Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve (a University of Minnesota field station located in East Bethel, MN) and our community partners provide recurring seasonal opportunities for community members to take part in managing the deer population at the reserve. More information about motivation and opportunities is available at https://z.umn.edu/cc_hunting. This application is for potential inclusion in our fall archery-only hunts, scheduled for October 31st - November 3rd (set stands Oct 28th or 30th, required orientation on the evening of Wednesday, Oct 30th) and November 14th - 17th (set stands Nov 11th or 13th, required orientation on the evening of Wednesday, Nov 13th). Lodging may be available for rent at Cedar Creek during the hunt period.

Because Cedar Creek is a scientific research station with hundreds of active ecological experiments underway, formal restrictions on location, timing, earn-a-buck and other requirements apply and must be followed. Policies and regulations will be communicated to hunters selected to participate. Space is limited, with up to 30% of slots reserved for applicants who volunteer a minimum of 20 hours annually in Cedar Creek’s other long-term land management programs. Remaining slots are assigned by the Associate Director based on information provided in the application materials: a random drawing will be used to choose hunters from the approved pool (including any volunteers who were not selected for the reserved slots) and hunting locations will also be assigned by a random draw taking into account application information about preferences. We reserve the right to call references and/or conduct a background check on applicants; by submitting the form below, you agree to this.

NEW IN 2024 - GROUP OPTION. By request, we are trialing a option for groups of 2 or 3 applicants to enter the lottery as a group and if selected, by placed in a zone together. Each individual must apply separately and pay their own fees, but should list their group members' names in the relevant section of the application. The pair or trio will be entered into the lottery as a single unit and treated as if they were 'an individual' for selection purposes. If selected, they will be assigned together into a zone.

Applications are due by August 15th, and successful applicants will be contacted by early September with additional details and paperwork. A non-refundable $15 per application fee defrays our administrative costs. An additional $60 hunting fee will be charged to hunters selected to participate.