Jay Cooke State Park Closed for Special Deer Hunt

Jay Cooke State Park will be closed Dec. 3-7 to all visitors outside of the campground, office area, River Inn area and the Munger Trail during a special muzzleloader hunt to prevent overpopulation of deer and protect resources. The swinging bridge will remain accessible to visitors but they should not access any areas south of the bridge. All hiking trails will be closed. Visitors are advised to wear blaze orange or brightly colored clothing if they will be in the park while the hunt is in progress. Visitors should also check for hunt-related information on the park website and at the park office, if open, upon arrival. All visitors should follow any hunt- related signage posted in the park.

Hunts also will take place at other Minnesota state parks and recreation areas this fall, and access to the parks will vary. Some will remain open to all visitors, some will have limited public access and some will be open only to hunters with special permits. The deadlines have passed for youth and adults to apply for the permits to participate in the hunts, which include regular firearms, muzzleloader and archery options.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources thanks visitors for their patience and understanding during the hunts. Contact the DNR Information Center at info.dnr @ state.mn.us for more information.