HUNTING SEASON AROUND TEN MILE

It is that time a of year again - and for some of our new year-round residents I feel I should explain all the noise and smiling faces!

This is hunting season. In northern Minnesota. That means some schools are closed, some businesses are closed and a new generation of hunters is being shepherded into self-sufficiency and the camaraderie and responsibility of Deer Camp.

Concomitant with hunting is learning about firearms, gun care and accuracy. There will be repeated shots to sight in the rifle; there will be 3D targets in driveways for archery practice. And, while most of the preparations are for deer hunting, the upland bird season is also open – grouse, woodcock, and other upland game as well as ducks and geese.

The Youth Deer Season is on now. This is a chance for kids ages 10-17 to acquire hunting skills and learn the ethics – and fun – of hunting for only $10 instead of the adult price of $60 for ducks and $38 for firearms deer and $38 for archery deer. They must have a firearms safety class certificate if they are over 12, or they must be hunting with an adult.

You will see cars parked at the side of the road where no one has parked before. They are scouting the woods, looking for places to put their portable deer stands, watching where the deer are, and are not. You will see families standing around outside, admiring their exploits and telling old familiar stories. You may get invited to a game dinner!

Hunters are aware of the rules, very careful about safety, trespassing and the many rules and regulations that impact where, when and how they can hunt. They will be taking care when and where they shoot. The best practices for residents this time of year include wearing blaze orange when walking and keeping dogs leashed.

Season Dates for 2024

• Archery: September 14, 2024 through December 31, 2024
• Youth and Early Antlerless: October 17, 2024 through October 20, 2024
• Firearms A (100 Series): November 9, 2024 through November 24, 2024
• Firearms A (200 Series): November 9, 2024 through November 17, 2024
• Firearms A (300 Series): November 9, 2024 through November 17, 2024
• Firearms B (300 Series): November 23, 2024 through December 1, 2024
• Muzzleloader: November 30, 2024 through December 15, 2024