Afton State Park Closes for Controlled Deer Hunt Next Week

Afton State Park in Minnesota will close from December 5 to December 7 for a controlled deer hunt aimed at managing the local deer population. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the park will shut its gates to all visitors starting at 6 p.m. on December 4. The hunt will utilize muzzleloader firearms and will exclusively target antlerless deer.

The DNR emphasizes that this controlled hunt is crucial for maintaining a balanced ecosystem. “When deer populations grow too large, they over browse on native plants and young trees, making it harder for forests to regenerate,” explained Mark Cleveland, the Parks and Trails natural resource policy and program coordinator. He further noted that dense deer herds can foster conditions conducive to the spread of diseases.

Introduced in 2023, the use of nontoxic ammunition during these special hunts is a significant policy shift designed to protect wildlife. This measure ensures that other animals do not ingest lead while feeding on deceased deer.

Upcoming Park Closures and Limited Access

Several other Minnesota state parks will also experience closures for similar hunting activities. Lake Maria State Park will close from December 5 to December 7, while St. Croix, Sibley, Sakatah Lake, and Rice Lake will be closed on December 6 and 7. Additionally, Nerstrand Big Woods will close on December 6 and 7, as well as from December 19 to December 21.

Limited access will be in effect at Crow Wing State Park and Jay Cooke State Park from December 6 to December 10. Lake Bemidji will have restricted access from December 5 to December 7, while Myre-Big Island will experience limited access on December 6 and 7. Kilen Wood will also have limited access from December 27 to January 4.

The DNR encourages visitors to monitor park alerts and notices on their official website at mndnr.gov/park-list to stay informed about any changes in access. It is important to note that the deadline for obtaining permits for participation in these special hunts has already passed. For additional details regarding specific park hunts, interested individuals can visit mndnr.gov/parkhunts.

The DNR’s proactive measures reflect a commitment to maintaining healthy ecosystems while balancing recreational opportunities for visitors.