Hunting Opportunities
The U.S. Forest Service and Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) share responsibility for managing
wildlife resources on the Superior National Forest.
The
Minnesota DNR is the agency responsible for regulating
hunting seasons and enforcing game laws. The Forest
Service, mainly through timber harvest, is able to
contribute to improved habitat conditions, and as
such, affect wildlife populations on the forest.
Hunting is allowed on all Superior National Forest lands, including
the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, except within the limits
of developed recreation sites such as campgrounds and boating sites.
Hunting on private land within the forest boundary is allowed only
if you have permission from owner of the property. To be sure you
are on National Forest land, consult a good land ownership map or
your local game warden. Please follow Forest Service policy regarding
the use of hunting stands. These policies are common to both the
Superior and Chippewa National Forests in Minnesota. See:
"Hunting Stands". Hunters also need to be aware that the recently
revised Forest Plan includes some new policy regarding off-highway
vehicle (OHV) use on Superior National Forest lands. See:
"Off-highway Vehicle Opportunities".
Hunting opportunities on the forest are varied, ranging
from big game animals such as white-tailed deer, moose,
and black bear to small game such as grouse and snowshoe
hare. In the fall, hunters take to the many lakes,
streams, and wetlands located throughout the forest
to hunt a variety of waterfowl. Both puddle ducks
(mallards, black ducks, wooducks) and diving ducks
(scaups, ringbills, goldeney, buffleheads) can be
found in fair numbers early in the season. Canada
and snow geese are occasional visitors to the forest
as well. Lakes and rivers that have beds of wild rice
are particularly attractive to waterfowl.
Camping often is an integral
part of the Superior National Forest hunting experience.
The forest has 23 developed campgrounds, 16 rustic
campgrounds, as well as a large number of backcountry
campsites located inside and outside of the Boundary
Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Most of the developed
campgrounds are open year-round, however, regular
maintenance is discontinued after the Labor Day weekend.
|
