The 2025 East Grand Forks Deer Management Plan uses special, controlled archery hunts in designated areas to safely manage the urban deer population and protect property while providing hunting opportunities for residents, veterans, and a limited number of non-residents. The hunts will take place in October and November with 16 total permits available. Interested hunters will need to complete orientation and follow city and DNR guidelines to participate.

What Hunters Need to Know:

 • Follow Hunt Dates: Hunts are held October 9th-11th and November 15th-23rd, with permits prioritized for city residents, veterans, and people with disabilities.
• Apply for a Permit: Hunters need a city-issued permit obtained through a lottery system. Only those with permits can hunt on designated city property within city limits.
• Attend Mandatory Orientation: All hunters must complete a city-led orientation and demonstrate archery proficiency before participating.
• Wear Blaze Orange: Hunters must wear one piece of blaze orange visible from all directions during the hunt for safety.
• Use Designated Areas Only: Hunting is only allowed in approved areas, and stands or trail cameras may only be placed within specific time frames before and after the hunt.
• Report Harvests: All harvested deer must be reported to both the East Grand Forks Police Department and the Minnesota DNR.
• Equipment Use: Hunters can use ATVs/UTVs to remove harvested deer with a permit issued alongside the hunting permit.
• Deer Stands: All deer stands can be placed no earlier than seven days before the hunt and no later than one day after the hunt. 
• Trail Cameras: Trail cameras can be placed 14 days prior to the special hunt and will need to be removed no later than one day after the hunt.
• Follow All Rules: Hunters who violate rules, including hunting without a permit, will face penalties under city code. By following these guidelines, hunters help ensure the safety, effectiveness, and continued success of this deer management program while respecting the community and local environment.

LaFave Park

Location: River Street, East Grand Forks

Native anglers, families, and paddlers enjoy safe, modern river access with efficient launch lanes, floating docks, ADA-friendly features, and ample parking—all designed to serve casual recreation and tournament-level use along the Red River

• Public Boat Launch: The park features a newly upgraded double-wide boat ramp accommodating two lanes, built in summer 2024.
•  Floating Dock & Kayak Launch: A floating dock allows anglers and paddlers to tie off, launch easily, and avoid river currents. A dedicated kayak launch is also available.
•  ADA Shore Fishing & Dock: A handicapped-accessible fishing dock invites anglers to fish comfortably from the shore.
•  Parking: Paved lot with approximately 30 vehicle-and-trailer spots, plus overflow space, supports high-use during tournaments and on busy summer days.
•  Additional Upgrades: Part of a larger $2+ million park improvement project that also added native prairie restoration, ADA walkways, shelter renovations, trail connections, and enhanced parking & roadway access.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Eagle Point Boat Access

Location: 1st St SE, North of Bob Zavoral Park

Eagle Point Trailhead is a full-featured boating and fishing hub that combines easy river access, paddling options, and a peaceful park-like setting—perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.

• Public Boat Launch: Eagle Point Trailhead offers a public boat launch right off 1st Street SE, giving easy access to the Red Lake River.
• Floating Dock & Kayak Launch: A shared dock allows water vehicles to tie off and launch safely.
• Fishing Friendly Features: Nearby shoreline fishing spots offer scenic riverbank access.
• Parking: Gravel lot with 20+ vehicle-and-trailer spots