Hook and Bullet Club - MDHA hosts Mike Nelson

[Lee Borgersen]

Hook and Bullet Club - MDHA hosts Mike Nelson   




If at first you don't succeed...try, try again and it won't hurt to throw in a top-notch presentation. That will be the motto for putting on a banquet for the local chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association.

There were a few local hunters at the first meeting, but not what was hoped for. The second meeting has been ramped up with a special appearance by whitetail guru Mike Nelson.

This meeting is set for April 17 at 6:30 p.m. at VCC in room NS 111. In addition to learning about the benefits of MDHA, Nelson will give a special presentation to those in attendance.

"With over 34 years of research using radio-collared deer in northeastern Minnesota, Mike Nelson will present a lifetime of data and research. Discussion and questions will follow. Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear from a true leader in whitetail deer research and biology in your backyard," said Joe Cannella, MDHA Development Director.

The goal of these meetings is to get deer hunters, whether they are members of MDHA or not, to come out and learn about whitetail hunter and the revitalization of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association's Ely/Vermilion Chapter and annual fundraiser.

"Those in attendance at the last meeting learned about MDHA's statewide accomplishments as well as local chapter accomplishments, which have been made possible from funds raised by their very successful Hides for Habitat Program," said Cannela.

"One of these accomplishments includes scholarships that have been used to sponsor youth to attend Forkhorn Summer Camps. These camps educate attendees on safe hunting techniques, outdoor survival skills and provide their firearms safety certificates upon completion of the course.

"We also discussed possibilities for a local chapter mission statement that would guide the committee toward supporting areas specific to the community. It was a stimulating conversation with many ideas.

"Ideas discussed were to expand the Hides for Habitat Program and to focus on additional areas to include working with the Vermilion Community College to promote hunting to the future land managers, the archery in the schools program and Northwoods habitat issues."

Canella, along with those gathered a couple of weeks ago, believe there is enough support in the area to get a banquet up and running again.

"A banquet fundraiser would be significant to the Ely community by raising capital to support youth outdoor activities and by increasing support for the habitat needs of the northeastern deer herd as well as the grand daddy of all deer, the moose," said Canella.

Circle the date right now on your calendar, April 17. Even if you just come to hear Mike Nelson's presentation, it's guaranteed to be a better evening than sitting at home in front of the boob tube. See you there!