Archery deer hunts will take place Nov. 8-10 in a trio of Three Rivers Parks: Crow-Hassan Park Reserve near Hanover and Rogers, Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve in Savage, and Cleary Lake Regional Park in Prior Lake.

Park officials said the deer hunts are intended to keep deer herds in balance with available habitat. Parks will be closed to the public where hunts are taking place, except for off-leash dog areas at Cleary Lake and Crow-Hassan.

A limited number of hunters have already been selected by lottery for this year's hunts.

Shotgun deer hunts are scheduled for Nov. 16-17 at Carver Park Reserve near Victoria and Nov. 23-24 at Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve. In addition to closing parks, Three Rivers Park Police will establish boundaries within each park to keep shotgun hunters well away from any adjacent neighborhoods.

All shotgun hunters must also attend a pre-hunt orientation to review firearm safety procedures.

tom meersman

@stribmeers