Author: Rakow Family

CHRISTIAN DEER HUNTERS ASSOCIATION®
P.O. BOX 432
SILVER LAKE, MN 55381
www.ChristianDeerHunters.org
FALL/WINTER 2025

The Christian Deer Hunters Association® is a non-profit, interdenominational organization which exists for the purpose of helping individuals know and better understand the God of the Bible.
OUR GOALS:
EVANGELIZATION
EDIFICATION
EDUCATION
ENTERTAINMENT
The Christian Deer Hunters Association® is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code as an organization described in section 501(c)(3). Letter of exemption available to donors upon request.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

Support the CDHA and introduce your outdoor business to many others on 3/21/2026 at the Big Little Hunting & Fishing Expo & Auction.
Mike Graham:
CDHA Director of Vendor Relations
(C) 320-552-1735

Pictures of the CDHA Booth at The Open Season Expo in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Members’ donations help make this unique outreach possible.

The Blessing of an Outdoor Theme Expo
My wife and I have been working at the Open Season Expo in Wisconsin Dells for a few years. It started in 2006 when we attended the Deer and Turkey Expo in Madison, Wisconsin and we helped at the booth that the Christian Deer Hunters Association had. It was a blessing to see how eager Tom (Dr. Tom Rakow) was to pass out the devotionals (that the CDHA puts out every year). Another year went by and we helped at the Deer and Turkey Expo again. Once again we felt the blessing of God for helping. Tom made contact a few months later and asked us to pray about heading up the booth next year. After some time in prayer, I felt that the Lord was telling us, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Luke 10:2)
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So, we started heading the outreach in 2008 and, after 17 years, we just finished another year. For the past few years, the outreach moved from Madison and the name changed to Open Season Expo in Wisconsin Dells. The scope of our foot print also changed. We went from a 10ft x 10ft booth to a 10ft x 20ft booth. This past year we ran out of Bibles and hundreds of devotionals. Tom and Beth shared their ministry with their English pointers, Tom also shared God’s word at the Sunday morning Chapel service. This outreach happens every year in late March, also within a few weeks of our wedding anniversary. This year we celebrated 53 years of marriage while handing out devotionals and Bibles. CDHA is the only Christian-based booth that hands out Christian material. The hunter’s expo includes over 350 booths and has over 30,000 attendees—an amazing number of people to reach in one weekend. Even if a person does not stop as they walk by, they read the CDHA sign, and a seed has been planted. In the 17 years of attending this Expo, we have seen a change in the attendees. The men are including their girlfriends, wives, and children. Again, a blessing to see these families together. Due to this change, CDHA has made a Christian animal coloring book. Our members submitted the animal drawings and a Bible verse is included on each page. This was a huge favorite for the adults and children. Along with adult bibles and literature, we also handout free children bibles. Again, a huge hit with the adults and children. Many adults look specifically for the CDHA booth and thank us for being there. We are looking forward to next year and hope to meet you there!
1Corinthians 3:6-8: I, planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants, nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow, the man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.
We want to give a special thank you to the International Bible Givers.
God Bless,
Rev. Ed & Jean Zahn - WI Chaplains

WI Chaplains Jean and Ed Zahn

contact information
Dr. Tom C. Rakow - Founder & Executive President (320) 583-3236
Douglas Anderson - Executive Secretary/Treasurer (320) 587-7127
Dan Ryks - Executive Outreach of Development (651) 503-6624 Kent Rydberg - Executive Membership Coordinator (612) 202-9332
Wendy Ringgenberg - Mailing Coordinator
Ed & Jean Zahn—WI Chaplains (920) 323-6926
Dan Holmes - MN Chaplain…………………………………..(612)805-1760
Eugene Rakow - Auction Coordinator (952) 452-3227
Mike Graham - Director of Vendor Relations (320) 552-1735
Charles Warga - Director of Expo Donations (320) 309-8762
www.christiandeerhunters.org

The contents of these pages are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any manner (except the order form for materials) without the expressed written consent of the Christian Deer Hunters Association®. The CDHA does not pay for articles, but current members are invited to submit copies (do not send originals) of brief articles and photos for possible publication.

OUTLINE OF BOOTH GUIDELINES FOR OFFICIAL
CHRISTIAN DEER HUNTERS ASSOCIATION® OUTREACHES
I. Only current CDHA members shall be allowed in the booth. Any minor working in the booth should be accompanied by a parent who is a CDHA member or other member whom the parent(s) or guardian by their own volition have selected to be responsible for the minor. Ultimate responsibility for each minor rests with the legal parent(s) or guardian.
II. Clothing—Only CDHA or nondescript clothing shall be worn while in the booth. By "nondescript" we mean caps and clothing which do not have names, clubs, organizations, associations, slogans, etc. The three major reasons for this are:
1) Some organizations or members of organizations may not want to be identified with the CDHA and would not appreciate members of our association representing them.
2) The CDHA does not necessarily endorse the philosophies or policies of all organizations.
3) The CDHA wants to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings or confusion with other groups.
III. CDHA members who are working in the booth will not discuss political or other sensitive issues which are not in line with the association's outreach goals. No other forms of business shall be conducted through the booth.
IV. Requests for additional copies of Devotions for Deer Hunters shall be limited to one. Those wanting additional copies should be encouraged to become members.
V. Except in unavoidable situations (e.g. only one person working), memberships and donations should be counted by at least two people at the end of each day. The total should be recorded and then all monies forwarded to the Executive Treasurer.
VI. Any questions concerning these general guidelines or questions that arise at the booth should be directed to the Executive Board.
Note: We suggest you wear whatever seems appropriate and comfortable for an outreach to hunters (see II above).

Dear Friends,
Join us at the 2026 Big Little Hunting and Fishing Expo & Auction! It’s been a busy year, and we’re excited to reconnect with you at the Big Little Hunting and Fishing Expo & Auction on March 21, 2026! This event brings together families and outdoor enthusiasts for fellowship, fun, and faith. Expect returning favorites like the facial hair contest, the Janet Anderson Memorial Puzzle Contest, and a classic challenge we are looking at bringing back. Last year, we unveiled the first-ever Christian Deer Hunters Association Coloring Book, and it was a big hit with the younger crowd. We also had Princess Kay of the Milky Way along with the Cinderella carriage. The girls (of all ages) had a great time getting their pictures taken in and with both. The kids coloring town was captivating for some. While we still have the most anticipated family venue in the area, we look forward to sharing more releases in 2026!
This past year I have seen health challenges, in my own family and those around me—and with that tends to come some extra responsibilities. Balancing it all can feel overwhelming, but I’m reminded of John 16:33, where Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” By sharing these challenges with each other, we can help each other and be the hands and feet of Christ to each other and in out communities. As 1 Peter 3:8 encourages, let’s continue to be like-minded, compassionate, and humble, leaning on each other and Christ in tough times, and rejoicing with each other in the good times.
We ask for your prayers as we plan the expo. Please pray for God’s will, direction, and a joyful gathering that honors Him. We can’t wait to see you there!
In Christ Jesus, Mike Graham –CDHA Director of Vendor Relations (320) 552-1735

Pictured is Mike Graham and son Paul.

CDHA NEWSLETTER FALL/WINTER 2025

The Christian Deer Hunters Association has a booth outreach and conducts a chapel service two weekends in August at the Game Fair in Anoka, MN. Pictured L-R is Membership Coordinator Kent Rydberg, Dr, Tom Rakow (the Rydberg’s dog Kenya), and Brenda Rydberg.

Consider purchasing copies of the God’s Creatures Coloring Book to distribute to your church, area day care, children, and grandchildren, neighbors, and others. It is a wonderful way to introduce a child to many of the creatures recorded in the Bible.

CDHA Pheasant Hunt in MN on December 13, 2025. Contact Charles (320)309-8762.

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CDHA NEWSLETTER FALL/WINTER 2025

SOME UPCOMING OUTREACHES (Save the Dates)
December 13, 2025 CDHA Fundraiser Pheasant Hunt - Minnesota
March 21, 2026 Big Little Hunting & Fishing Expo - Hutchinson, MN
March 27-29, 2026 Open Season Expo - Wisconsin Dells, WI
August 7,8,9 & 14,15,16, 2026 Anoka Game Fair - Ramsey, MN

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CDHA NEWSLETTER FALL/WINTER 2025

Dear CDHA Membership,
I want to reintroduce myself. I am Dan Holmes and I am rejoining the board after a few years absence as the Minnesota Outreach Chaplain. I am getting more involved in the outreach events. I had kept my fingers in the pie, so to speak, these past few years, but now it is time to take ahold of the pie server.
CDHA runs on volunteers. I seek to encourage more volunteers. Serve as a leader/organizer of a game dinner at your church. Lead an opening day coffee stop for traveling hunters and hand out Devotions for Deer Hunters booklets. Host a men’s Bible study and use devotional books from CDHA to do a topical study of the scripture verses attached to each devotional article.
You may contact me at 612-805-1780 or email holmesdd62@gmail.com for more ideas. Depending on schedules, as I am still a full-time pastor, I may be available to speak at your event or help arrange for one of our other board members to speak. I want to serve you as a chaplain/pastor/encourager that you will know the joy of sharing Jesus Christ and his mercy, love, and salvation with others.
Please also consider how you may support the overall work of CDHA. Prayer is the support I especially want to encourage. Groups of righteous people praying together concerning the work of God’s kingdom has a powerful impact which our world desperately needs.
It is time to stand up for Jesus!
Dan Holmes
Minnesota Outreach Chaplain

“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge”
Psalm 62:8, NIV.

RESERVE YOUR BOOTH The Big Little Hunting & Fishing Expo & Auction Saturday, March 21, 2026
Hutchinson, MN
H

CHRISTIAN DEER HUNTERS ASSOCIATION®
(Prices listed are current until 6/30/2026)
*Applicable Sales Tax Included - Substitutions of equal or greater value may be necessary.
The .410 This is our smallest pack of devotionals. 10 Devotions for Deer Hunters (56 pages - devotional!). Includes shipping and handling! Suggested Minimum Donation Price: $50 Non-members, $40 Members
The 20 Gauge 20 Devotions for Deer Hunters (56 pages - devotional!). Includes shipping and handling!Suggested Minimum Donation Price: $70 Non-members, $60 Members
The .30-30 30 Devotions for Deer Hunters (56 pages - devotional!), Includes shipping and handling!Suggested Minimum Donation Price: $95 Non-members, $75 Members
Project Sponsor-A-Stand! 100 Devotions for Deer Hunters (56 pages - devotional!). Includes shipping and handling! Suggested Minimum Donation Price: $250 Non-members, $205 Members
USB Audio Book Devotions for Deer Hunters: Big Book Volume I Audio (over four hours). Suggested Minimum Donation Price: $21 Non-members, $16 Members.
The Big Book Deal! Devotions for Deer Hunters: Big Book Volume I (90 devotional entries by more than 40 different authors - 172 pages).
50 Books Suggested Minimum Price $500.00 Non-members $450.00 Current Members ($750.00+ Value!)
25 Books Suggested Minimum Price $300.00 Non-members $275.00 Current Members ($375.00+ Value!)
10 Books Suggested Minimum Price $135.00 Non-members $120.00 Current Member ($150.00+ Value!)
1 Book Suggested Minimum Price $18.00 Non-members $13.00 Current Member ($18.00+ Value!)\
The Big Book Deal! Devotions for Deer Hunters: Big Book Volume II (63 devotional entries by more than 25 different authors - 152 pages).
50 Books Suggested Minimum Price $610.00 Non-members $550.00 Current Members ($997.50+ Value!)
25 Books Suggested Minimum Price $350.00 Non-members $285.00 Current Members ($498.75+ Value!)
10 Books Suggested Minimum Price $175.00 Non-members $150.00 Current Member ($199.50+ Value!)
1 Book Suggested Minimum Price $21.00 Non-members $17.00 Current Member ($.23.00+ Value!)
BIG Little Devotions for Deer Hunters: Big Book Volume III 232 page book. This unique work specially targets deer hunters and contains 69 devotional entries written by 22 different authors.
10 Books Suggested Minimum Price $175.00 Non-members $150.00 Current Member ($199.50+ Value!)
1 Book Suggested Minimum Price $21.00 Non-members $17.00 Current Member ($.23.00+ Value!)
NEW! God’s Creatures Coloring Book BIG (Art work by various artists with selected Bible passages - 56 pages).
4 Copies Suggested Minimum Price $30.00 Non-members $24.00 Current Member ($36.00 + Value!)
10 Copies Suggested Minimum Price $55.00 Non-members $45.00 Current Member ($89.00 + Value!)

Make checks payable to:
CHRISTIAN DEER HUNTERS ASSOCIATION® ITEMS ORDERED QUANTITY
Mail this order form and check to:
CDHA
P.O. BOX 432
SILVER LAKE, MN 55381

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Membership #:___________________

Membership Donation: $____________________
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Christian Deer Hunters Association®
PO Box 432
Silver Lake, MN 55381
www.christiandeerhunters.org
FORWARD SERVICE REQUESTED