---

Rules vary on where and what type of deer stands hunters can put up and whether they can clear shooting lanes depending on where a person is hunting. Rules on state land are different than those on federal land, and some counties have ordinances that regulate the use of deer stands and the clearing of shooting lanes.

On state forest land, the DNR recommends the use of portable stands. Permanent deer stands are allowed, but they cannot have walls and a roof. An unoccupied permanent deer stand is considered state property, and not the property of the person who erected it. Therefore, any hunter may use an unoccupied permanent stand on state forest land. The cutting of trees of larger than four inches in diameter at four and one-half feet above the ground for shooting lanes is prohibited on state forest land.

In state parks and state wildlife management areas that allow hunting, permanent stands are not allowed. Portable stands are allowed but may not be left overnight. No deer stands (permanent or portable) are allowed in Scientific and Natural Areas. Clearing of shooting lanes is prohibited in state parks, state Wildlife Management Areas, and Scientific and Natural Areas

On national forest lands, only portable tree stands that do not damage trees and that are removed at the end of the hunting season are permitted. Portable stand anchor devices, screw-in steps, and minimal limbing of lateral branches to aid stand placement are allowed. The clearing of shooting lanes is prohibited on national forest lands.

In federal wildlife refuges, hunters may not use nails, wire, screws, or bolts to attach a deer stand, and portable stands must be removed each day.

In the last several years, some counties have enacted new laws on deer stand construction and the cutting of shooting lanes. Contact the county where you will be hunting before building stands or cutting trees.

For more information, please refer to the 2005 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations Handbook or check the web at www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/hunting or contact: Jeff Lightfoot, Regional Wildlife Manager (218) 999-7938

Have a safe and lawful hunt.

 

---