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MDHA Forkhorn Camps: Building the Next Generation of Conservationists
- MDHA Admin
- MDHA News
- Hits: 1555
For more than four decades, the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association has been committed to protecting Minnesota’s deer habitat, preserving hunting traditions, and ensuring the future of our outdoor heritage. One of the most impactful ways we do that is through Forkhorn Camps — a program designed to introduce young people to the outdoors, conservation, and safe, ethical hunting.
The History of Forkhorn Camps
Forkhorn Camps were developed as a direct response to a growing need: fewer kids were being introduced to the outdoors, and even fewer were gaining hands-on experience in conservation and hunting traditions.
Since their inception, these camps have grown into one of the premier youth outdoor education programs in the Midwest. What started as a simple idea — getting kids outside — has evolved into a structured, immersive experience that blends hunter education, firearm and archery safety, wildlife ecology, habitat conservation, outdoor skills, and confidence building.
Thousands of young people across Minnesota have gone through the program, many of whom have become lifelong hunters, conservationists, and outdoor advocates.
Why Forkhorn Camps Matter
The future of hunting and conservation depends on the next generation. Forkhorn Camps are about much more than learning how to hunt. They are about building respect for the land, wildlife, and the responsibilities that come with being an outdoors person.
At a time when screens are replacing time outside, these camps give kids something real: confidence through hands-on learning, responsibility through firearm and archery safety, connection to nature and wildlife, and a deeper understanding of conservation and habitat management.
And it doesn’t stop when camp ends. Many Forkhorn campers go on to volunteer with local MDHA chapters across the state, helping with projects like roadside cleanups, habitat work, and community events.
Just this past weekend, the Itasca Chapter saw a record turnout for their roadside cleanup — and the vast majority of volunteers were graduates of the Forkhorn Program. That’s the kind of impact this program is having across Minnesota.
Programs like this help ensure that Minnesota’s outdoor traditions do not just survive — they thrive.
Where Forkhorn Camps Take Place
Forkhorn Camps are hosted at some of Minnesota’s top outdoor education facilities, giving campers access to incredible landscapes and professional instruction.
- Deep Portage Learning Center
- Long Lake Conservation Center
- Baker Outdoor Learning Center
- Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center
- Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
Each location provides a unique setting — from forests and wetlands to prairie landscapes — giving campers a well-rounded outdoor experience.
What Kids Experience at Camp
Forkhorn Camps are packed with activities that keep kids engaged, learning, and having fun. Depending on the camp location and program, youth may take part in archery, shooting sports, hunter education, wildlife identification, tracking, habitat improvement, fishing, canoeing, outdoor recreation, team-building, and leadership activities.
Most importantly, campers build friendships, confidence, outdoor skills, and memories that can last a lifetime.
How You Can Support Forkhorn Camps
Programs like Forkhorn do not happen without strong support from members, chapters, partners, and donors. If you believe in the future of hunting and conservation, there are several ways to help.
Sponsor a Camper
Many kids attend Forkhorn Camps through scholarships funded by local MDHA chapters and generous donors. Your support can make it possible for a young person to attend who otherwise could not.
Donate to the Program
Financial contributions help cover equipment, instruction, facilities, scholarships, and program expansion across the state.
Get Your Chapter Involved
MDHA chapters play a huge role in promoting camps, funding scholarships, and connecting local youth with the program.
Volunteer
From mentoring to helping with events and logistics, volunteers are critical to the success of Forkhorn Camps.
Become a Program Partner
Businesses and organizations can partner with MDHA to support youth outdoor education while gaining visibility among Minnesota’s hunting and conservation community.
We are incredibly grateful for partners who believe in this mission. Recently, our great friends at the Minnesota Chapter of Safari Club International stepped up with a generous $22,000 donation to support Forkhorn Camps. This kind of support allows even more youth from across the state to be introduced to hunting, conservation, and the outdoors.
Investing in the Future
Forkhorn Camps are more than a summer activity. They are an investment in the future of Minnesota’s outdoors. Every camper who walks away with a deeper appreciation for wildlife and conservation helps carry forward a legacy that MDHA has been building since 1980.
If we want to protect our hunting heritage, it starts here.
Learn more, get involved, and help us continue building the next generation of conservationists.
