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National | Illinois | Iowa | Kentucky | Louisiana | Michigan | Minnesota | Missouri
Wounded Warrior Hunt a Success
Howard McClanahan took this record gemsbok, scoring second in the world, during a safari with African Days, purchased through Whitetails Unlimited. The package was originally bought at auction by Brian Hoeing of Indiana who then transferred it to Howard. The African Days package is offered at many WTU events, and if you’d like more information, visit their WTU dedicated website at www.africandayswtu.com and join their mailing list.
Hunting the Poachers WTU donated a robotic white-tailed deer decoy to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks for game wardens to use in anti-poaching efforts. Game Warden Mat Strozewski wrote to say thanks, noting that they have already used the decoy dozens of times. Field Director of the Year … for the 7th Time!
Winning Buck
Iowa YEHC Program Supported The Iowa Youth Hunter Education Challenge received $500 from Whitetails Unlimited to support this year’s educational program. Last year had more than 11,000 participants (one out of four school-aged youth in the state), and every county in the state was involved in this 4-H program.
Walleye Tastes Better at a Shore Lunch
Outstanding Mount
Saving Fawns at Sandra’s Sanctuary The Central Illinois Ridge Runners Chapter donated funds to Sandra’s Sanctuary, where orphaned fawns are raised and released back into the wild. Sandra (at right) said that she is saving to be able to purchase a trailer to transport the fawns to release areas. DES PLAINES RIVER VALLEY CHAPTER
Members of the Des Plaines River Valley Chapter of Illinois are shown with archery equipment the chapter donated to the Joliet Archery Club, to be used for youth shooting events. Chapter members include Tom Schievers, Bruce Schievers, and Mitch Greene. FOX VALLEY CHAPTER Fox Valley Chapter Scholarship Winner Illinois Fox Valley Chapter’s Dean Carlson (left) and Chapter VP Lisa Bielak (right) present a $500 scholarship check to Marcus Harris. HEART OF ILLINOIS CHAPTER
Members of the Heart of Illinois Chapter went the extra mile in making two brothers’ dreams come true. The pair, Josh and Jacob Ruchotzke, each bagged a doe during Illinois’ October youth hunt, and while the WTU chapter assisted them, they each put extraordinary effort into their hunts. Jacob, 11, has cystic fibrosis, a lung disease; and Josh, 14, lost both legs and most of his hands to a strep infection. But that didn’t stop either of them as they made their way across wet fields and through a creek, and then each made a successful 100-yard-plus shot on their first white-tailed deer. The chapter arranged for gear and training and got the boys enrolled in a hunter safety course. Dennis Billingsley provided access to his Camden Hunt Club in Schuyler County. Chapter member Don Wells said that all the credit went to the two boys, because they don’t seem to have the word ‘can’t’ in their vocabulary. In their second year, the Heart of Illinois Chapter has made it their mission to help kids with special needs go hunting. “We want to help kids,” said chapter member Bill David in a newspaper interview. And the Ruchotzke brothers seized the opportunity, working hard, with smiles on their faces. The boys also had an sopportunity for duck hunting, and are looking forward to future hunts and taking their first bucks. Greg Ruchotzke, the boys’ father, said that he was impressed with the time chapter members spent with the boys getting them ready for their hunting debut. However, Greg now says (with a smile) that both boys have been bitten hard by the hunting bug, and that he’s in trouble because they now have a long list of gear they need for future hunts. Both boys jumped at the chance to go duck hunting with Bill David, taking several ducks. Josh also developed a strong interest in bowhunting. Some inventive thinking resulted in modifications to the bow, allowing Josh to hold and shoot a Mathews compound bow, set at 53 pounds. Not bad for a 14-year-old. He’s been practicing, and already has a hunt scheduled. Bill David said that they were looking to help four or five special needs youngsters each year, and they’ve already got one mother that’s a fan. Angi Ruchotzke said, “Here’s a group that wants to promote their sport in a healthy way. And they also want to do it by helping someone else.”
Dream Hunts from the Heart of Illinois Chapter The Heart of Illinois Chapter has funded dream hunts for a trio of young men. Pictured (left to right): WTU President Jeff Schinkten, Jacob Ruchotzke, Chapter Event Associate Bill David, Josh Ruchotzke, Stephen Westhafer, and WTU Field Director Darel Martin. ILLINOIS VALLEY
The Illinois Valley Chapter had fun with a float in the Princeton Homestead Festival Parade last September. Gordy Shipp led committee members in this effort to get the word out about the chapter. Gordy was joined on the float by other Illinois Valley WTU members, including Mike, Mary Jo, Aaron, & Ryan Carrow, with Cody Gibson driving the 4 wheeler.
Leah Metcalf draws a winning name as Bob Stevens of the Illinois Valley Chapter looks on during the chapter raffle at the Bureau County Fair. Lindy Greenwood of Lindon, Illinois, won a print; and Nancy Griffin of Princeton, Illinois, won a pop-up blind.
Last May, the Illinois Valley Chapter presented the Bureau County Search & Rescue Association with a check for a generator to be used in their efforts. Pictured (left to right): Gordy Shipp and Bob Stevens of the Illinois Valley Chapter, and Larry Dalton, and Janet & Dale Smith of the Bureau County Search and Rescue Team.
New Chapter Makes Some Noise Jeff Peck (in camo shirt at table) gave this young boy a duck call at a bow shoot, and the youngster had a great time at the event. Peck was manning a booth selling tickets for the first banquet of Kaskaskia Valley Son’s-O’-Bucks Chapter of Illinois. LOUD THUNDER CHAPTER
The Loud Thunder Chapter in Illinois purchased and constructed this archery shooting platform at the Loud Thunder State Park, located near the Quad Cities. The platform can be used by the general public to practice archery. MIDDLEFORK CHAPTER Everyone Loves a Parade The Middlefork Chapter in Rantoul, Illinois, hosted a youth archery 3D shoot, as well as participating in a local parade last fall. Looks like fun!
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PRAIRIE CHAPTER
The Illinois Montgomery County Prairie Chapter recently presented $3,200 worth of brand-new archery equipment to Litchfield High School. The money was raised at their annual banquet in November, and one of the chapter’s primary causes is youth education. They donated 10 compound bows (eight right-handed and two left-handed) and 10 Dura-Block targets. LHS Principal Mark Hunt said he is excited about the donation, and it will be used by physical education classes this spring in the archery unit. Pictured (left to right): coach Sarah Stedman, students Kendra Ferguson and Michael Claussen, and representing Whitetails Unlimited are Dave Rovey and Event Associate Shawn Reynolds.
Bill Guthrie of Litchfield, Illinois, won a Browning BPS 12-gauge shotgun raffled by the Montgomery County Prairie Chapter as a fundraiser for the Scholastic Clay Target Program. The winning ticket was drawn on June 13, when SCTP members competed in the Illinois State SCTP Trapshooting Championship at the World Shooting and Recreation Complex near Sparta. Pictured above, from left, is SCTP teams head coach Brad Ozee, Bill Guthrie, WTU Chapter President Shawn Reynolds, and Vice President Jim Brinkman.
The Senior Division team (9th - 12th grades) finished 47th. Shown (left) are members Chad Durbin - Butler, Logan Voyles - Coffeen, John Wilson - Litchfield, Austin Lee - Sorento, Briar Smith - Hillsboro, Samantha Summers - Butler, Abby Wilhelm - Irving, Brett Holliday and Alex Joyce - Litchfield, and Nicholas Strack - Donnellson. PIKE COUNTY CHAPTER
More than 20 young hunters from Illinois had a great day pheasant hunting with guides and dogs, courtesy of the Pike County Chapter, Hopewell Views, Rod Prentice, Rob Meats, and Keith Reinke. “We just like to encourage the kids to get outdoors and spend time enjoying it,” said Doug Pruett. Despite an early morning rain, the weather cleared and the group had great fun and success in their hunts. Once they came back from the field, the adults took the young hunters to the picking shed and showed them how to dress their birds. The guides said they did a great job. The kids then spent the rest of the day shooting clays and enjoying snacks. Shown front row, left to right: Gunner Turner, Tyler Blackwell, Cody Hayden. Second row: Dallas Castagna, Zack Patton, Ty Pruett, Seth Moyers, Corby Edwards, Blake DeCamp, Austin Clark, Payton Anderson. Third row: Branden Damon, MacKinzi Kelly, Bryar Pruett, Shelby Pruett, Matt Gunterman, Aaron Rodhouse, Cade Hayden, Dalton Smith, Tanner McElfresh, Alex Rodhouse. RIVER PRAIRIE CHAPTER
Illinois’ River Prairie Chapter held their first banquet last August. Pictured (left to right, top row) are committee members Jim Blackburn, Brian Emhoff, and Dan Martin. We awarded every youth in attendance with targets, head lamps, shirts, and gun locks, with one lucky youth also winning a youth .22-caliber rifle. The bottom row (left to right) shows Dagan Martin (winner’s cousin) and Hunter Mettille (winner) accepting the gun. Money raised from the event is being used to start the National Archery in the Schools Program in Midland School District, which is comprised of several communities that the chapter serves. ROCKFORD AREA CHAPTER
Shown is Pete Blassage (above right) of the Illinois Rockford Area Chapter presenting a $700 check to Camp Ranger Jason Jones of the Camp Medill McCormick Girl Scout Camp. The funds will be used to purchase three Mathews youth bows (two right-handed and one left-handed) and six dozen bows, to be used by the Girl Scouts in their archery program. SHOAL CREEK CHAPTER Shoal Creek Supports Shooting Team This September, Illinois’ Shoal Creek Chapter President Greg Zykan presented the Mulberry Grove Scholastic Shooting Team with a donation of $500. This money will help purchase ammo, targets, and supplies, and also help cover other expenses for the team. The chapter also purchased and donated a set of night vision binoculars to IDNR Conservation Officer Jennifer Klotz.
Shoal Creek Supports Boy Scouts The Shoal Creek Chapter of Illinois supported two Boy Scout groups with $500 donations. Shown top right are members of the chapter and the Highland Boy Scout troop. The photo below right is with members of the Greenville troop. The money will be used to support the Boy Scouts mission, and for tools and education. Lucky Winner at Shoal Creek
TAYLORVILLE CHAPTER
Thanks to the Taylorville Chapter three young adults will use $500 awards from the Rick McKinnon Memorial Scholarship Fund to help with their education. Shown with Phil Champly (far left) and WTU Field Director Darel Martin (far right) are scholarship recipients Scott Swiney of Pana High School, Caitlin Moliske of Taylorville High School, and Keegan Ward, also of Taylorville High School. TWIN RIVER CHAPTER
The Twin Rivers Chapter donated a projector screen for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to use in their educational and outreach programs. Neil Waters, the volunteer services coordinator wrote to say, “It works great and is a valuable addition to our education program. Thanks again for your generous support.”
WABASH VALLEY Spreading the Word Joe Boyer, of the new Illinois Wabash Valley Chapter, works a gun raffle booth at a local sports show. WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS
Bob Emery of the West Central Illinois Chapter presents a check to Bill Swango and Thelma Orwig of the Red Brick School Community Center. The Red Brick School is a popular stop on the annual Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive, where many artisans display their work. Many local Fulton County events are held at the school, and many chicken noodle dinners prepared by Thelma are served here to raise money for the local community. The Red Brick School is trying to raise money for a replacement furnace and Whitetails Unlimited wanted to give back to the community of Smithfield, Illinois, and the surrounding area for their strong support. West Central Illinois Chapter Donates NASP Gear
Training Young Archers in Canton
Four young archers from Iowa’s Alburnett Community Schools shot their way to the National Archery in the Schools Program national meet, thanks in part to support from WTU. Pictured are Kelsey Yauslin, Tymbrie Snobl, Zack Bisinger, and Kayla MacDonald. The archers had practiced since November 2008, and each placed in the top 5 for their grade at the state competition in Des Moines, which qualified them as individual competitors for the NASP National Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky.
Four Iowa WTU chapters are assisting in the acquisition of a 60-acre addition to the Hale Wildlife Area. The chapters involved are Wapsi Bottoms, Maquoketa, Cedar Rivers, and Cedar Rapids. The acquisition involves cooperation with other conservation organizations, and is a great example of what can be accomplished when groups with common goals work together.
Cedar Rapids Chapter Helping Archers The Cedar Rapids Chapter of Iowa donated $2,500 to the Waltonian Archers Club. Below is Jamie Washburn, chapter event associate; Al Perkins of the archery club; and Tim Powers, WTU field director. CLINTON AREA CHAPTER
The Clinton Area Chapter in Iowa, along with other groups, held a Youth Day last September. From one of the organizers: “Youth Day was a lot of fun for all of us, and especially the kids. Everyone who helped with the accommodations, food, and instruction did a great job. Thanks again to all the chapters, Izaak Walton, CCCF , CCCB, WTU, HBC, WTF, PF, and Lyons Middle School. Looking forward to next year!”
Fredericksburg has one of best facilities The Fredericksburg Chapter of Iowa donated $2,000 to support Fredericksburg Sportsman’s Club’s new building. This is now one of the best facilities in northeast Iowa, and will be used to get several hundred youth exposed to the hunting tradition each year. LOESS HILLS CHAPTER Defiance Walking Park The city of Defiance, Iowa, wrote to thank the Loess Hills Chapter for all of the help the chapter has supplied to create and support the Defiance Walking Park, which is used for a variety of activities by many area residents.
Maquoketa Supports Successful Team Scotty Kirk, coach of the Maquoketa youth trap team, sent in the following note: “Just an update on how we did this year at the Iowa High School State Trap Shoot & the SCTP State Trap Shoot. This year, with the help of WTU’s Maquoketa Chapter, we were the 2009 Iowa High School League Trap champions, the All-State Team champions, the Iowa Cup champions, second in the 200 Bird SCTP State Shoot, and third in the Iowa High School State 100 Bird Shoot. We also set the new high school trap invitational state record, shooting 236 out of 250, beating the old record by two birds. We are also planning to go to the Grand National Shoot in Sparta, Illinois. We want to say thank you again for all the help that WTU has provided to our group. I would like to thank Randy Manning (chapter event associate), who did a great job with the banquet.” NORTHEAST IOWA CHAPTER Northeast Iowa Helps Train New Archers The Northeast Iowa Chapter provided $2,500 to the Postville Community Schools for archery equipment to be used in the National Archery in the Schools Program. The chapter also paid for seven instructors to attend archery training classes. In addition to the school donation, the chapter also cost-shared 15wildlife food plots at $50 per plot. [ top ]
Western Kentucky Bluegrass Chapter Youth Day
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Beauregard Parish Supports LDWF [ top ] Allegan Chapter Donating Digital The Allegan Chapter donated three Flip Ultra digital video recorders to the Michigan DNR for use by state conservation officers. “A simple video recorder has proven to be a priceless tool when gathering evidence and prosecuting a case in the courtroom. The donation is a testament to the generosity of all sportsmen and women of Michigan, and the invaluable relationship between conservation organizations and wildlife agencies,” said Michigan Conservation Officer Chuck Towns. CALHOUN COUNTY CHAPTER
The Calhoun County Chapter in Marshall, Michigan, donated bows, arrows, and targets for a Girl Scout archery group, and also donated bows, targets, and arrows for Union City’s schools to be use in their National Archery in the Schools Program. Shown are chapter President Trevor Barnes and Girl Scout leader Ann Flynn with some of her troop members, and Indian Creek Archery owners Jeff Lambert and Richard Kipp. CEDAR SPRINGS CHAPTER
Michigan’s Cedar Springs Chapter donated bows and equipment to Cedar Springs Middle School for the National Archery in the Schools Program, and the 7th and 8th graders really appreciate the gear.
DOWAGIAC CHAPTER Dowagiac Youth Gun Winner Dowagiac Chapter Event Associate Rick Ivens (right) is shown with a lucky winner of one of the youth guns at the spring banquet. DOWNRIVER CHAPTER Michigan’s Downriver Chapter Provides Hunt of a Lifetime The Downriver Chapter donated $2,500 to the Tony Semple Foundation for Hope. This is the fifth year the chapter has supported the foundation, which will use the funds to cover the costs to send a youngster with a life-threatening condition on a hunt of a lifetime. FRANKENMUTH/BIRCH RUN CHAPTER
The Frankenmuth/Birch Run Chapter supports Michigan’s Frankenmuth FOX Club, which works to provide a barrier-free shooting program. Coaches Mark Whelton and E.F. Rittmueller wrote to say thanks: “The FOX Club has been able to hold three registered trap shoots and will be taking over 15 shooters to the Freeland Sportsman’s Club to shoot sporting clays, many for the first time. Words cannot express the appreciation both the shooters and I feel. Under the economic conditions, several young shooters have been able to participate in spite of their family’s struggles. Your donation has helped introduce 13 new shooters to the sport. These are kids that have not handled a shotgun before and are having the time of their lives every Tuesday. In addition, the FOX Club has 10 competitive shooters participating in the ATA’s AIM youth trapshooting program. This is an increase of four shooters from a year ago. Our goal is to continue offering free shooting as long as we can. Thank you again for providing our youth with an opportunity to enjoy shooting sports in a safe and supportive environment.” Frankenmuth/Birch Run Helping Youth The Frankenmuth/Birch Run Chapter of Michigan donated $1000 to the Reese High Out-of-Doors Club, a youth-led outdoors club, whose mission statement is: “To instill the respect, appreciation, and awareness of Michigan’s Natural Resources, while promoting safe, ethical harvesting of wild fish and game species.” The club is in its tenth year and has 130 members, and is affiliated with the Michigan United Conservation Clubs. On this day club members were taking the entire Reese Elementary 4th-grade class to a local pond to teach them to fish. Pictured here are club members with their advisors along with WTU Field Director Jason Maraskine on the far left, and the Frankenmuth/Birch Run Event Associate Dave Mohn on the far right.
The Frankenmuth/Birch Run Chapter not only supports youth outdoor and hunting programs, but the local DNR as well. Pictured is Officer Dan Lee of Saginaw County with his newly refurbished deer decoy. The Frankenmuth/Birch Run Chapter purchased the decoy years ago, but it was shot-up to the point that it was rendered useless. With Whitetails Unlimited support, this decoy will continue to help in the fight to stop poaching. The chapter also purchased Officer Lee a pair of night vision binoculars.
Kalamazoo Chapter Helping Ospreys Nest The Kalamazoo Chapter of Michigan used project funds last spring to purchase Tri-Pod Stands, and used volunteer labor in order to make Osprey nesting sites. One was placed at Hart’s Lake, and a second at the discharge side of Eagle Lake, both near Fort Custer.
Kalamazoo Chapter Special Hunt Michigan’s Kalamazoo Chapter sponsored 15-year-old Dustan Colyer in a special youth hunt at the High Point Deer Ranch in Morley, Michigan. He took a nice 5x5 with a small drop tine. He hunted with his dad, Jason, and took the trophy with a perfect shot, dropping the buck in his tracks. Taxidermy will be done by Brew Taxidermy in Sparta, Michigan, with processing donated by Russell Farms in Kalamazoo. KALEVA CHAPTER
Shown is the hunter safety class held at Kaleva, Michigan. Instructors are all members of the Big Bear Sportsmen Club, and they send their thanks to the Kaleva Chapter and field director Jim Kurdziel. The chapter helped purchase eight Henry lever action rifles to use in the classes, and Jim provided WTU Junior Memberships for graduates. MECOSTA CHAPTER
Mecosta County Donation Michigan’s Mecosta County Chapter donated $1,000 to the Tug McGraw Foundation, to advance esearch to fight brain tumors, and provide support and programs for brain tumor patients. SOUTHERN MICHIGAN CHAPTER Southern Michigan Helping Special Youth The Tony Semple Foundation for Hope was the recipient of $2,855 from the Southern Michigan Chapter. The funds will be used to provide meaningful outdoor adventures for youth who suffer with life-threatening or life-altering medical conditions. TRAVERSE CITY CHAPTER Traverse City Chapter The Traverse City Chapter donated $2,894 to the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy, which will use the funds for wetland and wildlife projects, as well as restoration and protection of the wild cougar population in Michigan. [ top ]
Metro Area Chapter Establishes the ‘Ray Gun’
Helping Hands in Minnesota The Southeast Minnesota Chapter held a special raffle to help Marissa Klein, who is battling a rare form of bone cancer. Board members Joyce Betz, Jake Hauser, Mark Schwebach, Bill Schitz, and all members of the chapter wish Marissa the best. [ top ]
Getting the Governor Involved LONG BRANCH CHAPTER
The Long Branch Chapter in Macon, Missouri, uses the majority of their banquet proceeds on local youth (FFA, 4H) shooting sports, and it pays off. This report is from Jenny Milligan of the Macon Area Vocational Technical School: “Tuesday evening our students participated in the Area 3 Trapshoot, and did a great job representing our school. Our A Team (Andrew Helton, Ethan Pettig, Hayden Carter, Travis Wieberg, and Ben Morris) placed second, shooting 113 out of 125 and qualified to compete at the district level. Our B Team (Ryan Stoecklein, Blake Rose, Zach McElhany, Logan Butner, and Britain Hall) also did very well and placed 11th, shooting a 106. We were also very proud of Blake Rose and Ben Morris, who both shot a perfect 25. Ben shot another perfect 25 in the shoot off to win the high overall individual spot.”
Blinds For Mid-Missouri Dream Hunters The Missouri River Whitetails Chapter also donated $1,000 to The Gasconade County Youth Shooting Sports Mid-Missouri Dream Hunters for blinds that are handicapped accessible. Shown (left to right) are Jerry Lairmore and Kyle Lairmore of Mid-Missouri Dream Hunters, and Larry Thompson of the Missouri River Whitetails Chapter.
NASP in Another School The Missouri River Whitetails Chapter donated $2,500 to Washington Middle School for the National Archery in the Schools Program. Pictured (left to right) are Larry Thompson of the Missouri River Whitetails Chapter; Martina Roth, PE Instructor at WMS; and Ron Millheiser, WMS co-principal.
On Target The Missouri River Whitetails Chapter donated two 3-D deer targets to the Franklin County FFA Shooting Complex in Stanton, Mo. Pictured (left to right) are Doug Kampschroeder, WTU committee; Dennis Enke, Franklin County FFA Coordinator; and Larry Thompson, WTU committee.
The Missouri River Whitetails Chapter in Washington, Missouri, donated $1,500 to Sullivan Middle School for equipment and training for a National Archery in the Schools Program. Pictured from left are Larry Thompson, WTU committee; Jana Thornsberry, middle school principal; and Steve Walsh, WTU committee.
The Missouri River Whitetails Chapter put on a barnburner for their first-ever banquet, capturing the title of #1 Chapter in Missouri, in addition to holding the biggest new banquet in WTU history. There were more than 425 people attending, and part of the banquet proceeds were donated to the Washington, Missouri, Jaycees BB Gun Team. Above (left to right), front row: team members Dustin Kampschroder, Andy Rott, and Blake VanLeer. Back row: WTU committee members Mike Skyles and Garrin Rott; team coaches Jim Mueller, Dave and Debbi Roetheli, and Kenny Pinnell; and chapter event associate Larry Thompson. RIVER HILLS CHAPTER
Alex Rhodes, the 12-year-old grandson of River Hills Chapter member John Haertling, was the lucky winner of the chapter’s youth turkey hunt. After three previous years without success, Alex had better luck this time. He was guided by Dan Ponder and Gary Weber from WTU River Hills. SHOW ME CHAPTER Show Me Chapter Scholarship
Thanks for the Chance This letter was addressed to the Show Me Chapter of Missouri: “Thank you so much for everything you have done, it is greatly appreciated. When school started this year my mother had lost her job and my college plans seemed as if they may not be feasible. Because of your help in awarding me the Whitetails scholarship it has become possible to fulfill my college dreams. You believed in me and made an investment in my schooling. Thank you, you will not be disappointed.” Sincerely, Dallas Severson. SOUTHWEST MISSOURI CHAPTER
Pictured are Eldon Skinner (left) with Cyndy and Paul Teas of Camp Barnabas. The Southwest Missouri Chapter used proceeds from their banquet last spring to make a donation to support campers at Camp Barnabas. Contributions help provide special needs kids with a camp experience. Because of the varied expenses each special needs child and their family encounter for daily care, a camp experience would otherwise be out of reach for most of these children. We thank all who could provide more campers with this experience, and we hope to provide more children this opportunity next year. For more information about donations, visit www.campbarnabas.org. [ top ]
Val Zohner (right) of Nebraska’s Elkhorn Valley Chapter, presents a plaque to Tom Zimmer of the Nebraska Game and Fish Department in appreciation for the donation of 40 lifetime hunting permits for youth under 15 years old, which were used in drawings at their WTU banquet in September. This is the third year the department has provided the permits for the chapter, which had more than 600 people at their most recent event.
Ron Zach sent in this photo of his son, Elliot, and the buck Elliot shot last season near Stanton, Nebraska. Elliot, who is 14 years old, used a .30-06 to drop the 13-pointer. Why did the proud dad send the photo to WTU? Because Elliot was a lucky winner of a lifetime hunting license at the Elkhorn Valley Chapter banquet. In cooperation with Nebraska Game and Parks, the chapter has awarded more than 100 of the special licenses, and the program is paying off by getting youngsters involved in hunting. Elkhorn Valley Chapter Gets Youth Involved for a Lifetime Everyone is concerned about getting young people involved in hunting, but the Elkhorn Valley Chapter of Nebraska is doing something about it. For the third year, they are holding a drawing to give away lifetime Nebraska hunting permits to youngsters. This year there were 40 lucky winners (15 and younger), and they’ve awarded more than 100 total. What a great way to get kids involved in hunting! [ top ]
The Lake Ontario Chapter in Newark, New York, held their first banquet this year, and in a great example of camaraderie, the Tobehanna Creek Chapter donated the youth raffle guns for the new Lake Ontario event. The boy on the left in the photo is Ryan Clark with his dad Bill Croft, and the boy on the right his Clayton Hamon with his dad Gerald. The Lake Ontario banquet was a huge success, and thanks go out to the Tobehanna Creek Chapter.
Red Hook Chapter Helps Archers New York’s Red Hook Chapter donated $250 to help sponsor local archers at the International Bowhunting Organization’s Youth World Championship. TOBEHANNA CREEK CHAPTER
Tobehanna Creek Chapter also sponsored a youth pheasant hunt at Whispering Pines Hideaway in Lyons, New York. Pictured above are the youngsters with the day’s take – pretty impressive.
At the Tobehanna Creek Hunter’s Night out, Nick Skorusa won a hunt at The Wilderness Hunting Ranch, in Pennsylvania, where he plans to hunt a ram. He is pictured with his dad, John. Presenting the gift certificate is Mike VanZile, chairman of the Tobehanna Creek Chapter, while Jason Pollack, committee member, looks on.
Mike Van Zile of the Tobehanna Creek Chapter sent in this note along with a collage of winners from their youth raffle at their spring banquet: “Our chapter’s main focus within the WTU mission has been on our youth members. We’ve held two youth pheasant hunts, sponsored youth soccer and football teams, and each year we have a quality youth raffle at our banquet. Youth are our future conservationists, hunters, and the members we need to carry on the WTU mission for many years to come. Someday these young men and women will be bringing their children to a WTU banquet and carrying on the tradition.”
Winning Rifle Judd Dean won the WTU 25th Anniversary Weatherby Vanguard 7 mm Mag Rifle at the Tobehanna Creek event last March, and put it to good use by taking this nice Wyoming pronghorn with it. UPPER CATSKILL CHAPTER
Upper Catskill Donation The Upper Catskill Chapter of New York donated a 26-inch HD television to the New York State Sportsmen Education Program instructors, to be used for education classes in archery, hunting, and trapping. Shown (left to right) are Gary Graver and Bob McMullen (instructors), John Pietrefesa (chapter president), and Terry Collins (instructor). [ top ]
A Big First Colin Kunz is seven years old and already sports the WTU logo on his cap – even while bagging his first goose. Colin is from Canton, Ohio, and his dad, Dan, is the event associate for the Deer Creek Chapter. This first goose came in at more than 10 pounds and had a leg band. Colin was hunting in Ohio’s youth season under an apprentice license. HIGHLAND DEER HUNTERS CHAPTER
Assisted by the Highland Deer Hunters Chapter of Ohio, the Highland Rod & Gun Club held its eighth annual Trout Fishing Derby. More than 500 children under the age of 16 attended, with six lucky kids catching tagged fish worth $100 each. More than 1,200 trout were released in the area, and everyone enjoyed food, fishing, and shotgun and archery shooting. Every child also received a free fishing lure. HOLE IN THE HORN CHAPTER
African Days Safari Success Joe Day, event associate for the Hole in the Horn Chapter of Ohio, had great success during his hunting trip with African Days Safaris in the spring of 2009. He took a blue wildebeest that scored in the top 60 of SCI. KILLBUCK VALLEY CHAPTER
This is what we are all about – Stephen Andrews Sr. of North Royalton, Ohio, celebrated his 98th birthday with his sons this spring at our Killbuck Valley event. The committee presented him with a book of gun raffle tickets for his commitment to hunting, and for all the lives he touched mentoring those in the outdoors over the last century. Stephen, we here at WTU salute you and thank you for touching our lives! LOGAN COUNTY CHAPTER It Takes Many Hands Steve McCafferty Sr. sent a note about the Logan County Chapter’s banquet last September in Ohio, and it’s easy to see why the event was a success. He detailed the many people who worked so hard to put on a great event, from Sandy Musser handling the catering, to auctioneer Dick Campbell; from FFL dealer Steve Stout, to all the many committee members. They had both a children’s table and a table for the ladies, which was a good money maker. Nine sponsors, 12 table captains, and 76 donors also helped. Mary Clem said grace before the meal, and they honored those who have served in the military. Steve listed many others who helped, but summed it up perfectly, “I believe in Whitetails Unlimited and what they stand for, and I’m pleased to be part ofthe staff for the Logan County Chapter.” MAUMEE VALLEY CHAPTER WTU Ohio Helping a Great Program
MILL CREEK CHAPTER
The Mill Creek Chapter hosted a pheasant hunt last fall at the Lowellville Rod and Gun club grounds. Event Associate John Kopcsos and other chapter members were able to bring success to over a dozen kids who harvested their first birds that day. The youth activities funded by local WTU chapters build priceless memories. Way to go Mill Creek!
SOUTHERN OHIO DOG & GAME ASSOCIATION CHAPTER Youth Joins the Ranks [ top ] Donation Aids Riding Programs [ top ]
Big Sioux Youth Turkey Hunt [ top ]
From Rob Griffin: In mid-September, eleven members of several Texas WTU chapters traveled to the Nine Bar Ranch in Decatur, Texas, for the 1st Annual Dove Hunt. Planning had been ongoing for several months, but the day came with weather conditions more conducive to duck hunting than dove. The Nine Bar Ranch has over 15,000 acres, and offers ample hunting opportunities and some spectacular sunrise and sunsets. Jim Bob Little manages the diverse day-to-day operations of the ranch, and he and his son Mike offer up true Texas hospitality to their guests doing their best to ensure every hunter leaves satisfied. At lunchtime sitting under the awning of a pump house, the conversation turned to current events, women and hunting, youth hunting, partnering with other conservation organizations, and of course, upcoming Texas Whitetails Unlimited events. One of the strongest traits of the Texas WTU field director, chairmen, and committee members, is the focus on growing relationships and membership, producing quality events, and the effort that goes into these events behind the scenes. Unfortunately, as we finished up lunch, the heavy rain had arrived, which signaled the end to the day’s hunt. Discussion and planning about next year’s hunt is underway, and a good time was had by all. As I throw my new favorite hat up on top of my office bookcase, I file away another great outdoor memory and think about how it is good to be part of WTU, and to know Texas chapters support each other and are interested in our collective growth in the state, ensuring the future of our American tradition. BIG COUNTRY CHAPTER
The Big Country Chapter of Texas sponsored a youth varmint hunt on March 28, 2009, as a way to get more young people out in the field hunting with their parents. The hunt started at Texas Game Trail in Abilene in the afternoon, and ended at midnight. Contestants were then required to return to Texas Game Trail at 11:30 Sunday to weigh in the animals. Everyone had pizza and drinks provided by Texas Game Trail, and received a T-shirt supplied by Taylor Electric Cooperative and Circle 66 Outfitters. The first place team, Colton and Connor, had one coyote and three foxes for a total of 13 points. The second place team, TJ and Rylon, had one coyote and three jackrabbits for a total of seven points. The third place team, Avery and Raeleigh, had five jackrabbits for a total of five points. We also had side prizes in place for the heaviest coyote which went to TJ and Rylon with a 31-pound coyote. The heaviest fox went to Colton and Connor with a 9-pound fox. The longest-eared jackrabbit went to Avery and Raeleigh with a 6¾-inch eared rabbit. Everyone involved said that they had a great time and really want to do another before very long. We revised the rules from the adult hunts and made it more relaxed and fun for the kids and without a doubt it was an overwhelming success.
EAST TEXAS CHAPTER
John Anstett of Kewaunee, Wisconsin, was looking for an advanced project to do in a woodworking class, and he had a family friend who was planning to convert a home closet into a gun locker. The result was a unique, custom-made gun rack with the WTU logo cut into the base. Using maple, John used a computer controlled milling machine to cut the logo and inset butt rests into the base (with some help from Alex Schleis). He even added felt padding to the wall racks where the barrels rest and in the butt rests in the base. Pretty cool. And yes, John scored an A on the project.
Outdoor Expo Continues Success Whitetails Unlimited once again helped make the Wisconsin Outdoor Education Expo a success, as more than 3,200 fourth- and fifth-grade students had a great time learning about the outdoors. Hundreds of volunteers mentored the next generation of anglers, hunters, campers, and conservationists; and during the four years the Expo has been held, more than 17,500 people have enjoyed the event. The Expo held at Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam has been so successful that organizers are looking at holding a second Expo in the Wausau area next year.
Hot Summer Day WTU member Tanya Helwig saw this 10-pointer in velvet last summer cooling off in Soo Lake near Phillips, Wisconsin. BAYFIELD COUNTY CHAPTER
Dan Bourassa, president of Wisconsin’s Bayfield County Chapter, along with members Tony Cross, Mike Furtak, and Jeff Miller, present a check in the amount of $500 to Frank and Shelly Lovejoy at Deep Lake Lodge & Steakhouse in December 2009. Mr. and Mrs. Lovejoy are leaders in the Gitchumee 4-H, and the check will be used for air guns in their organization. The children and young adults that have been involved range from 4 to 18 years of age. In the past, some of the 4-H participants have made their way all the way to national competitions, resulting in great success! Pictured in the back row (left to right) are Frank Lovejoy, Dan Bourassa, and Mike Furtak. In the front row are Shelly Lovejoy, Chelsey Hackman, Tony Cross, and Jeff Miller. CHIPPEWA VALLEY CHAPTER
The Chippewa Valley Chapter in Bloomer, Wisconsin, held a shooting day for Chippewa County 4-H Shooting Sports archers, and the 40 youngsters who attended had a great day. The attendees ranged in age from 5 to 18 years old, and the Bloomer Rod & Gun Club hosted the event. The chapter introduced the archers to the WTU Kids on Target (archery) program, and 32 of the participants qualified, shooting “Three-for-Three.” The chapter has also sponsored two other Kids on Target rifle shooting clinics at the Bloomer Rod & Gun Club; to date about 100 area youth have qualified in the Kids on Target program. LA CROSSE COUNTY CHAPTER
La Crosse County Shooting Sports The La Crosse County 4-H Shooting Sports program continues to benefit from the La Crosse County Chapter banquet, and they appreciate the support. The program services more than 100 youngsters, with archery, pellet gun, and trap shooting programs. MARSHFIELD CHAPTER
Marshfield Chapter on Target MUSKEGO CHAPTER
Keeping Young Hunters Safe Shown is Wisconsin hunter safety instructor Steve Palalcek, demonstrating the proper loading technique to a young student in the Muskego Hunter Safety Program. Equipment used in this program comes from Whitetails Unlimited. NORTHEAST WISCONSIN CHAPTER
N.E.W. Whitetails Northeast Wisconsin Whitetails Chapter held their annual Youth Pheasant Hunt in early November. Hunter safety graduates from the Coleman, Gillett, Lena, Oconto, and Oconto Falls areas participated at the Fox Ridge Game Farm in Oconto Falls. The kids had the opportunity to shoot clay pigeons and bow and arrow before they hunted pheasants with local dog owners and their dogs. All of the graduates received a door prize, with two shotguns presented as the grand prizes. Pictured are the group of hunter safety graduates, and shotgun winners Allen Hartline and Dylan Pratsch, along with Jeff Patenaude (center) of the N.E.W. Chapter.
NORTHERN GRANT COUNTY CHAPTER Young Winner at Northern Grant County Banquet Kevin Griswold, 8 years old, from Fennimore, Wisconsin, was a lucky winner at the Northern Grant County Chapter banquet. Kevin is pictured holding his Remington 700 ADL laminate .270 (Wisconsin State Gun of the Year) with WTU Field Director Jim Wiltinger (left) and John Borzick, owner of Tall Tails Sports and Spirits, Boscobel.
Northern Grant County The Northern Grant County Chapter of Wisconsin funded a youth fishing event, and let’s just say there were a lot of happy kids getting hooked on fishing. OSHKOSH CHAPTER
WTU President Jeff Schinkten attended Wisconsin’s Oshkosh Chapter banquet last March to present service awards to two long-standing chapter leaders. Chapter President Mike Hildahl received a national award for the longest serving president, having served this chapter for fifteen consecutive years. An award for the longest serving committee member was presented to Rick Feavel, who has diligently served for the past 25 years. Congratulations, and thanks to both of these men for their accomplishments and leadership. SEYMOUR AREA CHAPTER
The Seymour Area Chapter of Wisconsin has kept busy, donating 5,000 evergreens (shown below) to be used for wildlife habitat. The chapter also donated money to be used by the Pittsfield and Fox Ridge hunter safety classes to purchase ammunition for their field days, and for orange hats for all the graduates, as well as graduates from the Pulaski hunter safety class. That’s not all – the chapter provided $300 to Pittsfield hunter safety toward a computer to be used for PowerPoint presentations. And finally, a $500 donation went to the Nicolet Junior Rifle Club to be used in their many projects.
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