Camp Ripley

[cannon man]

Hey fellows, I am planning on applying for a chance to hunt at Camp Ripley this year.  I am hesitant because I would not know what to do even if I were picked.  I am looking for some guidance about any issue regarding Camp Ripley.  Just talk to me about maybe past experiences with Camp R.  Thanks,

[The General]

I went last year for my first time, but was lucky enough to go with a few guys who have been there before.  My experience was good and saw some really nice deer.

[cannon man]

Did you know the guys prior to the hunt or did you meet them there and join up?

[HUNTER2]

If you like a lot of people and like them walking by your stand once and a while. I have hunted it 3 times and never shot a deer. I saw a few, but they were to far away to shoot. Good luck if you don't know someone that has been there before.

[The General]

Did you know the guys prior to the hunt or did you meet them there and join up?

I knew them prior to the hunt.  I am going to sign up again for this year and hope to be drawn.  I also did not have anyone walk by my stand and neither did the 3 other guys I was with.  But I could see it happening very easy.  Lots of hunters are up there.

[HUNTER2]

I had a guy come within 50 yards of me and I told him I was there and he still took down his pants and took a crap.

[HD]

I hunted there 10 times.

Some good, some not so good....

Some of the areas get over populated with hunters and the deer run by you with thier tounges hanging out from the pressure.
Almost got shot by another bow hunter as a deer ran between us.

If you can find a spot away from most of the other hunters you will see deer. That's when I had my best luck.

And then you have the mad rush when they open the gate to get in. Better have a good map of the area, and know where you are going. There are some restricted areas, and you don't wanna be caught in there.

The weigh in is fun, you get to see all the deer....but, you might get heckled if you shoot a bambie.


And Hunter2.....I knew it was you.....and I had to go!  I'M JUST KIDDING!

[bowhunter73]

I researched maps, picked my spot, and am ready for the Ripley monster and nothing less

[Mayfly]

I researched maps, picked my spot, and am ready for the Ripley monster and nothing less

And i'll be in the tree right next to you   

[nic53]

Does anyone know when the lottery results are released?

[Mayfly]

Does anyone know when the lottery results are released?

DNR says "early September"

[cmpswampy]

Hoping to get drawn...Have heard alot of good things from there and have seen alot of huge deer taken out of there.

[cannon man]

Does anyone have an idea how far Camp Ripley is from the twin cities? 

[Randy Kaar]

Its close to 120 miles from St, Paul according to Mapquest.

randy

[Misky]

I got in for the first season!

[Mayfly]

I got in for the first season!

You already found out? Where and how? Mail?

[Misky]

DNR Website here is a link to the 1st season
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/lotteries/campripley1.html
and here is one for the second
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/lotteries/campripley2.html
type in your group # or Drivers lic. #

[The General]

I'm in for the second season

[Mayfly]

I'm in! 

[cannon man]

Not in this year but hope you all that got in get the big ones and hope to see some pictures.

[trophy time]

  I did not get in this year neither so next year hear I come.  I will give them one more year to get bigger.

[nic53]

I'm also in. First weekend can't wait!

[cmpswampy]

I am in as well for the 1st season!!!!!

[steiny]

http://mcrecord.com/archives/474099/hunters-needed-for-governor%E2%80%99s-deer-hunting-opener-at-camp-ripley/

[bowhunter73]

In on the first hunt as well!

[Stensethfan]

I am in for the first season as well and it will be my first time.  The guy I am going with is also a first timer, but is picking the brains of the archery customers that come to his shop.  Hopefully he can get some good info from those people.  If anyone who is not going, or going for that matter wants to help a first timer I would much appreciate any tips.  My plan is to find as many maps as possible between now and then and try to find an area that is as far off the beaten path as possible.  If anyone knows some decent areas and doesn't mind sharing that would be great!  Thanks in advance, I cannot wait to go experience this thing!

[HD]

I used to hunt off of normandy road....but that was years ago.
We did well there, but like I said....that was awhile ago.

[Stensethfan]

Thanks for the tip!  Anyone else have anything to add?

[Misky]

Well How did you all do at Ripley?
I seen a few BIG BOYS while driving. I took a little 5 pt to fill the freezer scene I will only have a few more days to hunt the rest of the year.
I made a high shot on him(7:20 am), tracked him for I fugure 1 1/2 - 2 miles, when I caught up to him he was at the edge of a beaver pond in the catails, I stuck him again and he jumped up and went for a swim and died in the pond(12:40pm). I took a painfully cold swim in my undies to retrive him, but I got him non the less.

[deadeye]

And the headlines read "nearly naked local man found swimming with deer in beaver pond".  Way to persue the game.  Congrats on the buck kill.