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Hunters interested in the 2010 regular archery deer hunts at Camp Ripley near Little Falls are reminded that this year's Aug. 13 application deadline is fast approaching, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The application process opened July 1.



Hunters may pick from only one of two hunting seasons, Oct. 21-22 (Thursday-Friday code 668) or Oct. 30-31 (Saturday-Sunday code 669). A total of 5,000 permits, 2,500 per two-day hunt, will be made available. Successful applicants must purchase a valid archery license at least two days before their hunt to participate. The bag limit for this year's hunt is two, and bonus permits may be used to take antlerless deer.



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

· Through the DNR's computerized Electronic Licensing System (ELS) at any one of 1,700 ELS agents located throughout Minnesota.

· By telephone at 888-665-4236.

· Through DNR's internet licensing link at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/index.html.

· The DNR License Center in St. Paul.



The application fee for the hunt is $8 per applicant. Those who apply by phone or Internet will be charged an additional convenience fee of 3 percent ($0.24) per transaction.



To apply, resident hunters 21 and older must provide a valid state driver's license or public safety identification number. Residents under 21 may also provide a DNR firearms safety training number to apply. Nonresident hunters must apply using a valid driver's license number, public safety identification number, or MDNR customer number from a recent Minnesota hunting or fishing license. Applicants should verify that their MDNR customer number matches the last time they applied in order to retain preference already accrued. It is also important that your MDNR customer record reflect a current mailing address as this is where your winning notification will be sent in early-September if you are successful in the computer preference drawing.



Residents must be at least 10 years old, and nonresidents at least 12 years of age, prior to the hunt they apply for. In addition, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1980, must have a firearms safety certificate, a previous hunting license, or other evidence of successfully completing a hunter safety course to obtain a license to hunt or trap in Minnesota.



[[In-content Ad]]Hunters may apply as individuals or as a group, up to four individuals. Group members may only apply for the same two-day season. 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 with the Department of Military Affairs, which manages the 53,000-acre military reservation.

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