Camp Ripley Expands Access to Public Hunting Through iSportsman

MEDIA ADVISORY: For Immediate Release
June 14, 2024

LITTLE FALLS, Minn. – This week Camp Ripley Training Center is utilizing a new web-based application system to facilitate season-long archery white-tailed deer hunting for the public.

“Camp Ripley has hosted one of the largest public archery hunts for over 60 years,” said Army Col. Troy Fink, the Garrison Commander of Camp Ripley Training Center for the Minnesota National Guard. “We wanted to find an option to continue our partnership with our hunters and neighbors who cherish the outdoors while having minimal interference to our training priority.”

ISportsman is a web-based, interactive system that allows users to view and apply for hunting opportunities on Camp Ripley and various military installations throughout the nation. All information including contact information, history, rules, regulations, open areas to hunt, alerts, and the ability to check-in and out will be available at the iSportsman site: https://ripley.isportsman.net/default.aspx.

Hunters will purchase their permits for Camp Ripley through the iSportsman site and not through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR). All interested hunters will need to sign up and register on the iSportsman website, via phone or computer. Once registered, hunters will be able to purchase permits to access Camp Ripley, check-in and out daily from the hunting area, and view the areas that are open to hunting. Hunters will still need to purchase their archery license and bonus tags through the MNDNR either at an authorized Electronic License System (ELS) vendor or through the website at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/online-sales.html.

“The iSportsman enables us to continue supporting our community and be a good neighbor and continue to focus on our primary mission of being a National Guard training center,” said Fink. “We are able to offer more access for hunting to the public, and you will have options on when and how often you want to hunt with your family and friends.”

Editor’s Note: Please direct any questions to Army Capt. William Hermanson the Camp Ripley Public Affairs Officer at 651-435-3180 or william.t.hermanson.mil@army.mil.

– About the Minnesota National Guard –

Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies, and contribute to local communities. For more information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.