Hides for Habitat

[Realtree]

Donating hides helps habitat and kids
For The Journal

Published Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Since 1985, Minnesota’s deer hunters have unselfishly participated in one of the nation’s most unique recycling projects; Hides For Habitat, a project of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA).

Thanks to Minnesota’s deer hunters nearly 650,000 deer hides have been donated since 1985. From the sale of those hides, MDHA chapters have generated nearly $3.5 million that has been used primarily for critical wildlife habitat enhancement and acquisition of new Wildlife Management Areas (all open to public hunting).

Additionally, Hides for Habitat funds have been used in support of Whitetail Deer research and, most recently, to support MDHA’s Forkhorn Youth Summer Camp program and other youth education programs such as youth field days and the National Archery in the Schools Program.

According to MDHA Executive Director Mark Johnson, “The $8.50 that MDHA receives for each grade-one deer hide is not the key. The key comes as we are able to multiply hide dollars through leveraging federal, state, and other conservation dollars. Generally, by the time Hides for Habitat dollars hit the ground they have tripled by the leveraging of other funds.

On top of that, Wildlife Research Center, the Ramsey based scent company, is again sponsoring Hides For Habitat billboards across the state, thus reducing advertising cost.”

That is only half of the story, as Johnson explains. “No matter how good our habitat and how large our populations of huntable game, it won’t matter if we do not lead our children to learn about our heritage of hunting and natural resources.

Consequently, MDHA’s chapters also utilize Hides for Habitat funds to help provide money for camp scholarships and camp equipment for MDHA’s Forkhorn Youth Summer Camps. In 2008, over 600 kids attended Forkhorn camps, most of whom would not have been able to attend had it not been for the scholarships provided through MDHA Chapters with revenue from the donated deer hides.

It all starts with deer hunters, like you and me, unselfishly donating their deer hide.” However, Johnson cautions hunters. “Each year across the state, more imposter Hide Boxes are popping up. These are boxes that are not Hides for Habitat boxes but look like them and are sometimes positioned next to our Hides for Habitat boxes. Don’t be tricked. Be sure to only place your hide into boxes with “Hides for Habitat” or “MDHA” signs prominently displayed on them. Also, please thank the local business owner for donating the space for the Hides for Habitat Drop Boxes.”

To donate your deer hide this season, simply look for the MDHA Hides for Habitat orange signs located at Hides Drop Point Stations. To locate an official MDHA Hides Drop Station nearest you, log onto www.mndeerhunters.com or call MDHA’s State Office at 800-450-3337, Ext 12.

Minnesota Deer Hunters Association is a 501C(3) non-profit conservation group dedicated to “working for tomorrow’s wildlife and hunters, today.”[/i]

[Realtree]

I came across this article from the Fergus Falls Daily Journal and was impressed by how much money this program does help to generate for Habitat Enhancement as well as for putting some more dollars into several different programs for the youth to participate in.

The money this program generates also helps to generate additional matching funds from other local, state and federal programs.

We have personally donated all of our deer hides for as long as I can remember hunting to this program. It goes for a good cause and you normally get a nice pair of gloves or chopper mitts out of the deal besides.

If you have never taken part in this program, please consider it for next year.

[JohnWester]

funny, more hides are donated then registered...    hmm....

[The General]

The local fur guys gives you a nice pair of gloves.

[JCAMERON]

You got a pair of gloves for donating to hides for habitat? Where? I've always heard of people getting a nice pair of gloves for their hide but could never find a place.

[jkcmj]

I got 2 nice pair of fancy driving gloves from the boys at Cain hide and fur in Plainview this year  Costs me one big hide and one small hide.  Two mamas and two baby girls.  They keep my hands from getting cold and they keep my tummy full!  What a bargain

[deadeye]

I'm not 100% sure, but I think if you are getting a pair of gloves or something, you are not donating the hide to "Hides for Habitat".   I don't know of an offical MDHA collection site that gives items for hides.  I do know there are a number of boxes around collecting hides and giving out gloves that look very simular to the MDHA boxes but are not in any way connected to Hides for Habitat. 

[Grute Man]

I'm not 100% sure, but I think if you are getting a pair of gloves or something, you are not donating the hide to "Hides for Habitat".   I don't know of an offical MDHA collection site that gives items for hides.  I do know there are a number of boxes around collecting hides and giving out gloves that look very simular to the MDHA boxes but are not in any way connected to Hides for Habitat. 

That's a problem my MDHA chapter has run into as well.  Our chapter is WAY down in hides numbers due partially to that.  We give out gloves on loading day when we load up the buyer's truck.  We also have a big lunch for everyone who volunteers.  We'll still donate our hides but we're sure to put them in an OFFICIAL MDHA box.  That way, all the $$ generated stays in MN and goes towards hunter education, legislation to keep hunting priledges.., and land acquisitions.

MDHA ROCKS!! 

[Moving2thecountry]

I just dropped a hide off at a collection box.