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.

Any DNR grant funding we receive comes from the Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) program. This program funds competitive matching grants between $5,000-$500,000 for conservation projects that restore, enhance, or protect forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife in Minnesota. Local, regional, state, and national nonprofit organizations, including government entities, are eligible to apply for CPL funding. Funding for the CPL grant program comes from the Outdoor Heritage Fund.

Thirty-three percent of the sales tax revenue from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy amendment is distributed to the Outdoor Heritage Fund. Land acquired with Outdoor Heritage Funds must be open to public hunting and fishing during the open season in accordance with the state constitution. The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) was established by the legislature to provide annual recommendations on how the Outdoor Heritage Funds should be used. The LSOHC makes recommendations on appropriations of money from the Outdoor Heritage Fund that are consistent with the Constitution and state law and take into consideration recommendations of the Minnesota Conservation and Preservation Plan that directly relate to the restoration, protection, and enhancement of wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife, and that prevent forest fragmentation, encourage forest consolidation, and expand restored native prairie. Since 2009, the DNR has received a portion of this funding from the MN State Legislature to be distributed through CPL grants.

MDHA, along with many other conservation organizations, applies for and often receives a portion of this funding each year for habitat restoration projects around the state. To date, MDHA has restored and/or acquired and donated over 75,000 acres of public lands through this process. As I am writing this, we have an additional 25 ongoing CPL projects that will add to this total. These projects can encompass anything from bud capping to creating wildlife openings and providing safe access to landlocked public lands.

Why do we do this and what does MDHA gain from receiving these grants? We get to fulfill our mission of protecting our wildlife and the future of hunting in Minnesota. It’s as simple as that. Monetarily, there is nothing for us to gain from receiving these grants. We are able to request up to 7.5% of the grant amount to cover grant-related personnel and administrative expenses. Those hours must be documented and verified to receive this reimbursement. There is absolutely no financial profit for the organization.

So, who is the benefactor of MDHA receiving grants from the DNR? You are. The people and the wildlife of Minnesota. These grants allow you to access, enjoy, and hunt pristine outdoor spaces. They provide our wildlife with quality habitat to survive harsh winters and evade predators. If we were to stop receiving this funding today, the only individuals who would suffer would be the citizens of Minnesota and the wildlife we hold dear.

There is nothing keeping MDHA from challenging the DNR. In fact, we do so frequently on the issues that matter to our members and to the hunters and conservationists of Minnesota. I don’t believe there has been a single meeting I’ve had with the DNR where we didn’t argue over wolves, winter deer feeding, and/or deer management in general. The difference between us and our critics is that we are able to hold these arguments in a civil and productive manner. Like I tell my 3-year-old son, “You’re much more likely to get what you want from me if you use your words and stop throwing a tantrum.” Do not mistake our civility for compliance. Do not mistake our professionalism for passivism. If MDHA has chosen anyone or anything as bedfellows, it is Minnesota hunter and the wild deer herd and wildlife we love and cherish. Thank you for your continued support of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, this work would not be possible without you!

Spring 2024 Edition of Whitetales