Application deadline approaching for 2006 Camp Ripley archery hunts

Hunters interested in the 2006 regular archery deer hunts at Camp Ripley near Little Falls are reminded this year's Aug. 18 application deadline is fast approaching. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) began accepting applications for the hunts on July 1.

This year's hunts are scheduled for Oct. 19-20 and Oct. 28-29. Hunters can only choose one of these time periods on their application.

This year participants will be allowed to use bonus permits and take up to two deer during their hunt. The DNR is issuing 5,000 permits this year (2,500 per two-day hunt).

Hunters may choose from three options to apply for the Camp Ripley deer hunts; through the DNR's computerized Electronic Licensing System (ELS) at any one of 1,800 ELS agents located throughout Minnesota; by telephone at 1-888-665-4236, or at the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road 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 $3.50 per transaction. Mail-in application forms will not be accepted.

To apply, resident and non-resident hunters will need one of the following: a valid state driver's license or state issued identification card with current address, a firearms safety certificate number, or a DNR number found on a recent Minnesota fishing and hunting license. It is important that the identification card used reflects the current mailing address; this is where a winning notification will be sent if successful in the computer preference drawing.

Applicants must be at least 12 years of age prior to Oct. 19. 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.

Applicants will be asked a series of questions when applying for the permit. It is best to prepare yourself for these questions by completing a worksheet prior to making an application. Hunt Application Worksheets are available on the DNR's Web site, from the DNR License Bureau, or from an ELS agent. Hunters may apply as individuals or as a group of up to four individuals. When applying as a group, all valid group members will receive a permit. All group members (maximum of four people) must apply for the same Camp Ripley hunt time period.

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.