wilkie unit

[cannon man]

Gentlemen, unfortunately for me, I lost access to the private land I hunted for the past 5 years (it was sold and the new owner hunts himself).  I have been looking for somewhere else to hunt and I came across the Wilkie Unit in Shakopee.  Would anyone have past stories, or any help on hunting this place.  I have a boat that I could launch if that would help any.  Im not looking for any personal info, just any insight would be helpful.
Thanks

[Steve-o]

I have seen some big deer in there - small ones too.  Most people hunt the Fisher Lake side.  They park along Hwy 13 and walk the Minnesota River Trail down to the river.  From there you can go left or right.  Its thicker to the right and more open to the left.  This area gets lots of pressure, but I have seen deer on both sides.

I learned the most by talking with other hunters when everyone comes out of the woods after dark.  You'll run across a lot of regulars and they'll give you a feel for where fellow hunters go.

There is also a patch of woods east of the parking lot and next to the road.  This may get less pressure, but I can't say for sure.  I was in there opening day and a 6-pointer busted me dead down wind.

I've also scouted the Rice Lake side, but that can get pretty thick too.  And you have to deal with duck hunters.

[cannon man]

Thanks much for the information.  I went out this morning and saw nothing, but like you mentioned, i met up with a hunter leaving the woods and he gave me a few pointers.
Thanks again.