I need somewhere to hunt

[DooWap]

I go to school at the U of M and I really need to find a place to hunt. I'd like to find a place within an hour of Minneapolis to bow hunt, since my families hunting land is over 2 hours away. It'd be nice to just jump in the truck after class at noon and be on stand by 2. I'm trying to find some decent public land, though I'm really hoping to find a generous farmer to let me hunt his land. Since time is an issue for me it's tough to drive around and knock on doors. I tried hunting the Carlos Avery WMA by forest lake but I don't think I'll ever go back there. I was checking out down by hastings and there are some WMA's and also a huge state forest. Anyone know much about these? How's the hunting down there and is it heavily pressured? I know all public land is subject to heavy pressure. Maybe someone is willing to let a poor college student hunt their land?

[Bobb-o]

go down in the Afton area, i know there are some farmers down there looking to get rid of some deer. Just go knock on some doors.

[Stratosman]

Huge WMA down here along the Sip. Hard to get to thought since it is mostly low land with lots of water. The guys I know that hunt it use boats to access some of the better areas. Lot's of work just to bowhunt public ground if you ask me. Other than that you will have to take the time to poke around and ask permission. Lots of deer to go around here.

[snapcrackpop]

Seriously consider the Raguet WMA in Shakopee.

Its close and I know a couple of big bucks were there last year. A couple of other bowhunters there, but they still move around.

Great trees for climbing.

[iceman16]

hey DooWap,

send me a PM at piratesofbp(AT)aol(DOT)com. i dont have land but i got a couple ideas for hunting i am also in kinda the same boat as you are in with my hunting land being 4 hours and another area 6 hours away and dont always have the time and money to get up there.

iceman

[Walleye Guy]

Try the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. Tons of deer and not many bow hunters. Gun season is another story. Its less than an hour from the Twin cities. All different types of terrain and it is over 30,000 acres.

[DooWap]

Thanks for the tips guys, I've been checkin out a few of those, and a few of those are new to me. I'm thinking I might check out the Sherburne NWR on Sunday. I'll have to email you Iceman, I'm always looking for a hunting partner especially with some good ideas.

[Bad Catcher]

Being from the Sherburne WMA area, I have been there and there is a lot of oppertunity there. I do not bow hunt yet, but I would try it.