Rochester Controlled Archery Hunt to Begin Oct. 1 as Part of Deer Management Program

The City of Rochester Parks and Recreation Department will conduct a controlled archery hunt this fall in designated parks and natural areas throughout the city. The city-administered hunt will take place Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to manage Rochester’s urban deer population. 

Parks and trails will remain open during the hunt. Some areas will be designated as off-limits to park users and signed accordingly. Hunters will be assigned to specific locations and required to follow city safety requirements and hunt guidelines. 

“We began the program in 2022 in response to resident concerns about Rochester’s growing urban deer population,” said Paul Widman, Director of Parks and Recreation. “With guidance from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the program has proven to be a safe and effective tool for managing deer within an urban environment.” 

Hunter Qualifications and Registration 

Participants must successfully complete Minnesota Bowhunter Education and pass an approved archery proficiency test. Hunters must comply with all Minnesota Department of Natural Resources deer hunting laws and regulations, along with city and site-specific requirements. 

Registration opened Aug. 12 and will remain open until enough qualified hunters have registered to fill available locations. The Parks and Recreation Department will manage registration and assign hunters to designated hunting areas. A waiting list may be maintained to fill vacancies during the season. 

Register for the controlled archery hunt. 

Hunting Locations 

The hunt will take place in designated portions of: 

Some locations may have later start dates to accommodate other recreational activities. 

Safety 

Controlled bowhunting is generally conducted from elevated tree stands, creating a downward shot trajectory that limits the distance an arrow can travel. Hunters typically take shots at short distances and must remain within their assigned hunting areas, meet proficiency requirements and follow all state and city safety requirements. 

The controlled hunt is one component of the city’s approach to addressing impacts associated with the urban deer population, including deer-vehicle collisions and damage to vegetation and landscaping.