The great outdoors of the Northland is one of the experiences that makes this area so special. The United Northern Sportsmen Club (UNS) in Duluth is ensuring the North Shore remains a place to come and experience all the outdoors has to offer through sports and conservation education. The nonprofit, founded in 1945, is a member-driven organization with the mission to provide a facility for individuals who want to enjoy the outdoors and outdoor sports.
Mike Hart, board vice president, says a big focus of the club is reaching out to youth.
“We want to get kids off their electronics and let them experience the outdoors and gain an appreciation for the environment,” he said. He explains that, in addition to use of the facilities, shooting ranges, and other outdoor sporting opportunities, the club also teaches students to be conservationists, maintaining the environment and, if possible, making it better for future generations.
The UNS offers a variety of activities including hunting, fishing, trap shooting, archery, and skill-based classes like knot tying and orienteering (navigating with a compass). Training is conducted by club members with extensive experience and training. Hart is a veteran and retired deputy sheriff and former commander of the Duluth SWAT team. Other member trainers are licensed by the state to conduct fire safety courses, and the club works closely with other local hunting and fishing organizations.
The UNS facility is located on Island lake, 20 miles north of Duluth, with grounds spanning more than 40 acres. The private, members-only property includes a boat launch with eight docks, several feet of beachfront, and a picnic area. The club also owns a modest campground with a capacity of 37 campers on the property. The shooting ranges accommodate four different types of firearms, in addition to archery targets and trap shooting space in affiliation with the Minnesota Trappers Association.
Since its inception over 55 years ago, the club has grown to more than 1,300 current members and is managed by a board of directors, all volunteers. Members have access to the facility year-round and can enjoy up to 14 free days of camping each summer season. Hart adds that there is a lot of work to keep the grounds in good condition, and members are key to keeping it running smoothly and well maintained. Those who volunteer a minimum of two hours of work—tasks ranging from chopping firewood to mowing grass—receive extra free days at the campsite.
Chris Mattila, UNS board member and the onsite campground summer host, says, “We are the only campsite on the lake, and it’s a pretty good deal with such inexpensive membership dues that include use of all the firing ranges.” Mattila has been a member for nearly 20 years and has family connections to the club, as his mother was on the board of directors years ago. He is from the area and, after retiring, moved back to the North Shore, making it his permanent home once again. Memberships are open to anyone in Minnesota and include individual and family rates. More information can be found on the UNS website at unitednorthernsportsmen.org.
The club hosts two annual events that are open to the public: a winter fundraising ice fishing tournament in February and a free youth field day held in August. The field day is an all-day event featuring seven different stations for youth ages 8 to 17 to explore and be introduced to outdoor sporting activities. Participants have the opportunity to try the shooting ranges, fish, and work with retrieving dogs for hunting tips. The event includes lunch for both students and their adult chaperones, and prizes are offered for many of the activities.
The 2026 13th annual Outdoor Field Day is Saturday, Aug. 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is free and open to everyone. Pre-registration is required by July 31, and students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Space is limited and fills to a capacity of 80 students each year. Call Nancy at 218-393-7176 for registration information.
The UNS, in partnership with the Lake Superior Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, also offers firearm safety classes for students. These courses are open to the public throughout the year with a minimal registration fee. For training dates and more details, email Hart at:
[email protected].
United Northern Sportsmen Conservation Club is located at 7229 Rice Lake Road in Duluth. The club can be reached at 218-721-4843 for pricing, hours, and directions. Events and other updates can also be found on its social media page.
