Public Hunting Land in Lake Of The Woods Minnesota
Category: article
Nov 10th, 2014 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Nov 10th, 2014 at 12:00 AM
Public Hunting/Snowmobiling/ATV Gem…Beltrami Island State Forest
by Joe Henry
Growing up in central MN, I learned first hand some of the challenges of hunting. The first and largest challenge was access to hunting land. Most spots that held game was locked up by friends and relatives. Often, I would resort to public hunting spots. They could be good. The challenge was getting there before others who had the same spot in mind and as the season progressed, a lot of traffic had been through an area either driving or harvesting the game out of there.
With all of that being said, it is maybe to no surprise my excitement to share with the world a huge plot of land available to the public. So much land that there is room for everyone and all of their posse, is loaded with wildlife and is being managed in a way that enables both ATV / snowmobile use in some areas and walking trails in others. The area is Beltrami Island State Forest. This gem is located west of Baudette about 30 miles as the crow flies.
Beltrami Island State Forest signBeltrami Island State Forest trailDSC_0006
This area is 703,366 acres of woods, swamp, brush, clear cut and fields. It has 5 rivers flowing through it and is the 5th largest state park in MN. Recreational opportunities include hunting, canoeing, hiking, picnicking, camping, horseback riding and snowmobiling.
If you are a snowmobiler, Beltrami Island has 138 miles of snowmobile trails which connect to the other extensive trails that connect to the resort areas on Lake of the Woods.
ATV enthusiasts will appreciate the 238 miles of trails through some of the most beautiful land this state has to offer.
This park is for the public to enjoy. The fact it is adjacent to Lake of the Woods, it’s world class fishing and many choices for resorts and hotels make this resource even better.
For more information on Beltrami Island State Forest, go to http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_forests/sft00005/index.html, or contact Lake of the Woods Tourism at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com or by phone at 1-800-382-FISH (3474).
