Camp Ripley 2nd weekend

[jgrimmz]

I stand corrected! And yes, I do apply second weekend exclusively so that is the hunt I was referring to.

[sticknstring]

Our group does as well. Just wanted to point out that if you're able to get some time off during the week, you have a much higher chance of getting drawn for the first hunt.

[jgrimmz]

Might have to go that route for next year. Even though everybody did pretty poorly, sure missed being there this year

[leechlake]

from the table it looks like hunter success % has averaged 9% and starting in 2004 it was double digits (11-12%) for 7 years. Back in the first 15 years there were a bunch of 6-7% success and mostly there were about 5000 hunters.

At least from the table through 2011 not much has changed percentage wise. Not saying 2012-this year aren't horrible but

[SmellEsox]

from the table it looks like hunter success % has averaged 9% and starting in 2004 it was double digits (11-12%) for 7 years. Back in the first 15 years there were a bunch of 6-7% success and mostly there were about 5000 hunters.

At least from the table through 2011 not much has changed percentage wise. Not saying 2012-this year aren't horrible but

Success rates increased dramatically when a bonus permit was allowed. Note that at that time, doe harvest began to exceed buck harvest almost annually. Hunters could shoot a doe and still hunt for that big buck. Note also that buck harvest and the number of big bucks has decreased significantly as the population has declined in recent years. Remember all those 220, 230, 240 pound and bigger bucks that used to be shot? No more. I think it is because there are fewer bucks making it to older ages and fewer bucks produced overall because of fewer does. JMVHO. Take it for what it's worth.

[NELS-BELLS]

Normally the first hunt fell on Thur and Fri of MEA week, so kids and some teachers took advantage of that. I know I did. This year they changed the date to Wed and Thurs, so we applied for the weekend hunt instead. I wonder if that is part of the reason that fewer people applied for the first hunt this year.

Nels

[sticknstring]

28 bucks over 200# shot in 2010. 3 this year. Ouch.

[SmellEsox]

28 bucks over 200# shot in 2010. 3 this year. Ouch.

Yeah, and barely over 200 lately.

[laker1]

from the table it looks like hunter success % has averaged 9% and starting in 2004 it was double digits (11-12%) for 7 years. Back in the first 15 years there were a bunch of 6-7% success and mostly there were about 5000 hunters.

At least from the table through 2011 not much has changed percentage wise. Not saying 2012-this year aren't horrible but

There was bow hunting in Camp way back in the 50's. The year 1957 the bucks average dressed weight were 172 pounds.