hunters...2 wi sci hunters – september/october 2020: one stop try them all... in both right &...

• Conservation: CWD Study Is Largest In History

• Legislative: Great Outdoors Act• Members’ Adventures:

Mtn. Lion, Wolf, Bear, Deer

• Education: Scholarships, COVID Era Family Fishing

• Humanitarian Hunt• Chapter News & Events

Quiet Kat Mom’sFirst WI Bow Buck

HUNTERSOfficial Magazine Of Sci chapterS in WiScOnSin and illinOiS

SepteMber/OctOber 2020

2 WI SCI HUNTERS – September/October 2020

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Why Join SCI Today?Safari Club International is the

leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife

conservation wor ldwide. These primary missions are suppor ted through many parts of the organiza-tion and the SCI Foundation. But our success depends on hunters like you joining an SCI chapter right here near your home. Please do your part to help us help you and other hunters in this area.

You can join simply by signing up at one of the chapter websites listed on the next page.

Please join today and we wil l welcome you like a new friend and old hunting buddy.

Here’s an overview of how we help all hunters, especially those living right here in our own backyard.

Advocate: Since 2000, SCI has spent $140 million on protecting the freedom to hunt through policy advo-cacy, litigation, and education for federal and state legislators to ensure hunting is protected for future gener-ations. Through direct involvement and partnerships with like-minded organizations, SCI has become a political force in Washington, D.C. and other world capitals.

Connect: When you become a member of SCI, you join a network of over 55,000 like-minded individuals all over the world. In your local com-

munity there may already be an of� cial SCI chapter. Working side by side, holding similar attitudes about the importance and responsibility of being a hunter, SCI members make a tangible difference through conserva-tion efforts in their communities and voicing their concerns to representa-tives who take them to the floors of Washington.

Educate: The weekly E-Newsletters In The Crosshairs and Hunt Now! provide breaking news, legal issues, government actions, product reviews, and exciting stories of the hunt, to more than 45,000 members. Through our publications, Safari Magazine and Safari Times, we keep you up to date on events and board actions as well, teach you some tips and techniques, and stories about other members� hunting expeditions.

Represent: SCI members help shape and promote the image of the hunter to non-hunters through their words and actions. In addition to practicing ethical hunting while in the � eld and around others, members can

give back by participating in humani-tarian efforts taking place across the globe through the af� liated charitable organization, Safari Club International Foundation.

Conservation Programs: SCI Foundation ensures the best available science is used in wildlife policy and management, and demonstrates the constructive role that hunting and hunters play in the conservation of biodiversity worldwide. The organization is “First for Wildlife,” investing millions of dollars into wildlife conservation and educa-tion every year. Conservation efforts never cease, and through chapter projects, SCI Foundation

grants and scholarships, and regional programs, members of Safari Club International make a difference in the life of the environment and the animals that live there.

E d u c a t i o n P r o g r a m s : S C I programs for both children and adults, provide a hands-on opportunity to experience the outdoors and to spread the knowledge of conservation and wildlife management. One of these education programs is Sensory Safari, a program in which the blind can learn about nature through touch exhibits. SCI Foundation also opened the International Wildlife Museum in Tucson, Arizona, to increase knowl-edge of, and appreciation for, the diverse wildlife of the world.

Humanitarian Programs: The SCI Foundation, through Spor tsmen Against Hunger and SafariCare, provides food and supplies to those in need, both in our backyard and in remote places of the world. The Disabled Hunter program fosters opportunities for disabled sportsmen and women to experience the hunting tradition. SafariWish grants hunting related wishes to those dealing with terminal or life-threatening illnesses.

Success depends on hunters like you joining an SCI chapter right here near your home.

Join today by signing up at one of the chapter websites listed on the next page.


Join today!SCI Chapters welcome you!

New members and your families are always welcome at SCI. Visit these websites and join a chapter to start your adventure. Members enjoy great fun, meet new friends, make a difference in their community and help the future of hunting, plus you will discover new deals and opportunities that improve your hunting skill and enjoyment. We invite you to join online today.

Badgerland ChapterPresident Randy Mayeswww.scibadgerland.com

Illinois & Chicago ChapterPresident Dale Rimkuswww.sci-illinois.com

Lake Superior ChapterPresident Burl Johnsonwww.sci-lakesuperior.com

Northeast Wisconsin ChapterPresident Marty Witczakwww.scihunterexpo.com

Southeast Wisc. Bowhunters ChapterPresident Alex Valleywww.scibowhunters.com

Wisconsin ChapterPresident Charmaine Wargoletwww.sciwi.org

SCI Region 16 RepresentativeCharmaine [email protected]

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HUNTERS 6 SCI Region 16 Report by Regional Rep. Charmaine Wargolet

6 Good Knight Dad

7 SCI Celebrates Historic Legislation

8 Wildlife Fed Names LaBarbera Conservation Communicator of the Year

9 Illinois & Chicago Chapter Report by President Dale Rimkus

9 SCI Among Conservation Leaders Supporting National Strategies

10 Badgerland Chapter Report by President Randy Mayes

10 Badgerland Scholarship Award

11 Wisconsin Chapter Report by Charmaine Wargolet

11 Crappie Fishing with Ashley

12 Northeast Wisconsin Chapter Report by President Marty Witczak

13 SE WI Bowhunters Chapter Report by President Alex Valley

13 Lake Superior Chapter Report by President Burl Johnson

14 MyTrail to a Wolf by Ron McClintic

19 Quiet Kat Supports Conservation

20 Jeep E-Bike Unveiled

21 OWAA Honors Dan Small with Top Jade of Chiefs Award

22 Mom’s First Bow Buck by Mark LaBarbera

24 Deer Scent Companies Addressing CWD Concerns by Shane Johnson

26 Buck Fever by George Swiderski

29 Humanitarian Hunt Report: Vet Enjoys Idaho Adventure

30 Author’s New Book and Near-Death Experience by Mark LaBarbera

31 Conservation: CWD/Predator Deer Study Reaches Milestone

by WDNR Staff

37 Hunt Report: Cats & Dogs by Tim Larson

39 Hunt Report: Skunked by LynnEllyn McGinn

Editor/Publishers: Mark & Coni LaBarbera

HUNTERS is a bimonthly publication for members of SCI chapters in Wisconsin, plus bonus electronic circulation, which includes some of the world’s most avid and affluent conservationists who enjoy hunting here and around the world. They have earned a reputation of leadership on natural resources issues and giving to pro-tect and support the future of hunting and conservation here and abroad. To share your message with them, send ads and editorial submissions to Mark LaBarbera at [email protected].

Submission of story and photos means that you are giving SCI permission to use them free in SCI printed or electronic form.

Issue Deadline__January/February November 20March/April January 20May/June March 20July/August May 20September/October July 20November/December September 20

New AdvertisersThe number of advertisers allowed in WI SCI HUNTERS magazine is limited. If you would like your ad to be considered for publication, contact Mark at [email protected]. New advertisers who are accepted and prepay for a 6x schedule receive substantial discounts as listed below. All amounts are net U.S. dollars.Ad 1x 6x TotalSize Size Rate (Prepaid)1/4 Pg. 3.5”w x 5.25”h $150 $600/yr.1/2 Pg. 8.25”w x 4.75”h $200 $800/yr.Full Pg. 8.25”w x 10.75”h $250 $1,100/yr.Covers 8.25”w x 10.75”h $300 $1,300/yr.Deliver ads with ½” margin on four sides, plus ¼” for bleeds.

Send ad fees to Treasurer Janean Gehl, W157N10472 Fieldstone Pass, Germantown, WI 53022. No attempt is made to verify the accuracy of ballistic information or hunt reports submitted. Ads in this publication are not considered endorsements or approval of such adver-tiser by Safari Club International.IF YOUR ADDRESS CHANGED, please notify Janean Gehl at [email protected]

Official Magazine of SCI Chapters in Wisconsin and IllinoisSeptember/October2020

On the cover: Lori Wittkopp’s family helped the young mom with her first buck.

6 WI SCI HUNTERS – September/October 2020 WI SCI HUNTERS – September/October 2020 7

I told Christine I can’t wait to slay more turkeys and pheasants with her now that she’s retired!

Stay safe everyone!!

Region 16 Reportby Charmaine Wargolet,Regional Representative

Being the Regional Rep of Region 16 is one of the most gratifying and faith restoring volunteer jobs

I have ever had. Every time I see one of my chapters in action I am amazed once again at the dedication, creativity, and in these times, the stoic resolve of their members and leadership!

I am so proud to see the Illinois/Chicago Chapter doing everything they can to keep their chapter together after the virus shutdown prohibited them from having their fundraiser. Marla and Dale Rimkus are incredible, and both the chapter and SCI are lucky to have them!

The Bowhunters were also unable to have their June fundraiser but have been soldiering on and doing what they can with what they have. Alex V. and Alex K. are wonderful young men and do a great job in their leadership roles.

Lake Superior has had to make some difficult decisions to keep things going after they too were not able to have their fundraiser. They had an online auction and are moving right along under the stoic leadership of Burl Johnson.

Badgerland, NE, and my home Wisconsin chapter all had their fund-raisers before the shutdown and are able to support some of the projects and programs as usual, and everyone is looking optimistically ahead to next year’s events! Resilience at its finest!!

I also want to take th is opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the career of a woman who I h a v e b e e n honored and blessed to call my dear friend for 35 years. Christine Thomas just retired in June from being Dean of the College of Natural Resources at UW Stevens Point. If you have never heard of or met Christine, I sincerely hope you have that privilege someday. Over the span of her

career, she has done more for our natural resources, conservation, and hunting than any other single person I know of. Her awards would make a list longer than my arm, one of the youngest inductees in the Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame, first recip-i en t o f the na t i ona l Budwe ise r Sportsman of the Year award to name just a few. Accomplishments l ike founder of the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program, member of the WI Natural Resources Board for 11 years (3 as chair), former board member of Natural Resources Foundation of W iscons in and na t i ona l Rock y Mountain Elk Foundation, currently serving on the national Ducks Unlimited board, and as Vice Chair of the U.S. Interior and Agriculture Departments’ W i l d l i f e a n d H u n t i n g H e r i t a g e Conservation Council. I could go on and on, but what I really want to do is congratulate her on her retirement and to say thank you from sportsmen and women everywhere for her incredible contributions to our great sport!

I would also like to share here the following short tribute that I created for her retirement video: “I still remember that fresh faced girl I first met in the mid-80’s at an SCI banquet at the Pfister. You have just grown more beau-t i fu l with each passing year and accomplished more in your 30 years than most women could accomplish in five lifetimes. It has been an honor and an adventure being your friend!”

Good Knight Dad

Ryan Knight of Waunakee took his kids Grady and Hattie fishing on Metonga Lake near Crandon during the pandemic.

SCI Celebrates Historic LegislationLargest grassroots advocacy campaign in SCI history yields success

SCI HQ, chapters and members helped push Congress to enact one of the most meaningful

pieces of legislation in American history for protecting the nation’s wild places and wild things and providing the public with opportunities to explore and recreate in the great outdoors. SCI Region 16 Rep Charmaine Wargolet and fellow chapter presidents applauded the success.

The bill passed the U.S. House 310 - 107. The Senate version of the bill was passed on June 22 b e f o r e g o i n g t o Pres iden t Dona ld Trump’s desk to be signed into law.

SCI worked tire-lessly to advance this legislation. The Great American Outdoors Act was one of the primary focuses of SCI’s recent vir tual a d v o c a c y w e e k . Thousands of SCI members jo ined a grassroots campaign through the Hunter A d vo c a c y A c t i o n Center to urge their respective members o f C o n g r e s s t o s u p p o r t t h e b i l l , making it the most ex tens i ve g rass roots advocacy campaign in the organization’s history. The hunting community made their voices heard in the halls of Congress like never before.

SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin said, “House passage of the Great American Outdoors Act is a landmark moment in the rich and unparalleled history of American conservation. The unprece-dented groundswell of support from SCI members nationwide made a real impact and their voices will echo across our public lands long after this Act becomes law for the benefit and enjoy-ment of the American people.”

The Act will provide $9.5 billion over five years to address the crumbling

infrastructure on America’s public lands and waters, including parts of Wisconsin and Illinois, with $6.5 billion in funding going to the National Park Service and an additional $3 billion in funding to repair and maintain infrastructure on public lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and U.S. Forest Service. These funds will be used to repair roads, build trails, and improve access for hunting and fishing on public lands and waters across the country.

The Act will also provide full and permanent funding, $900 million annu-a l l y, f o r t h e L a n d a n d Wa te r Conservation Fund (LWCF) which also benefits Wisconsin and Illinois. The LWCF was established by Congress in 1964 to support conservation efforts across the country by purchasing land, implementing easements, and lever-aging funding through various federal, local, and state partners. The LWCF has funded almost 50,000 projects to date, spanning near ly ever y county in America, from vast National Forests to small, local parks. Ensuring full and permanent funding for future land acqui-sition efforts will continue to make imme d i a te impac ts on w i l d l i f e

conservation ef for ts and increase access for hunting and fishing across the country.

According to Mary Monroe Brown, Director of Wisconsin Tourism’s Office of Outdoor Recreation, “Over its 54-year history, LWCF has provided funding for federal, state, and local projects that have touched all 72 of Wisconsin’s counties. From protecting land and providing habitat for the once-endan-gered bald eagle that now thrives in the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife

Refuge to constructing Madison’s first skate-park as par t of an urban revital ization e f fo r t of a fo rmer industrial area, proj-ects large and small have benefited every corner of the state.” She said one study showed that for every $1 of LWCF invested i n f e d e r a l l a n d s another $4 in eco- n o m i c va l u e wa s returned.

The director added, “Outdoor recreation is an economic driver for Wisconsin contributing $7.8 b i l l ion to the state’s gross domestic product and sup-

porting over 93,000 jobs.”Her office shared that, “An important

source of funding, most LWCF grants support capital improvements and recreation projects in state and local parks. The community of Chippewa Falls recently benefited from the largest LWCF grant ever given in the state. What started as an idea to create an accessible fishing pier for large groups turned into an entire park plan creating a recreat ion dest inat ion for the Chippewa Falls area. The $2.1 million project also included a renovated boat ramp, trails, parking, restrooms, and a pedestrian bridge connecting Erickson Park to the Irvine Park and Zoo. The park opened in 2019.”


Illinois & Chicago Chapter Report by Dale Rimkus, President

I would like to thank everyone who participated in our chapter’s 48th Annual Fundraiser at the end of

August. My sincere appreciation extends to our many generous donors and part-ners, our fa i thful and suppor tive members, and all of you who bid on our auction items and purchased raffle tickets. This fundraiser was successful in spite of the fact that we had to conduct it all online for the first time, as many other chapters are doing this year. Our chapter has been blessed throughout the years with generous donors, hard–working volunteers, very supportive members, and extremely dedicated board members.

As an SCI member, your voice is important, not only for involvement in your chapters, but also to those repre-sentatives who make decisions that affect hunters in local, state and federal government. Hunters and conservation-ists must make their voices heard so our rights and our heritage are protected. To look up contact information for your state and federal representatives, visit the following website: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials. Please take a few minutes to call, write or email your

representatives. You may think that one person can’t make a difference, but together we are far more than one person. We are a passionate community of hunters and conservationists who are dedicated to protecting our sporting heritage. When your representatives receive your call or letter, they and their staff will listen to you, they will take notes, and you will make a difference!

If you know a hunter who is not a member of SCI, then you have an oppor-tunity to change that and encourage them to jo in the wor ld leader in protecting our freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation world-wide. I’ve met so many wonderful people through my involvement with SCI and the Illinois & Chicago Chapter, and many of them I am proud to call my friends. Through these friends I’ve learned a lot about hunting, conservation, firearms, wild game, taxidermy and people in general. Our members hunt from Alaska to Zimbabwe, and all states and coun-tries in between. They hunt everything from squirrels to elephants, using rifles, shotguns, handguns, bows and cross-bows. Solidarity among all hunters will be the key to the future of hunting. It doesn’t matter where or what or how we

hunt. What matters is that we will keep our freedom to hunt only by joining forces and standing together as hunters and conservationists.

As I look forward to our wor ld returning to some form of sanity, to getting back to doing what we love this fall, a quote from renowned conserva-tionist Ivan Carter comes to mind: “Be proud to be a hunter. But remember that a big part of being a hunter in modern times is the need to be ethical and respectful of our sport and the game we pursue. We also need to be ready at all times and any time to explain who we are and what we stand for and to have real facts and figures to quote and to prove what hunters do for conservation.”

And lastly, Thank you for your support of our hunting community!

Wildlife Federation Names LaBarberaConservation Communicator of the YearExecutive Director George Meyer

announced in July that Mark LaBarbera of Hazel Green was

being honored as “Conservation Communicator of the Year” by the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation. It also named the Outdoor Heritage Education Cente r non-p ro f i t g roup as i t s “Conservation Organization of the Year” for outstanding contributions to the conservation of natural resources for an extended period of time.

LaBarbera is Founder and chief volunteer for OHEC, adding a unique historic twist to the prestigious awards program.

“Like all of our OHEC volunteer mentors, we are surprised and honored to be recognized by such a well-re-spected conservation group. Thank you,” said LaBarbera when notified by WWF Awards Committee Chair Lil Pipping.

Pipping said the Federation’s top honor is awarded to one person in the state who stands out above all others in communicating ef fective ly about important and timely conservation issues.

The Conservation Organization of the Year Award goes to a statewide or local organizations including sportsmen’s clubs or civic organizations that are el igible. The recipient must have demonstrated keen interest in projects and programs within the state which deal with signif-icant natural resource or issues.

The mission of the Wisconsin W i l d l i f e Fe d e ra t i o n i s to conserve Wisconsin’s wildlife, natural resources and outdoor spor t ing her i tage through conservation education and advocating for strong conserva-t ion pol ic ies on state and national levels. Its website says, “WWF is the state’s largest conser vat ion organizat ion comprised of over 200 hundred conservation organizations. The Federation is a 501 c 3 tax exempt nonprof i t, member supported organization and is an af f i l iate of the National

Wildlife Federation.” I t inc ludes bus i-nesses, clubs and sporting conserva-tion groups made up of thousands of hunters, anglers, t r a p p e r s a n d o t h e r o u t d o o r enthusiasts.

LaBarbera has been the Founder and Chief Volunteer o f t h e O u td o o r Heritage Education Center charitable nonprofit organiza-tion for more than t w o d e c a d e s . O H E C i s a b o u t t o u n v e i l n e w commun icat ions tools, including top-notch website OHECyes.org and online magazine “LearnTheOutdoors.com” designed to recruit, retain and reactivate outdoor enthusiasts. He launched and organizes the annual Midwest Outdoor Heritage Education Expo each year, reaching about 3,000 students. He edits and publishes SCI HUNTERS magazine for chapters in Wisconsin and Illinois, writes an ou tdoors co lumn fo r Mor r i s Newspapers of W iscons in, and

produces outdoor TV and online video programs with Dan Small on public TV, Fox Sports North in five states and Fox Sports Wisconsin.

LaBarbera is a regional director of WWF and a delegate to the Wisconsin Conservation Congress. He wrote the strategic plan being implemented currently for the Wisconsin Youth Conservation Congress. He also serves as Vice-Chair of the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin.

Mark LaBarbera addressed the national conference of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies about working with the media and communicating with the next generation.(Archive photo courtesy OHEC)

SCI Among Conservation LeadersSupporting National Strategies

Washington, DC -- The American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP) recently completed a comprehensive list of poli-

cy-focused strategies to improve wildlife habitat, expand public access for hunting and fishing, and strengthen our nation’s long history of conservation success.

Titled “Wildlife for the 21st Century” (W21), this document was created through a collaborative process with contributions from a coalition of over 50 organizations linked together by their dedication to ensuring the vitality of our wildlife resources and providing sustainable public use and enjoyment of those resources under the science-based manage-ment of state and federal fish and wildlife agencies. W21 provides guidance regarding legislative prior-ities and makes strategic recom-mendations related to wildlife conservation and our hunting heritage to the next presidential administration. The latest edition is the sixth version of the series. Previous

volumes were given to Presidents Bush, Obama, and Trump.

The W21 recommendations are grounded in science and with regard to the success of the North American model of conservation. Recommendations related to wildlife and habitat conservation recog-nize the contributions of hunting as a sustainable and beneficial use of natural resources.

SCI played a role in helping to steer the development of the document, specifically the chapters on:• Achieving greater results from an Improved

Endangered Species Act (ESA) Program by helping species before ESA protection is needed and improving the ESA by reducing associated litigation.

• Requiring collaboration on big game migration corridors and habitat by improving transportation planning to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and strengthening federal-state coordination.

• Enhancing access for hunters and outdoor recre-ationists by maintaining robust funding for federal lands, roads, and trails, improving public access databases, and ensuring land transactions enhance federal land access.

“Safari Club International is a proud member of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners, and proud of the collaborative efforts reflected in the latest volume of Wildlife for the 21st Century. This document will continue to help guide the adminis-tration and other elected officials in developing sound policies that prioritize the science-based management of our nation’s rich fish and wildlife resources, while emphasizing the importance of public access to those resources. Hunting and fishing are woven into the cultural fabric of America. The strategies outlined in this document will help ensure that those activities remain sustainable and culturally relevant for generations to come,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin.

LaBarbera with WWF Business Manager Ruth Ann Lee.


Wisconsin Chapter Reportby Charmaine Wargolet, President

As the new President of the Wisconsin Chapter, I want to thank the Board of Directors for

voting to allow me to serve in this role, and I want to thank Fred Spiewak for providing his leadership for the last two years! I have always loved my home chapter and look forward to the next two years! As some of you know, I am still Region 16 Representative and will continue to serve in that role until June 30, 2021. I also love being Reg. Rep. and watching the chapters in our region do amazing things for SCI. Sportsmen and women are a special group of people, and even after my term is up, I will continue to attend each fundraiser and do what I can to help you and our great chapters.

I wanted to ta lk f i r s t about a wonder ful initiative star ted by our national SCI, “Share the Impact.” By now I am sure you have all heard of it and I am so hoping that you have helped out with whatever amount you were able to give! Whether you gave to the nat iona l organizat ion or our Wisconsin chapter or the national online auction in August, it is all appreciated! Our outf it ters do so much for our hunting industry and so many of them donate to our chapter fundraisers, so it was important that in these desperate times we show them our gratitude by helping them in their time of need. We work so hard at trying to save hunting for future generations, but if half of the guides or outfitters are out of business, we won’t have the hunting opportunities we have always enjoyed. If you have not given but would still like to, you can contact either me at 262-544-6424 or our chapter’s Executive Assistant, Janean at 262-437-0097.

I have some other exciting news I wanted to share with all of you!

The board of directors realize these are somewhat uncertain times, but we are in the process of planning the 2021 Grand Banquet! Barring any “virus curve bal l” we wil l be having the banquet and fundraiser on March 26th- 27th, 2021 at the all new Brookfield Conference Center! It is a beautiful state of the art facility with a Hilton Garden Inn attached, and conveniently located

right off of Moorland Road by Brookfield Square shopping mall. It is a beautiful new venue and we are making plans in excited anticipation of a great event! We will also be planning a monthly meeting there, so you can get a sneak preview of the Center. Watch your mail for those details!

Due to printing timing I am writing this before our Sporting Clays event in August, so if you were there, I hope you had a great time! I will be there and know that I will. I always enjoy the camaraderie of my SCI friends and look forward to shooting at the Highlands! Also, consider joining us at the chapter Christmas party on the first Friday night of December. Watch future newsletters for more information on that event.

I would be totally remiss if I did not send out a plea to all of you for some help we need for the fundraiser. In these difficult times, some outfitters are in dire straits, some are hanging in there and some are ok and maybe are potentially willing to travel to a fundraiser and donate a hunt. We certainly do not expect a 100% donation, our hunt

committee is willing to deal. So if you have any outfitters that you have a rela-tionship with and can give them a call to see if they might be willing to talk to one of our hunt committee members, John Miller or Dan Trawicki, please, again, give Janean or myself a call and we will put John or Dan in touch with you. Or if you know one of these gentlemen, call them directly. This is one year that we truly need any help you can give us! Please give it some serious thought.

Have a great fall hunting and stay safe!!

Badgerland Chapter Report by Randy Mayes, President

Hunting has got to be the best spor t to enjoy dur ing these crazy times! It is done outdoors

and very often alone. Well how about a little “therapy!” Hunting seasons are nearly upon us so maybe we should require everyone to just go hunting or fishing every day for the next month. Sounds good to me!

I will be headed to Wyoming for a little “therapy” in a few weeks. I look forward to being “out of touch” with the rest of the country and the world for a while. Especially in these times. It truly is therapy in many ways. I am thankful that I have such a retreat. I don’t know how I would function without it. Sitting in a tree, on a mountain, in a duck blind, trudging through the brush to bust a rooster; what better ways are there to completely put it all out of your mind for a time!

Apparently some others are thinking the same way I am. For about 25 years, my friend and I have gone duck hunting in South Dakota. One unusual thing about that state is that you have to apply for a non-resident waterfowl license. In all these years, there was only one other year that we did not draw our licenses. Well this is a crazy year, let’s throw a little more fuel on the f ire. There were 30% more people applying for a waterfowl license in South Dakota this year. You guessed it, we did NOT draw our license! I guess there are a lot of people in need of therapy! Looks like we will be clearing our minds and de-stressing in North Dakota this year. Their license is over the counter.

I am guessing this is because the Canada/US border was locked up at application time. Maybe the hunters who normally hunt waterfowl in Canada decided to stay in their “home country” this season. At least the waterfowl forecast is good. There should be enough to go around!

I hope everyone reading this will have an opportunity to spend even more “therapy time” in a tree, in a blind, o n a m o u n t a i n o r busting brush to flush birds! Happy Hunting!

Add Your Name to LegacyFor nearly 30 years, the Badgerland

Chapter has been offering schol-arships at the UW Stevens Point

for Wildlife majors. During this time, in addition to providing scholarships, we created and have been adding to an endowment fund. Our goal is to have

the funds in this account to be able to offer these much needed scholarships in perpetuity.Below is a letter from our most recent recipient. If you are inter-ested in donating specifically to this fund, please contact us at [email protected]

Crappie Fishing

Family f ishing is usually not a crappy experience. But Mike LaBarbera said fishing with his

wife and kids can be a “crappie expe-rience.” Here’s Ashley, Jameson and Kavan with a variety of fish caught “up north” on a recent family get-away.


Northeast Wisconsin Chapter Reportby Marty Witczak, President

If there is any silver lining to the past number of months, it would be that our favorite time of the year is here.

Hopefully, we can all find a few minutes to check out our favorite spot on the hills, timber or on the water. Let me bring you up to speed with Northeast Wiscons in SCI. Your board has continued to meet on a monthly basis. At t imes unique, but we made i t happen. Anything from conference calls, which can be a challenge with a dozen board members all trying to speak at once. To meeting at places of employment and having pizza deliv-ered, to finally getting back to our usual setting at a local establishment that has always welcomed our group. Our annual members meeting, and elec-tions was rescheduled for September, and we are up to compliance.

Moving forward and looking for better horizons for our chapter its busi-ness as usual. We have a bright outlook for our next Hunters Expo and banquet to be held February 19th, 20th and 21st, 2021, in tandem w i th the Wisconsin State Hunting Expo, at the newly constructed Resch Expo Center in Green Bay, formerly Brown County Arena and Shopko Hall. This new

venue wi l l of fer great conve n i e nce fo r ou r three-day event in 2021. Melissa Bachmann from “Wincheste rs Dead ly Passion” will be in atten-dance all three days and welcomes your conversa-t ion at the Wisconsin State Hunting Expo. The d i n n e r b a n q u e t o n Saturday evening will sell out in advance, so be sure to get your reserva-tions in early.

S C I N o r t h e a s t Wisconsin once again has a full schedule of members meetings scheduled for September through May, meeting in multiple cities and locations. This is a great opportunity to meet other members and take in the outstand ing presentat ions f rom members that have hunted across the globe. All the programs and locations are listed on the chapter web page. If you are interested in presenting a past or future hunt, contact our program director, Walt Janke at 920-470-6444, or email [email protected].

Our chapter would like to congratu-late Kur t Walbeck from “Outdoor

Bound TV”. Many of you know and recognize Kurt as he has done an outstanding job of being our Emcee for the Saturday evening dinner banquet during expo weekend. Kurt’s weekly program is currently airing on dozens of stations in Canada and the U.S. on multiple networks, and now we are for tunate to view his program on Saturday and Sunday mornings on the CW 14 based in Green Bay. Check it out!

Any and all information listed above can be found on the chapter website www.scihunterexpo.com

SE WI Bowhunters Chapter Reportby Alex Valley, President

These are strange and historic times. I’m optimistic that the post-pandemic future will be good

for all of us who understand the value of spending time outdoors.

Weekends spent with friends and family are always a highlight of each year, especially in the fall, but there is one event that myself and the rest of the Bowhunters Chapter have been looking forward to s ince our last Annual Banquet! We expect the next one to be bigger and better than ever with tons of great raffle items and new hunts added to the program. The gun and bow boards are sure to be a hit; you’ll want to make sure you get in on those!

We welcome new chapter members, board members and volunteers to participate and to pitch in as we all try to find time to plan chapter activities, update the website sciwibowhunters.com, and work with outfitters, vendors and hunting gear marketers.

Our SCI SE WI Bowhunters Chapter was founded in 1998 by a group of friends who were passionate about the

outdoors and protecting our sporting heritage, especially here in the great state of Wisconsin. That group of friends was looking to form an organization that would push for improving whitetail deer hunting and for managing the deer herd in a responsible, sustainable way. Knowing SCI’s longstanding history of fighting for hunting rights and for smart conservation, it was clear that becoming an SCI chapter would be the way to go.

If you feel the same way, now would be a good time to email [email protected] to explore volunteer possibil-ities with me. No commitment; just let me know you’re interested in helping the cause and sharing in the fun and rewarding chapter activities, or at least learning more about the options.

You’ll find that we are very flexible and welcome any amount of time, energy or expertise you might decide to contribute to SCI Bow Chapter.

I can tell you that we are committed to great fundraisers with a focus on quality over quantity and an enjoyable experi-ence for al l at tendees. Proceeds historically have funded efforts focused

on tackling key issues for Wisconsin sportsmen and women such as T-zone, Earn-a-Buck, railroad crossings for land access, wolf predation, and CWD along with many other projects and causes. For example, we have been instrumental in the creation and success of the huge Midwest Outdoor Heritage Education Expo, one of the three largest free youth outdoor skills events in the world, and we support conservation education and hunting exposure to ensure hunting continues for generations to come.

If you agree that this is important work, I welcome your email.

Lake Superior Chapter Reportby Burl Johnson, President

Some of the chapter news since the last issue of our award-winning regional HUNTERS magazine is

that we reached out to our members and friends to announce, “It’s Election Time.”

Every two years we have a changing of the guards. It’s time to elect Board Members and Officers of the Lake Superior Chapter of SCI.

We always welcome individuals who are willing and able to make a difference in our community, who want to hold the responsibility of a leader, and who are willing to uphold honor and integrity.

Whether you have been interested in becoming a Board Member or have questions about future service, please contact us. We would love to add new voices and perspectives, along with more ideas and interest in the chapter’s mission.

It’s not an overwhelming duty as everyone does their part. We don’t expect you to do SCI chapter work every day or every week. For most of us it takes maybe a day a month and a about two

weeks a year, depending on what committees you choose for yourself and whether you want to serve as an officer. It’s all up to you, and we understand that some people from time to time have more pressing commitments, while at other times have more free time and energy to share as we all pitch in to help the greater cause for hunters’ rights, wildlife and conservation.

As an officer or member of the board, everyone also has a vote on where we spend chapter funds. We receive a number of requests for funding every year. If you want to make sure the funding goes to where you believe it should go, please become a Board Member.

Our current Board Members are:Burl Johnson Brooke JohnsonGreg Johnson Jennifer DumsDarren Dums Scott OlsonTerry Pittman John SchmitStephanie Hanson Steve LarsonBob Pace Jay LinkSara Miles Dave JaegerKateri Dornbusch Jim DohmJohn Unze

We also have sponsorship opportuni-ties. Sign up and get your business noticed while supporting a great cause.

Here is contact information if you might want to be a sponsor or a Board Member in the future: Burl Johnson’s email is [email protected]. Or you can text or call 715-821-1000 (might be busy but I will call you back).

Whether or not you become a sponsor, officer or Board Member, you can still take an active role in the chapter’s success. Please check out our chapter website at sci-lakesuperior.org. Also watch for dates and details of future events, including SCI Lake Superior Chapter’s 2021 Banquet & Fundraiser again at Grand Casino Hinckley.

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Hunt Report:

My Trail to a Wolfby Ron McClintic

Growing up in southern Indiana in the 1960s and ’70s, in the middle of farm country, I had few

hunting opportunities. I shot a lot of squirrels, and we occasionally tried to chase rabbits and quail, but there was little good ground, and no one had a suitable dog.

Three years ago, Padre, my English setter, joined the family. He is an

excellent family dog and, as near as I can tell, everything a person could want in a pointer. He and I get a real kick out of pheasants. At the same time, I made a l ist of once-in-a-l i fetime hunts I wanted to pursue, in alternating years. The list included bear, elk, moose and wolves, in no particular order.

It turned out that bear was first on the list. Dick at Winoga Lodge in Sioux

Lookout, Ontario, hooked me up. It was an enjoyable week learning about Winoga Lodge, sitting alone in a stand, and shooting a modest black bear. The rug we had made looks great hanging on a knotty pine wall in the “bare” spot. Yeah, my wife groans, too, every time I say that.

After the bear, I returned to Winoga for a wolf hunt in January 2014. Dick

Ron and his first moose.



and I drove nor th f rom Sioux Lookout for about an h o u r i n h i s s n ow p l ow pickup with snowmobiles trailered behind. Then we snowmobiled 13 miles to a f ly-in f ishing cabin Dick maintains. It was my first attempt on a snowmobile. It was a big machine, pulling a big gear sled. I am not sure I proved I can drive a snow-mobile, but I did prove I could get one stuck.

We spent a week in the cabin with no running water and no electricity except a small generator for lights a few hours at night. It was heated by wood stove, with propane for the cook stove and refrig-erator. Despite the average outdoor temperature of minus-25 F, the cabin was snug and warm, with a stunning view of the snow-covered lake, where 200 yards out was the bait.

However, there were no wolves. We baited, we called, we went to another lake to fish and put fresh fish guts on the bait. Dick even made a lot of noise one morning and snowmobiled back to the truck and went to town for some errands, leaving me alone and hoping to fool any nearby wolves. Nothing.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Dick is a g rea t guy and we had many

interesting conversations. One night, Dick traded me a moose tenderloin for the bacon-wrapped fillet I brought. Wow, I now wanted a moose. I offered to trade the next night, but one was all Dick would part with, and I did not blame him. It was delicious. The day we left for home it was minus-38 F, and getting the machines started was in doubt for a while. All in all, it was an awesome trip.

Before I lef t, I made it known I wanted a moose hunt. I made my reservation and in October 2015 returned to Winoga.

This time I stayed at the main lodge in Sioux Lookout. I ar r ived on a

Sunday, and on Monday morning predawn, Dick and I got in a 16-foot aluminum boat and headed upriver. We saw seven moose that morning, ending with two cows on the west shore. We snuck past them, landed out of sight, crept around a point, and there was the bull.

Dick says, “Shoot him.” I quickly lined up and shot. I knew it

was good, but Dick says, “Hit him again.” So, I did.

He said, “Hit him again.” “Didn’t I hit him?” He replied, “Yes, you hit him, but he

is not down, so hit him again.” Before I could, the moose dropped.

Upon inspection, both shots were killing shots, both going through heart and lungs. Moose just seem to take a while to fall.

We tagged him and returned to the lodge to get Dick’s son Troy.

Troy dressed and quartered the moose, and we loaded the parts on the boats to head to the cooler – but not before setting up a bait station for wolves with miscellaneous moose parts.

We had the moose in the cooler before noon the first day.

I put my Accuguard .300 Win Mag away and got out the Accuguard .243 Win, and Dick took me back to the bait to see if a wolf could be had.

Off and on all week, I monitored the bait, sometimes from shore, some-times from the river as we fished. I got my moose, and my limit of walleye and northern, but did not see a wolf. A final inspection of the bait indicated no wolf tracks at all. My theory: The wind blew

The hunt begins.

View from the stand.

Where he stopped.



offshore all week, so the scent never went inland.

At this point I became more determined than ever to get a wolf. I returned to the Northwest Sports Show the spring of 2016 in the Minneapolis Convention Center and, after talking to several outfitters, met Harry Wa lke r of Sandy R ive r Outfitters. In the area Harry hunts, moose hunting has been halted, but you can take two wolves. There may be many reasons for the moose population being so low, but a large wolf popu-lation is cer tainly one of them. Determined to get a wolf, it seemed exactly what I was looking for.

Arriving at Sandy River outfitters, on the east bank of the Winnipeg River about 50 miles north of Winnipeg, my guide Jim greeted me at the door. On the TV, Green Bay was beating Houston. I ca l l ed my w i fe when I arrived, as my cell phone worked, too. I kind of prefer hunting and fishing where there is no T V, no ce l l service, no internet. It is getting harder and harder to truly get away from it all.

The next day, the hunting wou ld beg in . Hang ing outside my bedroom door were two wolf pelts that were about average size or maybe a little above average, Jim said. I wanted one, oh, boy, did I want one. At the time, I decided this was it for wolf hunting. If I could not get one this time, then it was not meant to be.

I sat in the blind an hour before sunrise the first day. Jim took me and some fresh bait on a 10-minute four-wheeler ride to the blind. While he refreshed the bait station, I climbed into the blind, got the propane heater going and settled in for the day. The bait was 179 yards out by my rangefinder, in a clearing of about an acre, give or take. The sky was completely overcast; my world was black and white.

Around 8:30 a.m., I thought I saw movement in the brush beyond. I put away the Kindle, grabbed the binos and

started watching. In a few minutes, a wolf came out of the brush. He was very skittish, never going all the way to the bait. I got the rifle ready and tracked him in the scope but never got a shot. He disappeared. I went back to reading.

An hour later he was back, but again never actually going to the bait. I put the scope on him, knowing I had to be ready if he stopped for a second. He stopped, I shot, I missed, and he ran like his tail was on fire. A swing and a miss. Now at least I had seen a wolf. Bob and Tom, the other two hunters in camp, did not even see one. Dinner was good.

We woke to about six inches of snow and it was steadily coming down. When sunrise came, it found me in a gray

world with barely enough visibil ity to see the bait. I watched, I read, and glassed the brush best I could. I started to eat lunch, glanced up, and there was a wolf.

Grabbing my earmuffs and the gun, I opened the window and got organized. This was a dif ferent wolf. B i g g e r, l e s s s k i t t i s h . I tracked him as he walked a ro u n d, a n d w h e n h e crouched to do his busi-n e s s , I s h o t h i m . H e d r o p p e d l i k e a r o c k . I watched for a moment, then grabbed the cell to text Jim to come get me. When I looked up again, I saw the wolf’s head up – he was trying to crawl. Turns out the shot broke his spine.

Before I could get the rifle on him, he disappeared in the brush. I got my gear on and went to have a look. His trail was easy to spot, and it was obvious he was mor ta l l y wounded. But I wanted to wait for Jim and Harry, hoping the wolf would not go too far before he died. When they showed up 10 minutes later, we followed the trail for about 100 yards and there he was.

I t w a s a b i g m a l e . Beautiful thick coat. Harry recommended I do a full body mount. My wife may

have other ideas. She is fine with a hide, or even a rug, maybe a head mount. We will see. Harry also recom-mended I have the skull measured, as he guessed it is worth submitting to the record book. It is certainly trophy size.

The trip was a huge success. Harry runs a great operation, I have had lots of quality time alone in the woods, the other guys here on wolf hunts have been a pleasure to meet, and Jim’s cooking is first rate. And I finally got my wolf.

If you would like to look into similar adventures, contact Dick Mansfield, Winoga Lodge (www.winoga.com) and Harry Walker, Sandy River Outfitters (www.sandyriveroutfitters.com).

He's a big dog.

Quiet Kat Supports ConservationPremier e-bike company teams with Safari Club International and Deer Hunt Wisconsinby Pat Scuzzin

Quiet Kat is on a roll. While it is nearly silent as it

transports hunters far afield, the popular e-bike company is creating quite a buzz and making news that is loud and clear around the world. SCI and other conser vat ion leaders welcome what they are seeing and hearing.

So, too, are hunters and members of the outdoor media.

Quiet Kat recently announced a part-nership with SCI World Headquarters to benefit members, chapters and SCI’s mission on behalf of hunters, habitat and wildlife. According to Quiet Kat President Justin Roach, “This exclusive deal making Quiet Kat the of f icial o f f - road e -b i ke o f Sa fa r i C l ub International will include Quiet Kat bikes a n d a c c e s s o r i e s f o r members and for chapters to use for fund-raising. Stay tuned, man, as we roll-out de ta i l s i n the months ahead.”

Quiet Kat also renewed its sponsorship of “Deer H u n t W i s c o n s i n ,” t h e award-winning annual TV special produced by SCI L i f e M e m b e r M a r k LaBarbera and SCI chapter member Dan Small. For nearly 40 years, Small has hosted the show on public television. Joining some SCI chapters that sponsor “Deer

Hunt Wisconsin,” Quiet Kat’s sponsor-ship helps the show reach a mass public audience with key images and messages about the hunters historic and important role in wildlife conserva-tion. It also helps reach targeted audiences beyond public TV via Fox Sports North in five states and Fox Sports Wisconsin.

Important to SCI’s mission locally and nationally, and especially the recent focus on recruitment, retention and reactivation, this valuable program creates awareness and interest at a critical time of year, which DNR and SCI R3 professionals stress as key first steps in the process.

Foreward-think ing SCI chapter leaders in the region said they are proud to support Small’s big efforts even in pandemic times when funding is tight

“because it’s vital not to lose th is h igh ly visible and successful h u n t i n g o u t r e a c h program and not to lose future genera-tions of new hunters, b o t h y o u t h a n d adults!”

This year’s “Deer H u n t W i s c o n s i n ” includes video from the Wisconsin mother whose fam i l y has found success afield

with their Quiet Kat bikes. You can see the buck she shot last year and read her story in this issue.

“It was eye-opening and easy to use the Quiet Kat wi th a l l of i ts pract ica l features for hunters,” said LaBarbera, who owns a Quiet Kat and a trailer to pull gear and deer behind it. The features he mentioned allow him to “get to wherever you want to go and in any kind of weather, off-road or on road, rough terrain or clear paths, good or bad weather. It also helps me not raise a

sweat on most rides in, which also limits my scent and the post-sweat chills.”

He said it had been more than a decade since he rode a bike, but it was easy to instantly master the fat tire e-bike with adjustable seat and intuitive controls.

While checking trail cams, filming for the show and hunting, he said he just lays the bike at the base of the stand, leaving no scent trail coming in or out, so wary whitetails don’t know he’s there or that he has been there.

When “Deer Hunt Wisconsin” airs with footage from him, Dan and Dave



“If I can use something l ike my Quiet Kat bike so I don’t blow the big bucks out of an area,” he added, “I’ll use that.”

He said it will absolutely improve hunter success and enjoyment.

Another indicator that Smal l’s, LaBarbera’s and Shockey’s favorite e-bike is on a roll made big news this summer as Jeep Automotive chose Quiet Kat as their official partner for the new Jeep e-bike.

Quiet Kat President Justin Roach said the new Jeep bike has plenty of features and accessories for SCI members and others to make the most of their time outdoors before, during and after the hunting seasons.

For the mechanically inclined SCI members, here are a few technical specifications and features:

• Mid-Drive Motor/Class: 750W Nominal 150W Peak (Class 1 or 2)

• Battery / Range: 14.5ah/48V, 30-60 miles

Roll, in November, it will also include a beautiful cinematic segment with SCI member, professional outfitter and media celebrity Jim Shockey as he embraces the benefits of Quiet Kat for scouting and hunting.

As Jim Shockey says, “Quiet Kat is the premium off-road electric hunting machine used to access my hunting

location quickly, quietly while leaving no trace.”

He also talks about making the most of scouting and your t ime af ie ld, reminding hunters and non-hunters alike that the kill and the hunt are only a small part of the total outdoor experi-ence. He mentions the valuable role of certain technology as tools to enhance that experience.

“During the last 40 years that I’ve been a professional in this industry,” he said, “I’ve seen some quantum leaps in technology; trail cameras for one. The inline muzzleloaders for another, and compound bows.”

Shockey, in the upcoming “Deer Hunt Wisconsin” segment also says, “I’m a huge proponent of using ethical means of increasing your odds regard-less of how tiny that increase might actually be. And now we have things like vehicle improvements that I think are the next big step, and especially my Quiet Kat bike.”

Jeep® e-Bike powered by QuietKat EAGLE, CO – The Jeep e-Bike

powered by Quiet Kat with respected engineering and

technology—paired with Jeep’s rugged of f-road legacy—has created the most capable mountain bike in existence and it will be avail-able at select Jeep and Quiet Kat dealers with a star ting MSRP of $5,899.00.

Powered by a 750W electric motor, which delivers 160nm of torque through a pedal assist or thumb throttle, the Jeep e-Bike is powerful enough to take riders deep into the backcountry. The Jeep e-Bike is built on a fat-tire platform with 4.8” tires and features a true four bar linkage as par t of i t s 120mm Fire-L ink™ suspension system paired with a 150mm inver ted fork providing unmatched capability, traction and control over the roughest terrain. A wide-range drivetrain delivers all the torque you need to climb the steepest hills and reach speeds up to 20MPH. Slowing down the Jeep E-Bike in even the most technical situations is easy with the help of Tektro four-piston hydraulic disk brakes paired with 203mm rotors.

“The Jeep e-Bike has set the bar for perfor-mance and capability in the mountain bike

category,” said Justin Roach, president of QuietKat. “Partnering with a renown brand like Jeep has allowed us to create an incredible e-Bike for people who are looking for an adven-ture. The Jeep e-Bike will give Jeep owners, overland enthusiasts and thrill-seekers the ability to go further off the grid than ever before.”

The Jeep e-Bike is compatible with QuietKat’s full range of accessories, which include trailers,

racks, bags, l ights and more allowing owners to customize their Jeep e-Bike according to specific interests and hobbies like hunting, fishing camping and exploring the great outdoors. Available in a 17”

(Medium) and 19” (Large) frames, the Jeep e-Bike will accommodate a variety of riders. The Jeep e-Bike will ship as a Class 2 electric bicycle and can also be easily converted to a Class 1 to comply with trail regulations.

The Jeep E-Bike is available at dealers nationwide and can also be purchased online at www.quietkat.com/2020-jeep-bike/. To find a dealer v i s i t h t t p s : / / q u i e t k a t . c o m /retailers-page/.

ABOUT QUIETKATQuiet Kat is a premiere e-bike

manufac turer based in Eag le, Colorado. Founded in 2012, Quiet Kat has been producing powerful e-bikes aimed at outdoor enthusiasts for more than six years. The rugged design and clean integration of technology makes QuietKat the obvious choice for adventurers that want to go further for hunting, fishing, camping and exploring the great outdoors! For more infor-mation on Quiet Kat, please visit quietkat.com or facebook.com/QuietKatEBike.

• Gears:10-Speed• Brakes: 4-Piston Hydraulic Disc• Suspension: 150mm Air

Suspension Fork/RockShox Monarch RL Rear Shock

• Tires: Poly 26” x 4.8” Fat-Tire• Weight: 79 lbs• Load Capacity: 300 lbs• Color: JEEP• Sizes: 17” S/M, 19” M/L• Price: $5,899–$6,177• 160nm Torque

• Torque Sensor + 2 Speed Sensors

• Removable Thumb Throttle / Pedal Assist

• Configurable as Class 1 or 2Roach said the 10-speed drive train

gears and the hydraulic disc brakes with four pistons are great for climbing hil ls and coming back down on a comfortable and controlled descent.

He said, “Quiet Kat mountain bikes are surprisingly well-balanced for

climbing steep hills in rugged terrain. Gear down, start pedaling, open the throttle and take it on! Just don’t let that front tire leave the ground.”

He also noted that the company has a full line of accessories to help you haul game and gear, like extra batteries, chargers, pannier bags and racks, cargo trailers, handlebar bags, dry packs, daypacks, fenders, rhino grips, bike lights, bike racks, on-the-trail maintenance tools, and more.

Small is BIGNation’s best outdoor media present top honors to SCI member Dan Small.

There is an SCI member who calls himself “Small,” but once again he has been honored by others, far and wide, as a giant

and a big influence on others.We know that some people here look up to

Dan Small of Westby, Wisconsin, seeing him as larger than life when they meet him in person at a chapter event or local sports show. SCI member Rex Koderl quipped, “You know, good things come in a Small package.”

Outside of Wisconsin, we have seen that others respect and admire Dan Small, and see him as a really big deal.

Proof came again last week when the Outdoor Writers Association of America gave him its pres-tigious Jade of Chiefs Award.

“This award was established in 1958 as OWAA’s top conservation honor,” explained OWAA presenter Matt Miller. “It represents an affirmation of OWAA adherence to, and support of, the principles of conservation. In 1963 the recipients of the award were recognized as the Conservation Council for the organization. As such, it is OWAA’s conservation conscience. Or as Jade recipient Art Carhart once said, the one thing all recipients have in common is that they are ‘supporters of all that keeps this a living world.’” Past recipients include some of the biggest names in conservation commu- nications.

Miller added, “Past recipients of this award have received a long list of other honors, but I believe this is the first time that one has been the subject of a commemorative bobble-head.”

Small has won more than 300 awards nation-ally and regionally for his work in radio, TV and print but the Jade is the biggest.

“I was speechless, and humbled,” Small replied when we asked how he felt about the honor.

During the award presentation at the OWAA national convention, Miller noted, “Another thing that comes up again and again when discussing

this individual is a refusal to compromise. During a time when much outdoor programming creates a fake sense of drama, with editing to make a routine whitetail hunt seem like the host is about to discover Bigfoot, our recipient shows the outdoors like it is, with real people in real places.”

He said, “In an era when many outdoor jour-nalists claim the field has become one for specialists, with everyone having their niche, our recipient seemingly does it all. If it has any connection to the outdoors, this person has likely covered it.”

People know Small from his 36 years as host/producer of the “Outdoor Wisconsin” TV series. He has been bringing the outdoors into our living rooms since its premiere in November 1984. For almost that long, he has also been producing “Deer Hunt Wisconsin” TV specials. Sometimes we take for granted the people who are always there, doing a great job, reliably delivering week after week; and it takes others from outside of here to help us recognize how blessed we still are after almost four decades with Dan Small.

While some media personalities focus on themselves, Small turns the camera on members, local tourism personalities and venues, mentors, kids and outdoorswomen, or simply the natural resources opportunities that are accessible to everyone.

His enthusiasm for Wisconsin and the outdoor lifestyle is contagious.

His TV work alone is worthy of accolades. Yet, his TV and online videos are only one Small layer.

He delivers another layer every week on “Outdoors Radio with Dan Small.”

Conservation themes are woven into his TV and radio stories about outdoor people, new products, adventures and destinations in a way that makes you want to meet those people and go to those places to enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities that Small shares with all of us. And he does it freely.

Anyone can hear him anytime at Lake-link.com/radio if you miss his free weekly program on 17 radio stations throughout Wisconsin.

Wherever he goes, Dan Small enjoys helping local businesses connect with new customers. He welcomes new sponsors and advertisers like you welcome buddies into your home. And he shares his valuable endorsement, tips and connections with the generosity of a mentor who simply wants to see others succeed in the outdoor marketplace that has given him so much joy.

A couple other layers that make Small a big influence are his writing and photography. His award-winning work appears regularly in Wisconsin Outdoor News. His credits include Outdoor Life, Sports Afield, and others.

Anyone who has met Dan Small in person, knows he is a great Master of Ceremonies and guest speaker. You can tell that he honestly enjoys meeting people and hearing their stories, and he welcomes their invitations to share hunting, fishing and other adventures.

He’s not a guy who will tell you about his PhD in French Literature, or his tenure at Northland College as a Professor, PR Director and Chair of the Humanities Division before being chosen for “Outdoor Wisconsin.”

He would rather hear about your adventures, especially if they involve hunting or fishing.

He’s not likely to talk about his resume as former Editor of Outdoors News, or service as director of Friends of Milwaukee’s Rivers, Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation, Wisconsin Outdoor Communicators Association, Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers and Outdoor Writers Association of America.

He would rather visit with you about fly-fishing for muskies, foraging for wild edibles or hunting for deer and turkey.

Small qualities like these are big, explaining why Dan Small is recognized and praised nation-ally by peers, conservation leaders and the outdoor industry.



Mom’s First Bow Buckby Mark LaBarbera

Lori Wittkopp and her family rolled quietly to their deer stands. The central Wisconsin woods was

alive with autumn’s warm colors.“We all rode in together on our

bikes,” said the mother of two young boys. “My stand was not too far from my oldest son Gunner’s stand.”

She la id her Quiet Kat on the ground, hooked her safety vest to the rope lifeline and her bow to her pull-up string, and climbed into her ladder stand.

“Not long after getting settled into m y s t a n d , I s a w a n i c e b u c k approaching. I had plenty of time to watch it and get ready,” she recalled.

Lori grew up hunting on her grand-parents’ farm near Black River Falls. The Wittkopp hunting cabin is near the old farm.

She said, “Hunting was just part of what we did, and, to me, it was a normal thing. It was fun when everyone got together, and I still look forward to it.”

She has a twin sister who was “not really into hunting.” Lori, on the other hand, loves the outdoors, hunting, f ishing, photographing nature and cook ing the wi ld har vest, which

surprises some neighbors and new friends as they get to know her.

“Those that don’t know me that well assume I don’t hunt,” she said, “A lot of women are surprised that I hunt, and that it’s another thing that you can do with your family. I also tell them that quiet time in the deer stand also gives you a little break so you can relax.”

Her husband Jeff is an avid hunter and angler, great mentor and, in his spare time away from his full-time job, he’s an active promoter of the outdoors through his Lowe Creek Outdoors brand. Gunner’s younger brother, Grant, rounds out the hunting party, along with grandpa Jim. They al l e n c o u r a g e d L o r i ’s i n t e r e s t i n bowhunting.

She credits her e-bike with making it all more enjoyable, letting her either peddle or engage the electric motor. The Wittkopp family know the bikes can be used w i thout the motor engaged on all state bicycle trails. If the motor is engaged, the bikes are allowed on some trails if speed does not exceed 15 mph. E-bike news is at dnr.wi.gov, search “e-bikes.” If an e-bike is “capable” of going 30 mph, state law says it’s a motorcycle, not a bicycle.

“Hunting on e lectr ic bikes has changed a lot for me,” Lori said. “It used to take a half-hour to get to my stand. Now it takes like five minutes. I used to get sweaty. Now I don’t even get warmed up. I love the electric bikes, and my kids love them.”

She also credits the e-bike with giving her more time in the stand and more time to relax. That is, until that nice buck showed up.

He was soon joined by others.“A nubbin’ buck showed up, and the

big buck didn’t like that, so he shooed it away,” she said. “Then a little four-po inte r showed up and s ta r ted sparring with the big buck.”

She said calmly, “While the two of them were fighting, I took advantage of it. They had their heads down. I drew back and shot the bigger buck. It was a good shot and he died in about 100 yards.”

How did she feel?“I was very excited about shooting

my first buck,” she said, noting that she had taken antlerless deer with her other bow.

They loaded the buck onto a bike trailer and let the e-bike do the work of getting it out of the woods easily and with no damage.

Lori was interviewed by Dan Small and Dave Roll for the “Deer Hunt Wisconsin” TV special airing in November 2020.

The Wittkopp family uses Quiet Kat e-bikes to minimize their scent trail and move quietly and quickly to even their most distant deer stands. Their bike trailer carried Lori’s buck.


Using enhanced biosecurity and cutting-edge technology, modern scent companies are ensuring their products are safe and effectiveby Shane Johnson

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is caused by a misfolded protein called a prion, and while the

exact mechanism of infection still eludes scientists, minimizing exposure to prions is a key strategy to reduce the spread of the disease. Prions are found in the tissues of infected deer, with the highest concentrations in the brain, central nervous system and lymph nodes, but also in the muscles and other locations. Prions have also been found at far lower concentrations in excreta- feces, sal iva, and ur ine. Detecting prions in urine proved difficult because the concentrations were so low that traditional measurement methods were unable to detect them, but the application of a testing method called Real Time Quaking Induced Conversion (RT-QuIC ™) has made detection possible.

Using natural deer urine as an attrac-tant and cover scent has been a human hunting strategy for thousands of years. Estrous does during the rut signal their breeding status to bucks with the pres-ence of chemical compounds in their urine, so using scents collected from does in heat is a particularly useful technique. An industry has developed to supply these products to hunters, with recognizable brands on the shelves of most sporting goods stores and midwestern gas stations such as Tinks® and Wildlife Research Center®.

The scent industry like most outdoor product companies relies on a healthy and vibrant deer and deer hunter popu-lation, so the discovery of CWD prions in urine had the potential to devastate the industry. Scent manufacturers needed to understand if they were part of a bigger problem and if they could be part of a solution.

Together with leaders from the Archery Trade Association, major scent companies reviewed their supply chain to determine how to ensure that their products came from CWD-free sources. While there are thousands of deer farms around the United States, the number of facilities that seriously collected urine for the scent industry was relatively small. An even smaller set of farms were developing biosecurity protocols to protect their deer, and these biosecurity standards were reviewed and formal-ized in developing the ATA Deer Protection Program.

To qualify for the ATA Deer Protection Program a deer farm must be partici-pating in the USDA’s Herd Certification Program, and they must be a “closed herd” for at least five years. A closed herd is one where no new animals have been moved into it, and therefore no infected but undiagnosed deer from outside have been introduced. I f animals are moved out, they must be tracked until they die or are slaughtered and tested for CWD. Facilities in the program are inspected every year by accredited veterinarians, including the animals, fences, and records. At least every three years 100% of the animals are inspected. Any facility within 30 miles of a CWD infection are required to be double fenced (to enhance contain-ment and prevent infection from the outside), and most facilities in the program are double fenced even if they are nowhere near a CWD infection.

Meeting the standards set out in the ATA Deer Protection Program are

difficult, and to date less than a dozen deer farms have done so, but these producers have the capacity to meet the current demand in the market. Scent manufacturers that exclusively use urine from ATA Deer Protection Program sources can use the ATA Checkmark logo on their packaging [see attached image], indicating to retailers and hunters that the source of the scent is as safe as possible.

For some regulators this advance-ment was su f f i c i ent. M ich igan, Montana, A labama, Tennessee, Louisiana and Kentucky all require deer urine scents used by hunters in their states come from ATA Deer Protection Program Sources.

Not all state government wildlife regulators are satisfied with the ATA Deer Protect ion Program, e i ther because they are distrustful of the deer farming industry in general or believe that a small risk exists that infected urine could still get to market. In 2018 these regulators proposed banning all urine based scents because “There is currently no rapid, cost effective test to determine if collected urine contains prions” in the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Technical Report on Best Management Pract ices for Surveillance, Management and Control of Chronic Wasting Disease.

The problem is: their claim is not true. The same test that was used by University researchers to discover the presence of prions in urine, RT-QuIC, has been adopted and implemented by scent manufacturers to confirm that the scents that they put in their bottles does not contain prions. One of the lead authors of many of the CWD articles that have been publ ished, peer reviewed, and cited by wildlife mana-gers has established a specialized lab in California called CWD Evolution LLC specifically to test scent products for the presence of prions. Dr. Davin Henderson, a PhD. Biochemist, is working with most of the participants in the ATA Deer Protection Program to supply hunters with a sufficient safe supply of attractant scents.

L ike the ATA Checkmark, the RT-QuIC logo is being used on pack-aging so consumers and retailers know that the scent they are purchasing has been tested. [see attached logo] Before urine is bottled and distributed to the public these manufacturers submit samples from every lot of urine to the laboratory, which tests and certifies that no prions were detected. The manufac-turer is then authorized to label the product with the RT-QuIC logo and sell it to hunters.

Occasionally state wildlife managers will try to make the case that the use of scents is a risk because it unnaturally congregates deer, and therefore makes disease transmission more likely. This claim is not based on any data and is counter to the observations and expe-rience of both hunters and researchers. Urine based scents can pique a deer’s curiosity, drawing them into a shooting lane long enough for a clean shot, but

they only affect those deer that pass within the scenting range of the set, but deer do not continually return to scent sets and definitely do not congregate around them as they do to food sources. And consider the fact that the average hunter uses scents from a one-ounce bottle for the season, p lac ing one or two sets around their stand. A wild deer urinates six or more times a day, depositing 42 to 64 fluid ounces per day. The idea that hunter placed scents are significant is mathematically ridiculous. Wild deer are depositing urine scent sets around the woods wherever they go, and they are doing it 365 days a year – not for few days a year like average hunters.

Chronic Wasting Disease is a serious issue, requiring serious focus by hunters and managers to protect the long-term sustainability of the deer population. While the CWD risk from scents was

small to start with, the response from serious and engaged companies has enabled hunters to maintain their hunting traditions while making the disease risk essentially zero.

Best Practices for Hunting with Scents in CWD Era1. Use only scents from ATA Deer

Protection Program Sources that have the ATA Checkmark.

2. Use only scents that have been tested for prions via the RT-QuIC test and have the logo.

3. Use removeable scent wicks, and take them from the field when you are not hunting

4. Place scent wicks six feet off the ground to minimize contact and maximize scent dispersal

5. Only use estrous scents near or during the rut

6. Consider fox or raccoon scents for cover scents

7. Incorporate scent control/elimina-tion practices

Deer Scent Companies Addressing CWD Concerns



by George Swiderski

Considering all the unpredictable hunting and often hazardous tracking I had done in exotic

spots on three different continents, I never would have imagined that the narrowest escape I would have with wildlife would happen practically in my own backyard. Every year the hunting season in Wisconsin opens on the weekend before Thanksgiving and triggers a “buck fever” among hunters.

That year I planned to hunt with my friend Gary. He was one of the first people who came to work for me when I first opened my taxidermy studio. For years Gary had been inviting me to join him on his annual hunting expeditions to the property of a local farmer he knew in southwest Wisconsin. He always traveled with a group of friends, and since I am not a big fan of group hunting, especially with people I don’t know, I always declined this offer.

This year, however, we agreed that just the two of us would go, and I was looking forward to spending time in this beautiful area of rolling hills, valleys, and ravines which bordered the Mississippi River.

We left at noon the day before the season opened, and after three hours we arrived at the motel where Gary had already made a reservation the previous year. We had plenty of time to go to the local shooting range to check our rifles and make sure our sights were right on target. As usual, I had with me my favorite Weatherby .300, which I had not parted with for the last thirty years. We went to bed early since we had to be out in the woods wel l before daybreak.

At four o’clock in the morning, we got dressed and headed out. A snow flurry was coming down, and half an inch had already accumulated in the first snowfall of the season, creating perfect condi-tions for deer hunting.

We drove to the woods and walked another 15 minutes to reach our desig-nated positions at the edge of a large wooded area. I chose a spot under a huge oak tree facing two large, hilly

open fields. To my left was a runoff area from a small ravine where water drained during storms.

Gary chose to walk several hundred yards to my right and positioned himself on the edge of the woods overlooking one of the hills.

I situated myself at my cozy spot underneath the wide trunk of the oak tree. The branches were so large they almost touched the ground. While it was good camouflage for me, some of the leaves were still clinging to the branches and obscuring part of my view of the hills, where I expected to see deer on the horizon returning from their nightly feeding grounds in the soybean fields. I had with me a folding hunting seat, some candy bars, and a thermos full of hot coffee. I was very content.

After a few hours a chilly, damp breeze started to pick up, letting me know that winter was on the way, and I had to zip up my parka.

Several t imes I observed does returning from the feeding grounds over the hill to my left. I anticipated hearing a shot from the spot where Gary was hunting at any moment, but there was total silence.

It was getting close to 11:00 am, and since I did not hear Gary’s shot and I did not see anything worthwhile to take a shot at, I thought it was probably time to call it quits. I ate my candy bar and got my pipe out, and since nothing was coming my way, I decided to go to the pickup truck and wait for Gary. As I was packing my pipe, out of the left corner of my eye I saw the branches moving in the thickets less than 70 feet away, right by the little ravine.

I slowly put the unlit pipe back in my pocket, and looking closer, I realized that the moving branches were the tips of a buck’s antlers. I could not see the body, not even the head. I couldn’t even tell which direction he was facing, and looking through the scope was not much help. All I could see were the tips of the antlers as he moved slowly through the woods.

All of a sudden, the buck apparently got wind of me, and he bolted out into

the field and started racing up the hill away from me at about a thirty-degree angle. He was in a perfect position for me to take a shot as he moved to higher ground, but the dried leaves on the oak tree branches were obstructing my view. Finally, when he was about 250 yards away from me, I was able to see h im c lear ly through the opening between the branches, and I decided to take the shot. I squeezed the trigger, and the shot went off. With the sound of the shot still echoing through the woods, he dropped on his behind. A

second later, as the buck was strug-gling to get up, I frantically chambered another round and took another shot, but my gun misfired and the shot didn’t go off. A moment later he disappeared over the hill about 350 yards away.

It all happened in just a few seconds. I was devastated.

This was a huge buck, with a big rack. I had wounded him, and there was a possibility that I would now lose him. If he crossed the hill to the other side, where we did not have permission to hunt, I would not be able to track him and would have no hope of finding him.

As all of these thoughts were flashing through my mind, I was still holding up my rifle and gazing at the spot where the buck disappeared. What happened next was astonishing.

Apparently, the buck made a U-turn about a hundred yards behind the hill and started coming back. At first his head appeared beyond the horizon, and in a split second I could see his full body coming down the hill straight towards me at full speed. He was getting larger by the moment and was producing a bellowing sound, which sounded l ike a roar and a bark

combined, and it was getting louder by the second. I’d never heard or experi-enced anything like this before.

I was frantically trying to get him in my sights to take another shot. It is very dif f icult to shoot a target coming straight at you, and the branches with dead leaves were obstructing my view. I had been trying to take the shot from a standing position, and I dropped to one knee to see if there was a better opening. He was now about one h u n d re d ya rd s away a n d wa s approaching me with his head down, as if ready to spar with another rival buck,

Buck Fever


and all the time the bellowing continued without letting up.

When he was about 150 feet away, I found an opening for a clear shot.

I squeezed the trigger, but the shot did not go off. I heard an empty click, and my heart skipped a beat.

I thought my trusty Weatherby rifle must have misfired a second time, since I believed that I still had one more bullet in the chamber. In the meantime, the buck was plowing through the shrubs that separated us.

With his head down, the prongs on his rack were aimed at me like white ivory spears. His bellowing was one incredibly loud, continuous sound, and he was thrashing the shrubs in his way, which mixed with the aggressive sounds he was making. The last image I had of him consisted of two black eyes focused directly on me when he was maybe 10 feet away. At the last second, I jumped to my left, behind the huge trunk of the oak tree, and the beast passed by me with the speed of light-n i n g a n d i n a n o t h e r s e c o n d disappeared into the woods.

As I tried to regain my composure, I noticed blood all over the trail the buck had cut through the bushes as he

passed by me. My clothes were also splattered with his blood, and the wet snow that still stuck to the tree trunk from the morning’s snowfall looked as if someone had poured a full cup of blood over it. Less than five minutes had passed since the moment I first saw the buck.

I was dumbfounded. I had hunted countless animals and dozens of different species on three continents, and never in my entire hunting career had I experienced anything like this.

It was unthinkable to me that a deer, after being shot and wounded, would run so far and then turn around to charge the hunter. Sure, some species in Africa, like a leopard, would do that, but I was in Wisconsin, heartland of the USA, and only hunting “harmless” whitetail deer.

I picked up my folding seat, which the buck had knocked over, and it too was covered in blood. I took a seat, and got out my pipe to rest and catch my breath for a moment. I knew the animal was too dangerous to track right away. I lit the pipe and sat down, still a bit shaky, and tried to soak in everything that had just happened, and how close I had come to being impaled on that

buck’s impress ive rack.

A f te r a b o u t 15 minutes, I felt calm and col lected and was ready to star t following his tracks. I was certain that by now he would have bled out, and I could approach him safely. The light dusting of snow showed a clear blood trail, which I h a d n o p r o b l e m following. It started to thin out, and just then led me to a clearing cove red in d r i ed, f a l l en oak l eaves where the snow had mel ted. I concen-trated on picking up h i s t r a c k s , a n d noticed a large fallen tree lying just to my left at the entrance to the clearing.

T h e r e w a s m y buck, lying beside it,

still breathing, with his head on the trunk.

I recalled how he looked as he was coming at me with his head down and shiny tines pointing at me, and I put another bul let in him from a safe distance. I immediately got to work dressing the animal and removing the organs. When the buck first bolted, I had taken a so-called Texas heart shot at 250 yards. While it is not an ideal shot, if done properly, it can sever a major artery or the spinal cord. My shot had indeed severed his femoral artery, but had missed any vital organs. He had begun to bleed to death as he ran away. After I was done, I stood back and wondered how Gary and I would be able to get this three-hundred- plus-pound buck out of the woods. He was a six-pointer, with massive wide-spread beams—a beautiful old buck. I left him there and walked back to my oak tree.

I sat down again and tried to figure out what had happened with my rifle. I saw two .300-caliber bullets lying on the ground, one indented from the firing pin and the other without a mark. I real-ized then what must have happened. It appears that after the second shot misf ired, I must have instinctively repeated chambering a round, not real-izing the misfired bullet had already been ejected. Therefore I had ejected a perfectly good round, and had conse-quently faced the charging buck with an empty rifle. I shook my head at the thought. I had been acting automati-cally, and my actions were quicker than my thinking.

Gary arrived with the truck shortly after I returned to my tree, and I waved him over to show him the evidence of everything that had happened. “Holy crap, what happened here?” he exclaimed as he walked over and saw blood all over my clothes, the tree, and the snow. I explained the harrowing experience to him, and he stared at me in wide-eyed disbelief. Together we dragged the massive animal back to the truck.

Since my experience with that crazed buck, I have a much better under-standing of the term “buck fever.”

____________________ SCI member George Swiderski shared

this excerpt from his book “The Forester’s Son” which is available on Kindle.

Humanitarian Hunt Report:

Vet Enjoys Idaho AdventureFor years Rob Denning of Triple O

Outfitters graciously donated a hun t to SC I NE W iscons in

Chapter to pass on to a local veteran. Although Rob has recently sold his business, the new owner, Anthony Ne id l inger of Whiskey Mounta in Outfitters in Sweet Idaho is continuing this tradition. Otto Reetz, SCI’s human-itarian committee chair and president of Wounded War r io rs Un i ted of Wisconsin is in charge of making sure this all-expense paid trip will go to a well deserving veteran. The 2020 Memorial Day week hunt for bear was in the Bitterroot Mountains of Idaho.

This year’s veteran was Jerre Lerum. Jerre joined the Navy at age 17 right after high school graduation in 1965. He was assigned to the engine room of the LST Terrebone Parish and was in both the Caribbean and Mediterranean serving from 1965-1968.

Once Jerre left the military, he was employed at Gould National Batteries

for 42 years as a machinist making pistons, finally retiring in July 2010. Jerre and his wife Linda just celebrated their 50th anniversary and have three b e au t i f u l d au g h te r s a nd th re e grandchildren.

Jerre enjoys bow hunting, fishing, woodwork ing and geocach ing. Geocaching has taken Jerre to every state west of the Mississippi and many to the east. He and his wife have cached in 36 states and, on occasion, Jerre wil l cache with three of his fr iends. The Lerum’s also have a campsite in Birchwood, Wisconsin and spend a good part of May to October there enjoying friends and family.

A l t h o u g h t h i s yea r ’s hun t was uneventful in being able to get his bear it was a great time for all. Fishing for t r o u t p r o v i d e d some af ternoon

entertainment. The trout were biting so no one came home empty handed.

Last year’s guest of the chapter was Kevin Blackwell, a disabled Marine veteran who served from 1983-1987. He enjoyed his trip so much that he purchased another trip for 2020 to try and bag his second bear and enjoy more of the warm, welcoming atmo-sphere they offer at camp.

Because Ot to and Jer re were already heading to Idaho for the 2020 veteran hunt, Rob at Triple O Outfitters suggested that Kev in jo in them Memorial week. As expected, Kevin, Jerre and Otto were able to experience another great adventure.


Author’s New Book and Near-Death Experienceby Mark LaBarbera

SCI friend and Wild River Press Publisher Thomas R. Pero shared news of a great new book that

every SCI member could enjoy on your coffee table and a second one as a gift to friends, family members and busi-ness clients who love wild things and wild places.

Here are some kind words of praise for Tim Flanigan’s new masterwork, Grouse & Woodcock: The Birds of My Life, by Tom Carney, Editor of The Upland Almanac:

“Quick! If your upland bird hunting bookshelf does not have room for another inch-wide book, then cull a few pretenders. Or… get yourself another bookshelf. You want this one!

“The last book I recall that delivered prose and photography of this quality came out nearly a generation ago: Grouse of the Northshore, by Gordon Gul l ion with photography by Tim Martinson, 1984. Now you get more of each plus a wider range of topics covered in Timothy C. Flanigan’s Grouse & Woodcock: The Birds of My Life.

“Flanigan is passionate, devout, humbled, talented and skilled. He’s both a serious professional and a real gentleman. All of these qualities come through in this book, one I think you will marvel at, enjoy and treasure.”

Learn more at wildriverpress.com.

But Pero received shocking news as he read the review.

Here’s what Pero shared, “Unfortunately, as I was reading Editor Carney’s tribute, I received an alarming note directly from Tim about his having survived a near-death incident in the stifling-hot Pennsylvania woods that was so serious that it required some intensive medical attention that began, in Tim’s words, ‘with a looooong night, lying on a hospital gurney in soaking wet underwear and packed in a mountain of ice packs. Then transfer to a hospital with an ICU and a crack Lab staff to quickly analyze my bodily fluid

composition and craft the correct series of IVs to bring me back into the world.’”

Pero reported that, “Tim says he had lost all equilibrium and mental function: ‘Several falls left me looking like the loser of a bare-knuckle street fight, complete with damaged ribs, serious bruising, and facial wounds.’”

According to Pero, “It’s a gruesome story o f s e v e r e h e a t s t roke—too many hours in a hot photo blind while failing to consume and process sufficient water.”

Here’s what T im Flanigan shared, “The hospital released me last evening, and I’m recovering at home. I ’m r e t u r n i n g t o normalcy gradually and without pushing too hard.”

Pero told media friends, “Send Tim a cheery note: [email protected]. Tell him to drink seas of fresh water. And check out his stunning new black bear images!”

We’ve included a sampling of the images, along with a shot of Tim and a grouse.

Hope you order the book today and stay safe and healthy!

Conservation:

Deer Study Reaches MilestoneSCI funding continues to help DNR’s Southwest Wisconsin CWD, Deer & Predator researchers in nation-leading effort, one of the world’s largest CWD studies.by WDNR Staff

With the completion of the final c a p t u r e s e a s o n s , t h e Southwest Wisconsin CWD,

Deer and Predator study has reached an important milestone, Phase 2. This article helps partners like SCI know how chapter funds are making an historical dif ference.It reflects on the study’s progress so far and details what the next phase of the project will look like.

This CWD study is the largest, most comprehensive deer research project ever performed in Wisconsin, and it is also one of the biggest CWD studies in the world. Dan Storm, Deer Research Scientist at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and lead of the deer side of the project, said, “Its scale shows how seriously CWD is being taken.”

Storm continued, “CWD is here in a big way, and the problem is getting worse. Prevalence is increasing over time in the [counties] where it already exists and is spreading geographically. CWD is impacting a greater and greater portion of the deer population and portion of the people who interact with deer.”

We also share summaries of the data collected during capture of the 1,249 animals that comprise the study’s large sample size. These data include graphs of weight-at-capture and sex distribu-tions for all four animal groups, as well as the CWD test results for deer.

Turning Trials into TriumphAfter four years and a couple thou-

sand hours of labor, the Southwest Wisconsin CWD, Deer and Predator study is wrapping up its first phase. This first phase involved intensive field work, capturing and collaring over a thousand animals, and required a lot of work from staff and the public. However, the field crew has completed their final capture season, so the project’s focus is shifting to the next phase. Next, the team will be monitoring animals and analyzing the data from the collars.

At this transition point in the project, let’s look back at the field crew’s journey during Phase 1, starting all the way back to the first capture season.

Year 1“Preparing for that first season was

really difficult. We were rebuilding traps, picking up equipment from different parts of the state, contacting land-owners, and trying to plan,” said Wes E l l a r son, cu r re n t De e r P ro j e c t Coordinator and manager of the deer field crew for the study. “Most of the staff hadn’t done anything like it before, but we had help from a few people from

the previous deer project.” The project coordinator at the time provided valu-able training and advice to the new field crew.

But for some of the crew, the diffi-culty of the task in front of them hadn’t fully set in. “It’s hard to get someone to prepare for something they haven’t done before. It’s like telling them they are going to travel the world, but they have never been out of the state before. [The project coordinator at the time] was trying to explain to us how difficult it was going to be, and I don’t know that we really believed him. But he was right,” said Ellarson.

That first capture season was the hardest for the field crew due to more than their initial inexperience. Ellarson described the conditions they faced. “The weather was awful. It was a very muddy, warm winter. There was exposed ground almost all winter long.”

For trapping deer, the best winter the crew could have is a very cold winter with lots of snow and ice, because it covers up all the natural food and forces deer to eat the corn used as bait in the traps. The weather also caused the woods to be muddy and torn up, which made it even tougher to set up and check traps. Despite the cruddy weather, the crew knew they had to max out their captures every season if they were to achieve the project’s ambi-tious capture goals. After all, who knew what the next year’s weather would bring?

Another big challenge that first year was testing for CWD. Testing for CWD requires surgically removing a very small square of skin from the deer’s rear end. This minor incision does not have any long-term effect on the deer and is similar to accidentally cutting their leg on a rock or branch. The dif f iculty comes from collecting and storing the tissue sample under harsh conditions in the field so that it remains viable until tested back in the lab. “[Initially] there was a lot of concern about how well it was going to work, how many viable samples we would get, but we’ve been really successful. Our percentage of viable samples was higher, I think, than most people expected,” said Ellarson.

Despite these initial challenges, the field crew was able to work through the kinks and had a moderately successful first capture season. A total of 266 animals were captured over the course of the first capture season, with 161 being adult deer.

Year 2Year 2 started more solid, having

some returning crew and a lot more


experience across the board. The weather also was colder than the first, improving capture conditions for the crew. The better conditions helped the crew capture more animals the second year, bring the total animals captured that season to 343. Specifically, the number of adult deer captured that season rose to 195 (a 21% increase from the previous year).

Captures were a lot more successful for all species the second year, not just for deer. Predator numbers were fairly low the f irst year, so researchers adapted their tactics in year two. In addition to contracting with trappers to take over any trapped coyotes, the field crew upped their own trapping efforts to boost predator numbers. Thanks to a few tips from trappers, the crew dramatically improved their capture numbers for bobcats and coyotes, from 14 total predators to 44 predators.

Alex Hanrahan, the Predator Project Coordinator and manager of the pred-ator field crew, explained why capturing

predators was so hard. “With coyotes at least, because it is open season on them year-round, they are quite a bit more cautious. You have to be a bit subtler and sneakier when trying to catch them. With bobcats, it was more just trying to find them and where they liked to go. [Bobcat capture] also was about how to get their attention enough to draw them into the trap but not too interesting that it draws every racoon and opossum that goes by.”

Hanrahan said, “Our own capture efforts [seemed to] increase exponen-tially each year. With each additional year, we caught as many or more than the previous seasons.” Ellarson and Hanrahan accredited the field crew’s improved capture rate to getting more familiar with the study area and how predators used the area. The crew learned throughout the second season what types of habitat predators were hanging out in more frequently and adjusted the placement of their traps accordingly. Ellarson also mentioned an increase in their scouting efforts that helped improve the next few captures seasons.

“The hardest part was trying to decide which property to trap at and when to cu t ou r l osses,” sa id Hanrahan. “It was hard sometimes, because you may see a bobcat at a new property, when you haven’t seen one at the property you are currently trapping at for two weeks. I t is tempting to move locations right away, and sometimes that is the correct move. But that may be the only time a bobcat goes through [that new prop-erty] for three months.”

The groundwork laid during the first, tough year also granted a social boon to the crew the second year. Thanks to the positive interactions and relation-ships built with landowners in the study area, more landowners were willing to jo in the study in year two. Dana Jarosinsk i, the Assistant Project Coordinator for the field crew, said, “Word travels. As we worked more and more with people, more landowners became aware of the project and allowed us to be on their property.” Since most of the study area is private land, cooperation with the landowners was critical to granting the team access to more land and capture locations.

All three coordinators mentioned how glad they were to work with so many landowners and volunteers. Ellarson, Hanrahan and Jarosinski have all tried to help the landowners get the most from their interaction, sharing informa-tion and letting them join in while the field crew was working on their prop-e r t y. T he f i e l d c rew eve n had landowners reach out to them and get involved, offering to bait and check traps for the team. “A lot of these people, I’ve become personal friends

with,” said Ellarson. “I’ll stop to talk with them at the grocery store or wherever I run into them. We’ve done everything we could to build those personal rela-tionships, and it really shows.”

Years 3 and 4, Best Yet!The third and fourth winters had the

best weather for captures. There was a lot of snowfall, and the snow stuck around for most of the season. Finding animal signs and dropping nets at night was easier, because the crew could see

Why is modeling CWD so complicated?

CWD has the potential to change the likeli-hood that an infected deer dies from other causes, such as hunting, predation, and

weather.Let’s think of the deer population as a bag

with ten marbles in it. Each year, three marbles are removed to represent annual deaths: one marble for hunting, one for predation and one for weather. At the same time, three marbles are added to represent that year’s new births, and the balance is maintained.

However, if CWD+ deer die more often during harsh winters, then two marbles need to be removed for weather (instead of one). Now, a total of four marbles are removed each year,

yet only three are added. After a few years, there won’t be many marbles left in the bag.

Without incorporating these other variables and the potential of CWD to interact with them, researchers can’t fully understand the impact of CWD on deer.

Roberts said, “If we looked at these variables in isolation, it’s not very complicated. There [already] are models for individual factors like hunting or weather. What is unique here is that this study is comprehensive. We are integrating several sources of data into a single model.” With a large sample size and good analytical approach, such a comprehensive model is possible.

Photo by Bob Haase


built and tested, the researchers will use the full dataset to analyze the effect CWD is having on the Wisconsin deer population.

David MacFarland, Wildlife Research Team Leader at the WDNR, said, “We are only at the halfway point. We still have a long road ahead of us.”

Upcoming Milestones in Phase 2While we wait for the project to finish,

we can look forward to a couple inter-mediate milestones. One upcoming milestone is the analysis of fawn survival. Since no new fawns are being collared, the monitoring period for these deer will finish soon, and the data can be analyzed.

Another milestone that our volunteers and nature lovers will enjoy is the anal-ysis of juvenile dispersal. The year following their births, juveniles will begin dispersing around a larger area. In a few months, researchers will see the most recent batch of juveniles begin to disperse. Roberts said, “Each life stage presents different sets of challenges [for deer] and looking at each life stage gives us a fuller picture of the factors that in f luence deer popu lat ions throughout their lives.”

In addition to learning more about specific life stages of our deer, the re sea rche r s have a l so been expanding the team through collab-orations. MacFarland mentioned bringing on research collaborators from the University of Wisconsin system and US Geological Survey during Phase 2. Two important collaborators, Alison Ketz, Assistant Scientist in the Depar tment of Forestry and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Dan Wa lsh, Quant i ta t i ve

This phase aims to create a model for how CWD impacts our deer in Wiscons in. Roberts said, “We’ve real-i zed that these [CWD] questions are really compli-cated. We can’t just look at a few variables at a time.”

Storm added, “These models are [therefore] very data hungry, because we have to account for so many d i f fe rent fac to rs . Take survival, for instance. Right off the bat, you have differ-ences in survival for each sex, age and CWD status. Just by having three different attributes to look at, you’ve already increased the sample size you need a bunch. Every little bit of complexity that’s added, increases the sample size needed.”

Roberts explained, “It is similar to how we think about human disease. You can look at the impacts of a disease on people, but that doesn’t tell you the whole story. To have a better understanding of what is going on, you need to look at some of the other factors like the impact of age or preex-isting conditions. It’s the same with deer. You might think of predation even as a preexisting condition. We want to look at these important questions, not in isolation, but [together] with all these other factors that have the potential to impact the population.” Fortunately, Phase 1 was so successful at collaring a large sample size that the researchers will be able to look at CWD’s impact in a way that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

The researchers are currently at the beginning steps of building their model using the data that has already been collected, and more data will continue to flow in from the collars while the model is being built. Once the model is

analysis portion of the project as data keeps rolling in.

Since its launch in 2016, the CWD Study has been focused on setting up the infrastructure needed for this project. The purpose of the capture component (Phase 1) of this project was to get the data generation machine

flowing. GPS collars will continue to transmit their location until the animal dies or the collar’s battery runs out in 2-3 years, so the collaring phase was just the start of data generation, not the end. The animals need to keep living out their lives, and the GPS collars will continue to send us data about how they live and how they die.

Fortunately, the researchers have already received enough data from animals collared in past years to move into Phase 2 of the project. Phase 2 is where researchers begin to make sense of the stream of data they’ve been collecting. Storm said, “We’ve got a lot of good, quality data for this project. The more animals you catch, the more you can learn.” And if the 1,200+ animals that were captured and collared for this study are any indica-tion, there is a lot researchers will learn about CWD in Phase 2.

What’s in store during Phase 2?While data continues to flow in,

Storm and his counterpart on the predator side of the study, Nathan Rober ts, Furbearer Research Scientist at the WDNR, are ramping up the project’s data analysis phase.

deer walking across the white snow better than exposed ground.

Ellarson said, “It seems like the weather has improved every year that we have done the project. But, we’ve also become more familiar with the study area, with the properties, with deer behavior, more people returning each year, and access to better proper-ties. All those things have helped us get to our quota goals each year.”

Capture counts for seasons three and four were 400 and 240, respec-tively, although the fourth season had special circumstances. Enough coyotes were caught in the first three seasons that efforts were redirected towards capturing more bobcats that f inal

season. Also, the last fawn capture season was cancelled (see the April issue for more information).

Between all four capture seasons, the total number of captured animals was 1,249. 810 adul t deer were collared, exceeding our goal of 200 per capture season (800 in total). The researchers also collared 1,205 of the captured animals. The 44 animals that weren’t collared were either too small or enough of that species had already been collared by then.

“We are going to be left with our memories when this project is over. After capturing several hundred deer, the ones that stand out are the ones that were unusual or got the better of me. I’l l never forget [those],” said Ellarson.

One such animal that stood out to Hanrahan was a three-legged coyote. “We caught a three-legged coyote last year right before the polar vortex. I thought we would pick it up in a month, dead along the road. But somehow it is still alive in Illinois today.” The tenacity of that coyote is amazing.

Winding down Phase 1With the first phase wrapping up,

Ellarson took a few minutes to reflect on what this CWD study meant to him and to Wisconsin. Ellarson said, “Personally, being from Wisconsin, I would like to see good news regarding the future of our deer herd.” Ellarson grew up hunting deer with his father and still participates each year in Iowa County, where he currently lives. “One of the reasons I have been successful on this project is my connection to the area, the wildlife, and the people,” said Ellarson.

All three also hoped that their interac-tions with the public will help people see that they aren’t coming to a conclusion haphazardly. Jarosinski stated, “Data collection is huge to us. We are all very passionate about this project, and data collection is the most important piece. If you don’t have the data, then you can’t do the analysis.”

Ellarson added, “I think something that gets overlooked is how seriously this project is being taken. A lot of care went into collecting data. Everything has been double and triple checked, discussed with multiple people… and the volume of animals says a lot!”

Hanrahan explained, “A lot of the studies that have already been done don’t have the sample size we have. There is a lot of variation and things that you can’t control [in these studies], so having as much data as we have, under dif ferent types of weather, should provide a pretty robust sample size to help get a reliable understanding of the deer population in this area.”

Thanks to how well the field crew dealt with difficult conditions, they were able to match and exceed the project’s capture goals by the end of their last field season. A total of 1,249 animals were captured in the four years, and such a large sample size nicely sets up the next phase of the project for success as well.

For those interested in seeing some quick data from the capture seasons, check out the infographic following this article and keep reading to hear about what is in store next for the Southwest Wisconsin CWD, Deer and Predator study.

Full Ahead: Modeling CWDMost of the fieldwork is finished, so

now researchers are diving into the


Ecologist at the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center, will play key roles in the model-building team.

Using our momentum

P h a s e 2 o f t h e Southwest Wisconsin C W D , D e e r a n d Predator Study is now underway and gaining initial momentum. The p ro j ec t ’s success during Phase 1 set up the second phase to also be successful, and the researchers are confident that the project is in a great place. What we learn from this CWD study will better inform deer management decisions across the state, so stay tuned!

Roberts said, “In Wisconsin, wildlife are very important to our public. Wildlife and our communities are intertwined, so the public is very interested, not only in wildlife but having the information we need to make informed decisions regarding the management of wildlife.”

“If you care about deer, you should care about this project. CWD is a critical issue for deer management in the state. Like it or not, it is here and influencing our deer population.

If you are someone who values the ecosystems of the state, you should value this project. Deer are a primary influencer on our ecosystems. Not only on wildlife but on vegetation and other

elements of the ecosystems. By under-standing deer and their impacts, we learn about these critical ecosystems in the state.

If you care about conservation in Wisconsin, you should care about this project. The funding model we have for wildlife conservation across all of North America is based on funding through the sale of hunting licenses. Deer are the pr imary source of funding in Wisconsin. If there is something that is negatively impacting deer and therefore hurting deer hunting, then it’s negatively impacting the funding available for everything else we do in the state. The money that is generated not only funds deer management, but it funds prairie management, bird management, and the management of other important species.”

Stay tuned in this upcoming year for more from this study on the impact of CWD in Wisconsin.

Cats and Dogsby Tim Larson

“I can’t do it” I said to myself as I looked a thousand feet up the steep, snow-covered canyon wall to

where the dogs had the mountain lion cornered in a rock outcropping. I didn’t think there was any way I could make it up to the big cat, considering how high and how steep the climb was – not to mention the crotch-deep snow that had accumulated in the past few days. Then I reminded myself that I didn’t come this far and work this hard to wimp out now. I resolved myself that I was going to make it up to that big cat or die trying.

It was early February, and I had recently booked an “on call” mountain lion hunt with Dale & Brian Denny at Bearpaw outfitters. The hunt was to take place in the high mountains of southern Idaho and could happen on a moment’s notice based on hunting conditions and other hunter availability to make the trip for their scheduled week in camp. I had always been intrigued by the idea of hunting moun-tain lion. The potential danger, their cunning, elusiveness, and eerie beauty all combined to quicken my curiosity and decision to book a hunt.

When I answered my cell phone it was Dale calling, and he asked how quickly I could get to camp. A once-in-ten-year blizzard was barreling down on southern Idaho, and another hunter had to cancel at the last minute. This was my chance. I quickly packed my gear, including my scoped Smith & Wesson 500, and began the drive to southern Idaho f rom Vancouver, WA. My preferred weapon is my Hoyt Alphamax bow, but recent rotator cuff surgery prevented me from being as proficient as I require myself to be. As I began my drive the roads were already treach-erous, and the drive that should have taken 8 hours took over 12 hours as I methodically navigated through the blinding snow. It was fortunate that I was able to drive, as the blizzard shut down all surrounding airports and none of the other hunters were able to make it into camp. As a result, I had camp all to myself – with Dale, Brian, and two other guides scouting exclusively for me.

I arrived at the old farmhouse that served as camp late in the evening and was briefed by Dale on the hunt. We’d wake up at 1:00 a.m., load the dogs

and trailer the snowmobiles up into the mountains to scour the ridges and canyons hoping to cut a track. If we cut a big Tom track, we’d return to the truck to get the dogs and turn them loose on the track. For me the blizzard was both a blessing and a curse. The heavy snows that resulted in me being the only hunter in camp also made cutting a track virtually impossible, since the first three days of the hunt the snow was so heavy any tracks were covered up within minutes. As a matter of fact, the forecast for one of the nights I was in camp called for 3 feet – not inches – of snow. Regardless, that didn’t stop Dale and crew from scouring the moun-tains on their snowmobiles hoping to cut a big Tom track. They would often put as many as 100 miles on their snowmobiles each day trying to find a track. When we weren’t scouting on snowmobiles, we were pulling stranded motorists out of ditches and snow-banks. Travel was virtually impossible, but that didn’t stop us from venturing out every morning at 1:00 a.m. in search of a track.

On day four the blizzard had finally blown through, and after cutting a

couple of smaller tracks Dale cut a track that could only have been made by a b ig Tom. A f te r returning to the truck and loading up the dogs we soon had them collared-up and let loose on the track. The snow was so deep that the dogs had trouble getting through it and were mostly limited to leaps and bounds in the cat’s tracks. As the dogs struggled to ascend to the top of the steep canyon, I put the big S&W 500 into its shoulder holster and donned my snowshoes in prepa-ration for the steep climb. The dogs eventually stopped at a rock outcropping at the top of the canyon wall, and through our binoculars we assumed that the outcropping was simply too steep for the dogs to navigate over. Upon further glassing we spotted the big cat in the rocks, with the dogs keeping it at bay. My thighs were pounding, and my lungs

What aspects of this project get the researchers excited?

MacFarland: “This project has been cool, because it is an example of what we

can do as an agency and what we can do as a research group. The scale of this project is bordering on unprecedented, in terms of the number of animals collared and the scope of the project. This project is a testament to what is possible as an agency, especially when we have the cooperation of citizens.”

Storm:“For me, the biggest thing to learn [in Phase 2] is the main question: What really is the impact of CWD on the deer population? There are also so many other things [to learn] like how species interact with the landscape and how being infected influences how deer move across the landscape.”

Roberts:“I’m really excited to have a better understanding of the indirect impacts of carnivores on deer. We know that carnivores eat deer, nothing too surprising there. But with the work we are doing, we are able to look beyond that first level question of do they eat deer and ask what the potential indirect effects are. Does the type of habitat that they are using influence how deer move on the landscape? Being able to look at the indirect impacts of these species that all share the same landscape, that’s really fascinating, and I’m excited to see what we learn there.”

“That and… bobcats and coyotes are both secretive animals, because they are very cautious and elusive. They are common, but people don’t get to see them often. In this study, we have been able to look closely at those species in a way we haven’t been able to before. The number of animals and the technology we are using has really allowed us to look into the lives of these animals and the population as a whole. That’s been really fasci-nating to me.”


were burning as I pushed my nearly 60-year-old body to its limits. With the canyon wall being almost vertical, I abandoned my snowshoes less than a third of the way up - needing to dig my boots into the side of the canyon in order to keep f rom s l ipping and tumbling several hundred feet.

The big cat bolted towards me from the rocks as I got within 50 yards. He passed within a few yards of me as he eyed a large pine tree where he might escape from the dogs.

I grew up in Northern Wisconsin, where we still have a lake home, and have done a fair amount of bow hunting for bear over bait. Back in the day, and even today, bait hunters did not appre-ciate dog hunters – for a variety of unjusti f ied reasons. Pr ior to th is mountain lion hunt, I had never hunted big game behind dogs, and was a bit skeptical going into the hunt. Watching

the dogs work and seeing Dale’s and his team’s passionate handling of the dogs not only caused me to come to appreciate hunting with dogs, but even led me to admire both the challenge and sport of hunting behind dogs.

As hunters we need to stick together and recognize that hunting is hunting - even if you may not be in total agree- ment with the method being used. We as hunters have enough attacks on our sport and our legal right to hunt, and we need to band together and support all hunting before we see more bans on certain hunting methods - or bans on hunting i tse l f. As an example of cer tain hunting methods being banned, it’s now illegal to hunt moun-tain l ions with dogs in Oregon or Washington, hence the proliferation of their numbers and human encounters – including a fatal i ty not far from Portland, OR, where a female hiker was

recently killed and partially eaten by a mountain lion.

I didn’t have time to think about that when the dogs were barking, and the big cat passed a few yards from me.

After plowing through the deep snow for about 40 yards the big cat took shelter high in the tree while snarling and hissing at the dogs and me.

In spite of me struggling to catch my breath and gain solid footing, I settled the crosshairs of my 2x-7x Thompson scope on the big cat’s chest and the 350-grain hollow point sent the lion tumbling through the branches to the deep snow below.

This hunt was all about the chase with the kil l itself being a bit anti- climactic. The excitement of the chase and watching those dogs work made it one of the most memorable hunts I’ve ever been on.

If you’re looking for a first-class hunt with some guys who are the real deal, seriously consider booking with Dale and Brian at Bearpaw Outfitters (bear-pawoutfitters.com). They guide for a number of species including elk, turkey, bear, deer, and mountain lion in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Washington. I would love to go back and join Dale on another mountain lion hunt, but another part of me – about 25 lbs. worth - would have to be left behind before I’d try it again.

In case any of you are wondering, we had the mountain lion processed and truly enjoyed the meat – including some of the best smoked, bone-in hams we’ve ever had.

Please, respect and defend al l hunting – regardless of the method - before our only opportunity to enjoy hunting is through reading about it in articles like this.

by LynnEllyn McGinn

As a chi ld, I had never been exposed to hunting. My family had never hunted, nor ever eaten

any wild game, that I know of. It wasn’t that we were anti-hunting or something like that, we had just never before expe-rienced this in our lives.

Once I was an adult, I became exposed to the world of “Hunting.” For 33 years, I had slowly been introduced to; eating game meat, hunting camp and shared harvests. This moved on to drives and hunting parties. My son has had this in his entire life. I had immersed myself in the total hunting experience. Clothing, equipment, a permanent dwelling on owned hunting land. Well, with the single exception of the actual “sitting with a firearm or weapon and making the kill.”

However, I seemed to be the one left back at camp who attracted the deer and other forest wildlife. I would just grab my camera and snap away. This was before cell phones, so one was always prepared with a camera; and at least they were digital by that time. So, it was easy to save images onto a CD. I am very fortunate to have “photo hunted” for all this time.

In the last few years, I have had the opportunity to go turkey hunting with my husband. Actual backpack carrying, hiking up to the hill, blind setting up, sitting there for hours, firearm at the

ready, “Turkey Hunting.” It was tough, it was hard, it was long and……….it was the most fun I have ever had. We called and called. We never heard any turkeys. Not the whole weekend. It was OK, though. I had become a bonafide “hunter.”

The following year, we tried it again. We went to a different area. The area that last year, the turkeys were, and we were not. We hadn’t planned to hunt the first morning, as we got in very late and hadn’t time to set up the blind. Sure enough, don’t we see three jakes walking right toward the window of which we were looking out? Three of

them. OK, Yes!! This is the right area; we have a l ready seen tu rkeys ! Excitement runs through our veins. We take special care in setting up the blind and decoys. Everything is ready. We are ready.

Nope! Never saw another turkey. Not for three days. Never saw those three jakes. We did, however, hear some in the distance. Very far away, but yet still in the general area. We would not have a harvest this year either. We were skunked again.

Nevertheless, I can’t wait to go out again next season. Third time’s a charm, right?

SKUNKED

The author, who took these wildlife photos, vowed that she and her husband will return to the turkey woods.

SCI Wisconsin Chapterc/o Janean GehlW157N10472 Fieldstone PassGermantown, WI 53022

Address Change? Email Janean Gehl at [email protected]

Nature’s Way Taxidermy

www.NaturesWayTaxidermyWI.com

Let Us Be Your Taxidermist Of Choice!!!! Nature’s Way Taxidermy guarantees integrity and excellent customer service to all hunters. Call us before your next hunt to talk with Jeff about field care for your trophy animal or to request shipping tags

Jeff Champeau, 1110 South Allen Rd, Green Bay WI 54311 Phone 920-863-8482 Email: [email protected]

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