I guess it's time to set the record straight. Since my retirement from my duties as webmaster for the NWTF-WI.org site I've been getting all sorts of emails from NWTF members all the way from bemoaning my imminent demise to various catcalls from the peanut gallery admonishing me for my lack of support and commitment.
My heartfelt thanks to all of you who wished me well for the many ascribed illnesses that seem to be overtaking me. Thanks, but I do not have cancer, nor do I have diabetes, and I do not have the swine flu or any other malady that will be laying me out on the undertaker's slab in the near future. Though there were times when I almost wished I were dead during my spate with the "Conventioneers' Disease". It dragged on way too long - nearly three months!
To those of you with the caustic tongues I also thank you for some very poignant references - I'll use them in my next novel, a Tom Clancy-like thriller with lots of gutter slang. I'm simply not willing to accept that I, "don't have the true volunteer spirit", or that I, "don't have a stick-to-it attitude". To all of you I respond, "Horsefeathers!" (Hmm, that word didn't show up in my spell checker - Pat Paulson would be furious.)
There would have been a time that I would have taken all the negative criticisms very personally, but I realize that your opprobriums are merely declarations of your fondness for the web site. I can appreciate your devotion and would have loved to continue building our state website into something unrivaled and distinguished for all of you. I'm sorry if I have frustrated you but I must move on to other venues.
There are many reasons that I decided to move on and they are all personal. Rest assured that I have not "jumped ship" and "gone to the other side". I'm not sure what exactly that even means. If it means that I no longer support the NWTF you could not be more wrong! I'm not nuts about the six separate seasons for the Spring hunt, but that's for me to discuss with the DNR. I support the NWTF from top to bottom. Do I feel that it is imperfect; you bet. Let's see, the last time I observed perfection we were both in college and she was... well, that's another story. I'll save that for my novel too.
Please continue to send me emails even the nasty ones; I have a delete button. I've attempted to set up a sound framework for the NWTF-WI.org website. One that can be built upon, improved and wrangled into something that is meaningful to each and every one of you.
I wish you all the best in each and every one of your endeavors. From time to time I'll be making a knife or two to pass on to the organization. I'm just finishing one for the Northern Kettles JAKES Day event. I should have it ready to ship near the end of June. I'm also "in work" with a nice folder for the Annual WITO State Event.
Primarily, I've decided to get away from the computer and return to the love of my life (well the second love of my life; blessings to you, Peggy) - art. I'll be returning to the shop where I can see if I still have the ability to cut off a finger or put out an eye. I want to get back working with knives, guns and wood. I've been going nuts in front of the computer screen (is nutser a word? Spell check doesn't think so). Besides, I'm getting fat and sloppy and I refuse to live the rest of my life as a Midwestern "old fart in a hat".
To those of you who are beating your breasts and gnashing your teeth because I'm leaving, just remember that we all only want a couple of things out of life - love and happiness. I'm not sure if there's much difference. As you can perhaps understand I'm going to be a happier person this way.
To those of you who are cheering and jeering at my departure remember what Ramm Dass said, "If you don't have a sense of humor, life just isn't funny." I'm sure that not much in your lives is very funny. And I'm pretty certain that none of you naysayers has a sense of humor. It's too bad because there's a lot of good times to be had here in the NWTF.
Anyone who misses the opportunity to share the camaraderie and joy that exists in the eyes and hearts of young people on their first turkey hunt, or the excitement and enthusiasm of a master caller, or the thrill that goes up the spine when hearing a gobbler behind you on a cold, wet and rainy morning has no sense of humor - no love of life. It's too bad for you and shame on you. There are tens of thousands of wonderful people here in the Wisconsin NWTF and it would behoove you to reach out to some of them and just have some fun! And, if you want a better website - CONTRIBUTE!
Good luck to all of you, to the NWTF and to the next webmaster. I'll see you from time to time along the turkey trails.
Yours in conservation,The Wisconsin State Wheelin' Sportsmen Wild Turkey Golf Tournament and Banquet will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at the Holiday Lodge Golf Resort in Wyeville, WI.
The event is hosted by the Meadow Valley NWTF Chapter. For registration information contact:
Tom Muench at (608) 372-2640
-or- at his email
-or- write to him at
917 North Glendale Ave.
Tomah, WI 54660
Or contact Ray Reidy Jr.
Holiday Lodge
(608) 372-9314
[Registration form] 
2.3 Mb
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Please Contact Your State Legislators Today!
Governor Jim Doyle (D) is proposing to repeal the state’s preemption statute which prohibits localities from passing gun laws that are more restrictive than the state’s. Wisconsin’s preemption law was originally passed in 1995 when Doyle was Attorney General. Doyle was vocally opposed to statewide preemption and its passage left a bitter taste of defeat in his mouth that has never gone away. Now, Governor Doyle is using the arrest of law-abiding Wisconsin citizens exercising their constitutional right to openly carry a firearm for self-defense as a platform to call for its repeal.
If Doyle succeeds in repealing preemption, it would bring Wisconsin into the dark days of draconian gun laws. Cities, counties, and municipalities cannot be allowed to pass ordinances, rules, or regulations more stringent than state law. This leads to a patchwork of laws across the state, which can be confusing for residents and non-residents visiting the state. It can also make criminals out of law-abiding citizens who inadvertently run afoul of a local ordinance. Imagine the extremists in Madison determining their own gun laws! Rest assured, they would use Chicago as their model for their gun laws.
If that were not enough, State Representative Leon Young (D-16), who already has introduced “micro-stamping” legislation, now wants to pass a bill prohibiting the open carry of firearms. This of course would constitute an unconstitutional and total ban on our ability to exercise our protected right to carry a gun in any manner.
These are blatant attacks upon the Wisconsin Constitution and the rights it protects for all Wisconsin citizens and they must be defeated.
Please contact your state legislators TODAY and respectfully urge them to oppose any attempt to repeal the state’s preemption statute. Also ask them to oppose any attempt to restrict the open carrying of firearms by law-abiding citizens. Your State Senator can be reached by phone at (608) 266-2517. You can reach your State Representative at (608) 266-1501. To identify your legislators and to find more contact information, please click here.
We cannot allow a handful of anti-gun politicians from Madison and Milwaukee to strip away our Right to Keep and Bear Arms.Re: Joint Hearing on Deer Season and Herd Management Techniques
Assembly Committee on Fish and Wildlife
Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry and Natural Resources
Room 411 South State Capital April 15, 2009 10:00AM
Chairman Holperin and Chairwoman Hraychuck committee members: I want to thank you for the opportunity to speak before you today. I appreciate your willingness to hear the concerns of the hunting community. I am the WI State Chapter President of the NWTF and our Mission Statement is clear: Conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage. While the first part of our mission is nearly complete in WI it’s the second part of our mission that brings me here today.
The NWTF has concerns about the October T-Zone hunts and its effects on the fall turkey season. The largest impact was having to wear blaze orange during the T-Zone hunts and many of our members simply did not hunt during that time, thus a loss of turkey hunting opportunity. Calling a turkey is hard enough let alone having to do while wearing blaze orange. The second issue was hunting pressure, especially on already over crowded public lands that saw the T-zone, pheasant hunting opening weekend, archery season as well as fall turkey season run concurrent. These groups all collided and it has caused friction between hunting groups as well as safety concerns within the hunting community. Hunters who once shared the woods and fields of WI were now squabbling over who had the right to be there. After the 9 day gun deer season we received reports from disgruntled deer hunters who saw more turkeys than deer and complained about the spring permit process, license and stamp costs as well as short five day seasons. Turkey hunting was now under attack because of a disappointing deer season and hunter frustration.
As I mentioned earlier Hunting Heritage and its preservation is extremely important to the NWTF. Across the nation we are losing hunters at an alarming rate and recruitment is extremely difficult. Many of us started out hunting deer and evolved into turkey hunters as their numbers increased. We are deeply concerned about hunters who are leaving the sport due to excess regulation such as EAB and October T-zones. We know that if we lose a deer hunter we will also lose a turkey hunter and this has us very concerned. What is also alarming is private land owners who once welcomed turkey hunters onto their properties are now threatening closure of their private lands due to the excess regulations imposed during the deer season. This will push more hunters on to already over crowded public lands causing more hunter conflicts due to overcrowding. We ask that you act to bring the fall seasons back in line to where they once were for the benefit of all that use the resource.
cc: Assembly Committee on Fish and Wildlife, Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry and Natural ResourcesOnce again the Wisconsin State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will award one lucky JAKES member a chance at harvesting a bear in the DNR Learn to Bear Hunt program. Applicant must be 10 years old or older with less than two years of hunting experience of any kind. Application must be filled out completely to be considered eligible for this program. The Learn to Bear Hunt Program is broken down into two stages. Day One is a day filled with learning about black bear biology, habitat, and its range as well as hunters' safety training with some time on the range. Day Two and Day Three are in the woods hunting black bear. The Wisconsin NWTF Learn to Bear Hunt will take place in the Rhinelander area with experienced hound hunters. Dates of the Learn to Bear Hunt are August 28 - 30, 2009 with a possible earlier field day. You must complete the application and essay along with JAKES membership number. (Note: If not a JAKES member include $5.00 with your application for membership). Mail completed application to:
WSC-NWTF
Learn to Bear Hunt
PO Box 870
Portage, WI 53901-0870
Application must be postmarked by May 15, 2009. Winner will be notified in early June. For questions contact Dean Hamilton by [email] or call him at (608) 849-9270 or check out the Wisconsin DNR link at: [DNR Link].
Winners of the 2009 Call Making Contest are listed here
Winners of the Calling Contest for 2009 are listed here
Winners of the Youth Art contest for 2009 are listed here
Check out the new Video section. Access it from the menu above.
Videos are in QuickTime (.MOV), Windows Media Files (.WMV) and .3GP for your convenience.
The Photo Gallery is new and easier to use.
The member section now has Excel Spreadsheets of Board Members, RDs and Chapters available for download.
Different turkey zones on sale each day
MADISON - Thoughts of spring turn to camo, blinds and decoys for thousands of hunters who recently got their spring turkey permit post card from the Department of Natural Resources.
More than 154,500 permits were awarded in the initial drawing. And if one permit isn’t enough, or you missed out on the drawing, you can buy one of the nearly 70,900 leftover permits. Hunters are reminded that excess spring turkey permits will be sold one zone per day starting March 23.
The spring 2009 turkey hunting season will run from April 15-May 24 in six 5-day periods. A total of 7 zones, 15 state parks and Fort McCoy will be open for hunting.
Leftover permits will be sold one zone per day. Sales will start at 10 a.m. each day and run through midnight. Each zone will have a designated sales date as follows:
Zone 1 – Monday, March 23
Zone 2 – Tuesday March 24
Zone 3 – Wednesday, March 25
Zone 4 – Thursday, March 26
Zones 5 & 6 – Friday, March 27. Due to the low number of permits left in these units, the sale has been combined into one day.
There are no leftover permits in Zone 7 and there are no leftover permits for time periods A, B or C.
Any permits still remaining for all zones – Saturday, March 28 starting at 10 a.m. and continuing until sold out or the season ends.
Leftover permits can be purchased over the Internet through the Online Licensing Center; by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236); at more than 1,400 license vendors across the state or DNR service centers during their regular business hours. Hunters with any questions about when or how to buy permits may call the DNR Customer Call Center from 7 a.m. through 10 p.m. seven days a week at 1-888-WDNRINFo (1-888-936-7463.)
The fee for turkey permits is $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents. All hunters are also required to buy the spring turkey license and stamp unless they have previously purchased the license and stamp, or are a 2009 Conservation Patron License holder. Residents and nonresidents have equal opportunity to purchase over-the-counter permits. Purchasing these permits will not affect preference status for future spring or fall turkey permit drawings.
Turkey hunting zones have been consolidated from last year’s 46 to seven larger zones this year. Hunters who want to recheck zone boundaries or the number of permits still available in a specific zone, can do so on turkey zone map (pdf; 453kb) and the permit availability page of the DNR Web site. For updated information on leftover spring permit availability and other information regarding the 2009 spring turkey hunting season, please visit the Wild Turkey page of the DNR Web site.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Huggins - (608) 267-9533
Goers, a resident of Shawano, was recognized with the Regional Wildlife Management Special Service Award for his dedicated work and the countless hours he has given over the past 60+ years to the stewardship of our state’s natural resources, especially wildlife and our youth.
In the presentation ceremony, Ellen Barth, a DNR area supervisor said of Goers, that “Don Goers is one of a kind.” A plaque recognizing Goers was presented to him by Kay Brockman-Mederas, a wildlife biologist in the DNR’s northeast region.
Since 1946 Don has worked to educate people around Shawano Lake and the Wolf River about the water resources and habitat associated with these waters. Scouting and a project done for his Eagle Scout Award, plus his long involvement in scouting as an adult led to receipt of scouting’s prestigious Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to youth.
Goers’ record of service as a conservationist yields an extremely long list of activities and committees, including being a continuing voice on behalf of protecting the Wolf River and a commitment to both conservation and kids.
Don has invested much of his time in a future generation of young conservationists by serving as a trapper, bow hunter, hunter education instructor and 4-H Project Leader. He amazes kids with turkey and deer calling at J&H Youth and Ladies Day, and at Buck Fever Night.
Getting the kids attention is what he does best…with his humor, his vast knowledge and his great skills.
Over time, Don volunteered to trap beaver from trout streams for DNR fisheries staff. He joined the Wisconsin Conservation Congress in the 1960’s and served as Executive Councilor for District 4 and was on the Legislative, Big Game, and Education and Awards Committees. He participated in the Ad Hoc Bear Committee in 1984-85 and Ad Hoc Deer Committee in 1991. And he also participated in the “Deer 2000 and Beyond” initiative. He harvested the first turkey in the state’s first modern-day season in 1966 and also taught turkey hunter education clinics as turkeys were released in Northeast Wisconsin.
Don has volunteered countless hours to conservation. He has held positions in the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, Wisconsin Bowhunters Association, Wisconsin Buck & Bear Club, and Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame. Other memberships include the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Shawano Archery Club.
In recognition of all he has done, Governor Tommy Thompson named March 5th, 2000 as “Don Goers Day” for his contributions to the people of the State of Wisconsin.
In her closing remarks at the presentation of the Special Service Award, Ellen Barth said, “Don’s willingness to serve is what makes him special. Thank you, Don, for your diligence and dedication…for all you have done and all that you continue to do.”
Shawano man receives DNR Northeast Region Special Recognition Award
News Release Published: February 6, 2009 by the Northeast Region
Contact(s): Kay Brockman-Mederas, DNR Wildlife Biologist, 715-526-4226
Ellen Barth, DNR Wildlife Supervisor, 920-424-4003
Kay Brockman-Mederas and Ellen Barth present Special Service Award to Don Goes.
WDNR Photo
Award to Don Goers honors 60+ years of service to conservation in Wisconsin
DNR officials are investigating the intentional poisoning of about 200 wild turkeys in Oconto County.
A photo provided to Action 2 News shows some of the dead turkeys laying on the ground near a farm in northcentral Oconto County. The DNR says the turkeys were killed some a type of poison bait.
Sheriff's officials did not release the exact location because the investigation is ongoing, but it says it's a wooded area just west of Pound.
Officials received a tip about the turkeys earlier this month.
The Department of Natural Resources says a suspect has been identified but not arrested.
There's no word on a possible motive.
Sheriff's officers say the suspect may face civil and criminal charges, including a fine of $175 per turkey.
The DNR said aerial surveillance didn't find any more affected wildlife. The agency believes the public, pets, and environment aren't at risk of further exposure to the poison bait.
"Certainly poisoning can be very indiscriminate," DNR Regional Warden Byron Goetsch said. "It's unfortunate, and again our goal is we can somehow prevent this from happening in the future. Certainly we don't want to have these situations continue to occur in the state."
Goetsch is referring to the third major wildlife killing in our area in the last couple months.
"It's very disconcerting to see the amount of cases recently we've seen in Northeast Wisconsin. It certainly doesn't represent the citizens who live here, but it certainly gives us a black eye," he said.
Dear Editor:
I'm proud to live in a state that is home to 650,000 resident hunters and boasts one of our nation's healthiest wild turkey populations.
As a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation, which has partnered with state agencies nationwide to revitalize wild turkey populations, I was disturbed to hear that a landowner poisoned and killed 200 wild turkeys in Oconto County.
By committing this crime, the landowner undid years of work by conservation organizations, volunteers and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; robbed hunters of hunting opportunities; decreased the chances for wildlife-watchers to see these majestic gamebirds; and damaged the area's wild turkey population for the foreseeable future. It is not only immoral, but also illegal to poison wildlife.
Because large flocks of turkeys are often seen in fields during the day, they are blamed for destroying crops. But multiple studies have shown that turkeys eat mainly insects and that raccoons, deer and squirrels most often damage crops after turkeys have roosted in trees for the night.
The damage this crime will do to the area's wild turkey population is still undetermined, but it will undoubtedly be great. I hope the person responsible for this despicable act is prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Sincerely,
Dean Hamilton
Wisconsin State Chapter President
National Wild Turkey Federation
Waunakee, Wisconsin
| Winner | City, State | Prize | ||
| Charlotte Nisleit | Woodbury, MN | 1st Prize: 2009 Fully guided Spring Osceola Turkey hunt--includes 1 bird, airfare | ||
| Dan Wollner Ticket Seller | Plymouth, WI | lodging, meals and rental car--or $1000.00 cash | ||
| Aaron Gutman | Fon du Lac, WI | 2nd Prize: 2009 Fully guided Spring Rio Grande Turkey Hunt--includes 2 birds, airfare | ||
| Jim Gillman Ticket Seller | Plymouth, WI | lodging, meals and rental car--or $1000.00 cash | ||
| Berrnie Pagles | Allenton, WI | 3rd Prize: 2009 Fully guided Merriam's Turkey hunt--includes 1 bird, airfare, lodging, | ||
| Joe Devalk Ticket Seller | Sabiski | meals, and rental car or $1000.00 Cash | ||
| Rolf Grimsrud | Superior, WI | 4th Prize: | Browning SLVR STLKR 12ga 28" | or Cabelas Gift Card $400.00 |
| Carl Wasserman | Glenview, IL | 5th Prize: | Ruger 77 300 WSM WD/BL | or Cabelas Gift Card $400.00 |
| Jody Ladster | Prairie du Sac, WI | 6th Prize: | Browning BPS 10ga Stalker 26" | or Cabelas Gift Card $400.00 |
| Mark Hansen | Chippewa Falls, WI | 7th Prize: | Weatherby Vanguard 270 WSM | or Cabelas Gift Card $400.00 |
| Ryan Disterhaft | Priceton, WI | 8th Prize: | Remington 870 TKY/DR 12ga | or Cabelas Gift Card $400.00 |
| John Kuka | Sheboygan, WI | 9th Prize: | Ruger Hawkeye 30-06 | or Cabelas Gift Card $400.00 |
| Ross Keehr | Spring Valley, WI | 10th Prize: | Remington 870 EXP 12ga | or Cabelas Gift Card $300.00 |
| Clay Schutlz | Ringle, WI | 11th Prize: | Marlin 336CS 30-30 LVR | or Cabelas Gift Card $300.00 |
| Wayne Kok | Randolph, WI | 12th Prize: | Stoeger M2000 12ga 26"wd/bl | or Cabelas Gift Card $300.00 |
| Steve Schmidt | Eland, WI | 13th Prize: | Weatherby Vanguard 30-06 | or Cabelas Gift Card $300.00 |
| Dannielle Fenna | Andover, MN | 14th Prize: | Remington 870 EXP 20ga | or Cabelas Gift Card $300.00 |
| Joe Maslanka | Hurley, WI | 15th Prize: | Henry Golden Boy .22 MAG | or Cabelas Gift Card $300.00 |
| Terry Luke | Mauston, WI | 16th Prize: | Remington 597 17HMR | or Cabelas Gift Card $300.00 |
| Allen Kelly | Casseville, WI | 17th prize: | Remington Spartan 220 20 ga SXS | or Cabelas Gift Card $300.00 |
| Jeff Williams | Phillips, WI | 18th Prize: | APG Nova 12 ga 26" | or Cabelas Gift Card $300.00 |
| Terry Panian | Hayward, WI | 19th Prize: | Stoeger IGA 410ga | or Cabelas Gift Card $300.00 |
| Sue Lauer | Sussex, WI | 20th Prize: | Remington 870 12ga 21" EXCEL | or Cabelas Gift Card $300.00 |
| Steve Manur | Milwaukee, WI | 21st Prize: | Savage TH 17HMR SCOPE COMBO | or Cabelas Gift Card $300.00 |
| Brian Lindsay | Sullivan, WI | 22nd Prize: | Remington 710 300 WIN MAG | or Cabelas Gift Card $300.00 |
| Nick Ratrovich | Merrillville, IA | 23rd Prize: | Remington 710 7MM MAG | or Cabelas Gift Card $300.00 |
| Warren Wittkopp | Plymouth, WI | 24th Prize: | Marlin 336CS/35 REM 20" | or Cabelas Gift Card $300.00 |
| Don Zander | Lodi, WI | 25th Prize: | Savage 93R17 BTVS 17HMR | or Cabelas Gift Card $300.00 |
| Mike Lindsley | Campbellsport, WI | 26th Prize: | Remington 870 HD 20ga 18" | or Cabelas Gift Card $300.00 |
| Del Babcock | Friendship, WI | 27th Prize: | Stoeger M2000 12ga 28"wd/bl | or Cabelas Gift Card $300.00 |
| Dennis Schultz | Cumberland, WI | 28th Prize: | Stoeger IGA COACH Gun 12ga 20" | or Cabelas Gift Card $200.00 |
| Gary Krugel | Antigo, WI | 29th Prize: | Stoeger IGA COACH 410ga 20" | or Cabelas Gift Card $200.00 |
| Amy Leynse | Plymouth, WI | 30th prize: | Ruger 10/22 22 Auto DLX | or Cabelas Gift Card $200.00 |
| Kevin Skadahl | Milwaukee, WI | 31st Prize: | Marlin 917VSF 17HMR Fluted | or Cabelas Gift Card $200.00 |
| J. Gendron | Pewaukee, WI | 32nd Prize: | Remington 870 LAM 12ga 26" | or Cabelas Gift Card $200.00 |
| Gene Zimdars | Kewauskum, WI | 33rd Prize: | Remington 870 LAM 20ga 26" | or Cabelas Gift Card $200.00 |
| Carla Olsen | WI Rapids, WI | 34th Prize: | Remington 710 Youth .243 | or Cabelas Gift Card $200.00 |
| Bob Sherwood | Tomah, WI | 35th Prize: | Remington 870 SYNTH 20 ga 28" | or Cabelas Gift Card $200.00 |
| Jessica Bronson | Preston, MN | 36th Prize: | Marlin 917VS 17HMR SS | or Cabelas Gift Card $200.00 |
| Bullseye Sport Shop | Marshfield, WI | 37th Prize: | Ruger 22LR Combo | or Cabelas Gift Card $200.00 |
| Tom Smetara | Rice Lake, WI | 38th Prize: | Mossberg ULTRA SLUG 12ga | or Cabelas Gift Card $200.00 |
| Valerie Holloway | New Glarus, WI | 39th Prize: | Remington 870 SYN 12ga 28" | or Cabelas Gift Card $200.00 |
| Gloria Shermo | Green Bay | 40th Prize: | Mossberg 535 MAX4 12ga 28" | or Cabelas Gift Card $200.00 |
| Dave Suchomski | Hatley, WI | 41st Prize: | Henry Youth Lever .22LR | or Cabelas Gift Card $200.00 |
| Neil Mani | Edgerton, WI | 42nd Prize: | Savage 93R17 GLV 17HMR | or Cabelas Gift Card $200.00 |
| Rick Krause | Superior, WI | 43rd Prize: | Mossberg 500 Sprbntm 20ga 22" | or Cabelas Gift Card $200.00 |
