Openings are still available for the 2022 Rydell National Wildlife Refuge Mentored Youth Deer Hunt after the original registration period. There are still five unfilled spots for youth hunters. This two-day hunt will be held on over 1,800 acres of Rydell Refuge on Saturday, October 29, and Sunday, October 30. Youth between the ages of 12 and 15, who have completed Firearms Safety Training, can register to participate in this special hunt. The only other requirements are that an adult mentor accompany the youth hunter at all times and that the youth hunter and their mentor attend a mandatory four-hour orientation session at the Rydell Refuge Visitor Center on Sunday, October 23. If you are interested in signing up for this special hunt, call Refuge Manager Gregg Knutsen at 218-686-4329 for information on registering and purchasing your license(s) from the Minnesota DNR. The sign-up deadline for this hunt is October 14. Licenses for harvesting up to three deer (only one buck) can be purchased for this special hunt.
This hunt is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Minnesota DNR, and the Friends of Rydell and Glacial Ridge Refuges Association. The objective of the hunt is to provide new or relatively inexperienced youth with a special opportunity to hunt deer under the guidance of an adult mentor.
For more information, please contact Refuge Manager Gregg Knutsen at 218-686-4329 or gregg_knutsen@fws.gov.