Minnesota Deer Hunter's Association - Rum River Chapter

06/19/2026

06/16/2026

06/08/2026

Tiny Spots, Big Odds: Welcoming Minnesota's Newest Whitetails!

June is fawn season across Minnesota, and if you're spending time outdoors, chances are you'll spot a few of these hidden little treasures.

Did you know?

• Most healthy adult does give birth to twins, while single fawns are more common for younger does. Triplets do occur, but they're rare.
• The first few weeks of life are the most critical for a fawn, with survival rates varying by habitat and local conditions.
• Fawns are often left alone during the day while their mother feeds nearby. This is completely normal and helps keep predators from finding them.

How You Can Help Keep Fawns Safe

✅ Leave fawns where you find them — Mom is almost always close by.
✅ Keep dogs leashed when hiking or walking in the woods.
✅ Slow down on back roads, especially at dawn and dusk.
✅ Delay mowing tall grass or fields when possible and check ahead for wildlife.
✅ Keep children from handling or approaching fawns.

Remember, a fawn lying quietly in the grass is usually exactly where it belongs. The best thing we can do is admire these incredible animals from a distance and give them the space they need to grow.

Have you seen any fawns yet this spring? Share your photos in the comments! 🦌☘️

06/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DxenKQRjv/

Minnesota DNR's new electronic licensing system launches June 9! 📆

The DNR is rolling out a modern licensing system replacement that is built for today's customers and technology. Phase one of the launch in June will include the hunting and fishing modules. 🤳

The new system offers more flexibility than ever — three ways to buy a license (mobile app, online, or in-person from a license agent) and three ways to carry it (paper, PDF, or stored in the app). 📱

As part of this transition, hunting and fishing licenses will be temporarily unavailable for purchase between June 2 - 8 as we switch over to the new system. During that time, people may fish without a license in Minnesota. All regulations for the season and bag limits will remain in effect. On June 9, fishing licenses will again be required and you will be able to purchase them through the new system. 🎣

Turkey hunters need to register their harvest before end of day (11:59 pm) June 1. They will be unable to register their harvest during the transition/cutover period. 🦃

For now, nothing changes for those needing to register or title recreational vehicles and watercraft. That module of the new system will launch at a later date. 🚤

Learn more: mndnr.gov/els

06/01/2026

🏛️ **2026 Legislative Session Update for Minnesota Hunters**

The 2026 Minnesota legislative session has wrapped up, and there were several important developments affecting hunters, wildlife management, and conservation across our state.

✅ **Crossbows Here to Stay**
Thanks in part to testimony and advocacy efforts, legislation was passed removing the sunset provision on crossbow use during Minnesota's regular archery deer and turkey seasons. This provides long-term certainty for thousands of Minnesota hunters.

🦌 **New Deer Research Investments**
Funding was approved for several important deer-related research projects, including:
• Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) research and improved early detection efforts.
• GPS collar studies examining deer survival, habitat use, predator impacts, and seasonal movements in northwest and central Minnesota.

🐺 **Wolf Research Funding**
Funding was also approved to support wolf population monitoring and management planning on the Leech Lake Reservation to better understand wolf populations and guide future management decisions.

🌲 **Outdoor Heritage Investments**
The Outdoor Heritage Fund continues to support habitat conservation, wildlife management, and land acquisition projects benefiting Minnesota hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Investments will help expand and restore Wildlife Management Areas, Scientific and Natural Areas, and Waterfowl Production Areas across the state.

🎯 **Protecting Hunting Traditions**
Legislation that would have banned certain semi-automatic fi****ms and magazines failed to advance this session, preserving access to commonly used sporting and hunting fi****ms.

Thank you to the members, volunteers, and hunters who stay engaged in the legislative process. Your voice matters, and together we continue working to protect Minnesota's hunting heritage, wildlife habitat, and outdoor traditions for future generations.

05/13/2026

🚨 CONGRATULATIONS! 🚨

This year’s MDHA Chevy Silverado 1500 winner is Taye A. from Cromwell, Minnesota! 🎉🛻

Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and supported the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association through this incredible fundraiser. Your support helps us continue our work in conservation, habitat, education, youth programs, and protecting Minnesota’s hunting heritage.

We truly appreciate everyone who participated — and stay tuned for more great giveaways and opportunities coming soon!

04/23/2026

03/26/2026

🚨 MDHA Opposes SF 1245 🚨

The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association has officially submitted a letter of opposition to Senate File 1245, and we want our members to know—we strongly oppose this bill.

This legislation threatens to restrict ATV access and reduce hunter access to public lands, making it harder for sportsmen to hunt, manage habitat, and continue our outdoor traditions.

MDHA is proud to stand up for hunters at the Capitol. In fact, we are one of the only sportsmen’s groups currently listed in opposition, alongside the Minnesota Trappers Association.

👉 That matters.

As this debate continues, we encourage you to pay attention to who is standing up for your rights—and who is not.

We will continue to fight for:
✔️ Hunter access
✔️ Responsible ATV use
✔️ Balanced, common-sense conservation

📣 Take action: Contact your legislators and tell them to oppose SF 1245.
https://www.senate.mn/schedule/committee/3130/upcoming-all

03/23/2026

03/22/2026

Thank you to all for making our 43rd Annual Banquet one for the books!

We appreciate our volunteers, chapter members, donors, and attendees.

This banquet serves as our primary fundraiser, providing funds for use in our community to educate youth about hunting, improve deer habitat, and much more.