Application deadline for 2005 Camp Ripley hunts

[Rick]

Application deadline approaching for 2005 Camp Ripley archery hunts

Hunters interested in the 2005 regular archery deer hunts at Camp Ripley near Little Falls are reminded that the Aug. 19 application deadline is fast approaching. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) began accepting applications for the hunts on July 1.

This year's hunts are scheduled for Oct. 20-21 and Oct. 29-30. Hunters can only choose one of these time periods on their application. This year, participants will be allowed to use bonus permits and take up to two deer during their hunt. So far slightly more than 1,000 hunters have applied for the 4,500 available permits (2,250 per two-day hunt).

Hunters may choose from four options to apply for the Camp Ripley deer hunts: through the DNR's computerized Electronic Licensing System (ELS) at any one of 1,800 ELS agents located throughout Minnesota, by telephone at 1-888-665-4236, at the DNR License Center in St. Paul or through the DNR's Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/index.html. The application fee for the hunt is $8 per applicant. Those who apply by phone or Internet will be charged an additional convenience fee of $3.50 per transaction. Mail-in application forms will not be accepted.

To apply, resident and non-resident hunters will need one of the following: a valid state driver's license or state issued identification card with current address, a firearms safety certificate number or a MDNR number found on a recent Minnesota fishing and hunting license. It is important that the identification card used reflects the current mailing address; this is where your winning notification will be sent if you are successful in the computer preference drawing. Applicants must be at least 12 years old prior to Oct. 20. In addition, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1980 must have a firearms safety certificate, a previous hunting license or other evidence of successfully completing a hunter safety course to obtain a license to hunt or trap in Minnesota.

Hunters will be asked a series of questions when applying for the permit. It is best to prepare for these questions by completing a worksheet prior to making an application. Hunt Application Worksheets are available on the DNR's website, from the DNR License Bureau, or from an ELS agent. Hunters may apply as individuals or as a group of up to four individuals. When applying as a group, all valid group members will receive a permit. All group members [maximum of four (4) people] must apply for the same Camp Ripley hunt time period.

The archery hunt at Camp Ripley is an annual event. The DNR coordinates the hunt with the Department of Military Affairs, which manages the 53,000-acre military reservation.

[lunker651]

I always wanted to hunt there but don't know where to get information on that area. My questions is, is there any fees going into camp ripley? where can I get maps of the area? Will I be able to scout during the off season? Are there any camping spot close to the area? I've tried the DNR and they just didn't bother giving me informations I needed. So if any one could help answered my questions, thanks.... Also give me info that I would need to know about hunting there.