Ask a Conservation Officer

[Lee Borgersen]

  Ask a Conservation Officer:

 Limits on using ATVs to build deer stands varies by area

By Matthew S. Miller,  Sep 13, 2015 .

  Q: We plan to put up some new deer stands where we hunt on public land. Can we use ATVs to transport materials to those spots even though no trails exist there?

 

A: We are fortunate in Northeastern Minnesota to have access to lots of land, owned by public/government entities, that is open for hunting and recreation. However, it is important to know that each managing agency may have different rules for the use of that land. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources state forestland is divided by different management classes.

On state forestland classified as “limited” (such as the Nemadji State Forest) or “managed” (some of Cloquet Valley State Forest), there are rules that permit off-trail/cross-country travel by a licensed hunter using a Class 1 ATV to construct stands or hunt for big game, whereas normal ATV operation in these areas may be prohibited.

Permanent stands generally are not forbidden on state forestlands, but must consist only of a platform and not a “building on stilts” as some have come to be in the past. On aquatic management areas, such as the Lester River AMA in Rice Lake Township, ATVs and permanent stands are prohibited. On wildlife management areas, similar restrictions apply on ATVs and permanent stands.

For more information, check the DNR website or Pages 96-114 of the current hunting synopsis for details on different public management units.

MATTHEW S. MILLER is a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources