East Grand Forks will once again use a controlled archery hunt to help manage the city's urban deer population while providing a limited hunting opportunity within designated city-managed areas. The program is designed to safely and responsibly manage deer within the community while following City of East Grand Forks and Minnesota DNR requirements. 2026 Hunt Dates The 2026 special archery hunts are scheduled for: October 8–10, 2026 November 14–22, 2026 A total of 24 permits will be available for the 2026 program. Permits will be issued through a lottery system, with priority given to East Grand Forks residents, veterans, and individuals with disabilities . Who Can Participate? Hunters must obtain a City-issued permit through the special hunt registration process. In addition, hunters must have a valid Minnesota State Archery License and an unfilled deer tag before completing the required proficiency test and mandatory orientation. All participating hunters must: Complete the required City orientation. Demonstrate archery proficiency. Follow all City and Minnesota DNR hunting regulations. Hunt only within designated areas. Wear one piece of blaze orange visible from all directions during the hunt. Report harvested deer to both the East Grand Forks Police Department and the Minnesota DNR. Important Equipment & Timing Rules Hunters are responsible for following specific rules regarding equipment and preparation for the hunt. Deer stands may be placed no earlier than seven days before the hunt and no later than one day after the hunt . Trail cameras may be placed 14 days before the special hunt and must be removed no later than one day afterward. Hunters may also use ATVs or UTVs to remove a harvested deer when authorized through the appropriate permit process. Hunting Areas & Community Safety Hunting is permitted only in designated areas approved by the City . The special hunt is carefully controlled to help balance deer management with the safety of residents, park users, hunters, and other members of the community. Anyone participating in the hunt is expected to understand and follow all applicable rules. Hunting without a permit or violating the requirements of the program may result in penalties under City code. What Non-Hunters Should Know The Deer Management Hunt is carefully planned to help keep both hunters and other Greenway users safe. Sections of the Greenway will be closed during designated hunt dates , so please respect all posted closures, barricades, and signage and do not enter closed areas. If you're planning to walk, bike, run, or otherwise enjoy the Greenway during the hunt, check the East Grand Forks Parks & Recreation website and Facebook page for current closure information before heading out . Following these temporary restrictions helps ensure a safe and successful hunt while allowing everyone to continue enjoying our parks and outdoor spaces responsibly. Register for the 2026 Hunt Special Hunt Registration is open through Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST. Interested hunters should review the complete 2026 East Grand Forks Deer Management Plan and registration requirements before applying. More information as well as the registration link can be found here on our webpage . For complete information, including designated hunting areas, permit requirements, orientation information, equipment rules, and other regulations, please review the 2026 East Grand Forks Deer Management Plan . Questions can be directed to East Grand Forks Parks & Recreation at 218.773.8000 or egfparks@eastgrandforks.gov .

Exciting progress is being made on the East Grand Forks Arena Improvement Project as work continues at both the Civic Center and VFW Arena. Over the past several weeks, construction crews have completed several major milestones, bringing the community one step closer to modernized facilities that will serve athletes, families, and visitors for years to come. At the VFW Arena, foundation walls have been completed, perimeter rink concrete has been poured, and the site has been prepared for the next phase of construction. Meanwhile, work at the Civic Center has included completing the new rink floor piping and reinforcement, as well as removing existing pavement and sidewalks to prepare for future improvements. Construction is now shifting toward new rink floor installation, parking lot improvements, utility work, and the construction of exterior walls and building infrastructure. Future work will also include ADA parking upgrades, new sidewalks, and fresh pavement to improve accessibility and the overall visitor experience. These improvements are part of a long-term investment in East Grand Forks' recreational facilities, ensuring they continue to support youth hockey, figure skating, public skating, tournaments, and countless community events for generations to come.  The East Grand Forks Parks & Recreation Department appreciates the community's patience and understanding throughout construction. While temporary closures and disruptions are never easy, every milestone brings us one step closer to reopening safer, more modern, and more functional facilities for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to follow East Grand Forks Parks & Recreation on social media for continued construction updates and project milestones as work progresses.