OutdoorMN News - Good conditions greet hunters during Camp Ripley hunts

[Rick]

Archers took 113 deer during this year’s bow hunts at Camp Ripley Military Reservation near Little Falls.  

There were 2,995 permits issued, with 2,270 hunters participating. Participation and harvest declined this year since bonus permits weren’t allowed, and the harvest was heavily dominated by bucks, which comprised 75 percent of the take.

This year, Central Lakes College Natural Resources Program coordinated morning check-in and provided deer registration services at the hunts, which took place Oct. 20-21 and Oct. 29-30.

“We have a strong partnership with Central Lakes College and the event is a good opportunity to train students pursuing a career in wildlife management,” said Beau Liddell, DNR wildlife manager at Little Falls.

Brian Sanoski of Randall took the largest buck registered during the hunts, tipping the scales at 218 pounds. Hunters registering other large bucks included Urban Brady of Bowlus (212 pounds), Matthew Tester of Andover (208 pounds), Jordan Torma of Menahga (207 pounds), Daniel Austad of Staples (198 pounds), Michael Barnes of Little Falls (198 pounds), and Paul Paine of Mound (198 pounds).

Of adult does registered, the largest weighed in at 148 pounds, taken by Devin Nelson of Watkins, and 124 pounds taken by Richard Reginek of Hutchinson.

The archery hunt at Camp Ripley is an annual event. The DNR coordinates the hunts in collaboration with Central Lakes College Natural Resources Department, and the Department of Military Affairs, which manages the 53,000-acre military reservation.

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