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 our deer population. 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 lottery hunts. In 2026, this includes:

• Earn-a-buck hunt #1, ~35 spaces, Oct 1st-4th (set stands Sept 27th or 30th, required orientation on the evening of Wednesday, Sept 30th)
• Earn-a-buck hunt #2, ~35 spaces, Oct 22nd-25th (set stands Oct 18th or 21st, required orientation on the evening of Wednesday, Oct 21st)
• Premium hunt, up to 8 spaces, Nov 15th-22nd (set stands Nov 1st-4th, required orientation TBD)

General Process. Because Cedar Creek is a scientific research station with hundreds of active ecological experiments underway, restrictions on location, timing 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 on the earn-a-buck hunts reserved for applicants who volunteer on one or more project in Cedar Creek’s other long-term land management portfolio. There is no volunteer preference for the premium hunt. If there are more eligible volunteers than assignable slots, a 'mini lottery' will be held of the volunteers with anyone not selected returned to the main application pool. Volunteers will have priority for slots if hunters selected in the main lottery tag out or are otherwise unable to participate close to the hunt dates. Remaining earn-a-buck slots and all premium hunt 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). We reserve the right to call references and/or conduct a background check on applicants; by submitting the form below, you agree to this.

Group Application Option. Pairs or trios can enter the lottery for the earn-a-buck hunts as a group and if selected, be 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/trio will be entered into the earn-a-buck hunt lottery as a single unit for selection purposes. If selected, the group will be assigned together into a zone. Groups are only eligible for the assignable volunteer slots if all group members are eligible volunteers; if not, eligible volunteers will be treated as individuals. Due to the limited number of hunting zones on the property, a maximum of 10 groups will be selected per hunt weekend. Once 10 groups have been selected in the course of the lottery, all remaining applicants will be treated as individuals, regardless of whether or not they applied as a group. There is no group option for the premium hunt.

Important Dates and Fees. Application closes Aug 15th, and successful applicants will be contacted by early Sept with additional details and paperwork. A non-refundable $18 per application fee defrays our administrative costs. An additional $60 hunting fee will be charged to hunters selected to participate in the earn-a-buck hunts. The fee for the premium hunt is $1000. Lodging may be available for rent at Cedar Creek during the hunt period.