I have always hunted on a large area of private land in northern MN which is owned by one of my fathers friends, with the loss of my father that land is no longer available to me. I'm thinking about hunting at Senn-Rich WMA which is in Waseca co., close to home and about 102 acres.

Any tips?  

Would I be wasting my time?

Know of any better WMAs in southern mn? (Trying to stay in a hunters choice area)

Any info appreciated.

I wouldn't hunt public land on the weekends. Take some time off work and hit it up Tuesday-Thursday. Too many yahoos shooting at sound all crammed together the rest of the time.



EDIT: A friend of mine owns 80 acres of thick woods. There are usually seven of us out there opening weekend, and it gets a little crowded, unless everyone can get together and co-ordinate a push.

Thanks for the tip! I was planning to take the whole week off.

Up by me as of 7 or so years ago it has gotten absolutely packed, Jacobson Mn and my other side hunts near Remer, MN.  You have guys blocking roads off like they own them, people shooting 15 rounds off at movement in the woods.  I've had two uncles jump out of trees to duck down in the line of fire.  We also had an issue with 15 plus hispanics at the one deer camp that moved in and set up, we had to get the DNR out to yell at them to pick up trash after a few years of them absolutely trashing the woods.  They bring 5 more guys up every year it seems and all they do is traipse around the woods and interrupt everyones hunt.

Private land is almost the only way to go it seems, and even then we've had people try to move in on our private land.

My dad and I have completely stopped rifle hunting because of our neighbors. We bow hunt exclusively now. That might be worth a shot and more peacefull on public land.

This is my fear. I'm going from having an area of a few thousand acres used by 10 or so people, who all knew each other to 102 acres used by who knows.

I have not had luck in Steele, Waseca or Rice counties WMA's but know plenty who have.  Get out and scope out some areas and maybe you will have better luck than me.

I have tried a few in Freeborn county and have only seen one deer on them after opening day in the past 5 years or so that I have been on them.  It seems like guys are out in their spots on them EARLY.  You would damn near have to camp out overnight to secure a decent spot.  Once the shooting starts the deer clear out in a hurry and if they are not being pushed on surrounding private property they do not come back.  They have become a last ditch option for me.

Looks like I'm going to have to hope for some dumb luck. I've seen deer on this WMA just not often. I'm hoping to take a larger Doe.

I've walked this location a few times I doubt I'll go to any others. I really want to stay close to home this year so I can take my kids out if I feel its safe enough. It's also in a hunters choice area so I could take a Doe. Here's to hoping for some luck!