Hunting in the Bemidji area (Hibbing, Grand Rapids: lease, rich, relocate to)

[dober1]

I know there is a forum for hunting but I want to address Minnesotan's. Can any experienced hunters advise me on the quality of deer and grouse hunting in the Bemidji area. I have only fished the area and love the fishing. I know squat about the hunting areas around there.
I have been hunting all my life and currently hunt several states, Nebraska, Arizona and when necessary California. I am still hoping to relocate to Bemidji and would appreciate any info.

[demtion35]

The area is quality hunting no worries

[snofarmer]

The deer heard is very healthy.
You should easily bag a couple the first morning of the season. Maybe even right out of your back door.

Birds, they peaked last year(they go in cycles)
You should be able to flush 2-3 birds for every mile walked on avg.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by snofarmer

The deer heard is very healthy.
You should easily bag a couple the first morning of the season. Maybe even right out of your back door.

Birds, they peaked last year(they go in cycles)
You should be able to flush 2-3 birds for every mile walked on avg.

Mild winter will see larger bird populations I would think. I know the DNR has already stated that the deer population is going to be very high this year because of the lack of snow.

[snofarmer]

Grouse require/like snow to insulate them from the frigged temps(which we didn't see this winter) they also use it for cover from predators. They will burrow into it or when flushed instead of landing normally they will dive into the snow to conceal them selves.
Hard snow or minimal snow cover and birds can be injured or killed when they try this maneuver.

We had a lot of hawks and Eagles winter here this year because of the mild winter this could have taken a total on the numbers also.


We'll have to wait for the drumming count numbers to come in to see how we made out this year, with the lack if substantial snow cover.


But even on a low count year you can expect to see at least 1 bird for every mile walked on a trail.

[dober1]

Thanks for the replies. Are landowners fairly open to giving permission to responsible hunters. In Nebraska and Iowa a lot of properties are leased to ubber rich people who pay major money to have a chance at a trophy buck. The regular Joes have no chance of getting permission unless they know the owner personally.
Will I need to stick to public land near Bemidji?

[demtion35]

Alot of relatives hunt on others land, friends family ext, but its best to hunt on public land less you know someone, but not everyone is open to that.

[snofarmer]

Finding a area to hunt in, in northern MN is not a problem.

Meany go out a couple of weeks before the season , put up a stand and flag their path so others know someone is hunting in the area and if someone comes along they usually adjust and give you room.

[dober1]

What areas are the best bet nearby for public hunting? No I am not asking for anyones secret honey hole just a general area.

[Dr.drew]

There is a lot of public land in northern Minnesota. There are plenty of deer and grouse around the bemidji area, as well as over toward Grand Rapids and Hibbing.