Metro Area - Public Hunting?(Archery)

[Autumnhunt]

Does anybody have info on a public hunting area that is open for archery (deer)in the NW-W Metro Area? I am hoping to hunt after work (4:00). (Maybe the Minnetonka area??)

I have never bow hunted before this year and now I am addicted! (Thanks to my Ted Nugent wanna be friend that introduced it to me) I normally hunt outstate MN on the weekends, but now I want to spend some time in the woods/field after work but can't seem to find a Public Area within 30-40 minute drive of Golden Valley. I work in Golden Valley.

If you know of an area it would be greatly appreciated if I could get directions.

Many thanks in advance,

AH :-)

[TomBow]

Check out the Wilke Unit of the Louisville Swamp. It is open to Archery-only deer hunting and is not far from you. This is part of the National Wildlife Refuge in the Minnesota River Valley. The Carver Rapids state wayside, south of Eden Prairie is also open. The entrance to the Wilke Unit is off of Hwy 13, east of Valley Fair. The Louisville swamp, just south of Hwy 169 near the Renaissance Fair (look for the Fair signs) is also open to bow hunting.

[Autumnhunt]

Thanks Tom!

I think I will try one of those areas if no other suggestion come in by 4:00.

AH

[Deitz Dittrich]

I hunted the Wilke unit a few years ago... There were quite a few people hunting it.. but there were deer there... Its an optiong like Tombow stated...

[Autumnhunt]

How do I get to Wilke? Would I take 169 S from Golden Valley to Hwy 13 West or East? Where do I go from there? North or South? What is the name of the road I turn on off Hwy 13? I truley appreciate your help..

Thanks,

AH

[TomBow]

Take 169 South take 101 toward Shakopee, The corners is, I believe the Rice Lake portion of the refuge, also open to bowhunting. The Wilke unit is just west of Rice Lake. There is a Water Treatment Plant on the north side of the road, right next to it (east-side) there is a small parking lot with a large Trailhead-type sign. That is the entrance to the Wilke Unit. It's bordered on the north side by the Minnesota River. Hope that helps.

[This message has been edited by TomBow (edited 10-05-2004).]