City accepting applications for archery deer hunts
The City of Bemidji is accepting applications for permits to participate in two special white-tailed deer archery hunts within the city limits.
Both hunts will follow the regular Minnesota deer archery season, which runs Sept. 17 to Dec. 31.
The hunt at the Bemidji Regional Airport will take place on airport property (outside the fenced area). Hunting will be allowed by a permit from city officials and only 25 permits will be issued.
The hunt in the northeastern part of the city limits will take place in designated areas on public and private land.
Depending on the number of applications received, a lottery drawing may be held for either or both city hunts to determine which applicants receive a permit.
All applicants must pay a $5 non-refundable fee with each submitted application.
Because these are both special hunts, participants may harvest up to five deer. The hunts, however, will be conducted using the "earn-a-buck" system where the hunter first must take an antlerless deer before earning the opportunity to take a buck.
Hunt participants are responsible for purchasing the appropriate state hunting license and permits. Statewide bag limits also apply so if you harvest a buck you have reached your statewide buck limit (which is one).
All state hunting and trespass regulations and laws, city ordinances and special hunt regulations will apply. Hunters must be of legal hunting age, pass a criminal background check and successfully complete an archery proficiency test (if they haven't passed one during the past three years).
Hunters who participated in previous City of Bemidji archery hunts must reapply each year. Hunters requiring a proficiency test may schedule their own by calling Bluewater Bait & Sport (444-2248) or Gander Mountain (755-6150.
Hunters are required to register all deer taken in these hunts with both the City of Bemidji and the State of Minnesota. State registration may be done by telephone, internet or at a big game registration station.
Special hunt regulations, applications and more information may be obtained at Bemidji City Hall or at www.ci.bemidji.mn.us. All hunt applications must be received by city hall officials by 4:30 p.m. Aug. 15.
