Willow River Area ??

[deadfeathers]

My brother and I are heading up to the the Willow River area this year for the opener of the rifle season. Got permission on some private land just south of Willow River, east of I35. Was just wondering what the deer population, hunting pressure, mannerism of people in the area was like. I've been up scouting the last few weeks and hanging stands and the area looks real good, but any input from others would be greatly appreciated. Also the land we are hunting was Potlach land for many years up until 2 or 3 years ago. Do these areas typically get hit hard. Just curious. Thanks in advance.

[vermilionwally]

I think a lot of people hunt on potlatch land.

[heiman507]

Up until last year, I have hunted the area for almost ten years, and dad and uncle have been up there for over 25 years, (but now we are hunting in Park Rapids). We always stayed at the Squirrel Cage Motel right in Willow River, but hunted closer to finlayson(somewhat the same terrain) Deer population is pretty good, we never pulled out anything huge, but had many decent 14 pt, 10 pt, and numerous 8 pointers. There are quite a few hunters in the area, but you should still have a great season.

One tip for sure, stop in to the Squirrel Cage in Willow River Saturday night for the rib dinner. EXCELLENT!

[deadfeathers]

Heiman,

Thanks for the info, we actually tried getting reservations at the squirrel cage, but they were booked. Taking the old mans 5th wheel up and staying at a campground. Will definatley check out the rib dinner though.

If anyone else has some input I would appreciate it. Thanks.

[Ferny]

If it's anything like the Sandstone area...and it should be there will be plenty of deer. My boy and I were coming home from a day in the woods Saturday evening. We counted 64 deer in the time it took us to get from the woods to Hwy 35. I nearly hit 2 that decided to cross in front of me! Mostly does but spikers and a 6 pointer right in town by the gas station. He didn't know which way to go! They were hitting the green hay and pasture fields hard!!! It seemed as though everybody's hunting shack yard had 2 deer in it also!

Good Luck,

Ferny.

[hartner62]

All of my mothers side of the family lives in WR and Sturgeon lake and they fill there tags every year. I've been up there this year bow hunting 2 times this year and I've seen more deer then normal at least in their area. So I think you will do just fine. What road is the hunting land off of?

[deadfeathers]

Pretty much straight across I35 form Rutledge on Cty 33.