City schedules 2 archery deer hunts for fall

BEMIDJI -- The city of Bemidji is now accepting applications for permits to participate in two special white-tailed deer archery hunts within the city, according to a release Thursday.

The hunts will follow the regular Minnesota deer archery season, which runs Sept. 17 through Dec. 31.

The Bemidji Regional Airport hunt will take place on airport property (outside the fenced area). Hunting will be allowed by city permit and only 25 permits will be issued. Depending on the number of applications, a lottery drawing may be held to determine which applicants will receive a permit.

The Northeast Lake Bemidji hunt will take place in designated areas situated in the northeast section of Bemidji (Ward 5) on private and public property. A lottery drawing also may be held in order to determine which applicants will receive a permit.

Since these are both special hunts, the state will allow participants to harvest up to five deer.

Hunt participants are responsible for purchasing the appropriate state hunting licenses and permit(s). The release said statewide bag limits apply, so if a person harvests a buck in this hunt, they have reached their statewide buck limit.

Hunters must be of legal hunting age, pass a criminal background check and successfully complete an archery proficiency test. Hunters who participated in previous city of Bemidji archery hunts must reapply each year. Hunters who have passed an archery proficiency test in the past three years are not required to be tested this year, but must still submit an application and be approved to hunt.

Hunters who have not passed a proficiency test must be tested and provide such documentation to the city. Hunters must schedule their own archery proficiency test by calling Gander Mountain at (218) 755-6150), John’s Bow Shop (218) 444-2046, Bemidji Bow Shop (218) 209-6251 or other approved facilities.

All applicants are required to pay a $8 non-refundable application fee with each application.

Special hunt regulations, applications, maps and additional information may be obtained at City Hall, 317 Fourth St. NW or on the City’s website at http://www.ci.bemidji.mn.us.

All applications and fees must be received by 4 p.m. Aug 12.