By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - September 24, 2025

Deer hunters planning to participate in the special firearm hunts at Cascade River State Park and Judge C.R. Magney State Park this November should be aware of a change to the permit process, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Starting this season, permits will no longer be available for over-the-counter purchase at the park headquarters. All special hunt permits must be acquired through the online lottery application process.

According to Parks and Trails Assistant Park Manager Mathew Klesser, the special hunts, which are rifle-only, will take place from November 8 to November 23, 2025. This controlled hunt is part of the DNR's efforts to manage the deer population within the parks and protect the delicate natural resources.

"An overpopulation of a single species can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem," said Mark Cleveland, Parks and Trails natural resource policy and program coordinator with the DNR, in a release. "When deer numbers become too high in an area, they overgraze on specific trees and native plants. Also, high deer density in an area provides an environment where diseases can spread more rapidly. To help preserve natural resources and maintain the health of the ecosystem, we sometimes hold special deer hunts in state parks and recreation areas."

The change to the permit process means that hunters who did not apply for a permit in the lottery will be unable to hunt in these parks this season. This is a change from previous years when any surplus permits were issued on a first-come, first-served basis at the park office.

While the hunts are in progress, both Cascade River and Judge C.R. Magney State Parks will remain open to visitors. The DNR advises all park visitors to wear blaze orange or blaze pink clothing for safety. Hunt-related signage will also be in place to provide guidance to visitors and hunters alike.

Another important regulation for hunters is the requirement to use only nontoxic (nonlead) ammunition for special hunts in state parks and recreation areas. This rule, which has been in effect since 2023, is in place in order to protect wildlife like bald eagles and ravens from lead poisoning, which can occur from ingesting lead fragments left behind in deer gut piles.

Hunters are encouraged to stay informed about special hunts at other Minnesota state parks and recreation areas by checking the alerts and notices on the DNR's website at mndnr.gov/park-list.

 For more information on the specific regulations and permit requirements for all special deer hunts, hunters should consult the official DNR hunting regulations webpage at mndnr.gov/regulations/hunting.