The North Country Icebreaker: A Gathering for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Public Lands Supporters
A rendezvous is traditionally a meeting between two or more people at a pre-arranged location. The BHA North American Rendezvous draws people from across North America for an unforgettable weekend filled with seminars, food, drinks, and passionate support for public lands. Three years ago, the Minnesota Chapter of BHA set out to create something similar—an event that would unite the northern outdoors community for a unique, fun-filled weekend. And so, the North Country Icebreaker was born.
This year marked the third annual Icebreaker, held at Breezy Point Resort in central Minnesota. The weekend kicked off on Friday evening with an early check-in and Welcome Potluck at the historic Fawcett House, presented by Maluna. Over 30 people came together to share home-cooked dishes and enjoy refreshments generously donated by Bemidji Brewing and Round House Brewing. From venison carnitas to Lao salad, the spread had something for everyone, and—no surprise—there were no leftovers.
Saturday morning began with a local guide Joe Gonska sharing tips on fishing Pelican Lake. Though a brisk wind kept things chilly, many attendees braved the elements to try their hand at icefishing and learn from the experts the elusive art of dark house spearing. The effort paid off for one lucky angler, who landed his record northern pike. For lunch, MN Board member Neal Jacobson served up mouthwatering walleye and crappie sandwiches and tacos, all by free-will donation. Over 40 people dug in, savoring the day’s catch.
The afternoon was packed with activities, including a winter camping seminar from the Winter Camping Symposium showcasing how easy it can be to enjoy the cold Minnesota winters while staying cozy and warm. After the seminars, it was time for the Wild Game Cook-off Presented by River Brothers Outfitters, where Brandon Krueger’s venison jalapeno poppers with bone marrow cream cheese took home the win. As the victor, he earned the chance to represent the Minnesota Chapter at the national BHA Rendezvous this June. Before dinner, Dr. Cam Mosley from the University of Minnesota gave a fascinating talk on fish and lake ecology, followed by a lively Q&A session with over ninety attendees.
The evening wrapped up with a public land campfire story from Chance Adams involving an accidental bear spray discharge, a rallying cry for what's happening around Minnesota from MN Board Chair Eli Mansfield, and raffles and an auction, featuring items like a Weatherby Sorix shotgun, one-of-a-kind custom BHA Hjelle-Arc Spear, and a sandhill crane hunt in northwest Minnesota. The generosity of the crowd helped raise more than $7,000 to support public lands, waters, and wildlife in Minnesota!
The North Country Icebreaker is a unique and incredible event like nothing else in the country. BHA members should experience at least once. It brings together chapter leaders, members, locals and companies for the perfect blend of BHA energy and Minnesota Nice hospitality all with the goal of celebrating our public land heritage and kicking the year off right! Big things are already in the works for 2026, so be sure to keep an eye on your inbox for updates. Don’t miss out on what promises to be another incredible gathering!