Join Minnesota BHA Chapter and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a weekend of conservation, camping, hunting, fishing, and camaraderie on the shores and backwaters of Big Sandy Lake.
This weekend is an opportunity to give back to the public lands and waters that provide so many opportunities for hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts. We'll kick things off Friday with a hands-on project alongside USACE staff before spending Saturday and Sunday enjoying the hunting and fishing opportunities Big Sandy Lake has to offer.
The USACE is offering free camping to BHA members this weekend who join for this event. Camp sites are individual, but are grouped together.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 — WOOD DUCK HOUSE WORKDAY
We'll begin the weekend by returning to the wood duck houses installed by Minnesota BHA and the USACE in 2024.
Volunteers will work alongside USACE staff to inventory, inspect, and repair the 16 wood duck houses located around Big Sandy Lake. We'll document the condition and location (using onX Hunt) of each house, make necessary repairs, and help ensure these structures remain productive habitat for wood ducks and other cavity-nesting wildlife.
It's a great opportunity to see the results of previous conservation work firsthand while helping maintain an important habitat project on public lands.
After the workday, we'll head back to camp to share a meal, swap stories, and make plans for the weekend ahead.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 — HUNT & FISH
Saturday is all about getting out and enjoying Big Sandy Lake and the surrounding public lands.
Participants will have the opportunity to spend the day hunting and/or fishing, depending on their interests and the conditions. Early October provides opportunities to pursue waterfowl, whitetails, or grouse. If fishing is more your speed, Big Sandy Lake can also offer excellent fishing this time of year.
Whether you're paddling into the backwaters for ducks, walking the woods in search of grouse, sitting in a deer stand, or casting a line, this is your chance to experience the public lands and waters we worked to improve the day before.
Saturday evening, we'll return to camp to share stories from the day's adventures and enjoy some time around the fire.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 — ANOTHER DAY IN THE FIELD
Members are welcome to hunt and fish again on Sunday, as long as camp is torn down by end of day.
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When: October 2-4, 2026
π Time: Fri- 9AM to Sun- 12PM
π Where: Sandy Lake Dam and Recreation Area, 22205 531st Lane, McGregor, MN 55760 (Get Directions)
BHA Stewardship Events are free to attend and open to the public, so invite your friends and familiesto join and give back to our public lands. Please RSVP and sign the Safety Wavier to confirm attendance.
With questions, please email Aaron Hebeisen at hebeisen@backcountryhunters.org