Public Land Hunting – Northwest Metro

I’ve been studying the WMA maps available online through the DNR. My goal is to find a couple spots within an hour of my place. I live on the outskirts of the NW metro. So my target area is primarily north of St. Cloud.

Any of you guys have experience with this area? Is it overrun with bow hunters? I don’t mind a little competition, but I also don’t want to see guys in every other tree. I’d rather not hunt if that is the case.

Any tips you can offer a rookie MN public land hunter would be great too. I’ll be out scouting several units after Turkey season is over. Figure what a great way to get the kids some exercise and check a few places out.

All advice welcome! Feel free to PM me if you have any double top secret info.

Thanks!!

John

You might want to check out Sheburne National Wildlife Refuge. Have only made a few trips myself but will be spending alot more time out there. Hope it’s ok that I posted the link.

http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=32550

Thanks Dennis, that is on my list. A bit intimidating to disect considering the size of course, but I’m sure there are some good opportunities at possible trophy class deer in there.

Years ago I hunted the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and it had some good bucks on it. Not sure what the hunting pressure is like now. I still believe I have many of my waypoints if you’re interested Kooty.

A friend of mine lives across the street from the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and its almost dangerous to drive around there after dark. I can’t think of a time I’ve ever not seen a deer.

There are some nice public areas up around Dalbo that I rarely see anyone else at as well as a few just North of HWY 10 headed towards St. Cloud. I’ve seen some deer, but there are definitely no pheasants.