Hey my name is Ted, i'm 23 from Minneapolis,MN. I am a new bowhunter, and need advice on what public land near the twin cities,mnor withing driving range of it, is acceptable for bowhunting deer. I also would like to know, if you just park there at the WMA or state forest or do I need a parking permit? Thanks for the advice, I am a total newguy.

ttt

There are plenty of WMA's around, check out the DNR website's recreation compass. South west of the metro (Chaska - Jordan area) there is state land along the minnesota river that is only open to archery hunting I've never hunted it but should be good area. Northwest there's alot ot WMA land around Mille Lacs depending on how far you want to go. I've seen a lot of deer around Aitkin (2 hr drive) but haven't hunted there. I'd like to hunt the Mississippi river valley but haven't had the time yet. South east MN has good deer numbers. WMAs don't require parking permit. You'd have to check DNR website for State Forest regs. I believe they vary. I mainly hunt the Le Sueur area and also around Fertile, trying out Hill City this year for bear and maybe deer.

Ok, I was thinking of trying some WMA's like Robert and Marilyn Burman, and the Vietnam Vets WMA. Ever heard of those?

tc3383- check out www.dnr.state.mn.us/wmas/index.htmlYou can check any county and get the wma's listed. Also mnbohunter is right, the area near Jordan and Chaska is a good area for bow hunting close to the metro area. Lots of deer and turkeys. Good luck.

Hit up some private property owners. Most up in this neck of the woods will allow archery hunters in.

you should check out some of the city hunting going on... my brother lives in eagan and there are some there where i've spotted a few nice bucks... good luck

I'll be hunting the Minnesota River Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Figure find some good trails leading to the river for water and post up.

Hi Ted. I live in Shakopee, so I'm really close to some of the refuges you mentioned, particularly the Wilkie and Louisiana units. I just started bowhunting last year myself, so I don't have a lot of experience under my belt, but I've been out to the Wilkie unit a few times. Definitely worth getting out and scouting around a little bit. Maybe I'll see you out there.