Ripley has two, two day hunts each year. One on a thursday /fri in the middle of the month and a sat/sun at the end of the month. You apply for on or the other. I think the cost is $6 and is due at the end of July/beg of Aug. You may apply yourself or as a group of 4 hunters. 2500 hunters get drawn for each hunt. No scouting. They let people in the military check-in gate at noon the day before, and form this "mother of all lines" two cars wide and like a mile and a half to 2 miles long. Vechicles must be attended.(You can't drive in early and park and leave) If you want to to practice shoot you may shoot on the right side of the line. The left side is for camping/campers. The campers must I say, have a pretty good time, grilling steaks/brats and just partying abit. They Start the line going about 1 1/2 hours before sunrise. You go in and theres alot of sand dirt roads. Very good maps are available from the MN State Archery Assc trailer and I think on their website. These topo maps are excellant showing roads/elevations/lakes....... Its fairly easy to pick spots you think may be good.....the problem.....so might alot of others. Climbing stands are great here, lots of very tall mature trees, no braches. Deer trails like highways. Lots and lots of deer! My average day is about 18 deer. Usually I see 25 to 30 day one and 5 to 10 day two. thats just how my spot seems to work. Other hunters see more day two...who knows. I'd say half of the deer give good shot opportunities. It used to be one deer only, this year you may also take a anterless with a management tag. On your way out you must stop and register your deer. This is a fun spot, DNR officers weigh and test all deer. Roughly 100 to 150 deer a day come through. I'd say an average of 10 to 15 bucks that dress out over 200 lbs come out each hunt. Yes the racks are big! After day one.....you should hear the stories!!!!! The second day some people have left and alot leave at noon. Its pretty fun!

Here's my 2002 Ripley buck.....236 lbs. dressed and 12 points.