Miesville Ravine Park Reserve has a very high deer population. Recent counts show a population of around 60 deer per square mile, which is much higher than our goal of 10-15 deer per square mile.
These high deer densities are causing substantial damage to native vegetation in the park and to the crops that surround the park.
Both of these hunts are set up as special hunts with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Over the past two years, these hunts have been earn-a-buck, but this year, it will be changing to hunters' choice. You will 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. 7.
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 them online.
- When you purchase your 3A and/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. 7..
- 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 Thursday, Oct. 19 from 6–7:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 24 from 10–11:30 a.m.