Minnesota is a state rich in natural resources, but the greatest of our resources is our children. The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association knows educating hunters is key to perpetuating Minnesota's hunting heritage. The best tool of wildlife and ecosystem education is instilling a greater appreciation for our natural resources in our children.

MDHA's method is our weeklong and day camp Forkhorn Youth Summer Camps. These camps focus on ecology, biology, ethics and skills in an atmosphere of laughter, water, sweat and natural beauty that leads to an experience that will affect every fiber of a youth's life. We are not trying to entertain kids. We are purposefully educating them to become better, more responsible stewards of our natural resources. The fact they love it indicates we do it right. Since 1985, 14,000 youth have attended Forkhorn Camps. Currently, MDHA collaborates with seven camps around the state to implement Forkhorn Camp Sessions for youth ages 11-17. MDHA's Forkhorn Camps have developed remarkably since 1985 when the campers used to cook all of their meals over the fire and slept in tents, but they remain to aim for one goal: youth education. Each year MDHA and its chapters provide over $200,000 in camp scholarships.

Three distinct levels of Forkhorn Camp sessions are available at these camps, which provide hands-on outdoor learning experiences and hunting and shooting sports activities for the campers. The camps run from June to August each summer.

More Information About MDHA Forkhorn Camps