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.

What Makes MDHA Forkhorn Camps Special?

For over 35 years, MDHA Forkhorn Camps have provided more than just an introduction to hunting. They offer an unmatched outdoor education experience where kids develop both skills and lifelong respect for nature. Here’s what makes these camps uniquely impactful:

Comprehensive Outdoor Education

While firearm safety is foundational to the camps, the scope of what kids learn goes far beyond that. Attendees are immersed in a curriculum that includes:

• Safety Education: Certified experts ensure kids learn not just firearm handling, but also bowhunting safety and general outdoor protection protocols.
• Conservation Awareness: Young hunters gain an understanding of their critical role in conservation. Through engaging lessons, they develop an appreciation for preserving wildlife and ecosystems.
• Ecology and Outdoor Skills: Knowledge of plant and animal ecology becomes second nature as kids prepare to spend more time in the field. Camps teach practical skills such as camping, orienteering, and identification of various species.

These camps leave no stone unturned, ensuring participants leave with a well-rounded outdoor education.

Hands-On Experiences

You can’t teach kids a love of hunting and the great outdoors in the classroom alone—that’s where real-world experience comes in. MDHA Forkhorn Camps emphasize hands-on learning with:

• Archery and bowhunting sessions.
• Practical survival skills such as fire building and navigation.
• Comprehensive hunting instruction for deer, ducks, and other game relevant to Minnesota and adjacent states.

A Passion for Conservation

More than just hunters, MDHA Forkhorn Camps cultivate conservationists. With guidance from wildlife experts and ecologists, participants learn how hunting contributes to balanced ecosystems. This ensures that kids leave with an appreciation of the responsibility that comes with being a hunter.

The Impact on Young Hunters

For thousands of young people who have attended MDHA Forkhorn Camps over the decades, the experience has been truly transformational. Here's what parents and campers often rave about:

• Gained Confidence and Skills

Many campers arrive with little to no hunting experience. By the end of their time, they leave with the confidence that comes with not only mastering basic hunting techniques but also surviving and thriving in outdoor settings.

• A Stronger Connection to Nature

Time in the wilderness fosters an irreplaceable bond with the environment. For many kids, MDHA Forkhorn Camps are their gateway to a lifelong outdoor lifestyle.

• Camaraderie and Friendships

These camps aren’t just about learning; they’re about creating a community. By mingling with other young hunters who share similar interests, campers develop friendships that often continue well beyond their camp experience.

• Knowledge That Sticks

From deer hunting to duck hunting and bowhunting basics, participants return home eager to use what they’ve learned. Some even come back year after year to build on their skills and immerse themselves further in the outdoor lifestyle.

Why Choose MDHA Forkhorn Camps?

Whether you’re a parent looking to introduce your child to the world of hunting or want to ensure their education goes beyond the basics, MDHA Forkhorn Camps provide a specialized experience that is unmatched.

Locations Across Minnesota

MDHA has partnered with locations across Minnesota, making it convenient for families to find a camp nearby. Each site offers a unique take on the Forkhorn experience while sharing the same core values of safety, conservation, and skill development.

Experienced Instruction

The instructors and counselors at MDHA Forkhorn Camps are deeply passionate and highly experienced. This level of expertise ensures that campers get the best possible guidance, making their experience both safe and enriching.

Thrilled Campers Every Year

Thousands of campers have walked through the gates of MDHA Forkhorn Camps with wide eyes and left with glowing smiles. Testimonials from campers and parents alike highlight how impactful the programs have been, with many participants returning year after year to learn even more.

What Do the Camps Cover?

Here is a glimpse at the range of activities and lessons offered at Forkhorn Camps:

• Firearm and bowhunting safety certification.
• Hands-on archery and shooting practice.
• Lessons on deer hunting, waterfowl hunting, and other hunting techniques.
• Instruction on outdoor survival, first aid, and camping basics.
• Interactive lessons on conservation and the role of hunters in preserving wildlife.
• Real-world ecology studies, including identifying plants, animal tracks, and habitats.

Why Your Child Will Thank You

Hunting is about more than taking game—it’s about responsibility, patience, and respect for nature. By attending the MDHA Forkhorn Camps, your child won’t just come home with the skills necessary to hunt safely; they’ll come home with a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors, armed with the tools to explore it responsibly. They’ll thank you not only for the memories but for helping them ignite a passion that could last a lifetime.

Enroll Your Child Today

MDHA Forkhorn Camps offer a once-in-a-lifetime introduction to hunting and the outdoors. It’s an investment not only in a lifetime of adventures but also in understanding conservation and responsibility. Spots are limited every season, so don’t wait too long to sign up and give your young hunter a summer to remember.

Head over to MDHA Forkhorn Camps to learn more and secure your child’s place today! Scholarships available from MDHA Chapters across the state.

Every year we get tons of letters like these from campers. They speak for themselves.