Since 1985, nearly 650,000 deer hides have been collected by the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association from successful hunters.

The sale of the hides has raised over $3.4 million that has been used to complete wildlife habitat projects. Eighty-five percent of the money raised is returned to local chapters to finance land acquisition and other wildlife projects.

The Bend of the River Chapter of the MDHA once again will be accepting donations of hides in the familiar orange boxes that will be located at 17 sites in and around Mankato. Those donating hides are asked not to place the hides in plastic bags because hides will quickly spoil.

Drop boxes will be located at the following sites: Casey’s, 2001 Riverfront Drive, Mankato; 3rd Avenue Shell, 2424 3rd Ave., Mankato; Keeley Landscaping, 201 South Hawley Ave., Mankato; Southern Archery North, 777 S. Victory Dr., Mankato; Gander Mountain, 1940 Adams St., Mankato; Red Bear Hunting Emporium, 1000 North River Dr., North Mankato; Eagle Express Conoco, 401 Parkway Ave., Eagle Lake; Reel Fishing and Tackle, 500 Walnut Ave., Madison Lake; Mitt’s BP, 325 County Rd 28 So., St. Clair; Crystal Valley Co-op, 701 East 1st St., Janesville; Cenex Nu-Mart, Amboy; Judson Cycle Sales, 211 East Highway 60, Lake Crystal; Hermie’s, Highway 99 East, St. Peter; Dranttel Sales and Service, 41311 Old Minnesota Ave., St. Peter; Maple Mart, 407 Silver St., Mapleton; A & F Grain Company, 100 South Front St., Good Thunder; Gene Kauffman residence, RR2, Box 208, Wells.