Camp Ripley bow hunt ?

[Walleyehooker]

Thinking about signing up for the Ripley bow hunt this year. If I happen to get drawn how does this work. I know a little about it but not much. Can you camp there and do they let you drive in to where you want to hunt? Just looking for basic information on the dos and donts. Thanks

[Bear55]

Yes you can camp there, get there early because there is a mega line of trucks to get into the camp in the morning. I believe they open the gates around an hour before first light and there is a "controlled" mad dash to your hunting spot. Seriously the first trucks in line have plenty of time to get to their stands, the last trucks in line are usually an hour or two after first light. No pre scouting or anything like that. Lots of hunters around so expect to bump into people.

There is a rules PDF somewhere but I can't seem to find it, maybe give the DNR a little time to get up and running again.

Here is a little info:

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/recreation/hunting/deer/cr_factsheet.pdf

[rbs]

little hint for you....bring 2 vehicles if you are going to camp with a camper. Put one in line and leave the other with the camper. In the time it takes to unhook the camper you could be a 1/4 mile back farther in line.

This year if we get drawn we will have someone go back to get in line again like last year in the afternoon. Then he will grab the other vehicle and come get us at dark. I like to hunt all day but my son doesn't so that is our new plan. Should work great!

[mrklean]

Have deadlines for applying or anything been released yet?

[mrklean]

just found the deadline but i did not see an application out there anyplace

[Meat-Run]

When you find out could you post deadlines and such I just may enter this year.

thx,

mr

[mrklean]

Deadline is 8-19-11 but i wonder if that will change because of the shutdown?

[Walleyehooker]

I was thinking about tenting it if the weather was decent. Are you saying when you get there you leave your truck in line over night? I guess I could sleep in the back of my Suburban if I had to. How far is the camping spots from where you park in line?

[Finlander]

The camping spot is directley accross the road from where you put your truck in line! The line is 2 lines deep. Get there early to get a front line spot!

Another thing is you don't dare go over 25mph speed limit or they will kick you out right then and there;)

[Walleyehooker]

I stoped to check and see if I could sign up but the DNR isnt totally up and running yet.I guess it takes a lot of people to flip 1 switch.lol

[kevfish1]

I just applied on the dnr web site.

[mrklean]

did you apply the normal area where you apply for bear?

[totally_addicted]

I applied for ripley on Saturday! WOOHOO! Hope I get drawn again!

[deerminator]

So what about ground blinds for those of you that have hunted there before? I know its allowed but does this tactic make sense given the terrain and/or would it cause problems with so many hunters? I'm a big fan of ground blinds when wanting to move around a bit and needing to be portable if you know the right set-up.

[DonBo]

Wish I would have brought my ground blind last year. Lots of areas with few large trees.

[Finlander]

Last time I hunted there, I saw some pop-up ground blinds up and they they kinda stuck out like sore thumb. I would bring one of those small portable blinds that have three or four stakes that you put in the ground then add some brush to it to blend in with the surrounding background. Also bring one of those small folding chairs that have carrying straps on them.

I would also bring one of those small camo umbrella's with this setup as you don't have much choice when to hunt and rain and snow are a common occurance when hunting Ripley!

[Wanderer]

I would also bring one of those small camo umbrella's with this setup as you don't have much choice when to hunt and rain and snow are a common occurance when hunting Ripley!

+1!