Posted: 11/6/07
Hunting, what memories are made of
 Chenoa Fields of Harris shot her first deer, a 6-point buck. Field dressed, it weighed about 195 pounds. She shot the buck with a shotgun in Isanti. |
By Steve Morris
The great Minnesota deer hunting tradition was in full-swing last week as hunters near and far ventured into the woods to try to test their hunting luck.
In the North Branch area, people from across the region gathered at Wild River State Park to hunt.
For opening hunting weekend, park officials closed the park to outside visitors. Hunters were selected in a lottery for opening weekend, with 150 people selected, out of 350 applicants.
North Branch residents Ken Peters, Andy Peters and Robert Schmidt were on hand for the hunt. It was their first time being selected for the hunt.
After lunch when was the action took place for two of three huners. Andy Peters was able to shoot a 5-point buck, while Schmidt hit a doe.
Before Schmidt had a chance to get up in his tree stand, the moment began.
"I just picked my gun up and they just started running between me and him," Schmidt said.
"He shot the doe, and we saw her go down, and the buck came out after her," Andy Peters said.
Schmidt has been friends with the Peters's for 30 years and said hunting at the park was great because it was so close to home.
Park Manager Paul Kurvers said the special hunt is designed to help control the deer population.
By 1:30 on Saturday, the registration area at the park had seen about 13 deer.
Bryan Lueth, acting North Metro Area Wildlife Manager, said deer population in East Central Minnesota is above what it should be.
The Department of Natural Resources is trying to lower the deer count through various regulations.
"I think it is going well," Lueth said.
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