Hunters harvest 10 deer during Camp Ripley youth hunt

Weather greeted archery hunters participating in the second annual youth deer hunt at the Camp Ripley Military Reservation, but it didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the participants, according to Beau Liddell, DNR area wildlife manager at Little Falls.

A total of 150 permits were issued with 130 hunters participating. Youth hunters harvested 10 deer, for a success rate of eight percent for the two-day hunt.

Sixteen-year-old Nick Sebring of Big Lake took the first deer, an 89-pound yearling buck, on Saturday morning while stalking it in the rain. This was also largest buck harvested during the two-day hunt. Derek Mortensen of Coon Rapids took the largest deer, a 118-pound adult doe. Many of the 10 animals taken were the first-ever for the youth participants.

All youth hunters were paired with non-hunting adult mentors. The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA) and the Minnesota State Archery Association (MSAA) were the primary hunt administrators. "MDHA and MSAA did a good job planning and conducting this hunt," Liddell said.

In addition, the Department of Military Affairs, which manages the 53,000-acre military reservation, provided significant logistical and planning support. The hunt took place in a 15,000 acre area on the northern third of Camp Ripley.

"Most hunters were not selective and took the first good shot they had at a deer, with fawns and does comprising six of the ten deer taken and yearling bucks making up the rest," said Liddell. "The hunters said they saw many deer, learned a lot, and cherished the experience."

"The hunt sponsors deserve a lot of credit for the high quality experience provided to youth participants. Without their involvement and hard work, this event would not have been possible," he said.

The Camp Ripley youth hunt was first held in 2002, and laid the groundwork for similar youth hunts being offered elsewhere in the state this year.

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