The Arrowhead Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA) tried something different this year for its 10th annual meeting and fundraiser. In addition to the usual gun raffles and drawings for grownups on Saturday, October 10, organizers created a carnival of sorts with an outdoors theme.
The social room of the Cook County Community Center was transformed into an area for kids—Forkhorns in MDHA vernacular—with a fishing spot, a ring toss with deer antler pegs, and a silly camp potty/toilet paper toss. There was even a silent auction for the Forkhorns (youths under 17 years old) with lots of fun outdoor gear to bid on.
While kids had fun in the Forkhorn area, adults visited in the large curling arena and took part in their own games—a laser shooting game, a clay pigeon challenge and of course higher stakes silent auctions.
One of the most exciting things to watch was the competition between husband and wife Mike and Laura Smith from Alaska who bid against each other to claim the MDHA 2015 guns of the year, a limited edition set of custom made Henry Golden Boys made specifically for MDHA, valued at $3,800. Laura Smith beat her husband to claim the commemorative rifle set with her bid of $3,000.
Above: Fun and games for Forkhorns! Youths under 17 took part in outdoor themed games like “fishing” at the Deer Hunters Association banquet. Left: All the kids had a great time. Below: Kids enjoyed an antler toss game.
Attendees enjoyed a delicious prime rib dinner and delectable cheesecake desserts prepared by local guest chefs Jason Gesch, Pete Johnson and Michele Silence, in cooperation with Upper Lakes Foods chef Patty Clark.
The Cook County High School Band and the Cook County Curling Club also assisted with the event to raise a little money for their organizations. The band students did a great job serving and bussing tables.
Also helping were the local youths who have attended past Forkhorn Youth Summer Camps. They were featured in a slide show of their summer adventure and were available to talk to other kids who might want to attend a Forkhorn Camp. Last year seven boys and girls attended Forkhorn Camp at Laurentian Environmental Center in Britt, Minnesota, learning about hunting and getting hands-on experience in a wide variety of outdoor activities, starting with all important basic firearms safety.
Left: There were a lot of happy gun winners at the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association Arrowhead Chapter event on Saturday, October 10 at the Cook County Community Center. (L-R) MaeAnna LaFavor, Tristan Olson (with his dad Randy Olson behind him), Brandon Deschampe Morrison, Jordan Porter, Kurt Steele, Guy Sifferath, Scott Houglum, Kathy Bernier, John Pearson, Orvis Lunke. In front are Kalli Anderson and Kole Anderson.
That is the real reason for all the festivities at the banquet, to raise money to send youths to camp. Last year the Arrowhead Chapter in Cook County offered $2,625 and six scholarships for area youth. They hope to do so again.
By the looks of the crowd at the banquet, that goal might become a reality. If you would like to learn more about the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, visit www.Mndeerhunters.com. For information on the Arrowhead Chapter, email arrowhead@mndeerhunters.com.
Leave a Reply