2024 was a year of reflection, action, and growth for the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA). With Minnesota’s rich outdoor heritage at our heart, we worked to strengthen our voice, forge new partnerships, and enhance our conservation efforts across the state. This year wasn’t just about looking back but also looking forward—to ensure our impact in the deer hunting community grows even stronger as we head into 2025.

Here’s a look at what we accomplished, the challenges we tackled, and the strides we’re making for our members and conservationists alike.

Strengthening Our Communication and Partnerships

Over the past year, we took a hard look internally to identify areas where we could improve. One of our greatest challenges was getting our message through amidst the constant flow of news and information flooding our members' daily lives. With that in mind, we created a brand-new position to help us communicate better and build stronger partnerships.

Jim Cochran, Communications & Development Coordinator

MDHA welcomed Jim Cochran to the team in August 2024. His role as our Communications & Development Coordinator focuses on amplifying MDHA’s voice and fostering collaboration with partners across Minnesota. Since joining, Jim has helped us reinvigorate our digital communication strategies, ensuring every member stays connected and informed. Whether it’s promoting our initiatives or growing the MDHA community, Jim’s contributions are already making a significant impact.

Conservation at the Core of Our Mission

Habitat improvement remains a pillar of MDHA’s work. This year, our chapters continued to spearhead and support meaningful habitat and conservation projects across Minnesota. From restoring vital deer habitats to benefiting other native species, our efforts spanned thousands of acres thanks to grants and the unwavering dedication of our members.

Wolf.Report Expansion

Our active stance on issues such as wolf management continues to drive awareness and legislative action. Wolf.Report, launched to track wolf activity and advocate for balanced wolf management, expanded significantly in 2024. It now covers three states—Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin—broadening its impact and importance. This initiative is an excellent example of how MDHA supports all outdoorsmen and conservationists by navigating delicate issues between wildlife management and hunter interests.

New Partnerships Strengthen Our Work

This year, we forged strong alliances with several impactful organizations including Polaris, Kolpin Outdoors, Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Chapter of SCI, Ray's Sport & Cycle, Outdoor News Foundation, and Domain Outdoors just to name a few. These partnerships not only amplify our message but also create opportunities to tackle larger projects together. These collaborations ensure that MDHA remains at the forefront of deer habitat conservation efforts and is a recognized leader in Minnesota’s hunting and conservation community.

Engaging Future Generations Through Forkhorn Camps

Another highlight of 2024 was the success of our youth Forkhorn Camps. These programs help shape the next generation of hunters and conservationists by teaching firearm safety, outdoor skills, and the importance of conservation. Watching young Minnesotans learn, grow, and develop an appreciation for the outdoors serves as a reminder of why MDHA exists. Forkhorn Camps are one of the many ways we ensure that Minnesota’s hunting heritage lives on for generations to come.

Advocacy and Action at Day on the Hill

MDHA's 2024 Day on the Hill in St. Paul was one of our best yet, with exceptional attendance and enthusiasm from members statewide. Together, we made it clear at the Capitol that MDHA is the leading voice for Minnesota deer hunters and conservationists. By directly engaging with legislators, we reinforced that no other hunting organization in the state has done more for habitat improvement, ethical wildlife management, and preserving hunting rights than MDHA.

Our efforts extended beyond just creating awareness, as we actively contributed to shaping dialogues around hunting and conservation policies for the benefit of Minnesota’s hunters.

Growing Membership and Enthusiasm

Membership at MDHA is on the rise, and the upward trajectory is thanks to the passion of our members, innovative projects, and tireless advocacy. 2024 saw an increase in member engagement both online and in the field, reinforcing the vibrant sense of community that sets MDHA apart. As we head into 2025, we’re more motivated than ever to grow this community and deepen connections with every individual who shares our commitment to conservation and Minnesota's great outdoors.

What’s Next in 2025?

MDHA won’t slow down in 2025. We’re setting our sights higher, building on the momentum of this year’s accomplishments to ensure that the next year is even more impactful. From new habitat projects to advocacy initiatives and expanded outreach, we’re committed to representing and inspiring our members more effectively than ever.

We encourage you to stay connected and excited for what’s ahead. Whether you’re attending a Forkhorn Camp, supporting Wolf.Report, or joining us at Day on the Hill, MDHA promises to impress, advocate, and protect what matters most to Minnesota’s outdoorsmen and women.

Join the Movement

The achievements of 2024 were possible because of the dedication of our members and partners. If you’re not a member yet, now is the best time to join MDHA as we head into a promising 2025. Together, we can ensure that deer hunting and conservation thrive in Minnesota for generations to come.

Become a Member Today

Thank you for being a vital part of this incredible year—here’s to an even better one ahead!