Moving to Minnesota

[Raminshooter]

Am hoping I can get some help connecting with Traditional archers/Clubs in or around the Burnsville area?  Any help would be appreciated.

[moebow]

I am not real familiar with the "southern" cities area.  Burnsville is on the south side of the cities, there is the "Rapids Archery Club" on the north side in Coon Rapids -- Bunker Hills State park.  They have a Trad shoot on Father's day weekend every year.  Probably a good place to connect if you are here by then.

Also check here for more connections.
 http://www.traditionalbowhuntersofminnesota.com/

Arne

[Caboo]

South Forty Archery Club in Lakeville has a great outdoor area to shoot in Ritter Farm Park that belongs to the city. Terrific range out to around 100 yards and tower to shoot off of that will blow your mind plus a walk thru range. Take 35W south out of Burnsville. Go past cty rd 50 to next exit ( Large Target store on NE corner) and cross under 35w, take a right on frontage road and go south to first road that you can take a right on that crosses over the top of 35W. As soon as your across 35W take a right on gravel/dirt road and follow into park. It will go north a little and then turn left into the park area. First road on your left after turning to your left a little ways will take you back to range. The road has a locked gate and you must be a member to get combination. Members are expected to lock gate behind them going in and out. Gate left open on 3-D shoot days. The number one traditional shooter who has been a member from the beginning and has done tons of work building the club is Jim Forsythe. Google South Forty Archers and you will find his name as vice president. Great guy with a infectious laugh. Call Jim and tell him you want to be a member, He'll give you all the info you need to join. I sure miss the club. I use to live 5 minutes away and it was like having my own private 40 acres during work days. Unfortunately I live on the north side of the cities now. Let me know if you can't find the club on google and I'll link it to you. Welcome to Minnesota, the land of 2 seasons, winter and under construction. :-)

[Caboo]

And don't forget Coon Rapids Traditional 3-D only shoot every father's day weekend in June. Three separate courses 20 targets each for 60 targets plus a one arrow course Take Hanson Blvd north off of HWY 10.

[Bob Abeln]

Welcome to MN. Be prepared to freeze next winter though.

[Raminshooter]

Moboe and Caboo,
Thanks a heap for all the good information.  I was able to locate the range on Google Maps and will only be about 31 min. away.  Thanks also for the tip on the Coon Rapids shoot,  I have always wanted to attend one of these huge shoots like this one with all the vendors.  My wifes family is from Mn. and mine on my fathers side is from Wisc. so lots of family in the area.  We are looking forward to living in the land of 10,000 lakes!

[Caboo]

Unfortunately the number of vendors at the shoots has fallen off over the last half dozen years. Even more unfortunate is how the turn out of shooters has fallen off too. Personally I think the price of gas and the internet are the two largest reasons. I forgot to mention that Rochester Archery club has a 2 day traditional shoot the 3rd weekend of May each year. On the 17th and 18th this month. They have a outstanding range. Sometimes the weather can still be nasty with rain, wind and cold. They also have combined 3D shoots during the summer.  And the Footed Shaft is just down the road from the range.  
And Chippewa, WI has a 2 day T-shoot on the last weekend of May. Another great range.

[Mr. fingers]

Welcome to Minn.
We,actually have 3 seasons July August and Winter!!

[mjh]

There is a range in Bloomington by Normandale Community College or at least there used to be, but crossing the river may be a pain, check some of the Dakota County Parks too, Rapids Archery Club is based in Bunker Hills County Park, part of the Anoka County Parks System.  Rapids Traditional Shoot had about 9 bow makers last year, the Footed Shaft, Howland Arrows, and some others,  lots of opportunity in MN for good shoots and hunting!

[Robhood23]

I am the current President of the Rochester Archery Club and if you can make it to the trad shoot it will be a great time. We also will have primitive camping available if you want to stay overnight! Terry from the footed shaft will be there with a booth and is also setting up the course for this year so it should be a good one! I will be camping all weekend so if you or anyone can make it down or up or over make sure you look me up and say hello!

[Gator1]

Welcome...

Some great events between Minnesota and Wisconsin Iowa is not far either...

       

[Raminshooter]

Robhood23, thanks for reaching out with good information.  I will be in Minn for the last weekend in May so may be able to get to your shoot, thanks again.

Caboo: thanks again for the good info. wont be there that early but am sure I will make other events.

MJH: thanks for the recommendation, was thinking about South Forty Archers in Lakeville?

Gator1: Thanks, am looking forward to attending some large shoot events, cannot wait.

[Calmb4tehPwn]

I just got back to mm, myself. I'll definitely be making all these events if I can.

Hope to see you there, Ramin!

[Raminshooter]

Question for all:  it appears that most if not all the public land (ie: National Forest) is in the northern part of Minn., correct?  I do see that the Chengwatana State Forest is just north east of the twin cities, is there hunting allowed there?  From the maps it appears that everything south of Eden Prairie is mostly private property, is that also correct? Any and all help in orienting me to public hunting grounds would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[northener]

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/tips/locations.html

Welcome to Mn.   Here's a link to help