Black Powder public spots near the metro area?

[tjhunter]

I have a muzzleloader tag this year for Afton State Park. It's a two day hunt and I'm looking for a public spot to try for the remainder of the season. I live in the metro area, and I'm wondering what public spots would be worth my while. I see there are some state forests up by Mille Lacs, Hinckley and one down by Red Wing. Are any of those areas good? Any other suggestions?

Thanks
Terry

[feverpetal]

Here's a link to a section along the Minnesota River, near carver.

http://midwest.fws.gov/MinnesotaValley/rapids_lake.html

fp

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"Cast riiiiight....there."

[feverpetal]

Any tips or advice about getting into muzzleloading can be sent to [email protected] ... : )

Have you tried the new cartridge muzzleloaders, or whatever they are? They look interesting.

fp

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"Cast riiiiight....there."

[feverpetal]

I've never hunted that area. In fact, I haven't hunting in a long time. I just got sick of the effort required, and then the hunt was always over before noon on the first day. I mean, you can always wait to shoot, but really, are you gonna see a bigger deer? Anyways, I thought about going down there this year just to thin the population, and get some meat, but I won't have ANY free time until after Christmas. Just make SURE you are in full blaze.

Oh, and you can't use spikes in trees, you have to climb it or get a ladder.

fp

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"Cast riiiiight....there."

[korn_fish]

feverpetal - What is it like in that area? I have always been shy of hunting public lands, one, because I am not sure of the boundaries, and 2, don't know what to expect for other hunters.

I normally go down to the Mankato area to bowhunt, but thinking I want to get out more than just on weekends.

Any tips or recommendations for any of the public areas around carver?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[say_der]

Are you saying to be in full blaze because it's somewhat of a single shot war zone?

I might not make it to my traditional hunting grounds and I'm considering public land as a back up.

Thanks for any info.