The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association has gained an excellent reputation by supporting a bevy of worthy causes that promote and preserve the tradition of deer hunting. At any event that’s good for hunters, don’t be surprised to find the MDHA eagerly involved. One special interest supported by the MDHA is the United Foundation For Disabled Archers (UFFDA), a non-profit corporation, which serves bowhunters with disabilities. Not only were MDHA donations a crucial factor in the formation of UFFDA, but many of those chapters still support the foundation with annual cash contributions. The dollars contributed by supporting chapters fund the UFFDA Camp Wilderness hunt in Park Rapids, MN. For the past fourteen seasons, this event has hosted up to 35 hunters/year at the Camp Wilderness BSA Reservation the first weekend in October.

Hunter Stan Koich and his guide, Scott Voss proudly pose over one of the deer that Stan took

Hunters arrive on Thursday and begin hunting that evening. They continue through Sunday morning when camp breaks up and the tired volunteers and hunters head for home. During the course of the four-day event, unforgettable adventures are created and the camaraderie shared by all that attend cannot be equaled. Seasoned bowhunters and their families makeup the staff required to house, feed and tend to the special needs of each hunter, no matter what they might be. Scouting and stand preparation begins the previous weekend by those who have saved a week of vacation for the event. By Thursday morning, Camp Wilderness is a buzz of activity as hunters began to arrive with their families and care-givers. Each morning and afternoon, they’re escorted to hunting sites on their quest to arrow a deer. The local DNR and landowners play an important role by sharing their hunting hot spots and by participating in all stages of the event.

This past year, the Park Rapids Chapter of MDHA presented UFFDA with a "big check" continuing their stellar support of the UFFDA Mission. L to R: UFFDA Treausurer, Debby Kalk; MDHA Rep, Leo Hensel; MDHA Rep Andy Kietzman and UFFDA President, Daniel Hendricks.

Over the past decade, many of the Park Rapids residents have become permanent members of the UFFDA family. The deer harvest has never been high; tweleve animals taken at a single event is the all-time record. However, participants that attend this hunter’s campfire understand fully that it’s not about taking deer. What’s at the core of this annual celebration is far more important than thinning the herd.

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All are there to share the beauty of nature and the age-old tradition of hunters working together for a common cause. Above all else, they come to spend quality time with some of the finest human beings that God has seen fit to put on this earth. At one of the early hunts a lady disabled hunter commented, "If you’d have told me that there were bowhunters that would give up a week of prime bowhunting time to provide a quality outdoor experience for disabled hunters, I would have said, `I don’t believe it!’ But here at Camp Wilderness, it’s true!"

Hunter Tim Sartell with the very first deer he has ever taken. Tim is just one hunter of many hunters that have found success with the UFFDA program.

Since its onset, the Park Rapids Chapter has been the most outstanding MDHA supporter of our mission. Each year they hold a five-gun raffle with the net proceeds being donated to the Camp Wilderness Hunt. The members have also supported us by providing guides as well as some exceptionally good hunting land. This chapter has seen fit to generously support our financial needs, as well as anything else that may arise. Other MDHA Chapters that have financially supported the UFFDA Camp Wilderness Hunt are, in alphabetical order:

At the heart of every UFFDA event is great food and lots of it. That is on of the many items that the support from the MDHA helps provide for.

Each UFFDA member, both physically challenged and able-bodied, would like to sincerely thank the MDHA Chapters that have loyally supported the UFFDA mission over the past decade. The generosity of the MDHA has played a major role in the success and growth of our organization. The above Chapters have demonstrated that they are truly dedicated to preserving our hunting heritage by supporting those with special needs and for that, may God bless you. If you know of a disabled person who would like to participate in our program, or would like more information about the activities and events or would like to add your support to our mission, please contact us at: UFFDA Main Desk; POB 251; Glenwood, MN 56334. You may telephone: 320-634-3660 or send an Email to: bowtwang@runestone.net

The Park Rapids Area is teaming with deer and generous landowners that willing share the honey holes with the disabled hunters of UFFDA.