Special deer hunt permits now required at Cascade River and Judge C. Magney state parks

Cascade River and Judge C. R. Magney state parks will again hold a special firearm deer hunt this fall during regular firearms season Nov. 5-20. New for the 2016 season, hunters wishing to participate in the special hunt will need to obtain a free special deer hunt permit.

Special deer hunt permits will be available starting Friday Oct. 14, on a first come, first served basis, at the Cascade State Park office. The park office will be open Monday thru Thursday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and Friday thru Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Hunters wishing to obtain a special hunt permit must choose whether they want to participate in the Cascade River State Park or the Judge C. R. Magney State Park hunt. Participants must have a valid Minnesota deer license before obtaining a special hunt permit at the park.

Deer hunters with a special deer hunt permit for Cascade River or Judge C. R. Magney State Park will be able to harvest one deer of either sex within the selected park. Hunters that wish to also hunt another area outside the park may tag a deer with their regular license, and purchase one bonus permit specific to the special park hunt. Statewide bag limits still apply, so a hunter may tag one legal buck per year, without exception. Deer taken in the park’s special hunt must be registered to the special hunt number for the park hunted (900 or 911). It is unlawful to register a deer taken outside the park boundary under the park special hunt number.

Portable deer stands are allowed for this special state park hunt, but must be removed within a day after the hunt. Permanent deer stands, screw-in steps or other devices that damage trees are not permitted. See www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/deer for further information.

The goal of these state park hunts is to ensure healthy natural communities. High concentrations of deer in one area can negatively impact the native plants and other animals. Numerous hunts are scheduled to take place at Minnesota state parks this fall, as a way to help control the deer population in parks.

People visiting a state park during the hunting season should wear blaze orange, even if they will not be hunting. More information available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/ state_ parks/deerhunt.