Participation in special youth hunts tops 1,000

More than 1,000 youth hunters participated in special hunts at nine different locations statewide this year.

Four archery hunts took place at military facilities and a forest preserve owned by a private non-profit organization. The 201 participants in the bowhunts harvested 24 deer. The Arden Hills Army Training Site produced the highest success rate, with 20 percent of the hunters taking deer Oct. 21-22.

Five firearms hunts took place in parks and refuges. The 166 participants harvested 44 deer. Rydell National Wildlife Refuge led the way with a 53 percent success rate on Oct. 21-22.

In addition, 750 youth hunters took part in the northwest Minnesota youth antlerless deer season in Kittson, Roseau, Marshall, Lake of the Woods and Pennington counties. Those hunters harvested 150 deer Oct. 21-22.

A parent or guardian accompanied all participants during the youth hunts. Adults weren't allowed to hunt, but served as guides and mentors to make sure the young hunters learned to hunt safely and effectively.

The DNR is planning special spring turkey hunts for April.