11/13/2014

1. St Croix State ParkSpecial Hunt #996 ARCHERY DEER 11/13/2014 1

2. Hunt Orientation • Introductions • Sign in • Housekeeping announcements * Ask questions! 11/13/2014 2

3. Topics of Discussion Resource Management efforts Hunt Area Within Park Hunt history and pilot archery hunt Special Hunt Rules and Requirements Characteristics of St. Croix Special Hunt Ethics Safe Hunting Practices Emergency Information 11/13/2014 3

4. Resource Management Concerns 2011 Blowdown review Opened landscape Reduced rifle tags for safety purposes Still want to harvest deer Regeneration of pine greatly depends on deer herd Intentions are maintenance oriented not reduction 11/13/2014 4

5. Hunt Area Within Park 34,000 acres. Hunting is ONLY allowed within the designated area! The restricted area is adequately signed. YOU are responsible for knowing where you are and if it is open to hunting. 11/13/2014 5

6. Hunt Area Within Park 11/13/2014 6

7. General Information Special Regulations in your packet. Check in at the office Deer Registration in the Park Office: 8:00 am – 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday All deer must be registered through ELS if you register your deer outside the park, you MUST let park management know the following day what you harvested 11/13/2014 7

8. YOU MUST HAVE!!! Every day that you hunt you must have a hunting license and drivers license in your possession at all times. Park Management, Conservation Officers and Tribal C.O.’s will be checking for compliance Your permit is NOT TRANSFERABLE to other hunters. 11/13/2014 8

9. Special Hunt Rules and Requirements Archery Deer License required One deer of either sex may be harvested along with one additional doe (pending you purchase a bonus tag). If you applied/drew as a party, party hunting laws and rules apply for this hunt. 11/13/2014 9

10. Special Hunt Rules and Requirements 1) Special Area Permit Deer Hunting is allowed only on public lands within St. Croix State Park. a) If you cross onto private property (with permission) or adjacent public land you may not use a bonus tag and check the regs for harvest information and limits. 11/13/2014 10

11. Special Hunt Rules and Requirements Hunters must check in at the park office prior to hunting, for each day that they hunt. Persons entering the park through the main entrance must check in using the self-registration cards at the self-registration station. Hunters who will be entering the park in remote areas, through private land, etc. may check in the morning of their hunt or the evening prior to their hunt, during office hours. ALL hunters must check in for each day that they hunt. Check in for remote hunters can be done using the self-registration but also can be phoned or emailed in. 11/13/2014 11

12. Special Hunt Rules and Requirements All hunters must check in prior to hunting. All vehicles must have a Vehicle Permit. All vehicles must display their Dash Card for EACH person hunting. 11/13/2014 12

13. Special Hunt Rules and Requirements Entry to the park through private lands is dependent upon consent of the landowner. Wounded deer may not be pursued within the restricted area or adjacent private land unless the hunter is accompanied by a park ranger or a conservation officer. Stands may not be placed within 100 yards of a road, trail or structure. You may also not place a stand within 100 yards of the park boundary without the permission from the adjacent land owner. 11/13/2014 13

14. More on Stands The closed zone does not encompass the campground area. You must be at minimum 200 yards outside of the campground area to hang a stand. 11/13/2014 14

15. Special Hunt Rules and Requirements Taking or attempting to take any wildlife other than deer is strictly prohibited. Portable deer stands and steps may be used only if they do no damage to trees; no screws or nails allowed; stands must be tagged with the owners name; hunters may place up to two stands total; stands may be set up a maximum of 7 days prior to the hunt and must be removed within one day after the hunt. Permanent stands may not be placed or occupied. 11/13/2014 15

16. Vehicle Information All motor vehicles must stay on the park roads. Vehicles may not enter roped, chained, barricaded or gated areas. Any vehicles or trailer blocking roads or trails will be cited and towed at the owner’s expense. All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) use is not allowed in State Parks. 11/13/2014 16

17. Flagging and Stand Placement • You must use the designated flagging provided by the park to mark your stand and path to your stand • Once you have a stand(s) placed, coordinates must be turned into the park office for your two stand locations. • You may not place a stand any closer than 200 yards from another known stand Unless the other stand is a member of your hunting party. 11/13/2014 17

18. Limits and info You’re eligible to take up to 2 deer total for this hunt, one either sex and one doe-only. If you harvest your limit of two deer, we ask that you turn in your ID card. Special hunt deer DO count toward statewide MN deer limits. 11/13/2014 18

19. Youth Hunt The special archery hunt 996 will close November 1st and 2nd due to a special youth firearms hunt being conducted. Stands may be left up during this time. Because of this hunt, and the adult firearms hunt it is imperative that you use and flag stands with designated colored tape. 11/13/2014 19

20. Lodging Campsites and Cabins will be available for rent during this hunt. It is prohibited to hang or display deer if you choose to stay in the park and are successful. 11/13/2014 20

21. Characteristics of Special Hunt History of how this hunt came to be State Park Resource Management Efforts St. Croix Park Hunts overview 11/13/2014 21

22. Ethics Park Visitors will be using the park! Most of the public do not have an opinion on hunting. Do NOT hang deer in the campground. Cover the deer. Sight in your bow prior to the hunt. Obey rules and regulations 11/13/2014 22

23. Ethics • Do not waste game. • Do not take poor shots. • Do not hunt too close to another. • Know where you can process the meat. 11/13/2014 23

24. Activities you may see Hiking Campers Equestrian use Fall colors Fishing Staff working 11/13/2014 24

25. Projects we have going Rx fire Maple Island Project St. Johns Trail signs Normal day to day operations 11/13/2014 25

26. Public Relations Please be as invisible as possible to the general public when hanging stands If you meet someone who isn’t hunting, be courteous and respectful The park is 34,000 acres….. Spread Out!!! 11/13/2014 26

27. Safe Hunting Practices Tree Stand Safety Bring a compass. Rubber gloves for field dressing your deer. Drinking water. Maps of the area. Drag rope. Be familiar with your archery equipment. 11/13/2014 27

28. Emergency Information Pay Phone located at the office. Emergency Rooms located in Sandstone and Mora. EMT on staff at Park. 11/13/2014 28

29. Post-hunt follow up Surveys Compliance We need your help 11/13/2014 29

30. Hunting Tradition This hunt has the potential to set a precedent in MN State Parks for archery hunting. 100% compliance isn’t only required, it’s needed 11/13/2014 30

31. Hunting Traditions Rare Opportunity Great Privilege Awesome Responsibility 11/13/2014 31

32. Make sure: All hunters must have signed in today. All hunters must have picked up their blue Dash Card today. All hunters must check in each day they hunt. All hunters are responsible for their behavior. 11/13/2014 32

33. Today’s review Resource Management efforts Hunt Area Within Park Hunt history and pilot archery hunt Special Hunt Rules and Requirements Characteristics of St. Croix Special Hunt Ethics Safe Hunting Practices Emergency Information Use your knowledge, skills and abilities 11/13/2014 33

34. The hardest one!!! Use common sense!!! If you’re questioning a decision heir on the side of caution Be compliant and please don’t push the limits with the rules and regs 11/13/2014 34

35. Most important BE SAFE HAVE FUN 11/13/2014 35