OUTDOORS NOTES

The DNR will begin accepting applications Wednesday for the 2009 regular archery deer hunts at Camp Ripley near Little Falls. Application deadline is Aug. 14.

Hunters may pick from two seasons: Oct. 15-16 (code 668) or Oct. 31-Nov. 1 (code 669). There will be 5,000 permits available - 2,500 per two-day hunt.

Hunters may choose from four options to apply:

• Through the DNR's computerized Electronic Licensing System at any of 1,800 agents located throughout Minnesota.

• By telephone at (888) 665-4236.

• Through the DNR's Internet licensing link at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

• At the DNR License Center in St. Paul.

The fee is $8 per applicant. Those who apply by phone or Internet will be charged an additional convenience fee of $3.50 per transaction.

To apply, resident and nonresident 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 an MDNR number found on a recent Minnesota fishing and hunting license. If nonresidents use their DNR number to apply, they must use the number from the last time they applied in order to retain accrued preference.

Residents must be at least 10 years old and nonresidents at least 12 year old prior to their hunt. 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.

Applications for turkey, prairie chicken hunts

Hunters who wish to apply for one of 186 permits for the 2009 Minnesota prairie chicken season or for one of 9,330 permits for the fall turkey hunt must do so by July 31. Applications are available wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

Application materials and maps of permit areas for both hunts are available on the DNR Web site at www.mndnr.gov.hunting. Winners will be notified by mail by mid-September.

The fall turkey hunt application fee is $3. The license is $23 for residents and $78 for nonresidents. The $5 stamp validation has been incorporated into the license fee; a separate stamp is no longer required. Hunters may apply for one permit from 67 different hunting areas that will be open from Oct. 14-18 and Oct. 21-25.

The five-day prairie chicken season, which begins Oct. 17, is open to Minnesota residents only. Hunters will be charged a $4 application fee and may apply individually or in groups up to four. Prairie chicken licenses are $20.

Lothspeich tops field

Dennis Lothspeich led the way during the Baxter Bass Snatchers' second tournament of the season earlier this month on South Long Lake.

Lothspeich's catch totaled 14 pounds, 3 ounces. Bill Bailey was second (13-3) and weighed the biggest fish (3-15).

Twenty-four anglers caught and released 111 bass on the day.