Camden State Park will be closed to visitors on Saturday, October 26th, and Sunday, October 27th, for a special deer hunt to help control deer overpopulation, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This measure helps maintain ecological balance and protect natural resources.
“An overpopulation of a single species can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem,” said Mark Cleveland, Parks and Trails natural resource policy and program coordinator. “When deer numbers become too high in an area, they overgraze on specific trees and native plants. Also, high deer density in an area provides an environment where diseases can spread more rapidly.”
Other Minnesota state parks will also hold special hunts this fall, with access to these parks varying. Visitors are advised to check park alerts at mndnr.gov/park-list before planning their trips.
The deadlines for applying to participate in these hunts have passed. Hunters will use regular firearms, muzzleloaders, or archery equipment. Since 2023, only nontoxic ammunition has been required for state park hunts, except for youth hunts in certain areas.
