2005 camp ripley
 

Hi all you fellow bowhunters. Im planning on applying for the 2005 camp ripley bow hunt. This will be my first time applying. I have the following questions.
1 Do u have to camp there over night or can u leave each night??
2 when is application date??
3 if i get drawn can i scout the day before or not?
4 What trophies have u all gotten from there???

RE: 2005 camp ripley
 

First off its been a few since I hunted there. Last time I was there you may leave but then you have to go to the end of the line. There are thousands of vehicles in line. Takes a hour to get in the place, once they start letting people in and you are toward the back. There is ZERO scouting beforehand. First time take your time it will be a learning experience.

First light you will be searching for any and all good spots around along with many others.
Mark them on a map and good luck. You most likely will have someone walking by when you are in your stand but hopefully will be quick to get out of your way. Or better yet push something to you. Many guys already know where they are heading from prior hunts or buddies who have found good spots. Deadline I can't quite remember but I know it costs a few bucks to apply. I have had many tell me it's not the hunt it use to be but make no mistake there are MONSTERS in there. You have a good chance to see a buck of a lifetime. Call the DNR or outdoor news posts deadlines in it. Good Luck and I suggest you apply if you can. Hope this helped.

RE: 2005 camp ripley
 

Are you guys talking about camp ripley minnesota bow hunt?

RE: 2005 camp ripley
 

Yes they are.

RE: 2005 camp ripley
 

I thought so I live roughly an hour north of there. Never hunted there but a neighbor of mine does and 03 season he shot a huge 12 with a drop tine.

RE: 2005 camp ripley
 

hi all thanks so far for the replies, also does anyone know if you drive and park anywhere in the camp or just at the gate during the day, cus i would hate to drag a deer over 3 miles?

RE: 2005 camp ripley
 

No, you drive through. I'm not sure you realize just how big that place is. If you had to park at the gate I am not sure you would walk to the other end in 2 days. Anyways when you get drawn they send you a low grade map but its sufficent enough to see the roads. And and be prepared none of the roads are marked, Thats how troops train with Gps etc.

RE: 2005 camp ripley
 

Ive heard to go North and near the river, where have U had the best luck, im not asking for gps notes, im only 14 and looking to even get a doe, but my first buck would be great. Also is it like hunting a large deer drive?

RE: 2005 camp ripley
 

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.

RE: 2005 camp ripley
 

We apply for Camp Ripley every year, didn't get to go this last season because we didn't get drawn.
1. Yes you can leave and come back in, but you will be at the end of the line and that is a long ways back in the morning.
2. Application date is in July, usually starts about July 1st. Watch the DNR website for dates for dates to apply and it cost $6 to apply. The first year that you apply you will be put into the general drawing, and all the hunters who applied last year and didn't get in are on the preference list and will be drawn first, then the others will be drawn for the remaining permits. So if you apply and don't get in, be sure to re-apply next season cuz then you will go.
3. Nope, no scouting prior to. I know there are some guys who scout the first and only hunt the 2nd day.
4. I got a nice 11 pointer there 5 years ago and my cousin shot one 2 years ago that went 247# and 14 points, an awsome deer.
Like they said earlier it isn't quite what it was a while back, but it is a good place to get a trophy buck or a nice doe to. Good luck!