During a special hunt to prevent overpopulation of deer and protect resources Friday through Sunday, Myre-Big Island State Park will remain open to all visitors, but the Department of Natural Resources advises wearing blaze orange if they visit while the hunt is in progress. Visitors should check for hunt-related information at the park office when they arrive, look carefully for hunting-related signage and follow instructions.

Hunts will also take place at other Minnesota state parks and recreation areas this fall, and access to the parks will vary. Some will remain open to all visitors, some will have limited public access and some will be open only to hunters with special permits. The deadlines have passed for youth and adults to apply for the permit to participate in the hunts, which include regular firearms, muzzleloader and archery options.

“Too many of one animal or plant species in an area can start to throw off the balance of other species in an area,” said Tavis Westbrook, National Resources program coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails Division. “When there are too many deer in a park they tend to feed too much on certain trees and native plant communities, so occasionally we allow deer hunts as a means of protecting natural resources.”

For a list of parks that are open, partially open or closed during the 2017 hunting season, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us or contact the DNR Information Center at info.dnr@state.mn.us.