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   The Lakes and Pines Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA) recently donated $3,200 to Deep Portage Learning Center to support scholarships for Forkhorn Camp, a summer program that helps youth learn outdoor skills and earn their Minnesota firearms safety certification.

   Chapter president Kevin Merten presented the donation to Deep Portage to support scholarships for campers who otherwise may not have been able to attend.

   Forkhorn Camp, held annually at Deep Portage near Hackensack, offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and hunter education. Over the course of a week, campers ages 11 to 17 learn safe firearm handling, ethical hunting practices, conservation principles, and classic Northwoods skills like canoeing, fishing, orienteering, and survival techniques.

MDHA donate to Deep Portage

The MDHA Lakes and Pines Chapter donated $3,200 to Deep Portage Learning Center for their generous scholarship fund. (L-R): camp counselor Macy Elfering, Forkhorn scholarship recipient Jett Losh and MDHA Lakes and Pines Chapter president Kevin Merten. Photo submitted.

   Participants in Forkhorn I also complete their Minnesota DNR Firearms Safety Certification, an important step toward becoming responsible hunters. Advanced camps (Forkhorn II and III) expand on those lessons with bowhunting, muzzleloading, sporting clays and even a wilderness overnight.

   The Deep Portage Learning Center, a nonprofit residential outdoor school and environmental learning facility, has hosted Forkhorn for more than 40 years. The MDHA has long been a partner in that mission, offering scholarship funds to help make camp more accessible to families across the region.

   This year’s scholarship recipients were Mylee Ford, Christian Ingerbritson, Keeley Ingerbritson, Winter Ingerbritson, Bronx Losh, and Jett Losh.

   Forkhorn Camp continues to welcome new participants each year, and scholarship opportunities are available. To learn more or sign up for future sessions, visit www.deep-portage.org.

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