MDHA Legislative Update from MDHA lobbyist Erik Simonson

Is The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association in bed with the DNR!? This is a common question I have received as of late. There is a rumor being spread that, because MDHA often receives grant funding from the DNR, we are afraid to challenge them where necessary in fear of losing out on critical revenue. This could not be further from the truth. Let’s take a moment to discuss where the grant funding comes from, the good that we accomplish through that process, and who the benefactors of this funding are.

One of the first things a shed hunter realizes about this growing sport is you’re charged with covering an infinite amount of space with a finite amount of free time. Because no one has time to look by every tree or walk down every corn row, the trick becomes maximizing the time you have by eliminating unproductive ground and focusing on the best spots.

The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association is committed to advocating for policies that preserve our hunting traditions, protect wildlife, and ensure fair access for all hunters. With the 2025 legislative session well underway, there are already key bills that require the attention and support of our valued members.

When it comes to maintaining healthy deer populations and enhancing their habitats, seemingly small conservation practices can have a profound impact. One such powerful strategy is bud capping, a technique not widely known outside conservation and wildlife management circles but one that is vital to protecting the environment and supporting whitetail deer.

If you’re a parent of a young hunter or a budding outdoor enthusiast yourself, you probably want to ensure that learning about hunting doesn’t stop at safety. You want an experience that not only provides the essential knowledge of firearm and hunting safety but also nurtures a deep connection with the great outdoors. That’s where MDHA Forkhorn Camps come in—a camp experience that inspires the next generation of hunters while fostering a commitment to conservation, ecology, and outdoor adventure.

Since 1985, the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA) Forkhorn Camps have been a trusted destination for teaching kids about safety, conservation, ecology, and so much more. With partner locations across Minnesota, these camps are designed to immerse children in the unique outdoor lifestyle through hands-on activities and professional instruction.

Winter might be in full swing, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to hang up your camo. For hunters, now is the perfect time to start planning your food plots for the coming year. Sure, it’s too cool to plant right now, but preparation during the off-season can make all the difference when fall rolls around. Whether it's clearing an area, selecting the right seeds, or strategizing for optimal growth, taking action during the winter months can elevate your hunting game and attract that trophy buck you’ve been dreaming about.

When most hunters think of whitetails, the first season that comes to mind, of course is fall. The great thing about deer management is that the least amount of work is required in the fall. That is if you've made good use of your free time the rest of the year.

The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA) is gearing up for its annual regional meetings across the state, and this year promises to bring exciting opportunities for members to get involved, learn, and share their thoughts. Whether you’re interested in MDHA’s mission, want to understand how the organization operates, or have questions to ask, these meetings are your chance to connect with fellow members and leadership.

Dang trapping is fun! Because I was trapping for fur and enjoying an incredible “NON” winter this past winter at my camp, I was feeling like a kid again. 

The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association is thrilled to invite you to one of our biggest events of the year—the 38th Annual State Habitat Banquet! Join us on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Timberlake Lodge in Grand Rapids, MN for a night dedicated to supporting Minnesota’s incredible wildlife habitats.

This, our first newsletter, marks another milestone in our young history.
The seed for this embryonic organization was sown on March 19, 1980, when eight avid deer hunters from the Grand Rapids area met to explore the possibility of form­ing a statewide association of deer hunters. The need seemed to be self-evident: although other wildlife groups (grouse, waterfowl, bow hunters, trappers, etc.) are already organized, the largest group, some 300,000 plus firearm deer hunters, never had an organizational voice in the state.