Preparing for Something Special: MDHA & Roger Up Veteran Hunts Take Shape

Thanks to generous Chapter sponsors, community supporters, dedicated volunteers, and an incredible donation of six Mossberg Patriot rifles, preparations are well underway for this fall's MDHA & Roger Up Veteran Hunts.

The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association and Roger Up are hard at work preparing for two very special hunting opportunities this fall at MDHA's property in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

In October, we will welcome women veterans for a mentored archery hunt, followed by a men's veteran rifle hunt in November. These hunts are designed to provide veterans and first responders with an opportunity to experience the outdoors, learn new skills, build connections, and enjoy Minnesota's deer hunting tradition alongside experienced mentors.

For many participants, this experience is about much more than harvesting a deer. It's about camaraderie, confidence, and spending time in the outdoors with people who share an appreciation for hunting and conservation.

Rain or Shine, We're Getting Ready!

Our volunteers have been putting in the hours, working through just about every kind of weather Minnesota can throw at us to make sure the property is ready to welcome our hunters.

We're excited to share that our new elevated hunting stands are now set up overlooking our Domain food plots, giving participants some great hunting opportunities this fall and for years to come.

A special thank-you goes out to Mason, owner of veteran-owned Swan River Outdoors, for lending a hand with the installation of our new elevated hunting stands. As a veteran himself, Mason understands the importance of opportunities like these, and we truly appreciate him stepping up to help us prepare the property for our hunters. 

Thanks, Mason, for your hard work and support of fellow veterans!

We would also like to give some special recognition to Jared, Dean, and Jim at the MDHA State Office, who have gone above and beyond to help bring these hunts together. From putting in extra hours outside their regular duties to working through rain, cold, heat, and whatever else Mother Nature has thrown their way, these three have been putting in the work to get the property ready, along with the entire MDHA State Office Staff.

They have also generously donated the use of their own personal equipment to help with property improvements, stand installations, and other preparations needed to make these hunts possible.

Their commitment doesn't stop when the property is ready, either. Jared, Dean, and Jim will also be serving as hunt mentors, alongside MDHA Itasca Chapter President Josh Salisbury, working directly with our participating veterans throughout their hunting experiences.

It's this kind of dedication, both on and off the clock, that makes programs like this possible. A big thank-you to all four for stepping up and helping us create something special!

These improvements are about more than preparing for two hunts. We're working to establish a lasting mentored hunting program, with equipment and infrastructure that can continue serving veterans and first responders well into the future.

A Huge Thank You to Mossberg!

We're also excited to announce that Mossberg has generously donated SIX Mossberg Patriot rifles for our November Men's Veteran Rifle Hunt!

This incredible contribution will help ensure our participating veterans have quality firearms available for their mentored hunting experience.

We cannot thank the folks at Mossberg enough for stepping up and supporting this program. Contributions like this make a tremendous difference in what we can offer our veterans and first responders.

THANK YOU, MOSSBERG, for helping us give back to those who have served!

Thank You to Our Generous Supporters!

We asked our MDHA Chapters and supporters to help make this program possible, and the response has been wonderful!

As of October 1, we're pleased to recognize $6,000 in contributions and sponsorship commitments toward the MDHA & Roger Up Mentored Hunt Program.

We would like to extend a sincere thank-you to the following supporters:

$1,000 Deer Stand Sponsors

• Clay Wilkin Chapter

• Itasca Chapter

• Woodland Chapter

• Bend of the River Chapter

• First Call for Help 

• Park Rapids Chapter

• Jim Jordan Chapter

• Des Moines Valley Chapter

$500 Sponsors

• Thief River Falls Chapter

• Snake River Chapter

• Cuyuna Range Whitetails Chapter

$250 Sponsors

• Trails End Chapter

Your generosity is helping us purchase and establish the equipment needed to make these hunts safe, comfortable, and memorable for our participants.

Our Deer Stand Sponsors will also receive permanent recognition on an elevated hunting blind at the property — a lasting reminder of their commitment to supporting those who have served.

To every Chapter, organization, business, and individual who has stepped forward to help: THANK YOU!

There's Still Time to Be Part of This Program!

While we've made great progress, there is still work to be done, and additional support is always welcome.

We invite MDHA Chapters, businesses, organizations, and individuals who would like to contribute to consider one of our program sponsorship levels:

$250 — DONOR

Help provide essential equipment, supplies, and resources needed to get our veterans and first responders into the field.

$500 — SPONSOR

Make a larger investment in the program, helping us expand our equipment and build a sustainable hunting experience for future participants.

$1,000 — DEER STAND SPONSOR

Help fund our elevated hunting blinds and receive permanent recognition on a stand at the MDHA property. Your support will be visible hunt after hunt, year after year.

Donations help cover items such as hunting blinds, heaters, chairs, crossbows, tripods, scopes, ammunition, targets, and other supplies needed to accommodate our hunters.

Much of this equipment will remain at the property for future MDHA and Roger Up hunts, making every contribution an investment that extends well beyond this fall.

Want to Help? Contact the MDHA State Office!

Whether you're an MDHA Chapter looking to give back, a business interested in supporting veterans, or an individual who believes in the power of the outdoors, we'd love to have you involved.

To make a donation or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the MDHA State Office.

Together with Roger Up, we're creating more than a hunting opportunity. We're building a place where veterans and first responders can connect with the outdoors, share in our hunting traditions, and make memories that last a lifetime.

Thank you for helping us give back to those who have given so much.

Minnesota Deer Hunters Association — Standing for Minnesota's deer, deer hunters, and hunting tradition.