Miesville Ravine Park Reserve has a very high deer population. Recent management efforts and harsh winters have reduced the herd, but continued management is still needed.
Higher deer densities cause damage to native vegetation in the park and crops that surround the park.
Both of these hunts are set up as special hunts with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). These hunts will continue to be hunter's choice hunts. This means you do not need to harvest an antlerless deer prior to harvesting a buck.
Hunters that get into these hunts will be allowed to purchase bonus tags, so they can harvest multiple antlerless deer from the park.
These hunts are nontoxic ammunition only. This means that lead ammunition is not allowed to be used in the park.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to process registrations
The Miesville shotgun hunt will take place during the 3A season. The Miesville muzzleloader hunt will take place during the second week of the muzzleloader season.
There will be 40 names drawn for each of the Miesville hunts, but the registration process for these hunts will not be run by Dakota County. Registration for the Miesville hunts will go through the DNR.
The lottery will also be run through the DNR, and their preference point system will be used.
You can apply for these hunts anywhere you purchase your license. The deadline for applying for a special hunt with the DNR is Sept. 4.
Applying for a Miesville hunt
To apply for a Miesville hunt through the DNR:
- Go to anywhere hunting licenses are sold, or you can purchase hunting licenses online.
- When you purchase your firearm or muzzleloader license, mention that you want to apply for a special hunt:
- Shotgun – Hunt #917
- Muzzleloader – Hunt #943
- Deadline for applying for hunts are Sept. 4.
- If you are awarded a spot in the hunt, you will be notified via mail at the end of September.
Orientation meetings
Hunt participants must attend one of two mandatory hunter orientation meetings. The meetings will be held at the Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center in Spring Lake Park Reserve (8395 127th Street E., Hastings) on the following dates:
- Wednesday, Oct. 22, 6–7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 29, 10–11:30 a.m.