SE MN Deer Hunting

[Braveone]

I am planning to hunt deer during the shotgun season in SE MN ( Whitewater WMA and the state forest down there). Any pointers and tips will really help me save some time.

[deadeye]

I hunted there one time many years ago.  From current reports, I suggest you start scouting early and find the farthest, out of the way, most difficult spot to access.  Go their early and wait it out.  I believe the hunting pressure is quite high in that area.  Large groups camp out and hunt the area.

[jkcmj]

I have a friend who has hunted the whitewater for 10 or more years...he is more disgusted each season.  He has his favorite spots picked out, then gets there early and finds others already posted in the area, or trying to "outrun" him to the back of the distant valleys he's tried to pick to avoid the others...I cannot hardly believe how bad it's been the last 2 or 3 years especially.

I would suggest looking at some of the vast acreages around Rushford/Houston/Peterson/Whalan area down off of hwy 16, or some of the smaller parcels off of 250 between Lanesboro and hwy 30...nice little plots off of gravel roads that are easily enough found if you pay attention to the DNR maps.  Well marked with signs as well.  I enjoy them during early and late bow season, but cannot attest to how heavy pressure is during the gun as I am busy elsewhere.  I've hunted them dozens of times bow, and never ran into another hunter...but usually see plenty of deer.