I’ve always marveled at how just about anywhere in Minnesota where I’ve run trail cameras, I can usually get pictures of a big buck at some point throughout the fall season. Whether it’s a vast aspen clear cut in Itasca County, a willow swamp in Ottertail County, or the suburbs of Stillwater, Minnesota in a thick subdivision woodlot, I’ve gotten pictures of giant bruiser bucks. How lucky we are to have these noble beasts roaming our woodlands and living among us?

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The outcomes of the 2025 Minnesota Legislative Session bring significant updates for hunters, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. From changes in deer hunting regulations and increased funding for research to education grants focused on sustainability, the session addressed various issues central to Minnesota’s outdoor and conservation community. While many developments align closely with the priorities of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, a few raised concerns.

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I will always say that the biggest game changer you can make on your hunting property is doing the hands-on work to build up the deer habitat. There are countless things you can do in your timber and fallow areas to increase the carrying capacity on the piece of dirt you control. But, creating great deer habitat in and of itself doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll create great bow hunting opportunities. There are things you can do to make the deer habitat on your hunting property hunt effectively. That’s where travel corridors come in.

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For decades, deer hunting has been woven into Minnesota's culture, fostering outdoor experiences, traditions, and an appreciation for the state's natural landscapes. However, recent trends tell a story of decline—not just in the deer harvest numbers but also in the participation of hunters. This decline has raised important questions about the future of deer hunting in Minnesota and highlights the challenges faced by both the deer population and the hunting community.

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With the last arrow – or bolt – flung and the final whitetail felled during Minnesota’s 2024 deer-hunting seasons, the total kill had surpassed 170,000 for the first time in two seasons. 

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Keeping our members informed and involved is at the heart of what we stand for at the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA). With another legislative session in St. Paul moving forward, it’s time to share updates on key bills affecting hunters, conservation efforts, and wildlife management across Minnesota.

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