Miesville Shotgun and Muzzleloader Hunts
The deer population in Miesville Ravine Park Reserve has increased again due to recent mild winters.
Higher deer densities cause damage to native vegetation in the park and crops that surround the park.
Both of these hunts are set up as special hunts with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
These hunts are nontoxic ammunition only. This means that lead ammunition is not allowed to be used in the park.
Even though the use of rifles is now allowed for deer hunting in Dakota County, the shotgun hunt will remain shotgun only due to the size of the park and the close location of residences around the park.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to process registrations
The Miesville shotgun hunt will take place during the 3A season. The Miesville muzzleloader hunt will take place during the second week of the muzzleloader season.
There will be 40 names drawn for each of the Miesville hunts, but the registration process for these hunts will not be run by Dakota County. Registration for the Miesville hunts will go through the DNR.
You can apply for these hunts anywhere you purchase your license.
Applying for a Miesville hunt
To apply for a Miesville hunt through the DNR:
- As soon as licenses are available, go anywhere hunting licenses are sold, or you can purchase hunting licenses online.
- When you purchase your firearm or muzzleloader license, mention that you want to apply for a special hunt:
- Shotgun – Hunt #917
- Muzzleloader – Hunt #943
- The deadline for applying for these hunts is Sept. 10.
- If you are awarded a spot in the hunt, you will be notified by the DNR via mail at the end of September.
Mandatory orientation meeting
We will be offering two dates for the orientation meeting, and you must attend one of the two meetings. The meetings will be held Oct. 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. and Oct. 28 from 10-11:30 a.m.