Disabled veterans deer hunts

The 14th annual Tom Eckdahl Memorial DAV Chapter #28 and Olmsted County Parks offer limited controlled hunting opportunities for veterans at Chester Woods Park and Oxbow Park. Select an event below and learn more. Also, please review the regulations for each deer hunt.

Disabled Veterans (Shotgun) Deer Hunt (Chester Woods)

  • The Tom Eckdahl Memorial DAV Hunt at Chester Woods Park takes place over the Veterans Day holiday typically Thursday through Sunday. The 2025 hunt will take place November 13 through November 16, 2025.
  • Chester Woods Park is closed to the general public during the hunt.
  • Applicant must be a service-connected disabled veteran. Parties of up to two may register on a single form.
  • You may submit an application to the Chester Woods DAV hunt or the Oxbow Park DAV hunt, but not both.
  • 30 successful applicants will be issued a written permission slip allowing them to hunt within the park.
  • Picture identification, a current year's deer license, and at least one disease management harvest tag must be provided when picking up the permission slip.
Register to hunt l Register to volunteer l Make a donation

Disabled Veterans (Archery) Deer Hunt (Oxbow Park)

  • The DAV hunt at Oxbow Park takes place from October through December. The 2025 hunt will take place from October 31 through November 30, 2025.
  • Oxbow Park remains open during the hunt. Please use caution while on trails.
  • Applicant must be a service-connected disabled veteran.
  • You may submit an application to the Chester Woods DAV hunt or the Oxbow Park DAV hunt, but not both.
  • 15 successful applicants will be issued a written permission slip allowing them to hunt within the park.
  • Picture identification, a current year's deer license, and at least one disease management harvest tag must be provided when picking up the permission slip.
Register to hunt l Register to volunteer l Make a donation