The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA) has stood for decades as a powerful voice for deer hunters and wildlife conservation across the state. From habitat restoration to youth mentorship programs, from hunter education to legislative advocacy, MDHA’s mission is rooted in ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same traditions that define Minnesota’s outdoor heritage.

But the success of that mission depends on something more than just good programs or strong leadership—it depends on members. Membership is the lifeblood of MDHA. Every new member brings new energy, new perspectives, and new resources to continue protecting and improving deer hunting in Minnesota.

Growing MDHA’s membership isn’t just the job of chapter leaders or the state office. It’s the responsibility—and the opportunity—of every member. Whether you’ve been with MDHA for thirty years or just joined last season, you have the power to help the organization thrive. Here’s how you can make a difference.

1. Share the Story of MDHA

The first step in growing membership is simple: talk about why you’re a member. Many hunters across Minnesota don’t even realize how much MDHA does for them. They may not know that MDHA advocates for hunting access, supports deer research, and manages habitat projects that benefit all wildlife.

When you’re chatting at deer camp, in a local sporting goods store, or online in a hunting forum, share what MDHA means to you. Talk about the chapter banquets, the camaraderie, the local projects, and how the organization works to preserve the future of hunting.

Personal stories resonate far more than pamphlets or advertisements. When potential members hear from someone they trust about how MDHA makes a real difference, they’re far more likely to join.

2. Bring a Friend to an Event

One of the easiest—and most effective—ways to introduce someone to MDHA is to bring them along. Invite a hunting buddy to your next chapter banquet, fundraising dinner, habitat workday, or youth event. Seeing the sense of community and shared purpose in action often inspires others to become involved.

You might even set a personal challenge: bring one new person to an MDHA event each year. If every member did that, the organization would double in size almost overnight.

Don’t underestimate the impact of a simple invitation. Many people just need that nudge to get involved.

3. Support Youth and Mentorship Programs

One of the greatest challenges facing hunting today is the decline in participation among younger generations. MDHA’s youth initiatives—like the Hides for Habitat program, Forkhorn Camp, and mentored hunts—are designed to introduce kids and teens to the outdoors, but these programs rely on volunteers and advocates to succeed.

When you volunteer as a mentor or help raise funds for youth programs, you’re not just shaping the next generation of hunters—you’re building MDHA’s future membership base. Young people who experience the joy of hunting and conservation early on are far more likely to stay involved as adults.

If you know a young hunter—or a family curious about getting started—invite them to participate in a local MDHA youth event. That single experience could ignite a lifelong passion.

4. Use Social Media to Spread the Word

In today’s connected world, social media is a powerful tool for outreach. You don’t need to be an influencer to make an impact. Sharing photos from a chapter event, a successful hunt, or a habitat project—and tagging MDHA—helps raise awareness and reach people who might not otherwise encounter the organization.

Encourage your chapter to maintain an active Facebook or Instagram page. Share upcoming events, post about the results of your latest fundraiser, and celebrate local accomplishments. The more visible MDHA becomes online, the easier it is for new members to discover it.

5. Be a Welcoming Ambassador

Sometimes, joining a new organization can feel intimidating. You can make a big difference by being the friendly face that welcomes newcomers to your chapter.

At events or meetings, make a point to introduce yourself to anyone you don’t recognize. Ask about their hunting experiences, share information about local chapter activities, and make them feel part of the community right away.

A positive first impression often determines whether someone stays engaged or drifts away. Every new member should leave thinking, “That’s a group I want to be part of.”

6. Promote the Benefits of Membership

When encouraging others to join, highlight the tangible and intangible benefits. Membership in MDHA isn’t just about supporting a good cause—it comes with real value. Members receive Whitetales magazine, have opportunities to attend exclusive events, and get access to a statewide network of hunters who share their passion for conservation.

But perhaps most importantly, membership gives hunters a voice. MDHA advocates at the state and local level for hunting rights, deer management policies, and access to public lands. By joining, every member helps ensure that hunters’ perspectives are heard where decisions are made.

7. Lead by Example

Finally, remember that enthusiasm is contagious. When you stay active in your local chapter, attend events, volunteer for projects, and show pride in being an MDHA member, others notice. Leadership isn’t just about holding an official position—it’s about setting the tone.

Be the kind of member others aspire to be. When people see your dedication to deer, habitat, and the hunting tradition, they’ll want to be part of it too.

A Shared Mission for the Future

The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association has accomplished remarkable things over the years, from restoring habitat and funding conservation projects to shaping hunting policy and mentoring youth. But its future depends on continuing to grow and evolve.

Every member has a role in that growth. By sharing the story of MDHA, inviting others to participate, and keeping the spirit of community alive, we can ensure that Minnesota’s deer hunting tradition remains strong for generations to come.

When you help one new member join, you’re not just adding a name to the roster—you’re strengthening the foundation of conservation, heritage, and camaraderie that MDHA stands for. Together, we can keep that legacy thriving across Minnesota’s forests, fields, and deer camps for years to come.