Every January, Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA) chapters across the state gather for our annual Regional Meetings—an event that is far more than a simple organizational ritual. These meetings serve as the backbone of MDHA’s grassroots strength, shaping policy priorities, influencing conservation strategies, and connecting hunters who share a deep commitment to Minnesota’s deer herd and the future of hunting. As the 2026 legislative session approaches, member participation has never been more important.

Regional Meeting Schedule

1. Your Voice Helps Shape Statewide Policy Priorities

Regional Meetings are where chapter members bring forward the concerns, ideas, and experiences that define MDHA’s advocacy work. Whether it's issues like deer population trends, habitat challenges, CWD management, access to public lands, or proposed changes to hunting regulations, these meetings are the first step in transforming real-world concerns into unified statewide action.

When you show up, you:

• Influence MDHA’s legislative platform
• Help identify emerging challenges in your region
• Ensure that rural and local perspectives are heard
• Strengthen the organization’s credibility at the Capitol

The Minnesota Legislature listens more closely when we can demonstrate that our positions come directly from engaged, informed members across the state.

2. Regional Meetings Ensure Every Hunter Is Represented

Minnesota is diverse—ecologically, culturally, and in its deer hunting traditions. Hunters in the northwest face different challenges than those in the southeast transition zone. Woodland deer management, farmland population goals, and urban-edge issues all require different approaches.

Regional Meetings ensure:

• Each region’s concerns feed into MDHA’s statewide strategy
• Deer management reflects on-the-ground realities
• Members in every corner of Minnesota have a seat at the table

Skipping these meetings means surrendering your region’s influence—while attending ensures your local challenges aren’t overshadowed by statewide averages or assumptions.

3. They Build Connection, Community, and Collaboration

MDHA’s power comes from people. Regional Meetings bring together chapter leaders, active volunteers, young hunters, longtime members, and conservation partners to share ideas and strengthen relationships.

These meetings are a chance to:

• Meet others who care about deer hunting and conservation
• Coordinate multi-chapter habitat or education projects
• Mentor new members who are eager to get involved
• Celebrate chapter achievements and recognize dedicated volunteers

A strong MDHA is built on strong chapters—and strong chapters are built on engaged members who show up.

4. It’s Your Opportunity to Help Guide Habitat and Conservation Work

MDHA invests heavily in habitat projects through chapter-driven initiatives, grants, and the Hides-for-Habitat program. Regional Meetings offer a rare chance to discuss habitat needs across counties, identify opportunities for collaboration, and ensure that funding goes toward meaningful, locally supported projects.

When members participate, MDHA can more effectively:

• Target conservation dollars
• Prioritize regional habitat challenges
• Support youth outdoor education
• Protect and enhance deer wintering areas

Your input helps determine how these vital resources get used.

5. You Strengthen MDHA’s Mission by Simply Being Present

Organizations thrive when their members actively participate. High attendance at Regional Meetings shows legislators, partners, and funders that MDHA is united, active, and engaged. It demonstrates that the organization is not just a name—it’s a powerful grassroots community.

Showing up strengthens:

• MDHA’s credibility
• Our negotiating leverage
• Our ability to defend hunting traditions
• Our commitment to science-based deer management

Your presence genuinely matters.

January Is Your Chance to Make a Difference

Attending your MDHA Regional Meeting in January isn’t just a courtesy—it’s an investment in the future of deer hunting in Minnesota. It ensures your voice helps shape MDHA’s strategies for conservation, legislation, and habitat work in the year ahead, especially as the organization prepares for a consequential 2026 legislative session.

The deer herd needs engaged advocates. Our hunting traditions need strong leadership. MDHA needs you.

Show up. Speak up. Protect Minnesota’s deer and our hunting heritage—together.

REGIONAL MEETING SCHEDULE — 2026

WEEK ONE

January 5 – REGION #2
Rapids Brewing Co.
214 N Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Time: 6:00 PM

January 6 – REGION #3
The Rink Sports Bar and Grill
301 Hat Trick Ave, Eveleth, MN 55734
Time: 5:30 PM

January 7 – REGION #1
Gene’s Bar & Grill
1095 3rd St NW, Roseau, MN 56751
Time: 6:00 PM

WEEK TWO

January 13 – REGION #7 & #8
Old Firehall Brewing Co.
208 N Main St, Starbuck, MN 56381
Time: 6:30 PM

January 14 – REGION #4
Perham Sportsman’s Club
42825 Harvest Ave, Perham, MN 56573
Time: 6:30 PM

WEEK THREE

January 20 – REGION #9
Davanni’s Pizza & Hot Hoagies
14165 James Rd #120, Rogers, MN 55374
Time: 6:30 PM

January 21 – REGION #10
Fraternal Order of Eagles
708 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, MN 56001
Time: 6:30 PM

January 22 – REGION #12
Fat Willy’s
4325 Main Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Time: 6:00 PM

WEEK FOUR

January 27 – REGION #6
Legion Post #622
3073 Bridge St NW, St. Francis, MN 55070
Time: 7:00 PM

January 28 – REGION #5
Turn In Poachers
7187 Wise Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401
Time: 6:00 PM

January 29 – REGION #11
Fireside Inn
415 Meadow Dr, McGregor, MN 55760
Time: 6:30 PM

January 30 – VIRTUAL — All Members Welcome
Sign up here to be invited. Must be a MDHA member.
Time: 6:30 PM