HUNTERS - SCI Wisconsin Chapter
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HUNTERS
O fficial M agazine of SCI C hapters
Wisconsin and I llinois
in
January/February 2021
What
Sets
Them
Apart?
• Humanitarian Hunt
• COVID Alert: Chapter Events
• Legislative Updates
• Conservation News: LaBarbera to Chair NRF
• Member Hunt Reports: Gators, Moose, Birds & Deer
• Plus Whitetail Sanctuary Solutions
18 ACRES...NOTHIN’ BUT
ARCHERY Pro
“THE LION CRIES TONIGHT”
Sup ud
por
t er
o f:
First it was SCI National cancelling their Show and
Banquets, now it is the Northeast Wisconsin Chapter.
Who will be next?
It is with saddened hearts that the Board of Director of
the Northeast Wisconsin Chapter of SCI have decided after
a long and debated board meeting to cancel our 23rd Annual
SCI Hunter’s Banquet and Sport Show.
The reasons being that first and foremost is our
concern for the health and safety of our membership, our
exhibitors and show attendees. Secondly with all of the
restriction that are in place we feel that we could not
produce the quality of Banquet and Sport Show that our
members, exhibitor and attendees deserve.
THE MIDWEST’S PREMIER ARCHERY FACILITY We will be having an online auction, please watch our
website for more details www.scihunterexpo.com.
The Board of Directors and the Event Coordinator for the
One Stop Try Them All... WE WILL NOT BE Wisconsin State Hunting Expo have already started working
in Both Right & Left Handed UNDERSOLD ON on SCI Hunter’s Banquet and Sport Show for Feb 2022.
ANY NEW BOW!!
Over Half a Million Dollars of Inventory In Stock We are headed for troubling times, we are in need of
5% Off Stock Bows if We Don’t Have Your Size organizations like Safari Club International that will
40 yd Indoor 3D Archery Range & Dart Video protect our Hunting Rights and Hunting Traditions.
Outdoor 28 Target 3D Course
Leagues, Rentals, Group & Corporate Outings Please support your local chapters by going to Banquets
We Service Any Bow... that are being held, biding on Online Auctions, renewing
Regardless Where it was Bought! your Memberships or joining for the first time.
Conveniently Located on Interstate 94
between Milwaukee and Madison
“DO IT LIKE YOUR WAY OF LIFE DEPENDS ON IT”
N13 W28400 Silvernail Road , Pewaukee, WI • 262-547-0535 • www.buckrubarchery.com
2 WI SCI HUNTERS – January/February 2021
looking for a new taxidermist? 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
HUNTERS Official Magazine of SCI Chapters in Wisconsin and Illinois
January/February 2021
adventure. Members enjoy great fun, Editor/Publishers: Mark & Coni LaBarbera On the cover: The first lesson from these successful whitetail hunters is to overcome inertia,
leave the screens behind, go outside and spend time hunting. Story begins on page 22.
meet new friends, make a difference
HUNTERS is a bimonthly publication for 6 SCI Region 16 Report 26 Hunt Report: Ontario Moose
in their community and help the future
members of SCI chapters in Wisconsin, by Regional Rep. Charmaine Wargolet by Ron McClintic
of hunting, plus you will discover new
plus bonus electronic circulation, which
deals and opportunities that improve includes some of the world’s most avid 6 Hunters’ Rights & Education: You Can 30 Michael Murphy’s WSS
your hunting skill and enjoyment. and affluent conservationists who enjoy Be Part of Deer Hunt Wisconsin TV Whitetail Sanctuary Tips
We invite you to join online today. hunting here and around the world. They by Mark LaBarbera
have earned a reputation of leadership on 7 Northeast Wisconsin Chapter Report
Badgerland Chapter natural resources issues and giving to pro-
by President Marty Witczak 32 Humanitarian: Feather Ridge
President Randy Mayes Welcomes Disabled Hunters
tect and support the future of hunting and 8 Lake Superior Chapter Report
www.scibadgerland.com conservation here and abroad. To share by President Burl Johnson 36 Post-Election Resiliency
your message with them, send ads and
Illinois & Chicago Chapter editorial submissions to Mark LaBarbera at 8 Conservation: Wolf Season Set 38 Hunt Report: Kevin Casey
President Dale Rimkus wiscimag@peoplepc.com. 9 Legislative Update: Election And Friends Hunt Iowa Deer
www.sci-illinois.com Season Finally Ends
Submission of story and photos means that by Lobbyist Dan Trawicki
• sick of not getting your work back? Lake Superior Chapter you are giving SCI permission to use them
• tired of phone calls not getting returned? President Burl Johnson free in SCI printed or electronic form. 9 Legislative Update: Wolves
by Lobbyist Dan Trawicki
www.sci-lakesuperior.com
• fed up with past deadlines and broken promises? Issue Deadline__
10 Badgerland Chapter Report
Northeast Wisconsin Chapter January/February November 20
For over 25 years, Northwoods Taxidermy of Waukesha has been President Marty Witczak March/April January 20 by President Randy Mayes
www.scihunterexpo.com May/June March 20
quietly producing quality work at a fair price with a reasonable return July/August May 20 10 Kaminski Guns For Sale
time. If you’re looking for a new taxidermist, contact Dan Trawicki at Southeast Wisc. Bowhunters Chapter September/October July 20 11 Illinois & Chicago Chapter Report
November/December September 20
Northwoods Taxidermy. Custom and standard big-game taxidermy is President Alex Valley by President Dale Rimkus
our speciality. Multiple award winner/Best of Show People’s Choice. www.scibowhunters.com New Advertisers 11 Hunters’ Rights: Hunting Works
The number of advertisers allowed in WI for Illinois, Wisconsin and America
Wisconsin Chapter
northwoods taxidermy President Charmaine Wargolet
www.sciwi.org
SCI HUNTERS magazine is limited. If you
would like your ad to be considered for
publication, contact Mark at wiscimag@
12 Wisconsin Chapter Report
by President Charmaine Wargolet
waukesha • 262-408-7632 SCI Region 16 Representative
Charmaine Wargolet
peoplepc.com. New advertisers who are
accepted and prepay for a 6x schedule
receive substantial discounts as listed
12
13
New Hunter Shares Excitement
Conservation: Green Fire Offers
charmainew@ameritech.net below. All amounts are net U.S. dollars. Opportunities Now Wolf Report
Ad 1x 6x Total
14 Education: Chanez Wins $2,000;
Size Size Rate (Prepaid)
1/4 Pg. 3.5”w x 5.25”h $150 $600/yr.
SCI Students Can Be Next
1/2 Pg. 8.25”w x 4.75”h $200 $800/yr. 15 New Product: Vortex Crossbow Scope
Full Pg. 8.25”w x 10.75”h $250 $1,100/yr. Gives You Downrange Confidence
Covers 8.25”w x 10.75”h $300 $1,300/yr.
Deliver ads with ½” margin on four sides, 15 Hunters’ Rights & Education:
plus ¼” for bleeds. Vortex Renews Support for
Deer Hunt Wisconsin TV
Send ad fees to Treasurer Janean Gehl,
W157N10472 Fieldstone Pass, 16 Hunt Report: Father & Son
Germantown, WI 53022. No attempt is Florida Gator Adventure
made to verify the accuracy of ballistic 18 Conservation: Cherish
information or hunt reports submitted.
Ads in this publication are not considered 20 Natural Resources Foundation
endorsements or approval of such adver- Elects Mark LaBarbera Chair
tiser by Safari Club International.
IF YOUR ADDRESS CHANGED, please 22 Hunt Report: Get Out
notify Janean Gehl at office@sciwi.org by Mark LaBarbera
4 WI SCI HUNTERS – January/February 2021
Region 16 Report Northeast Wisconsin
by Charmaine Wargolet,
Regional Representative
A l e x Va l l e y, S E W I
B ow h u n te r s C h a pte r; Chapter Report
A
brand new year—2021--and S e a n C oy ke n d a l l a n d
by Marty Witczak, President grinding halt
H
hopefully we will see a slow myself, Wisconsin
return to our lives! Never in my Chapter; Dan Trawicki, WI appy New Year greetings to one when travel
lifetime did I think I would see all the State lobby ist; M a r k and all! I think we can all agree restrictions
things that this past year threw at us. I L aBarbera, HUNTERS that 2020 was a year no one will were put into
hope and pray all of you and your fami- magazine editor & forget and nor should we. The world place and no
lies have managed to stay well through publisher; Michael experienced several important events one was able
this. Roqueni, Chapter Service that forever changed how we look at to leave or
The biggest news for Region 16 Specialist, SCI Tucson; and appreciate our individual free- come into the
c h a pte r s i s t h e a n n u a l m e e t i n g and Dan Schroeder, our WI State DNR our chapters are contributors and were doms. Corona-virus or COVID –19 country. All of
S a t u r d a y, J a n u a r y 9 a t We l d a l l NASP coordinator will attend by ZOOM. mentioned. Their outreach ef for ts affected every state here in the US and us big game
Manufacturing plant in Waukesha This has always been a great get-to- through the show were featured also in 216 other countries and territories and fishing
owned by SCI member Dave Bahl, Sr. gether for all the chapter folks to the November issue of the national around the world. We lost loved ones, enthusiasts
who happens to be one of our past compare issues and problems or share Safari Times, where there was an excel- family, friends and neighbors but we were deprived
Regional Reps! Everyone is looking new ideas that worked for them and lent article about the show and the also spent quality time with our families of our trophies
forward to getting together to compare that they want to pass on or be able to contribution from the Big Al humani- getting reacquainted, home schooling we crave so
notes on the past year and ideas ask questions of our SCI National repre- tarian fund of the Wisconsin chapter. our children, working remotely from much! Hope -
for the coming year. The following sentative. I hope I will have more to Dan is a great friend to all of us home and entertaining ourselves with fully 2021 will
folks will be attending; Marla & Dale report in the next issue, on how it went. sportsmen and women and we appre- family games. bring a return
Rimkus, Illinois/Chicago Chapter; I can’t wait! ciate his efforts every year in helping to On November 3rd we experienced a to normalcy.
Randy Mayes, Badgerland Chapter; I hope everyone got a chance to promote hunting, conserve wildlife and presidential election like we have never Our SCI
Marty Witczak, Gary Knaack, Mark w a tc h D a n S m a l l ’s “ D e e r H u n t preserve our freedom to hunt! had before. More American citizens Northeast
Jablonic and Mark Snyder, NE Chapter; Wisconsin” annual TV special! Some of As always, shoot straight and be well! voted in the United States than in all Wisconsin Chapter has had some how much this affects our outstanding
American history! success in increasing our member- SCI members and outfitters and how
Following the election was the 2020, ships. We appreciate all of you current we distr ibute the proce e ds f rom
You Can Be Part of Dan Small’s gun deer hunting season. I hope
everyone who was out with their gun in
members reaching out and speaking
and inviting other sports men and
the banquet to organizations. It was a
difficult decision to make but we had to
Deer Hunt Wisconsin TV
hand and traipsing through the woods women, friends, neighbors and family keep in mind the safety of all those
to their hunting stands, were members to SCI events. Now who volunteer, all those traveling from
successful with their hunt and they more than ever we recognize the afar, and all the guests attending.
C
hapter boards can vote now to shooting future videos that could be supporting local businesses like gas nailed that trophy buck! A buck they i m p o r t a n c e o f ke e p i n g o u r g u n We are however, continuing to move
sponsor the 2021 show as part used on the award-winning “Deer Hunt stations and grocery stores. If you get will be able to brag about until the next and hunting rights and encourage forward with our online bidding on
of what National SCI has asked Wisconsin” TV specials, even if you any length video clips from 10 seconds buck goes down in the books or on the current and new members to continue Saturday February 20. This is a new
chapters to do to promote hunting while don’t have fancy video cameras. to 10 minutes, give Mark LaBarbera wall. Remember, if you have pictures of to reach out and talk with everyone adventure for us and hopefully it
also raising awareness of SCI locally Be sure to turn your smartphone 520-730-9252 a call or text your name, your trophy you can email them to me they know. If you know of anyone that will be ver y successful and a new
and regionally. It creates positive horizontally like a TV and press record SCI and “I have some deer hunting at martywitczak55@gmail.com and we is interested in membership informa- tradition going forward. Please visit the
publicit y for SCI’s brand and its to capture camp life, deer hunters video for you.” Also, please share clips will be happy to post them on the SCI tion they can email me, and I will follow SCI Nor theast Wisconsin Chapter
pro-hunting message on community having fun, your deer stand and live with the SCI logo or of youth, veterans, Nor theast Wisconsin Chapter up. website to learn more and for chapter
public TV, Fox Sports North, Fox Sports deer plus successful hunters and fami- disabled hunters and others finding members photo gallery on the website. The Northeast Wisconsin Chapter updates. Make sure you look at the
Wisconsin and year-round online. lies with their deer, preferably in the comfort and stress relief in the deer And also send them to SCI HUNTERS board members have continued to members photo gallery and submit
SCI individual members can also field. Also, record scenes of hunters woods. Editor & Publisher Mark LaBarbera at meet on a monthly basis to keep your picture s of your succe s sf ul
contribute financially or simply by wiscimag@peoplepc.com. Please send informed on the local and national hunting trophies.
sharing cell phone or other video clips us pictures of your successful hunting COVID–19 updates. At this point in In closing, I would like to extend an
from you, your family and friends for trophies so everyone can share in your time, I am sure most of you are aware invitation to any member that has
next year’s “Deer Hunt Wisconsin” TV. success. that the National SCI Convention in Las pictures or videos of a hunting or
SCI members are among the most The Thanksgiving, Christmas and Vegas NV has been canceled. Locally, fishing excursion that they would like to
active and successful hunters and can New Year’s holidays came and went as w e h a v e d e c i d e d to c a n c e l t h e share, by presenting a program for one
help promote the joys and rewards of we celebrated with smaller gatherings, February Expo Hunting Show and in of our monthly members meetings, to
hunting. One way to be a great ambas- mostly with our immediate families and N ove m b e r, fo l l ow i n g a v i g o ro u s please email me or marks@pheli.org to
sador for the outdoor lifestyle and enjoyed this precious time spent conversation about our banquet at the get on the schedule. We enjoy a social
conservation is to simply share your together. Stadium View in Green Bay we gathering, an excellent meal and your
moving images with the broader public. In 2020, A m e r ic a ns a nd oth e r decided to cancel this event as well. program highlighting your hunting or
Like a virtual adventure, your short country populations were affected with Due to tightening restrictions and fishing skills, your trophies, and the
videos can bring to life what it’s like to the Corona-virus including hunters, weighing out the costs of the banquet beautiful backdrop in which your
be a hunter and conservationist. outfitters, hunting guides, fishing and and possibly having to cancel at the adventure takes place. As a reminder,
It’s easy to share what you have any other sport enthusiast. Hunting last minute we felt it was the best and visit our website for updates on all our
recorded already. Plus, here are tips for and fishing excursions came to a only decision to make. We are aware activities.
6 WI SCI HUNTERS – January/February 2021 WI SCI HUNTERS – January/February 2021 7
Lake Superior Legislative Update:
Chapter Report Election season
by Burl Johnson, President 4. H o w f a r a r e y o u finally ends!
G
ood news for chapter members willing to travel for a
by Dan Trawicki, SCI Lobbyist consequences” has never been truer
O
i s t h a t t h e L a ke S u p e r i o r different venue?
Chapter is financially sound and 5. How likely are you to ur Wisconsin gun season ended than this election. If President-elect
in good shape where we are currently bid on hunt auction for me yesterday. Our group Biden actually puts Beto O’Rourke in
sitting. items outside of the overall saw quite a few deer, and charge of his firearms policy and
We want to hold a 2021 Spring United States? my daughter connected on a nice 10 pt. agenda we could be in real trouble.
Banquet. The Covid-19 guidelines have We also shared this opening day. Hopefully all of you had a O’Rourke has come out publicly against
been hard to work around especially in full disclosure for those chance to get out. For once the weather private ownership of AR-15 type rifles
Minnesota. of you who prepaid for on opening day was close to perfect. and has indicated he would have law
Our board of directors has been last year’s banquet: Snow would have helped, but cool enforcement officers intervene on any
working hard to come up with a plan T he re are 130 individuals who a year’s worth of trips and hunters not temperatures and calm winds were violation of a mandatory buyback. Let
for this year’s banquet and we reached prepaid and allowed us to keep their being able to travel, me included. I was nice. The DNR is reporting that as of wait and see. Like I said, “Elections
out to all chapter members here again registration. Based on the restrictions supposed to leave today for Calgary November 15, the crossbow and have consequences.”
these past few months to make sure and guidelines, we have room for only Canada but I’m unable to cross the archery kill combined for close to a On a local front, the Wisconsin legis-
everyone knows that we welcome your 120 more members. For that we are border. We have the understanding 4,000 increase in deer totals. Crossbow lature is due to come back in session
thoughts and suggestions. providing the right of first refusal, some outfitters are doing really well in particular was up substantially from on January 4 right after the inaugura-
As of the beginning of November, meaning that if you’re not willing to and some not the best. We do not the same time in 2019. O pe ning tion. For SCI that means once again the
we knew that, if we held our banquet attend we completely understand. Full want anyone to be financially strained weekend of gun season totals were up beginning of the process to look after
at the Grand Casino Hinckley, MN the refund will be given back to you. The in the coming year. approximately 2%. A repor ted 6% your constitutional right to hunt and fish. here in Wisconsin. It will be a great
following stipulations would be in cost of the dinner still has to be deter- Contact me directly if you’re inter- increase in license sales could have The RR crossing bill will be at the top of opportunity to bring our wolf population
place, and that these are government m i n e d a n d th e m e nu w ill b e s et ested in donating but please remember something to do with that. Both the list. I have been contacting many of back down to established goals, create
mandates that cannot be changed: sometime in January about the time I cannot make any promises. numbers are encouraging! our legislators who have in the past a great hunting opportunity, and give
• No more than 250 people could be this issue of HUNTERS arrives in your And, finally, you probably heard that On a completely different note, on a supported this bill and feel good about our deer and elk a much-needed break
in attendance at the event; mailbox. Everyone who did allow us to the big SCI convention in Nevada was local and national scale our election it moving forward. from nonstop predation.
• We would be unable to have any keep their cash will be eligible for a canceled for 2021, so please update process has also ended. The one As many of you are aware, the grey As for now we still have muzzleloader
vendors/outfitters at all displaying special raffle yet to be determined. your calendar and plan to attend SCI exception is Georgia which has a run off wolf has once again been delisted, SCI hunts, late season archery, and some
in the hallway; Lastly, we are not accepting any 2022 in Las Vegas. See safariclub.org election to determine the fate of the will be looking to see how a new antlerless opportunities to keep us
• Masks would be required at all donations at this time. We already have for dates and details. Senate. The old saying “elections have management plan will be implemented busy. Stay healthy and stay safe!
times unless you have food or
drink in hand;
• All meals will be plated; Wolf Season Set Legislative Update:
T Wolves
• We would only be allowed to have
a one-day event on Saturday; he Wisconsin DNR announced and trapping, will be conducted in a rump administration returns management and
T
• There would be no Wine/Women/ the official wolf season will begin transparent process in which public protection of the grey wolf back to the states and tribes
Cheese event due to staf f ing Nov. 6, 2021. Implementing a and tribal participation is encouraged,
season requires time to develop a and that the new wolf management by Dan Trawicki, SCI Lobbyist Wisconsin wolf population is 350 Wyoming. Knowing the effect of that bill
A
issues from the Casino; and
• Raffles and auctions would be science-based harvest quota and plan will reflect “our increased under- recent decision by the US Fish animals. and the return of management is hard
scaled down to accommodate engage partners in development of a standing of the biological and social and wildlife to return manage- Randy Johnson who is the Large to tell. In the past, Sen. Ron Johnson
these restrictions. season plan that reflects interests of issues relevant to wolf management… ment of the grey wolf back to the Carnivore Specialist for the DNR in has also been a very outspoken advo-
We considered doing a formal diverse stakeholders. and…ensure sustainable management states is great news for the upper Wisconsin said that our population is cate of returning management of wolves
statistical survey but decided instead The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of Wisconsin wolves for the future.” Midwest, in particular Wisconsin. “robust, and the majority of wolf packs to the states.
to simply ask for your ideas and delisted grey wolves from the federal DNR will create a Wolf Management Wisconsin was able to conduct a are within areas already occupied by
suggestions. So we asked the following list of endangered species on Jan. 4, Plan Committee representing diverse wolf hunt for 3 years based on popula- wolves.” Essentially meaning that packs
questions and invited members over 2021, returning management authority interests of government agencies, tion estimates and the science of the are not expanding their range. The
the last few months to provide any to the lower 48 states and tribes. non-governmental organizations, wolf recovery. In 2014 however, the exception we see with some regularity
comments or suggestions that would Under Wisconsin law, when the wolf is tribes and others. The existing wolf hunts ended after lawsuits claiming that is sub adult males looking for mates
be helpful to the situation: delisted, the state’s annual hunting and management plan, originally approved the wolf recovery was not complete, and leaving the core area of range.
1. Would you attend the banquet as trapping seasons resume. in 1999, was reviewed and updated in and additional time was necessary for While Johnson admitted the DNR does
described above? The recovery of grey wolves is a 2007. recovery of the species. not have a current wolf management
2. Would you vote to postpone the triumph. The most recent monitoring For now, it remains unlawful to It is currently estimated that there are plan, they would create one when the
banquet until 2022 when we may effort indicated a minimum of 1,034 shoot a wolf unless there is an imme- over 6,000 wolves in the lower 48 with wolf is delisted.
have a full 3-day event? wolves in Wisconsin, primarily across diate threat to human safety. On a M I N I M U M o f 1,10 0 w o l v e s i n U S C o n g re s s m a n To m T i f fa ny
3. Are you willing to attend a banquet the northern third of the state and the private land, you can shoot and kill Wisconsin, which is a 13% increase (R-Minocqua) had just recently intro-
at another location? Central Forest region. DNR said all wolves that are in the act of killing, from the previous year. As a point of duced legislation to delist wolves in
wolf management, including hunting wounding or biting a domestic animal. interest, the established goal for the Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and
8 WI SCI HUNTERS – January/February 2021 WI SCI HUNTERS – January/February 2021 9
Badgerland Chapter Report Illinois & Chicago
by Randy Mayes, President full force for
Chapter Report
G
ive yourself a pat on the back! 2022.
Congratulate yourself! You’ve Yo u c a n
by Dale Rimkus, President education and conserva-
I
done it! You made it through still suppor t
what is probably one of the craziest SCI in many think we can all agree that it’s a relief tion projects. We know
years of your life! ways through to have 2020 behind us. Although it is you’ll have fun, you’ll meet
I sincerely hope that you had at least attending live still sad that this year’s Annual SCI some outstanding people,
a few gems amongst the bag of coal events that Convention in Las Vegas had to be a n d yo u’l l g e t a g r e a t
we were handed in the form of the year will still be canceled, I think there will be much to sense of pride and
we just went through which shall held as well look forward to in 2021. For starters, accomplishment!
remain nameless. It was the “gift that as partici- mark your calendars now for the Illinois Our hunting heritage is
kept on giving!” pating in the & Chicago Chapter’s 49th Annual something of which we all
Maybe one of your gems was a many online Banquet and Fundraiser on April 10th at should be justifiably proud.
hunting trip you actually took. Maybe it auction options. The Badgerland the Rio Conservation Club in Rio, WI Medinah Shriners in Addison. You read We share a common goal to protect seasoned hunter to understand and
was just being able to spend more time Chapter will be having a great online on June 12, 2021. See our web site for that right--our chapter has been doing that heritage not only for ourselves, but promote wildlife conservation, and to
hunting around home. Looking at auction on February 13, 2021. Visit our more info on that as well. this for 49 years! This year’s event will also for future generations. Many of us help preserve our legacy. If you have a
some of the deer harvest numbers, it web site to find out more on that. As you move ahead this year, don’t be in a wonderful setting, and will have young children or grandchildren, passion and you share that passion
appears there were a lot of people who www.scibadgerland.com forget about the outfitters who have feature great food, open bar, raffles and and as they grow up we want them to with others then you are doing your
h a d m o r e t i m e to s p e n d i n t h e Another great event to plug into your had a VERY tough time trudging auctions that have something for have the right to hunt and to own fire- part. If you value freedom and liberty,
Wisconsin woods chasing whitetails calendar is the Badgerland Sporting through this. What better way to boost everyone. It is the largest and best arms if they choose. We hope there will and your right to hunt and own firearms,
this fall. Clays shoot followed by a new, fun, your moral and help our great outfitters sporting banquet in the state of Illinois, be places where they can hunt on then do as your ancestors did and
Unfortunately one of the lumps of indo or/ou tdo or ba nqu et! We w ill than booking a hunt! so if you can attend only one event, this public land. We hope they will be able make your voice heard.
coal we received was the cancellation have a VERY generous amount of Keep your head up and know that is it! After having to change last year’s to enjoy the same rights that we have As Archibald Rutledge wrote in Why
of many SCI events. I’m confident that GREAT guns to give away as well as the last several months are behind us. fundraiser to online only, this year’s now as hunters, without excessive inter- I Taught My Boys to Hunt (1932):
our great, “normal,” chapter and trips and other wonderful items to That alone should be some incentive to event promises to be a real barn burner! ference from government. The stand we “It has always seemed to me that any
national events will all be back in auction off! The event will be held at excel in 2021! I’d like to thank all our chapter take today will determine whether our man is a better man for being a hunter.
members who voted in the recent future generations will enjoy the right to This sport confers a certain constant
chapter election. Your involvement in hunt. aler tness, and develops a cer tain
the election and at meetings and events For over a century hunters have been ruggedness of character that, in these
Kaminski guns for sale helps reaffirm that our chapter is going
where you want it to go. And we invite
the pillars of conservation in America,
doing more than anyone or any govern-
d ays of to o mu c h c i v iliz atio n, is
refreshing; moreover it allies us to the
Fred & Shirley Kaminski are selling these guns, optics and safe. If you to become more involved in the ment agency to conserve wildlife and pioneer past. In a deep sense, this great
you’re serious about buying one or more of them, please call 608-253-6554. chapter and our many humanitarian, its habitat. You don’t have to be a land of ours was won for us by hunters.”
1. Smith & Wesson M-48-7 .22 Mag 4" BBL, 12. Rem 700 XTR .300Rem. Ultra Mag, 26"
2.
blue, NIB........................................................ $ 800
Springfield Armory .45 ACP SDS 3" BBL, blue,
Blackened S/S, Fred's long-range rifle........... $ 850
13. Browning Belgium FN Mauser/Safari Rifle
Hunting Works for Illinois, Wisconsin and America
T
New, No box, 3 clips........................................ 550 30-06 Blue/Walnut 22" bbl. 95% Pre '63......... 1,000 he firearms industry’s trade association, publicly to how their members value the us hunters and gun owners feeling like we’re
80% wood "very accurate rifle" "My personal WI deer rifle the National Shooting Sports Foundation, important buying power of hunters and shooters. always playing defense.”
3. Howa 1500 30-06 with 3-10 Nikko since 1963"
hired Public Affairs Company of Minne- Taking it to the next level, Hunting Works has He shared an example of statistics he is
Stirling Scope, NIB........................................... 500 14. Ruger #1AB 25-06 26" bbl. Henry Forearm, apolis to proactively generate positive publicity asked Mark LaBarbera & including in the Illinois video:
4. Win M-70 Deluxe .270, Like new...................... 600 Blue/Walnut NIB ..............................................1,100 about the economic benefits of hunting and Associates to produce 20 • $1.3 billion spent annually.
"At the time I purchased it, it was the 1st & only M-AB the factory target shooting. Their successful campaign was customized videos, one for
5. Win M-70 Featherweight, 30-06, 22" BBK, Blue, had ever offered" "A beautiful rifle & a collector's treasure. • 512,000 people hunt in Illinois each year.
Walnut, NIB...................................................... 900 cleverly named Hunting Works for America and each Hunting Works • Of those hunters, 51,000 are from out of
15. Win M-94 (pre-64) 30-30 Win. Lever Action 20" bbl. it expanded to 20 states so far, including Hunting state. The two-minute
6. H&R SB2 Ultra, .223 Rem. Heavy Barrel, "long wood" .................................................... 900 state.
Works for Illinois and Hunting Works for videos will be used • Illinois hunters spend $273 million on
Blue, Wood, New no box................................. 500 Excellent Condition 98% perfect
Wisconsin. online and at public
trip-related expenditures.
7. Win M-70 Super Grade .300 Win Mag, Blue, 16. Ruger Blackhawk .357 Mag 6 1/2" bbl. S/S 98% TV stations, radio broadcasters, online meetings of civic groups,
• Hunters in Illinois spend $235 million on
Walnut, NIB...................................................... 1,600 Condition w/ original box.................................... Call media, newspapers and magazines have carried social clubs, communit y
hunting equipment.
17. Kimber Crimson Carry 9mm, Blue, NIB.............. Call the pro-hunting and pro-shooting sports organizations, business associa-
8. Win M-70 Super Grade .300 Win Mag, Blue, messages to the public using facts, real busi- tions and anywhere the non-hunting public can • Each hunter spends an average of $2,400
Walnut, NIB...................................................... 1,600 18. NA Brand Model 1AA 22mag, ness impact stories and economic statistics. discover this great story. Short and sweet, the a year in Illinois.
9. Wby Vanguard .257 Wby Mag, Blue, Single shot, NIB .............................................. 300 Small business owners from communities videos are being designed as a quick, engaging • Hunter spending translates to $700
Composite, NIB............................................... 750 19. 1Win 62 Pump, Pre 64 98% .22 LR................. 750 across the country lend their voice and their message that will leave a lasting impression as million in salaries and wages.
name as Hunting Works partners to help tell the they create positive awareness among the target • Hunting in Illinois supports over 18,000
10. Wby Vanguard .300 Wby Mag, Blue, 20. Pair of Zeiss 20 x 60 Image Stabilization Illinois jobs.
story. Local chambers of commerce, tourism audience.
Composite, NIB............................................... 750 Binoculars with leather case. Like new............. 3,000 agencies, hotel and motel associations, grocery “It’s a pleasure to be part of this huge • Hunters pay $158 million in state and
11. Win M-1300, Pump 12 ga, 3" Turkey Gun 98% 21. Zanotti Gun Safe: Holds 52 guns, upper trade groups, convenience store and petroleum national effort to positively promote the shooting local taxes.
Condition......................................................... 600 shelves, "portable" (can be taken apart)........... 2,000 marketers continue to join free and testify sports,” said LaBarbera. “It’s a lot better than • Creating a $2.2 billion ripple effect.
10 WI SCI HUNTERS – January/February 2021 WI SCI HUNTERS – January/February 2021 11
Wisconsin Chapter Report Wisconsin’s Green Fire offers
by Charmaine Wargolet,
President
with our incredible SCI friends! It is
held at Seven Seas restaurant where Opportunities Now Report on Wolves
S “I
o, your Wisconsin chapter board the food is excellent, and the setting is
has continued to work hard to lovely! n light of the 2021 planned • The Wisconsin Depar tment of maintaining the population within
ke e p our c ha pte r a li ve a nd Hope everyone had a great deer removal of federal Endangered Natural Resources (WDNR) should 2016-20 levels (around 866-1034
vibrant! We had a great September season and I hope to see lots of Species Act protections for gray proceed conser vatively by wolves) until a new wolf conserva-
and October member meeting and in pictures at the coming events! wolves, Wisconsin needs a new wolf tion plan is developed and
N ove m b e r th e 2021 b a n q u et A nd s p e a k ing of o n e of those conservation plan, new policies, and approved by the Natural
committee members met in full and coming events, the January member- legislation to provide appropriate Resources Board.
they are still planning a great event! If ship meeting to be held at Bullwinkle’s conservation for this iconic species,” • Wisconsin needs legislation
we do not meet with any extreme new Sports Bar on Bluemound Road will according to Wisconsin’s Green Fire. that returns authority for deter-
COVID rules by January 21, the Board be both fun and interesting! Joel “Currently, Gray wolf conservation mining need and specifics of a
will make the absolute final decision to Kleefisch will be talking about his hunt and management is informed by an wolf harvest to the WDNR and
sign the contract at our new venue and in Hawaii for three species of animals outdated Wolf Management Plan Tribes with strong public input.
complete the full steam ahead and also will touch on the Coues Deer from 1999,” the group said, adding, • Make sure that Wisconsin’s
planning! hunt that he and member/director John “In our new Oppor tunities Now diverse American Indian Nations
There are many of us pretty excited Miller went on together. Joel is a fun Report, we lay out a clear set of and their rights and interests are
to make this happen! speaker and Bullwinkle’s is a conve- recommendations to tackle these recognized and respected in any
As I write this our Christmas party is nient location for most folks. So please i s s u e s a n d s e t W i s c o n s i n ’s management decisions or new
this week, Friday December 4, and we join us! bringing a small degree of normalcy management of the gray wolf up for management plans. Wolves are
will practice full social distancing, but Well, as the new year begins, my back to all of our lives. But until then, success.” culturally signif ic a nt to the ir
want to enjoy this holiday celebration fe r ve nt hop e is that 2021 sta r ts be well! Here are the group’s three key people and way of life.
recommendations: Learn more at wigreenfire.org.
New Hunter Shares Excitement
S
CI chapters support efforts to group’s “Pheasants by the Fox” learn at how much I learned that weekend. I
recruit, retain and reactivate to hunt event. went to a Women on the Wing event a
hunters of all ages. It’s great New hunter Jennifer Rees was so couple of weeks ago and broke a lot of
when a group receiving SCI funds enthused about being introduced to clays, then got one hen and shot the
follows up with photos or stories about the sport that she wrote, “I am so sorry tail feathers off of a rooster (oops) and
how the funds were used. it took me this long to get the pictures someone next to me took him down.
Ye a r s a g o , S C I g a v e t o t h e to you, but I had fun looking back On behalf of all of us students, thank
B e c o m i n g A n O u td o o r s -Wo m a n through them and hope you do too. I you so much to you and the event’s
program, which is currently need of think it’s safe to say I am completely sponsors. Please share our gratitude
new funding. BOW’s Peggy Farrell hooked on this sport, and am amazed with all who made it possible.”
helped Jerry Schenck and the Friends
of Poynette Game Farm a few months
ago as they recruited new pheasant
hunters. FPGF President and Board
Chair Paul Mayer shared this feedback
from one lady who participated in the
Jennifer discovered wing-shooting and converted her
success into a pheasant pie
12 WI SCI HUNTERS – January/February 2021 WI SCI HUNTERS – January/February 2021 13
Chanez Receives $2,000 WOCA/ Downrange Confidence, Strings Attached
OHEC Scholarship; Who’s Next? T
here’s a reason the Crossfire® II
2-7x32 Crossbow Scope is so
For a list of specifications, frequently
asked questions and high-resolution
distributes a complete line of premium
sport optics, accessories, and apparel.
V
ictoria Chanez, won the annual For more information about packed with shooter-friendly images, check out the Vortex New Dedicated to providing unrivaled
$ 2, 0 0 0 O u t d o o r H e r i t a g e how to apply, contact Laurel. features. Wisconsin-based Vortex Product Portal. For more information, customer service and exceptional
Education Center’s scholarship Steffes@gmail.com. listened to SCI members and other visit VortexOptics.com and be sure to quality, Vortex backs its products with
from the Wisconsin Outdoor Chanez is an undergraduate Vortex customers who hunt with a follow Vortex Optics on Instagram, the unconditional, transferrable, lifetime
Communicators Association, and now at the University of Wisconsin- crossbow, and then delivered this new Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. VIP Warranty. Built on over 30 years of
the search begins for nex t year’s Plat teville. According to scope to fit their real-world needs. American owned, veteran-owned, experience in the optics industr y,
winner. SCI members are invited to Steffes, “Victoria demonstrated It starts with a reticle designed for W i s c o n s i n -b a s e d Vo r tex O pti c s Vortex® has emerged as a leader in the
share this opportunity with family and a strong interest in outdoor the crossbow hunter who needs versa- designs, engineers, produces, and optics market.
friends. communications and tili t y a nd ra ng e. Re d a nd g re e n
“OHEC & WOCA are on track to submit ted impressive tear illumination allow for confident low-light
offer a 2021 scholarship to a Wisconsin sheets.” shooting. The reticle is also built to be
undergraduate or graduate student Chanez is grateful for the zeroed at 40 yards, and accurate out to
with a demonstrated interest in outdoor scholarship, saying, “Thank 100 yards with holdover points.
communication,” said Laurel Steffes, you so much for all of these And, unique to the Crossfire ® II
WOCA Board Secretary. oppor tunities. If there is 2-7x32 Crossbow Scope, the subten-
sions are accurate at 4x for a 380 feet
per second crossbow, but Vortex® also
included the magnification power and
feet per second on the magnification
ring, making the optic compatible with
a wide variety of crossbows.
The Crossfire ® II 2-7x32 Crossbow
Scope comes standard with rings, flip
caps, and a neoprene cover, so it’s
ready to mount right out of the box.
And, if shooters prefer their own rings,
anything I can do to help, please let me its 30mm tube is compatible with many
know.” ring and mount options.
Providing background information, And the best part? It’s a Crossfire,
Chanez said, “I am an environmental so you know it’s built for the field but at
engineering major with a chemistry an affordable price. It lists for $279.99.
minor. I am involved with the Society of
Women Engineers and the Pioneer
Student Victoria Chanez helped Sportsman’s Club. I am also a research
Wisconsin DNR band geese last year. assistant working with clay liners as a
potential nuclear waste container.”
Vortex Renews Support for Deer Hunt Wisconsin TV
V
She explained, “Originally from ortex Optics of Barneveld, Wisconsin Vortex understands Deer Hunt Wisconsin In addition to SCI Wisconsin, Lake Superior
Oshkosh, I chose environmental engi- renewed its suppor t for Deer Hunt viewers and their equipment needs, according to and Badgerland Chapters, Deer Hunt Wisconsin
neering because of the conservation Wisconsin as the award-winning TV special Small. “As they prepare for each deer season, sponsors include Access Ability Wisconsin,
club I am a member of near my home- celebrates its 30th year on the air. they’re looking for tips and gear that will help American Honda Motor Co. , Hunting Works for
town. We raise pheasants and do other “Mark was using Vortex binoculars, range- them put venison in the freezer no matter what Wisconsin, LeRoy Meats and Catering, MEC,
environmentally sustainable activities. finders, riflescopes and spotting scopes long Mother Nature throws at them. Check out Vortex Outdoor Heritage Education Center, Outdoor News
In addition to the conservation club, I before Vortex joined us as a sponsor,” said celeb- Nation online and you’ll see what I mean. They get Publications, QuietKat Electric Bikes, The Range
founded the outdoors section for my rity host Dan Small. us,” he said. of Richfield, Vortex Optics, Whitetail Sanctuary
high school newspaper in hopes of The show written, produced and directed by Deer Hunt Wisconsin features segments each Solutions, Wildlife Research Center, Wisconsin
encouraging others to find a similar SCI members Dan Small and Mark LaBarbera airs year that showcase successful ever yday DNR and Wisconsin Lake & Pond Management.
passion for the outdoors.” each year in early November on public TV, Fox hunters—young and old—overcoming barriers to Wild Eagle Lodge of Eagle River, Wisconsin is
That column also won awards for Sports North, and Fox Sports Wisconsin, plus participation, with updates on new rules and the show’s Official Host Resort. SneakyHunter
stories regarding hunting and online year-round. regulations, season dates and hunting opportuni- Boot Lamps are the Official Light. Huntworth is
sustainability. “We’re so happy to work with the great folks ties on public land, plus a region-by-region the Official Clothing of Deer Hunt Wisconsin.
Looking to the future, Chanez said, at Vortex,” said Small, “because they have what forecast for where you hunt. As always, the For final Deer Hunt Wisconsin airtimes, check
“I am looking forward to starting my we and our viewers and online followers need program will deliver a strong safety message for November television listings in your area or search
career and hope to find a job that to be successful in the field, and they stand all hunters. The program also covers the tradition YouTube and Facebook. To contribute any amount
allows me to make a positive difference behind it forever with the Vortex VIP Warranty. of deer hunting, the joys of mentoring new toward this educational public outreach effort or
while improving our way of life as well Plus, their world headquarters is right here in hunters and an important update on chronic sponsor the show, email WiSCImag@peoplepc.
as the environment. Wisconsin.” wasting disease (CWD). com.
14 WI SCI HUNTERS – January/February 2021 WI SCI HUNTERS – January/February 2021 15
Hunt Report:
Father & Son Gator Adventure
by Denny Roach was a father-son hunt, Deven I got lucky when we spotted We took the gators back to
I
t was a beautiful summer day and I had agreed that we would another 10-foot gator on our Carl’s place where they were
as we drove to Fort Pierce, both shoot simultaneously to way back. We saw it swimming hoisted up for pictures. That’s
Florida. My son, Deven, and I increase our chances of about 30 yards out from the when it sinks in just how large
traded off driving duties while anchoring the gator right where bank. As with the first gator, and ferocious-looking these
telling stories of past hunts and it lay. We crept a little closer, Deven and I got our rifles ready gators are. After the photos
sharing expectations of our took careful aim, and our rifles for another simultaneous shot. we re t a ke n a g e nt n a m e d
upcoming hunt. It made the time fired in unison. Again it was a good hit. Carl “Ducky” took up the task of
go by faster and we finally Our aim was good; we did was able to throw a line with a cleaning and skinning the two
arrived at Davison’s Alligator well, and the gator didn’t move large treble hook to snag the big gators. He cut up the meat
Hunts, where we were greeted from that spot. gator and pull it into shore. On and packaged it, then froze it for
by Carl “Gatorman” Davison. It Deven and one of the team its way into shore we were our ride home. The meat tasted
was a warm and friendly members took their shoes off surprised to see that it wasn’t very good, almost like chicken.
welcome, and from that point on and got into a small canoe to dead, so we put another round We had t wo awesome
we were treated like family. cross the 40 yards of water to into it to finish off this very tough, trophies, a lot of meat, and a
On the first day of our hunt, get to the dead gator. It turned almost prehistoric animal. great father and son hunt!
we scouted and saw many alli- out that the island was not an
gators, all of them were around island. They stepped out of the
six feet long and deemed too canoe into knee-deep water
small for us. covered in dense vegetation. It
T h e n ex t d ay we s aw a was quite a struggle, but they
10-footer sleeping on what f inally managed to get the
looked like a small island. I was 400-pound gator into the canoe.
carrying my .308 and Deven The journey back to shore
was using Carl’s .243. Carl was exciting as the canoe listed
stealthily maneuvered us ever heavily to one side with its over-
closer. size load of a big gator and two
One of the many challenges young men. But they made it to
in gator hunting is to hit a very shore and we eventually had to
small target, the brain, which is pull the canoe with the gator in
about the size of a silver dollar it up a steep bank with Carl’s
just behind the eye. Since this pickup truck.
16 WI SCI HUNTERS – January/February 2021 WI SCI HUNTERS – January/February 2021 17
Cherish
S
CI members who care about t he DNR’s GoWild! sys tem, or t h e m ,” s a i d D a v i d C l u t t e r, placement of lunker structures to
Wisconsin wildlife and say through donations made on Executive Director of the Natural improve fish spawning habitat,
yes to the Cherish question CherishWisconsin.org. Of the 4 Resources Foundation of including both game and rare fish
when they buy their licenses cele- million annual license purchasers, Wisconsin. “More and more people and aquatic invertebrates.
brate a $1 million milestone as the a p p r ox i m a t e l y 1% c h o o s e t o are seeking high-quality places to “The Cherish Wisconsin
conser vationists here build an donate, with an average donation recreate, and we’re realizing just Outdoors Fund exists so we can
endowment fund to provide of $5. how much our state parks, natural star t now to ensure the future
permanent funding for habitat Wisconsin has 1.5 million acres areas, forests, prairies, lakes and enjoyment of our lands, waters
management projects on public of publicly owned forests, prairies, strewwams enrich our lives.” and wildlife,” said Cait lin
land. parks, streams and lakes. Over the For ever y $1 million in t he Williamson, Director of
Created in 2 012 by a unified past two decades, the increased endowment , approximately Conservation Programs for the
bipartisan act of the Wisconsin demand for conservation lands to $50,000 or about 5% per year will Natural Resources Foundation.
State Legislature, the Cherish recreate on has out paced t he be distributed for land steward- “The fund will last lifetimes
Wisconsin Outdoors Fund is an growth in the state’s capacity to s h i p. Pr ev i o u s l y f u n d e d s i t e s because our precious lands and
endowment that provides a perma- manage these lands, according to include the Lawrence Creek Fish waters must last lifetimes. When
nent source of funding to care for Keith Warnke, DNR Fish, Wildlife and Wildlife Area, the Tyrone Tract you support the fund, you support
W i s c o n s i n ’s p u b l i c l a n d s f o r and Parks Division Administrator. of the Lower Chippewa River State our public lands — now and
generations to come. The “The use of Wisconsin’s public Natural A rea, Bluf f Creek and forever.”
Legislature established the fund to lands has increased in recent Clover Valley Fen State Natural The public can donate to the
p rotec t , r es tor e, a n d im p rove years, and so have barriers to A r e a s i n t h e S o u t h e r n Ke t t l e fund through the DNR’s GoWild!
habitat for Wisconsin’s plants and Moraine State Forest. licensing system, online through
keeping them healthy, thriving
Projects are selected by a stake- the CherishWisconsin.org website
animals. a n d p r i s t i n e,” Wa r n ke s a i d .
holder group including or by mailing a donation made to
“The growth of the Cherish Fund “A d d r e s s i n g u n p r e c e d e n t e d
o r g a n i z a t i o n s s u c h a s B a c k- the Natural Resources Foundation
illustrates the impor tance that challenges such as invasive
cou nt r y Hu nter s a nd A ngler s , o f W i s c o n s i n , AT T N : C h e r i s h
Wisconsinites place on access to species and increased flooding
Friends of Wisconsin State Parks, Wisconsin, 211 Paterson St. Suite
public lands and the investment in r e q u i r e s m o r e r e s o u r c e s . To
Natural Areas Preser vation 100, Madison, WI 53703.
the future of our natural ensure these lands are available, Council, Pheasants Forever, Rocky
r e s o u r c e s ,” s a i d D N R D e p u t y viable and continue to benefit our Mountain Elk Foundation, Ruffed
Secretary Beth Bier. “Public lands economy, we must work together Grouse Society, Trout Unlimited,
pay dividends for generations to to properly manage them.” The Natural Resources
W i s c o n s i n B i r d C o n s e r va t i o n
come.” T h e o n g o i n g C OV I D -19 Foundation of Wisconsin is a non-
Partnership, Wisconsin Conser-
The Cherish Fund is an opportu- pandemic has contributed to a profit organization that connects
vation Congress, Wisconsin
nit y for people to invest in the recent surge of interest in Water fowl Association and the generations to the wonders of
public lands and waters where spending time outdoors. Wisconsin Wildlife Federation. Wisconsin’s lands, waters and wild-
they recreate. The fund is held by Wisconsin state parks, trails and Examples of future projects that life through conservation, education,
the Natural Resources Foundation forests have seen a 15% increase may receive funding include engagement and giving. Since 1986,
of Wisconsin, a private nonprofit in attendance with more than 19.5 i m p r ov i n g h a b i t a t a n d f o r e s t the foundation has contributed more
501c3 organization. In addition to million visitors from January to health, controlling invasive than $8 million to public and private
major donations from individuals October in 2020. species, the restoration of conservation efforts to protect the
and businesses, the fund “The Cherish Wisconsin wetlands, grasslands, forests and land s , wate r s , and wi ld l ife of
is also supported by donations Outdoors Fund is a gamechanger migrator y bird habitat along Wisconsin. For more information
made when people purchase a for Wisconsin’s public lands and migration pathways or the visit www.WisConservation.org.
hunting or fishing license through waters and the people who enjoy
18 WI SCI HUNTERS – January/February 2021 WI SCI HUNTERS – January/February 2021 19Natural Resources Foundation • H e l p t h e M a c Ke n z i e E nv i r-
onmental Education Center in
Poynet te, Wisconsin, with
Elects Mark LaBarbera Chair outdoor education and skills
training programs or interpre-
tive signage;
T
he Board of Directors of the the natural resources challenges wildlife. Its Wisconsin Conservation • Enhance youth and adult
charitable non-profit Natural facing all of us who cherish Endowment includes more than 100 outdoor spor ts education
R e s o u r c e s Fo u n d a t i o n o f Wisconsin’s great outdoors,” said funds valued at approximately $8.8 efforts in Wisconsin, including
Wisconsin elected new officers for LaBarbera, longtime national million. especially, but not limited to,
2021-22 at its November 19 virtual conser vation leader and media Af ter more than 30 years, the National Archery in the Schools
meeting. The Board chose SCI Life executive who years ago set up Foundation still serves this role and and Explore Bowhunting
Member Mark LaBarbera of Hazel NRF’s first outdoor sports educa- fills an impor tant and unique Programs, youth fishing,
Green near the Grant /Lafayette tion fund. conservation funding niche that no firearms safety and hunter skills
County line as its new Chairman Located in Madison, Wisconsin, other organization does. The training, and promoting
effective January 1. the Foundation is a nonprofit 501c3 Foundation embraces the power of AT V and snowmobile safet y
The NRF Board approved a new t h a t w a s f o r m e d i n 19 8 6 a s public - p r ivate pa r tne r s hips . It training;
slate of officers with Treasurer Tom declining budgets severely compro- recovers species from the brink of • Improve signage at Hard-
Dott of Madison moving to Vice mised critical programs of extinction. And it continues to bring scrabble Prairie State Natural
Chair, Finance Committee Chair Wisconsin’s Department of Natural substantial financial resources and Area in Lafayette County;
David Adams of Franklin moving to Resources (DNR). With the support attention to priority projects of the • Help secondary education insti-
Treasurer and continuing to run the of its donors and members, the DNR and other conservation part- tutions in Wisconsin provide
F i n a n c e C o m m i t t e e , a n d D r. Natural Resources Foundation of ners. The Foundation also provides s c h o l a r s h i p s f o r s t u d e n t ’s
Rebecca Haefner of Wauwatosa Wisconsin has boosted private sustainable funding for Wisconsin’s natural resource education, or
NFR outgoing Chair Kristine Krause and LaBarbera
serving as Board Secretary. sector investment and involvement most imperiled species and ecosys- help secondar y institutions
LaBarbera served as Treasurer for Wisconsin’s lands, waters and tems, while helping citizens explore, care for, and protect Wisconsin’s there will be more environmentally outside of Wisconsin provide
before moving to Vice natural resources. literate citizens and future stewards scholarships for Wisconsin-
Chair with current The Foundation works to protect for conservation to replace each based students’ natural
Chair Kristine Krause Wisconsin’s natural heritage by passing generation.” resources education; and
of Rhinelander, under suppor ting critical conser vation Coni LaBarbera learned to hunt • Support production and airing
whose term NRF hired work through its grant programs, from her uncle Keith Pickel in south- of natural resources program-
new Executive offering opportunities for people to west Wisconsin, where she taught ming on public radio and public
Director David Clutter, experience Wisconsin’s outdoors middle school. She has gone on to television in Wisconsin.
c o m p l e t e d a $ 1.1 through its trips, and providing a hunt and fish in a number of states The fund will not be used for
million Evergreen means for people to help protect a nd ha s tr a ine d teacher s fr om anything that benefits anti-hunting
Fund endowment Wisconsin’s lands, water s, and across the United States at the SCI efforts, hinders access to public
campaign and final- wildlife that they cherish most, Foundation’s American Wilderness lands and waters, or limits shooting
ized its strategic plan through its diverse ways to give. For Leadership School in Jackson Hole, sports opportunities for youth or
for the future. The more information, visit wisconser- Wyoming, where she specialized in adults.
foundation has pros- vation.org. helping educators earn National The endowment fund aligns with
pered exponentially N R F ’s L a B a r b e r a -Va u g h n Archery in the Schools certification NRF’s public land management
during the recent Outdoor Heritage Fund was estab- so they could go back to their support for improving habitat that
decade thanks to lished in 2014 by SCI’s LaBarbera school districts to teach archery game species and other wildlife
increased suppor t and his wife Constance Vaughn and, ideally, create the next gener- need to survive. It also provides
from a growing LaBarbera as a way to give back to ation of bowhunters. educational opportunities for youth
number of conserva- the state’s natural resources and The LaBarbera’s established the and adults to learn how to hunt and
tion partners and future generations. endowment consistent with values fish, a major source of conservation
individual donors. “Hunters and anglers have to be shared by SCI members, including funding here and across the United
NRF welcomes close to nature in order to have to: States
donations from SCI success afield,” said LaBarbera, • Increase the public’s under- At the time, the donation marked
chapters and indi- whose own connection to nature s t a nding, a pp r e ciation a nd the largest single gift for an endow-
vidual members who came from spending time hunting sense of stewardship for natural ment fund with the Foundation from
can designate contri- and fishing with his mother and resources, America’s outdoor a current board member and it
butions of any size to father, Betty and Joe LaBarbera, of heritage, and professional inspired other citizens and groups
a special fund created West Allis. resource management, to contribute for the long-term
by LaBarbera. H e a d d e d , “ B e c a u s e of t h a t including related activities such b e n e f i t of W i s c o n s i n’s n a tu r a l
“ T h a n ks to C h a i r c o n n e c t i o n , t h ey h ave a d e e p as fishing, hunting and other resources. Donations of any size
Kris Krause, the board appreciation for the environment shooting sports in Wisconsin; can be made out to and sent to NRF
and professional staff, a n d wa n t to h e l p c a r e f o r o u r • Increase wild elk, deer, turkey, L a B -Va u g h n O H F, c /o C a m i l l e
the NRF is positioned natural resources. If we can and game bird populations in Z a n o n i , 2 11 S . P a t e r s o n S t . ,
well to help address connect more people to nature, Wisconsin; Madison, WI 53703.
20 WI SCI HUNTERS – January/February 2021 WI SCI HUNTERS – January/February 2021 21You can also read
