when it comes to getting outdoors and ejoying this great State. I just don't think it's fair to paint a rosy picture for this guy and his friends and setting un realistic expectations. You can scout till your eyes fall out and then have your plan dashed on opening day or whenever becasue everyone else from the metro has converged on the same space.