MBI NEWS         BOWHUNTING NEWS          LEGISLATIVE NEWS         ACCOMPLISHMENTS

MBI Launches 2010
Membership Drive

Join now, renew your membership, or recruit
new members and you become eligible
to win some great prizes. All new members
and renewals also receive a free
knife!

Prize List     Drawing Rules

Why Join MBI?    Membership Form


Welcome to MBI's Website

Welcome to MBI's Web site where we do our best to provide you with the latest information about Minnesota's bowhunting happenings and issues. Minnesota has a rich bowhunting heritage and MBI is proud of its mission to foster, protect and preserve the sport of bowhunting and archery for current and future generations. We can't do this alone however. In order to be successful we need input, guidance, and assistance from all Minnesota bowhunters. We look forward to hearing from you and to a long and productive relationship.

Please take a few minutes to review the About MBI Web page to learn more about our goals, accomplishments and directions. Ask yourself how well your goals align with ours. We believe you will find that we agree on most, if not all, issues. Please consider joining our growing organization because with your support we could do so much more to protect the sport we all treasure.

Current MBI News and Information

MBI Board Elects Brooks Johnson as new Vice President

MBI Members Respond to 2009 Survey about Current Issues
The MBI Board would like to thank all members who took the time to complete the 2009 survey. We have already presented some of the information at the QDM roundtable held in Rochester on March 27th, and will be forming positions on several issues currently active in the legislature. Some of these include gun and bow case requirements, shining regulations, and bait barrel and tree stand regulations for bear hunters. The MBI exists to champion Minnesota's bowhunter interests and be their voice when invited to meetings that shape and change our sport. Thank you again for your participation in the survey. Link to survey results.

Randy Doyle Named DNR’s Firearm Safety Education Instructor of the Year


 

 

 

 

 



MBI Provides DNR Input on Deer Hunting and Deer Management


With many thanks to Nick Tortorelli ====>




Members -
Send us a photo from one or more of your hunts to post on the website!

 

Bowhunting and Archery News

DNR/NWTF Mentored Youth Turkey Applications Due Monday, Feb. 15


Trophy Buck Illegally Shot in
Goodhue County

Conservation Officer Tyler Quant
with confiscated 8-point rack

 

 

Deer Harvest Down But on Track with DNR Expectation

Need to get in shape for bowhunting? Here are a couple of links:

Do you know how to hunt safely from a tree stand? Are you still using only a safety strap or no safety devices at all? If you are using a good safety system do you really know how to use it? Every year we read about needless injuries and deaths because someone just knew 'it won't happen to me!' Tree stand safety has evolved over the years just like our other archery gear. Take a few minutes of your time to review the free tree stand safety course (link to HunterExam.com) - maybe next fall we won't be reading about you! The website offers a quiz for you to see how well informed you are about tree stand safety. The website also provides information for all 50 states about hunter education requirements and even offers online exams for getting safety certificates in some of the states.

Tred Barta, host of TV's "The Best and Worst of Tred Barta" paralyzed from chest down from a spinal stroke. In a May 29th interview with Pat Lefemine from Bowsite.com Tred provides information about what happened and shares his thoughts about the past, the present and the future. As Pat's introduction to the interview reads "Tred's message has changed, his philosophy has changed, and he has a different perspective on hunting and his future. We did not solicit this interview and never would have. He wants you to hear it - in it's entirety - and we are gracious that Tred asked us to provide it to you. It is both somber and inspirational. And the message is clear - as only Tred can deliver it."       Link to the Bowsite.com Tred Barta Interview

NRA Takes Position Supporting Crossbows in Archery Seasons!

Minnesota Hunters Harvest Fewer Deer in 2008

USSA Denounces Minnesota Hysteria Over Lead in Venison

MN Special Hunting Validation Offers First-hand Opportunity for Beginners

DNR Survey Indicates Wolf Range and Population Similar to 2004

North Dakota Concerns about Big Game Hunting over Bait Video (link to ND Game & Fish Video)

Want to Know What MN Sportsmen Contribute to the Economy? - check out this article on the SCI Website

StarTribune Article: More Suburbs Turning to Bowhunters to Thin Deer (Link to StarTribune website - article includes link to some interesting feedback)


MBI Member Michele LeQve Polar Bear Video Available


 

 

 

Legislative News

MBI Prepared for Upcoming Legislative Session
Minnesota’s legislative session is right around the corner and MBI is prepared to track any legislation that might affect bowhunting. MBI has made it a priority to take a stand on issues that either enhance or hinder our sport. First, MBI will be attending the annual forum hosted by the Minnesota DNR. The forum provides opportunities to talk to DNR staff and legislators about bowhunting concerns. Then in February, the Legislature will begin their committee hearings. MBI will keep an eye out for new laws or changes to current laws that could impact bowhunting. If we think it’s important to take a position on an issue, or even testify in support or in opposition, we will do just that.

In recent years, MBI testified in support of the venison donation program and reducing the draw-weight requirement for hunting to 30 pounds. We also provided opposing testimony to fend off an attempt by crossbow users to change the definition of archery equipment in order to allow crossbows in the archery season.

Remember, MBI can be your voice when such issues arise. If there’s an issue or concern that you feel MBI should become involved with, please contact MBI President Tony Kuehn at (651) 433-1130 or Email MBI 

Constitutional Amendment Outdoor Heritage Fund Controvery
It appears that the Constitutional Amendment Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF) language for allowable expenditures is going to be a hot topic in the legislature this session.

At first glance a bowhunter might ask "what does the amendment have to do with bowhunting?" Minnesota's sportsmen and women overwhelmingly supported this amendment in part because '33 percent of the receipts shall be deposited in the outdoor heritage fund and may be spent only to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife.' That sure sounds like it will impact bowhunting!

Another aspect of the amendment that will benefit bowhunters is that 'Land acquired by fee with money deposited in the outdoor heritage fund under this section must be open to the public taking of fish and game during the open season unless otherwise provided by law.' Access to land is becoming a problem and concern to many bowhunters.

It would appear there are legislators who would like to tap into this pot of money to fund their other interests. Here is what some local sports writers have to say:

Dennis Anderson, StarTribune: Legacy Fund Battle Not Over (link to 1/8/10 article)
Doug Smith, StarTribune: War of Words Over Constitutional Amendment for
           Conservation (link to12/31/09 article)
Joe Albert, Outdoor News: New 'Guide' Generates Concern (link to12/31/2009 article)


MBI Recent Actions and Accomplishments!

Legislative Activities

  • Currently monitoring the 2009 Legislative session for bills that would impact bowhunting and/or archery. Will testify as opportunities present themselves.
  • Testified before state Legislature in opposition to crossbows being allowed in the archery season
  • Supported the reduction in minimum allowable bow draw weight to 30 pounds

US Sportsmen's Alliance (USSA): Bowhunter Rights Coalition membership to protect bowhunter rights throughout the US

North American Bowhunting Coalition: membership, active participation and financial support

Minnesota DNR: 19th Annual Roundtable - MBI President Tony Kuehn presented MBI deer management concerns and issues to attendees and DNR officials

Game Fair
  • Youth Archery Range (with Rapids Archery and Wolf Track Archery Clubs)
  • MBI booth to promote bowhunting and MBI membership
Membership Services:
  • Published membership newsletters
  • Maintained current and timely information on the MBI website