Apply by Aug. 20 for Camp Ripley archery hunts

   Hunters can start applying for the regular archery deer hunt at Camp Ripley near Little Falls. The application deadline is Friday, Aug. 20.

   Beginning this year, the format of the hunt will change to a single 3-day event happening Oct. 29-31 (Fri.-Sun., application code 668). A total of 2,500 permits will be made available. Successful applicants must buy a valid archery license to participate. The bag limit for this year’s hunt is two, and bonus permits may be used to take antlerless deer. Additional rules and instructions for this year’s hunt will be posted by early August on the DNR website.

   Hunters may choose from three options to apply for the Camp Ripley archery hunts:

   • In person at any one of 1,500 license agents located throughout Minnesota.

   • By telephone at 888-665-4236.

   • Online at gov/buyalicense.

   The application fee for the hunt is $14 per applicant. Additional transaction fees and convenience fees may be applied depending on how the application is made.

   To apply, resident hunters 21 and older must provide a valid state driver’s license or public safety identification number. Nonresident hunters must apply using a valid driver’s license number, public safety identification number, or DNR number from a recent Minnesota hunting or fishing license. Preference will be given only if the same ID is used from previous Camp Ripley applications.

    All applicants must be at least 10 years old prior to the hunt. In addition, anyone at least 12 years of age and born after Dec. 31, 1979, must have a firearms safety certificate or other evidence of successfully completing a hunter safety course in order to purchase an archery license if successful in the lottery.

   Hunters may apply as individuals or as a group of up to four people. The first group applicant must specify “Create New Group” when asked, and will receive a group number. Subsequent group applicants must specify they want to “Join an Existing Group” and must use the same group number supplied to the first group applicant.

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