NOVEMBER 16, 2012 SECTION C
HUNTING GUIDE T h e
W a s h b u r n
C o u n t y
R e g i s t e r
&
I n t e r
© 2012 Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association
C o u n t y
L e a d e r
Every hunter's dream buck, no doubt, but this 21-pointer doesn't have much to worry about during the 2012 gun deer season, or any deer hunting season for that matter. This one is living out his yers inside a fence at a game farm in Northwest Wisconsin. – Photo by John Reed
I N S I D E N ort hwest Wi scon sin c hro nic was ti ng d is eas e tes t in g up dat e 2 ••• D e e r r e gi st r a t io n s ta t i ons 3 ••• Lo cal lor e: Hunter surv iv ed at t ack b y buc k 5 ••• 2 01 2 d e e r h u n t i n g f o r ec a st 4 ••• W h a t 's ne w in 20 1 2 4 •••
Wisc onsi n's n ine-d ay reg ula r gun deer season op ens Nov . 17 ••• Veni son d onat io n p rogr am • •• Deer-veh ic le co lli sion s ••• F ir s t - ti me li ce n se bu y e r s get a pr ice b reak on hu nt in g an d f ishi ng f u n •••
3 7 6
6
H un ti ng i n W i sc on si n co n ti nu e s t o g et s a f e r 7 •• • 20 1 1 hu nt ing in ci de nt execu ti ve repor t 8 ••• Deer abu nd anc e a nd de ns i ti e s i n W i sc ons i n deer ma nag ement un it s 9 ••• The wo rld r ecord over 50 years in t he maki ng 10-11
••• Wat ch you r clo cks 13 ••• N ort hwest Wisco nsin gu n d eer season CWD samp li ng 14 ••• Deer h un t fo r d is abl ed an oth er suc cess 15 ••• So you g ot a deer 1 6 -1 7 ••• Hu nt er CWD a ppea l 19 •••
Northwest Wisconsin chronic wasting disease testing update
PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER – HUNTING GUIDE – NOVEMBER 14, 2011
NORTHWEST WISCONSIN – With the discovery of a chronic wasting diseasepositive deer in the Shell Lake area earlier this year, the DNR, in cooperation with local citizens and two car-killed deer pickup contractors, has been sampling deer within the 10-mile intensive monitoring area. This area is 318 square miles in size and contains the cities of Shell Lake, Spooner and Sarona as well as large amounts of public and private land. The table below summarizes the collection efforts as of Nov. 1 and does not include the initial CWD-positive deer shot during the 2011 gun deer season. The samples collected so far have come from hunterharvested deer, deer with disease concerns, car-killed deer, agricultural damage permits and landowner permits issued to willing landowners within a two-mile radius of the initial CWD-positive deer. Inconclusive results are from deer where the lymph node sample was not viable due to decomposition. In the coming months, the DNR will continue to sample deer from the sources mentioned above in addition to hunter harvested deer from the archery and gun deer seasons. The goal is to sample 1,000 deer from within the 10-mile intensive monitoring area from willing hunters. Sampling this many deer is very feasible as during the past gun deer seasons hunters regularly harvested more than 1,600 deer from 318 square miles within Deer Management Units 15 and 17, two of the deer management units found within the 10-mile intensive monitoring
area. DNR staff will be at registration stations in Spooner, Shell Lake and Barronett during the upcoming gun deer season sampling deer for CWD. Hunters can look for information on locations where they can get their deer sampled in upcoming releases as well as on the DNR Web site by searching CWD Northwest. – from the Wisconsin DNR
Finding land open to hunting
STATEWIDE – The DNR Web site provides detailed information about public and public-access lands in your area. Go to dnr.wi.gov, keyword: hunting, and look for the Where to Hunt link in the Your Season section of the page. Voluntary public access provides financial incentives to private landowners who open their property to public hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife observation. For information on open properties or enrolling visit dnr.wi.gov, keyword: VPA, or contact the VPA program coordinator at 608-266-5560. – from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
Dear Wisconsin hunter, My job as secretary has opened the door to so many incredible experiences, but none like last year when I was introduced to deer hunting! I was new to deer hunting, but thanks to some great mentors I now proudly consider myself hooked. I’m happy to say that I did get a deer, but even more importantly, last year’s gun deer season immersed me in the entire deer hunting experience, from being in deer camp with great friends, to registering and processing my deer, telling my hunting story to all who would listen, and ultimately basking in the satisfaction of cooking and serving the world’s finest venison to my family. It’s an experience that I will never forget, and now I can’t wait for the 2012 season. Thanks to some exciting new licensing and mentoring opportunities, many of you may be new to deer hunting this year. I encourage you to fully immerse yourself in every aspect of the hunt. I’m sure that your hunting mentor, whoever
it may be, will get just as great a thrill from your experience as you will. We are doing all we can to provide great outdoor opportunities to first-time hunters just like you, and I hope you have a hunting experience that has you hooked for life. Many more of you are old veterans of the hunt. If you’ve been at this game for several years, you’ve no doubt seen a lot of changes. Old hunting spots turned into neighborhoods; changes in habitat; growing numbers of people enjoying the fall outdoors; and wildlife diseases that have threatened our deer hunting are just a few of the challenges that have impacted Wisconsin’s deer, deer hunting and deer hunters. Despite the challenges, the hunting traditions run strong in Wisconsin, and it continues to rank among the country’s best deer hunting spots in both numbers and trophy potential. All of the elements that make deer
hunting such a great challenge can also make managing the herd challenging for department staff. Not only do our biologists rely on the data that you provide when you register a deer, but we also rely a great deal on what you tell us about your own deer hunting experiences. This year during the quota and season setting process, we made an unprecedented effort to get input from hunters. Through dozens of local meetings as well as mail-in and online surveys, we collected your input and used it to the best of our ability. We heard loud and clear that hunters want to see more deer, and we are accommodating that wish in many units in the north where there is room for the herd to grow. Many farmland units will see great deer hunting opportunities, and again we have set permit levels based on public input. I want to personally thank those of you who took the time to learn more and get involved in Wisconsin’s deer manage-
ment program. And if you haven’t been involved, we have many ways to get active, ranging from simply providing your viewpoints to actually getting out in the field and helping with deer research and data collection. Get involved, and I promise that you will enjoy our deer resource not just during the hunt, but throughout the entire year. I hope you are as excited as I am about the upcoming deer seasons. Those of us who work for the deer resource do it all for you, and we also can’t do it without you. Thank you for being an active participant in our great deer hunting tradition. Have a great fall! Cathy Stepp Secretary Wisconsin DNR
Wolves and deer in Wisconsin
STATEWIDE – The naturally recovered gray wolf has returned to Wisconsin’s northern and central forests. Once completely eliminated from Wisconsin, the latewinter 2009 minimum estimate of the wolf population was 626 - 662 animals, an increase of 14 percent from 2008. The return of the wolf to Wisconsin has raised questions about their impact on the white-tailed deer herd. A healthy adult wolf will take about 20 adult-sized deer
per year. Wisconsin boasts one of the nation’s largest deer herds, with a healthy population after the 2008 hunt of approximately 1 million animals, which is 37 percent above the statewide goal of 731,500. Abundance of deer will dictate the number of wolves an area can hold. Some wolves are increasingly hunting around bait piles that attract and concentrate deer, and
wolves may reduce the chances that deer will continue to frequent these bait sites. The chart above presents a comparison of the major causes of deer mortality in Wisconsin’s northern and central forests where wolves and deer coexist. – from the Wisconsin DNR
Wisconsin's 2012 gun deer season opens Nov. 17
This year’s nine-day hunt to have more of a traditional feel
MADISON – Hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites and visiting nonresidents eagerly await the arrival of the 2012 nine-day gun deer season, which kicks off Saturday, Nov. 17. Approximately 10 percent of Wisconsin residents will take to the field for the annual hunt, and thousands more will participate by providing food, hotels and other services that make deer hunting such an important part of the Wisconsin culture and economy. Kevin Wallenfang, big-game ecologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, says the 2012 gun season is one that he hopes will be exciting and satisfying for all involved. “It’s a tradition that many hunters and businesses look forward to all year long. It will also have more of a traditional feel to it this year due to the elimination of most early-season gun hunts.” Wallenfang says that getting back to a more normal season framework seems to have many people very
enthusiastic this year. “Add to that the fact that deer populations across the north have increased in many units thanks to a very mild winter and reduced antlerless permits, and hunters could be in for a very satisfying year,” Wallenfang says. He adds, however, that some northern units are still below goal, so hunters should not expect to see a lot of deer in some areas. Deer populations throughout most of the farmland region of the state are strong, says Wallenfang, especially on private lands. Still, despite comparatively high deer numbers, farmland units can be difficult to hunt, especially for those spending their season on public lands where hunting pressure is often much higher than surrounding private properties. The good news is that Wisconsin has more than 1 million acres of private lands open for public hunting, including Voluntary Public Access program and Managed Forest Law program lands. Even with increasing deer populations in many units, hunter success during the gun season can vary based on a wide range of factors. Hunter effort, weather events, rut activity, hunting pressure and stand site locations in
addition to deer numbers can all play influential roles in whether or not individual hunters see and harvest deer. “Deer are not distributed evenly across the landscape, and their movements vary greatly from one day to the next,” says Wallenfang. “Some hunters simply have access to better hunting and more deer.” Another step hunters can take to increase their opportunities and enjoy their season is to take advantage of more days in the field. “There has been an increasing trend of hunters spending fewer days in the woods than in years past, often hunting just the opening weekend,” Wallenfang says. “Although deer sightings can be fewer after opening weekend, there are still deer to be hunted, and the later part of the season can be more relaxing than the high pressure of opening weekend. “Hopefully, we’ll have some comfortable hunting conditions that will allow people to stay in the woods and enjoy the hunt longer,” Wallenfang says. “Best of luck for a very safe and enjoyable hunt.” – from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
Local deer registration stations
NORTHWESTERN WISCONSIN – Deer registration stations for 2012 in Northwestern Wisconsin are:
Webster Connor’s Marathon Service Station, daily 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Burnett County
Douglas County Dairyland Cozy Corner Inn, Monday -Friday 11 a.m. - 8 .m. Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
A&H Tanski's A & H Country Market, open daily 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Danbury The Log Cabin, Sunday - Thursday 6 a.m. - 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Gordon The Tradin Post, Monday - Saturday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Solon Springs JT's, daily 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Falun Backwoods Beer & Bait, daily, 7 a.m. 8 p.m.
Polk County
Amery Lucky’s Sport Shop, daily 6 a.m. - 6 p.m., open Thanksgiving.
Grantsburg Crex Meadows (DNR Station), opening weekend Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Holiday Store, daily 4:30 a.m. - midnight.
Balsam Lake Pap’s General Store, daily 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Thanksgiving 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Hertel Thirsty Minnow Bar and Liquor Store, daily 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Clam Falls Clam Falls Tavern, gun season 9 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.; Thanksgiving Day 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Siren Big Mike’s Sport Shop, Sunday Thursday 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Clayton Lake Magnor Store, daily 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thanksgiving 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Trade Lake Trade Lake Valley Store, opening weekend 5:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.; daily, 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Cushing Stop-a-Sec, daily 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thanksgiving, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Webb Lake The Main Store, daily 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
East Farmington Petro-Plus, daily 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Thanksgiving 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Frederic Great Northern Outdoors, Monday Saturday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday 7 a.m. 4 p.m., Thanksgiving 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Milltown Monty's Sportsman's Haven, Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Thanksgiving 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
St. Croix Falls St. Croix Outdoors, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., closed Thanksgiving; Jorgas Food Mart, daily 7 a.m. - 9 p.m., open Thanksgiving
Wolf Creek River Roads Wolf Creek Bar, Sunday Thursday, 11 a.m. - midnight, Friday Saturday, 11 a.m. - close.
Sawyer
Hayward Hillman's Store, Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Shooting Star Archery, Monday Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Hayward Bait and Bottle, Monday - Saturday 7 a.m. 9 p.m. Sunday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Not registering deer opening gun weekend, Nov. 17 and 18. Stone Lake Marie's Hide-away, Monday - Friday
11 a.m. - close, Saturday and Sunday, 8a.m. - close.
Washburn
Birchwood Ed's Pit Stop, daily 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Minong Sportsman's Headquarters, opening weekend 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving. Sarona Teddy Bear Tap, daily 10:30 a.m. close. Shell Lake Country Pride, daily 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Spooner Holiday Express, daily 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Holiday Station Store, daily 6 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Springbrook Carlson's General Store, daily 7 a.m. 8 p.m.
Trego Uncle Mike's Bar and Grill, 11 a.m. midnight.
Barron
Barronett Speedy's C Stop Inc., daily 6:30 a.m. 9:30 p.m. Thanksgiving 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. – from the DNR
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2012 deer hunting forecast
PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER – HUNTING GUIDE – NOVEMBER 14, 2011
STATEWIDE – Before you know it, the 2012 deer season will be here, so take a moment to look back on the successes of the previous season and prepare for the upcoming season. Wisconsin hunters annually harvest more deer and more record-class bucks than almost every other state. Hunter success during the 2011 deer hunting season varied across the state, but overall proved to be successful for many hunters. Gun hunters harvested the most bucks since the 2007 season, and bow hunters harvested the third highest number of bucks on record. In total, deer hunters in Wisconsin tallied 347,711 deer in 2011, an increase over both the 2010 and 2009 seasons. With the mild winter conditions measured across the state during the 2011-12 winter and early spring, deer numbers should see growth across the forest regions where numbers were below goals in some areas, and can be expected to increase throughout the rest of the state for the upcoming season. Although it was a productive season for many hunters in the state, others had less than desirable seasons. Especially in the forested regions, hunters reported seeing fewer than normal numbers of deer and stat-
ed their desires to see more deer and have more opportunities to harvest deer during the season. The number of deer harvested in a given year is at least a partial indicator of the population size. Antlerless permit levels in many forest units have been conservative in recent years and are again in 2012, so hunters in many units should see more deer and have more opportunities to put meat in the freezer this fall, ultimately making for a more enjoyable hunt. Hunters across the state should take into consideration that deer densities are not consistent across the landscape. Local deer populations are often influenced by the quality of habitat (e.g., amount of food, water and security cover), predators and human disturbance present in the area. Hunters will be most successful if they scout their hunting area to locate the best hunting locations as well as to acquire realistic expectations as to how many deer are present in the area. Trail cameras and early-morning/late-evening field observations are great ways to see how many deer are present and what kind of bucks are in the area. If you aren’t finding the number of deer in the area you hoped to hunt, be prepared to adjust, perhaps scouting out some new hunting
ground for the upcoming season. The season structure for the 2012 deer season will be similar to the 2011 season. Most of the DMUs in the northern and central forest regions of the state will have limited or no antlerless harvest in an effort to maintain or increase deer populations. The farmland regions will remain either herd control units or CWD units. In these areas, deer are abundant and are controlled through the harvest of antlerless deer. But again, local abundance can vary greatly across a unit. Hunters in CWD units will have an opportunity to harvest additional buck, called bonus bucks, beyond their one gun and/or archery buck carcass tag if they harvest antlerless deer prior to harvesting the bonus buck(s). The elimination of Earn-A-Buck allows hunters to harvest a buck without having to first harvest an antlerless deer. Hunters within the CWD units may receive free antlerless deer tags, valid only in CWD units. – Contributed by Kevin Wallenfang, Scott Roepke and Dan Hirchert, from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
STATEWIDE – There are a number of rule and regulation changes this year that may be of interest to hunters. The most notable changes are listed here. Check the 2012 Deer Hunting Regulations for more information. • Archery and gun antlerless deer carcass tags are not available in units 7, 29B, 34, 35, 36 and 39. Only bucks may be taken in these units, except by Armed Forces members, youth ages 10-17 and certain disabled hunting permit holders.
• In the CWD-MZ, more than one antlered buck may be taken under bonus buck opportunities. To harvest an additional buck(s), the hunter must possess a Buck Authorization Sticker obtained after harvesting and registering an antlerless deer, or the buck must be accompanied by an unregistered antlerless deer tagged by the same hunter until both deer are registered together. The harvest of an antlerless deer is not required before harvesting a buck using a gun buck deer carcass tag or archery buck deer carcass tag. • During any gun deer season, hunters can use a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow as their weapon of choice while hunting under the authority of their gun deer license and a gun deer carcass tag. • During the 10-day muzzleloader season, a hunter can use a muzzleloader, bow or a crossbow as their weapon of choice while hunting under the authority of their gun deer license and a gun deer carcass tag. • Archery deer season will be open concurrently with the nine-day November firearm deer season statewide. • Rifles may now be used for deer hunting in Waupaca County, including during the two-day youth gun deer hunt.
• Reduced hunting fees are in place for hunters purchasing certain types (i.e., small game, wild turkey or deer) of hunting licenses for the first time, or the first time in 10 years. – from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
Ask first and say thanks!
STATEWIDE – Wisconsin landowners appreciate those people who ask permission to hunt and say thanks afterward. This builds important landownerhunter trust. Remember, entering private lands without permission is illegal and creates a negative image for all hunters. – from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
What's new in 2012
Be We Will rdays, Satu Closed ber 17 & Novem ber 24 Novem
STATEWIDE – People born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, must present their Wisconsin Hunter Education certificate (or proof of a hunter safety course recognized by the department from another state, province or country), previous year’s Wisconsin hunting license, or proof of successful completion of basic training in the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves or National Guard to purchase any hunting license. Contact your local DNR office for course information or visit their Web site at dnr.wi.gov. – from the DNR Web site
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NOVEMBER 14, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - HUNTING GUIDE - PAGE 5
Local lore: Hunter survived attack by buck
by Gary King Leader editor FREDERIC – The 1981 deer season was one to remember for hunter William Didlo of rural Frederic, who was attacked by an 8-point buck as he drew near what he thought to be mortally wounded animal in the woods near his former home in Clam Falls. The deer’s antlers impaled his right thigh, leaving two puncture wounds about 10 inches apart, and nearly an inch deep, but in the end it was the hunter who survived the ordeal, having to literally kill the deer with his bare hands. The harrowing experience began when Didlo left to go hunting at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22, armed with a .45-caliber percussion black-powder Kentucky Rifle, a gun he assembled himself, and used in killing a buck last season. He carried with him supplies for only three shots, one used to loading his gun, and two charges in his front pocket, expecting to be gone no more than an hour. Each “charge” was prepackaged in a plastic tube containing the ball, patch, and powder, eliminating the need for a powder flask, ball pouch, and powder measure, making loading easier and faster. Traveling a half mile over a slight snow cover, he spotted what looked to be a fair-sized buck, trotting up a ridge at right angle to him, 70 yards away. He drew, aimed, cocked and sighted his rifle in a clearing, and squeezed the trigger when the buck ran by. “I had a feeling the deer was hit,” stated Didlo. “It broke into a run, and ran up the ridge.” After recharging the rifle, he took up the trail, following the deer’s tracks, which seemed to indicate by their depth, that the deer was limping. There was no blood at first, but several minutes later, he notices traces of bleeding on the trail. He jumped the deer 15 minutes later while it was lying down, and he could see clearly now that it had a good, medium-size rack. The buck quickly sprang up and ran off. Slowing his pursuit, he came upon the deer again 10 minutes later, standing. He fired another shot, the best he could manage, as the deer broke into a run. “I remember I had the feeling of disgust, as I had hurried this shot,” noted Didlo. “It should have been saved until I could catch the buck standing still. I know had only one shot left.” Following the trail across CTH I, he began pausing between steps as to not allowed the deer to hear him approach. He could tell from the trail, the deer was bleeding less, and after another 20 minutes, he heard it getting up from a thick brush cover, and spotted the white of its rump. The deer had heard him, and vanished once more into the woods. The final showdown came several minutes later, as he spotted the deer standing, looking back at him from 85 yards away. He braced his rifle against a tree, took careful aim, and shot … his final shot. When the smoke had cleared, he could see the deer had jolted, but had not moved from its spot. After five minutes, the deer walked about five yards, and laid down next to a clump of trees, making no attempt to run away. Glancing at his watch, he saw the time was 3:10 p.m. He decided to wait until 3:30 p.m. for the deer to die. Nothing changed. At 3:30 p.m., the deer still looked fairly alert. Having no powder left, he decided to get closer to the animal, and if it ran away, he would have to return home for more ammunition, in hopes of returning to the trail before dark. He approached within 30 yards, and the deer still did not move, but kept its eyes on him constantly. At this point, he decided to circle the deer, hoping to get closer each time. “When I was 20 yards from the deer, I stopped and contemplated what to do. I decided since the deer had not moved in this time, it must be weak and near death.” After weighing his options several minutes, he decided to take out his pocketknife, and attempt to get close enough to make a clean cut of the deer’s neck, to
“I thought the buck was going to run away again, but instead it put its head down and charged, aiming its full rack at me.” - William Didlo
sore.” “The struggle must have last 20 minutes, but at the time, it seemed like forever,” commented Didlo. After several minutes he began field dressing the deer, discovering he had hit the buck only once, his first shot, breaking its right front foot below the first joint. He had taken the deer’s life with his own hands! Since the sun was beginning to set, he proceeded to drag the deer to the road before darkness set in. It was a half-mile trek to the road, where he received a ride the rest of the way home. “It wasn’t until I was home, and removing my hunting clothes that I noticed two tears in my pants,” he noted. The buck had penetrated three layers of clothing, including a pair of denim jeans. Didlo then went to the Frederic emergency room for stitches and a tetanus shot. “I couldn’t move around much for the first few days, but I’m back to normal now.” Editor’s Note: Didlo did agree, after some reluctance, to have his story published, and to answer several questions designed to explain any details that may not be included in the story:
1. Instead of walking up to the deer and trying to slit its throat, why didn’t you return home for more ammunition? – “I thought about it a long time before making my decision to go in and slit the deer’s throat. It was getting late in the afternoon, and I didn’t think I could get back in time before dark. Also, I thought the deer was critically wounded. Why else would he let me get so close?”
Hunter William Didlo, Clam Falls, and the 8-point buck that charged him during the second day of hunting season. The buck had to be killed literally by hand, by use of a pocketknife. The .45caliber percussion black-powder Kentucky Rifle is missing the trigger guard, which was broken off during the encounter. – File photos end what life appeared to be left in the animal. He unfolded the blade, and held the knife with his right hand, his gun in his left, and walked slowly and directly towards the deer. When he got within 10 yards, the deer began to get up. “I thought at this time, that the buck was going to run away again, but instead it turned directly at me, put its head down, and charged, aiming its full rack at me.” It was during this instant he first notices the deer’s front leg was broken. He immediately dropped his knife, and decided to his the deer in the head, using his gun barrel, but it was too late. The buck was now in the air. The horns hit him in the legs, sending him to the ground, and knocking away the rifle. “There was no time to be frightened,” Didlo recalled. “I sensed it was either me or the deer – one of us wasn’t going to walk away from this.” I grabbed its horns, holding on with all my strength.” The deer lay on top of the rifle, and as it tried to pull away, and ram a second time, Didlo shoved its rack into the ground a good two or three inches. Using all of his 200 pounds to pin the deer’s head to the ground, he remembered his pocketknife drawn earlier, and started looking around for it. He saw it lying about three feet from him, alongside the deer. Keeping as much weight on the deer as possible, he reached for, and secured the knife. The deer had its head cocked against its neck, and to reach its jugular vein was impossible. Didlo began stabbing the deer in the sides of its neck, the knife col-
lapsing, and cutting his own hands. The three-inch blade was dull. “I was going to sharpen that blade before the season started, but never got around to it,” he remembered. Didlo felt the deer was never going to die, as it kept struggling to regain its footing. “I remember making plans to get behind the nearest tree for protection if my strength gave out before his,” he stated. Just before the buck died, it make one final attempt for freedom, and nearly overtook Didlo. “I just held on and finally he just weakened and went limp. “Oh, what a sense of relief I had!,” said the hunter. Didlo rolled over and got up, and started to walk around the deer, “I thought to myself ‘nobody will ever believe this.’ I didn’t even realize the deer had gored me, even though my right light was The 3-inch blade knife and two blackpowder “speed shells” used by William Didlo in his conquest of the 8-point buck near Clam Falls Nov. 22, 1981. The “speed shells” enable black-powder hunters to reload in a fraction of the time normally required. Note piece of knife is missing, lost in the struggle.
2. Why do you use a black-powder rifle? – “Nostalgia, I guess. It’s more challenging, and rewarding for the hunter. It’s certainly more sporting. I am proud of that rifle, I put it together myself.”
3. What is the range of a black-powder rifle such as yours? – “It has killing power well over a hundred yards. Obviously you would have to be a lot better marksman than me for that kind of shooting.” 4. Why didn’t you have a larger knife? – “My knife was large enough to field dress a deer. I never figured I would need it for self-protection!”
5. Does it take more skill to use black powder? – “You only get one shot - one has to have patience and the ability to pick his shots. Generally, I think you have to be a better marksman.”
6. Are you going to hunt next year with your black-powder rifle? - “Certainly, I will say I am planning to practice a bit more at the target range. I would like to get my hands on a flintlock rifle before next hunting season.”
Deer-vehicle collisions
PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - HUNTING GUIDE - NOVEMBER 14, 2012
STATEWIDE – Deer-vehicle crashes continue to be a major concern for Wisconsin motorists. Annually, more than 20,000 deer are salvaged with permits or removed from roadways by DNR contractors. The majority of deer-vehicle collisions occur during the months of October and November when deer are most active, during the breeding phase. Many collisions also occur during May and June during spring fawning, when yearling deer are seeking out new home ranges. Regardless of the time of year, motorists should be aware of the potential for deer to cross roads at any time. Taking proper precautions like driving slow during evening and nighttime hours and scanning roadsides for deer can prevent many of these accidents from occurring. In the event that a motorist hits a deer with their vehicle, they should report the incident to the local sheriff’s or police department. A motorist who hits and kills a deer with a vehicle on a highway has first priority to claim and request a free tag for the deer they struck. If they do not want the deer, any other person at the scene may request a free tag for the deer. A person who wishes to claim a deer carcass that was hit by a vehicle must contact the local authorities to obtain a vehicle-killed deer tag before moving the deer. If the motorist is able to remain on the scene in a safe location, they should wait for the authorities to come and issue a permit, or they may be given instruction by a law enforcement agency to take the deer to a designated registration station that will tag the deer for them. Deer hit by vehicles may not be tagged with deer hunting carcass tags or registered as deer that were harvested by a firearm or bow and arrow during the hunting season. – from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
First-time license buyers get a price break on hunting and fishing fun
MADISON – A $5 first-time buyer’s license for Wisconsin residents makes it easier than ever for family and friends to join in Wisconsin’s hunting, fishing and trapping traditions. Under a 2012 law, certain hunting, trapping and fishing approvals are sold at a reduced fee to people who have not been issued that same type of license, a conservation patron license or a sports license, in any of the previous 10 years, according to Penny Kanable, Department
of Natural Resources licensing. For Wisconsin residents, $5 will buy you an annual license for fishing or trapping, or many hunting seasons. Nonresidents get a price break too, Kanable says. Get more details on the DNR’s Web site by typing in the key words, first-time buyer. First-time buyers also can recognize that special person who introduced them to the sport. Wisconsin residents who have been designated as a recruiter three
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or more times within one license year are eligible for discount on the license of their choice the next year, Kanable says. To recognize that special person, firsttime buyers can call 888-WDNR Info and
Chronic wasting disease surveillance
STATEWIDE – Wisconsin has intensively monitored chronic wasting disease for 10 years. Between 2002 and March 2012, nearly 172,000 free-ranging deer, of which, over 1,800 have tested positive for CWD. The positive cases have been found within the current CWD Management Zone and Washburn County. Wisconsin has two separate cores of disease infection in the CWDMZ, one in the southwest part of the state and one in the southeast. The southeast CWD outbreak is contiguous with a CWD area in northern Illinois where 372 CWD-positive deer have been found since 2002. Continued surveillance is occurring in Washburn County to determine the level of disease prevalence and distribution. CWD prevalence in Wisconsin Since 2002, CWD prevalence within Wisconsin’s western monitoring area has shown an overall increasing trend in all sex and age classes. During the past
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10 years, the trend in prevalence in adult males has risen from about 8 percent to nearly 18 percent, and in adult females from about 3 percent to approximately 7 percent. During that same time, the prevalence trend in yearling males has increased from about 2 percent to about 6 percent and in yearling females from 2 percent to about 5 percent. The DNR continues to see similar trends in the eastern monitoring area as well, albeit at lower prevalence levels. They continue to find that disease prevalence is higher in males than in females, and higher in adults than in yearlings. It is important to keep in mind that annual prevalence estimates are subject to sampling variation and that trends over time give them better information. These annual monitoring data are important for Wisconsin’s understanding of CWD distribution and prevalence. – from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
Hunting in Wisconsin continues to get safer
NOVEMBER 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - HUNTING GUIDE - PAGE 7
MADISON – It’s no accident that hunting in Wisconsin is a safe, fun activity for the entire family, according to conservation warden Jon King, who heads the Department of Natural Resources Hunter Education Program. “And it is getting safer with each year,” he says. Wisconsin has a fatality rate per 100,000 of 0.28 percent when considering a 10-year period. Going hunting is now safer than driving to work. In 1985, Wisconsin’s hunter education certification pro-
gram became mandatory for all hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1973. That meant any hunter age 12, the youngest legal hunter, beginning in 1985 had to complete the hunter education program. Individuals applying for a hunter’s license this year would have to be at least 39 years old to be exempt and with each passing year the age goes up. Still, many older hunters take the course voluntarily because it is so well-designed and useful. King doesn’t stop with the expanded course and out-
standing instructors as the sole factors behind Wisconsin’s safety record. “There has been the creation of reasonable opening and closing hours for hunting, mandatory blaze orange clothing requirements for hunters, the growing use of full safety harnesses for tree stand use, global positioning satellite devices, smartphones and more,” King says. – from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
STATEWIDE – County wildlife damage staff across the state are gearing up to roll out this season’s deer donation program. The DNR deer donation Web site will be updated as venison processors sign on, and these processors will be ready to accept deer when their information is posted. This year, the last day to donate a deer is Friday, Feb. 1, 2013. The DNR expects to have about the same number of processors as last year; nearly half of all licensed Wisconsin venison processors participate in the program. Wisconsin has a network of venison donation efforts including Hunt for the Hungry, which operates in the Green Bay area; Target Hunger, which handles donations from the CWD Management Zone; and the Wisconsin Deer Donation Program, which covers all remaining areas of the state. USDA - Wildlife Services staff also help administer the programs in 49 counties. Deer taken in the CWD Zone and registered with a red metal tag may be donated to participating processors in the Target Hunger program. These processors are located within or near the CWD Zone. Deer donated to Target Hunger will be tested for CWD
and only negative-tested deer will be processed for food pantries. Groups supporting Target Hunger include: • Southwest Community Action Program, Dodgeville • Community Action, Inc., Janesville • Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, Madison • Central WI Community Action Council, Wisconsin Dells Since the program began in 2000, hunters have donated nearly 80,000 deer which were processed into over 3.6 million pounds of ground venison. In addition to donating venison, over 41,000 hunters have donated more than $125,000 to this program through the ALIS license sales system since 2002. Hunters, you can help feed needy people throughout Wisconsin this fall by taking five simple steps: • Donate any legally harvested deer taken outside the Chronic Wasting Disease Zone by dropping it off at a participating processor by Feb. 1, 2013. Deer taken outside the CWD Zone are registered with a silver-metal tag. Only silver tagged deer may be donated to this program.
• Field dress the deer and register it at a Wisconsin DNR registration station prior to donating the deer. • Call first! Contact one of the participating processors before dropping the deer off to verify the processor has space to accept your deer. • Donate the entire deer to receive the processing for free. The head and/or antlers may be removed for mounting. Please handle the carcass as if it were destined for your own table. A couple of bags of ice placed in the cavity will help preserve the carcass in warm weather. Hunters are encouraged to make the switch to nontoxic (nonlead) ammunition to eliminate exposure to lead in venison. Page 23 of the 2012 Deer Hunting Regulation booklet lists important information to reduce potential exposure to lead in venison and Web links to find copper bullets and nontoxic ammunition for hunting. Information on participating processors will be updated as soon as processors are signed up. Please check the Web site for updates. Thank you for your interest and good luck hunting. – Contributed by Laurie Fike from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
same blaze orange clothing requirements that apply to gun hunters. The crossbow cannot be used in group hunting, which is limited to the gun deer season and to hunters with a gun license using firearms. In group hunting, one hunter can shoot a deer and another can tag it as long as both have gun deer licenses and the gun deer tag is valid for that unit. The two hunters must be within voice contact without the use of electronic devices such as cell phones or walkie-talkies. Just prior to deer season last year, the regulations changed regarding the transportation of firearms and bows. Highlights are as follows: • Firearms no longer need to be cased while in a vehicle, regardless of whether the vehicle is stationary or moving.
• All long guns must be unloaded when in any vehicle, and in or on a moving vehicle. • Handguns can be uncased and loaded in a vehicle, but cannot be concealed unless the person is authorized to possess a concealed weapon. • It is illegal to shoot a firearm or bow and arrow from a vehicle, unless disabled and complying with conditions of a disabled hunting permit. DNR conservation wardens are encouraging hunters to review the 2012 hunting regulations pamphlet available at any DNR office or license vendor and also available online at dnr.wi.gov. Just type deer into the search box and scroll down for the regulations link. Reviewing the regulations will help ensure a fun, safe and successful hunt. – from the DNR
Venison donation program
Crossbows now allowed to hunt deer during gun deer seasons
New rule does not apply to archery deer hunting seasons
EAU CLAIRE – Any hunter can now use a crossbow during any Wisconsin gun deer season, including muzzleloader, under the authority of their gun deer license and gun deer carcass tags, under new rules approved this year that apply to gun seasons only. An archery license still allows hunting only with a bow and arrow, except that a person age 65 or older and certain qualified disabled hunters may use a crossbow to fill their archery deer carcass tags. Under a 2011 rule change, archers can hunt with bow and arrow during the nineday gun deer season as long as they comply with the
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2011 hunting incident executive report
PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - HUNTING GUIDE - NOVEMBER 14, 2012
STATEWIDE – A hunting incident is when a person is injured by the discharge of a hunting firearm or bow and arrow arising from the activity of hunting, including travel to and from the hunting field. There were 26 total hunting incidents during the 2011 hunting season. Two of the 26 incidents were fatal. Thanks to the efforts of the DNR’s hunter education program, hunting is a safe activity in Wisconsin and getting safer all the time. Hunting incidents are continuing a downward trend, and for 2011 the state was below the 10-year average of about 32 incidents, per year. Gun deer hunting, turkey and waterfowl hunting were the three hunting activities with the highest number of incidents, with gun deer hunting having the most. Hunting on game farms continues to be a situation where several pheasant hunting incidents occur annually. Other game hunting remained basically the same compared to 2010. Rifles and shotguns remain the hunting implement involved most often in hunting incidents, shotguns, 62 percent, and rifles, 38 percent. No handgun or muzzleloader incidents occurred in 2011. There were three major causes for incidents for 2011: Shooters failure to positively identify the target, victim out of sight of the shooter, and victim covered by shoot-
STATEWIDE – Falls from a tree stand are the leading cause of injuries during the gun deer season, according to a 2008 Wisconsin study, recently confirmed by a 2010 Ohio study. The good news is such falls are easily preventable. You can continue to gain the benefits that hunting from a tree stand delivers, increased field of vision and avoiding detection by your prey, while reducing your risk of injury if you follow a few simple safety tips.
Get a full-body harness
The most important thing you can do is use a fullbody harness, which keeps you in the stand if you slip or fall. Eighty-two percent of the hunters who fall from tree stands are not wearing full-body harnesses, according to the Tree Stand Manufacturers Association. Find out which models meet revised national standards, TMA Standards.
er swinging on game. It’s not a good-enough reason to take a shot when a hunter only thinks they are seeing a legal target; they must know and be certain the target is legal. Having a safe zone of fire and safe backstop is equally important to knowing your target. Planning your hunt and hunting your plan is important. Know where your hunting partners are at all times. Self-inflicted injuries accounted for 38 percent of the total number of incidents. This is an increase of 10 percent from 2010. Juveniles (under age 18) make up 23 percent of the incidents in 2011. That means that 77 percent of all hunting incidents were caused by adult hunters. Historically, juveniles have contributed to nearly 33 percent of the total numbers of incidents. It is important to note that the numbers of incidents caused by juvenile shooters was a single digit, six incidents out of 26 incidents for 2011. To summarize this report, 2011 was the third time in history that we had a gun deer season without a fatality, and 1972 was the first year without a fatal incident for gun deer hunting. The state was well below the 10year average for hunting incidents and expects to continue that trend into the future. Incidents that happened
Tree stand safety
Wear your full-body harness
Hunters must wear their harnesses for them to work. A 2003 survey of Wisconsin gun deer hunters showed that two-thirds of hunters who hunted from tree stands owned a harness but less than one-third of them reported actually using the harness. Another third did not own a full-body harness.
Take a free online tree stand safety course
A 15-minute investment of your time in taking an online safety course could save your life. The Tree Stand Manufacturers Association provides a free, interactive course that you can finish in minutes.
Take these other steps to stay safe
• Select a tree that is substantial enough to support your weight.
while hunters were either moving or shooting at moving game increased the likelihood for something to go wrong. Hunters cannot rest on past success and must stress the importance of knowing and practicing the four basic rules of firearms safety every time they handle a firearm. Remember the slogan “Safe hunting is no accident.” The year, 2012, can be the safest season ever … if all hunters follow those four simple rules.
Reporting a hunting incident
A reportable hunting incident is any incident in which a person has been injured or killed by discharge of a firearm or arrow while hunting, fishing or trapping. Wisconsin law requires a person who, while hunting, fishing or trapping, discharges a firearm or arrow and injures or kills another person, to do the following: • Provide his/her name and address to the other person, • Render assistance to the other person, • Obtain immediate medical or hospital care, and • Report the accident without delay to law enforcement officials. – from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
• Read, understand and follow all of the manufacturer’s recommended procedures. • Do not alter your equipment. • Have three points of contact while climbing into and out of the tree stand; either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand at all times. • Use a haul line to raise and lower your unloaded firearm. • Use a short tether between you and the tree when seated in the tree stand. • Let people know where you’ll be hunting, where you’ll be parking your vehicle and when you intend to return. • Carry a cell phone with you if you have one, and keep it in a pocket you can reach and in a pocket the phone will not fall out of in the event of a fall. – from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
What is the hunting mentorship program?
STATEWIDE – The hunting mentorship program allows a person to obtain a hunting license and hunt without the need to first take hunter education, provided the hunter and the mentor comply with the following:
Rules that apply to the hunter. The hunter must:
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• be at least 10 years old; • possess the appropriate hunting license, permits, stamps and tags; • hunt within arm’s reach of a mentor regardless of the age of the hunter; and • comply with all other hunting laws, seasons and bag limits.
Rules that apply to the mentor. The mentor must:
• be at least 18 years old; • be a hunter education graduate unless born before Jan. 1, 1973, or have completed basic training with the Armed Forces; • be the hunter’s parent or guardian, or have the permission of the hunter’s parent/guardian before acting as a mentor for a person under 18; • possess a current year’s Wisconsin hunting license (type of hunting license does not matter, unless the mentor will also be attempting to harvest game). Note: Certain exemptions apply if mentoring on a licensed bird or deer hunting preserve or on land the mentor owns or occupies. Contact DNR
for details; and • only serve as a mentor for one hunter at a time if the hunter is either of the following: • age 10 or 11; or • born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, and has not yet taken hunter education. Only one firearm, bow, or crossbow (if eligible to use a crossbow) can be possessed jointly between the hunter and the mentor if the hunter is either age 10 or 11, or was born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, and has not yet taken and passed hunter education. A concealed weapon, legally possessed by a permit holder, is counted toward the one weapon limit. Note: Ten- and 11-year-olds may only hunt under these mentorship rules, even if they already completed hunter education. – from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
Four basic rules of firearm safety
STATEWIDE – As you join thousands of hunters heading into the woods, fields and marshes during the fall hunting seasons, Wisconsin DNR safety experts remind you to review and think about firearm safety each and every time you head out. Essential to any responsible hunting trip is an ironclad adherence to the four basic rules of firearm safety that can be easily remembered using the TAB-K formula. T = Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Never assume a firearm is unloaded and never treat it that way, even if you watch as it is unloaded. Make it a habit to treat guns like they are loaded all the time. A = Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. About one third of all hunting incidents are self-inflicted injuries. That means the muzzle was pointed at some part of the hunter’s body. A safe direction is a direction where the bullet will travel and harm no one in the event of an unwanted discharge. There are no accidental discharges with firearms, only unwanted discharges. B = Be certain of your target and what’s beyond it. Positive target identification is a must. To shoot at something you only think is a legal target is gambling. In the case of human injury, that means gambling with human life. You must be absolutely certain and correct in judgment before deciding to shoot. Otherwise, it’s reckless behavior. In addition to identifying the target, a
hunter must know that a safe backstop for their bullet is present in every shooting situation. We don’t always hit our target, and, in some cases, the bullet passes through the target. A safe backstop guarantees that no one will get hurt. K = Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot. If a hunter stumbles with a firearm in one hand and nothing in the other, whatever that person does with their free hand will automatically happen with the hand holding the gun. If a finger is inside the trigger guard, that hand is likely going to close around the pistol grip of the gun and on the trigger, causing an unwanted discharge. Planning your fall hunting trip also means having your gear in proper working order. Firearms should be cleaned and closely inspected for any signs of mechanical wear that could result in a problem in the field. Firearms aren’t the only items that need to be checked well in advance of a hunting trip. Clothing and other equipment should also be inspected for signs of wear and tear. Anything that might cause you to compromise safety should be repaired, discarded or replaced. Blaze orange clothing that has faded over time, a jacket that doesn’t fit right or a scope that isn’t adjusted correctly can compromise your safety and the safety of others. – from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
Good Luck Deer Hunters
NOVEMBER 14, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - HUNTING GUIDE - PAGE 9
Deer abundance and densities in Wisconsin deer management units
STATEWIDE – The Wisconsin DNR annually estimates the size of the population of deer in each deer management unit. Deer population estimates may be expressed in terms of abundance or density. Abundance estimates are the total number of deer estimated for an entire unit. Density can be calculated by dividing the abundance estimate by the area (square miles) within the unit. Density estimates are useful for comparing population estimates among deer management units because they standardize abundance estimates by taking into account the difference in size of deer management units. Deer population estimates are made for two time periods, a fall or prehunt estimate and an overwinter or posthunt estimate. Posthunt population estimates are annually compared to the deer population goal for each deer management unit as a basis for annual adjustments of antlerless harvest quotas. Population goals and density estimates are usually expressed as deer per square mile of deer range (i.e., suitable habitat). Fall deer population estimates are based to a large degree on the number of antlered bucks harvested in each deer management unit. Buck harvest density in 2011 varied among deer management units from less than one to nearly 12 bucks harvested per square mile of deer range. Fall deer densities in 2011 varied from nine to more than 100 deer per square mile of deer range. Deer management units with the highest fall densities were mostly in the east central and southern parts of the state. Units with the lowest fall deer densities were mostly in north central and northeastern Wisconsin. Overwinter deer population estimates are derived from the fall population estimates and the total registered harvest. Overwinter deer densities in 2011 varied from about seven to almost 90 deer per square mile of deer range. Deer range is used for determining population goals and density because it provides a standard for comparison of density among deer management units and it helps biologists to understand the ecological and economic effects of different deer densities. The amount of deer range varies greatly among deer management units. In some northern units, more than 95 percent of the land area is classified as deer range. In contrast, less than 25 percent of some of the highly urbanized and/or agricultural units in the south is considered to be deer range. The variation in the amount of deer range across the state may be one of the factors that contribute to confusion about deer population estimates. Deer population and harvest densities can also be expressed in terms of total land area. This results in a somewhat different picture of the distribution of deer in Wisconsin. Deer management units in which a small percentage of the total land area is classified as deer range may show a high number of deer per square mile of deer range but a lower number of deer per square mile of land area. Using land area as the basis, the harvest density of antlered bucks in 2011 varied from less than one to more than eight bucks harvested per square mile of land area. In a number of deer management units in southeastern and southwestern Wisconsin and also in north central and northwestern Wisconsin, fewer than two bucks were harvested per square mile of total land area in 2011. In contrast, more than four antlered bucks were harvested per square mile of land area in many east central and a number of western deer management units. Based on land area, fall 2011 densities were highest in east central and west central Wisconsin and in a number of units in southwestern Wisconsin. By comparison, fall densities were much lower in southeastern and extreme southwestern Wisconsin and in a
number of north central and northeastern management units. Overwinter deer densities showed a similar geographic pattern. It is important to keep in mind that density estimates for deer management units are based largely on the number of antlered bucks harvested in the unit. The resulting density estimates are averages for the entire
Lucky hunters
Carter Doriott, 11, of Webster, shot this 8-point buck with his bow on Oct. 30.
Cory Jackson of Webster arrowed this big 12-point buck recently. – Photo courtesy of Log Cabin Store
unit and may not accurately reflect local deer density. There can be considerable local variation in density within deer management units due to differences in deer habitat quality and local hunting pressure. – from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
The World Record over 50 Years in the making
PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - HUNTING GUIDE - NOVEMBER 14, 2012
by Dick Idol For some reason, the stories of highranking whitetails often involve bizarre circumstances. The tale of James (Jim) Jordon’s amazing typical from Wisconsin is no exception. In fact, it could be argued that this is the strangest whitetail story of all. Accounts of the hunt, as told by Jim before his death, have been printed in various publications, and these are apparently the only sources of factual information since all of the other participants and eyewitnesses have long since passed on. Based on these materials, what follows is the story of a chain of unlikely events that spanned 64 years and eventually led to the recognition of Jim’s massive 10-pointer as the world’s greatest typical whitetail. It all began in the predawn on Nov. 20, 1914, as Jim and friend Egus Davis readied their rented horse and wagon for a day of serious deer hunting. The new snow would make for good tracking, so expectations were high as the men bounced their way toward the Yellow River, where it snaked alongside the Soo Line Railroad just south of Danbury, Wisconsin. Shortly after dawn, Egus bagged a fat doe. Winter meat was what he wanted, and this doe surely would be tastier than a tough, rutting buck. After borrowing Jim’s knife to field-dress the doe, Egus suggested they load her onto the wagon and head for the house. But, Jim was a diehard and decided to keep hunting alone. After Egus had left, Jim quietly began walking toward the river, keeping a sharp eye out for deer and fresh sign. Soon, he came upon furrows in the snow where several whitetails had meandered past. As he leaned over for a closer look at the obviously fresh tracks, what really caught his eye was the enormous size of one of the sets of hoofprints. Jim knew that tracks don’t always indicate the size of a rack, but he couldn’t help visualizing a huge set of antlers belonging to the buck that had left those nearly elk-sized prints. He had to follow them. Jim easily tracked the group in the new snow as they meandered alongside the railroad tracks. Then, as the hunter paused to listen to the familiar whistle of the train, the shrill scream caused four deer to come to their feet in the weeds just ahead of him. One of them was the biggest buck Jim had ever seen. Instinctively, Jim shouldered his .25/20
This buck, shot by Jim Jordon just south of Danbury in 1914, held the world record for whitetails until just a few years ago. The head mount can be seen at the Crex Wildlife Education and Conference Center at Crex Meadows, Grantsburg. – File photos
Winchester and carefully aimed at the giant’s neck. The rack was frozen in place as the deer, unaware of the hunter’s presence, listened to the sounds of the approaching train. Posed against the blue sky of a clear, cold day, the majestic buck with his heavy, golden-brown rack left an impression Jim would never forget. Finally, the hunter squeezed off the shot. Deer scattered at the sound, does in one direction and the buck in the other. Jim fired until his magazine was empty as the racing buck made for nearby cover. Even though the buck hadn’t shown
A plaque positioned near the head mount of the Jordon buck briefly explains the story of the 10-point buck that held the world record as the greatest typical whitetail.
any visual signs of being hit, Jim felt certain he had connected with one or more shots. Now the hunter excitedly began following the long, leaping strides. But after going just a short distance, he realized his gun was empty. Only after a frantic search through all of his pockets did he discover a single remaining cartridge. This one would have to count! Jim cautiously moved along the bounding tracks as they snaked through the thick brush toward the river. Finally, he saw what he had been looking for blood. It wasn’t much, but it did verify he’d hit the buck. Eventually, the huge animal slowed. At first, he afforded Jim only an occasional glimpse, but after a while, the hunter got to where he could stay in constant visual contact. However, Jim was not yet close enough to be sure of a finishing shot. Stumbling, the buck finally made it to the river, at a point only a few hundred yards from Jim’s farm. It appeared he would stop, but suddenly, he jumped into the shallow river and made his way to the other side, surging through the light current. By now, Jim had made his way to the river and was ready when the buck stepped from the water on the opposite bank. Still alert, the huge whitetail stared back across the river at his pursuer. Knowing his rifle was on the light side for such a big deer, Jim decided his best
target would be the backbone. He took careful aim through the iron sights. At the crack of the rifle, the huge buck folded. Jim immediately waded into the icy water, keeping an anxious eye on his prize. Now, after several distant glimpses, he could get a close look at those magnificent antlers and the immense body. He wasn’t disappointed! The rack had 10 long, thick points and massive main beams, and the buck had a body to match. Estimates of the live weight were around 400 pounds. Thinking he should field-dress the buck, Jim felt over the empty knife case and realized he had loaned the blade to Egus. It was cold, however, so it wouldn’t hurt to leave the buck ungutted while Jim hiked the quarter-mile back to the farm to get his knife. He could hardly contain his excitement when he found Egus and told him the whole story. Anxiously, they made their way back to the river to retrieve Jim’s trophy - only to find the deer was gone! In a panic, they analyzed the situation and realized the buck must have given one last kick and slid into the river. Sure enough, at the first bend downriver, the big whitetail was found lodged on a rock in midstream. Once again, Jim waded through the frigid, waist-deep water to retrieve his prize. Being a woodsman was a way of life for Jim. He’d fished, farmed, trapped and hunted as far back as he could remember. He was at home in the haunts of the whitetail and had taken many nice bucks. But, none was as large as this spectacular deer, so he decided to have the great trophy mounted. One of the admirers who came to see the deer was a part-time taxidermist by the name of George VanCastle, who lived in the nearby town of Webster and worked on the Soo Railroad Line. Accepting an offer to mount the trophy for $5, Jim turned the unskinned head over to George, who left Danbury with it on the railroad, bound for Webster. As his buck left Danbury, little did Jim know that he wouldn’t see him again for more than 50 years! As fate would have it, George’s wife became ill and died soon after he picked up the rack, prompting his decision to move to Hinckley, Minn. Several months later, Jim became concerned about the mount and traveled to Webster, only to discover that George had moved. The air distance from Danbury to Hinckley was only 25 miles, but between the towns was a bridgeless stretch of the St. Croix River, making the trip difficult at best. For a variety of reasons, Jim postponed that trip to Hinckley until some time later, when a bridge finally had been constructed. Tragically, when Jim got to Hinckley, he learned that George had remarried, moved to Florida and presumably had taken the mounted head with him. In reality, the mounted buck had never left Hinckley; it was stored in the attic of George’s old house, where it continued to gather dust in obscurity. Even more ironically, Jim and his wife, Lena, moved to Hinckley several years after the deer was shot, where Jim operated a tavern on the east side of town. His mounted head was stored right there in the same small
See Jordan buck, page 11
NOVEMBER 14, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - HUNTING GUIDE - PAGE 11
Jordan buck/from page 10
A rare photo of James Jordan with his buck, taken just before his death and before he was officially credited as having shot the world-record typical. – File photo
ued for the next several years, as Jim tried to convince B & C officials and others that he’d indeed killed the buck a half-century prior. Meanwhile, in 1968, Dr. Charles Arnold purchased the rack from Bob for $1,500. The question of whether the buck was from Minnesota or Wisconsin, and whether or not Jim was the hunter, endured for years. Finally, several people, including Bernie Fashingbauer, Dr. Arnold and others brought forth enough evidence to convince a B & C committee to accept Jim Jordan as the hunter and Danbury, as the location of the kill. By now, more than a decade had passed since Jim had first seen his buck’s antlers again. During that interim, he’d gone to great lengths to convince people it was the same deer he’d shot so many years earlier, but he’d continued to run into dead ends. Among all of the peoplewho’d seen the animal back in 1914, only he was still living. Jim wasn’t interested in money; he merely wanted the recogni-
The Jordan buck that held the No. 1 position in the record book for almost a quarter-century until Milo Hanson’s Saskatchewan buck (above) beat him out. – Photo taken from biggamehunt.net
tion he felt was due him for having shot such a trophy. Finally, in December 1978, Jim was declared the “hunter” of the world record typical. But in the strangest and most tragic of all twists in this saga, the hunter never got to hear the name announced. Two months prior to this historic decision by B & C, Jim died at the age of 86. As you might expect of a deer that held the No. 1 position in the record book for almost a quarter-century (until Saskatchewan’s Milo Hanson buck beat him out,) the Jordan buck is both huge and symmetrical. In fact, while the Hanson buck is exceptionally well-balanced from one antler to the other, the Jordan Buck is even more so, with side-to-side differences of only 3-2/8 inches total. The
buck’s net score of 206-1/8 is a full 98.4 percent of his gross typical score, which is unmatched by any other whitetail in the upper tier of the record book. And, it shouldn’t be overlooked that this deer achieved his phenomenal score as a straight 5x5! Perhaps the most unusual characteristic of the Wisconsin rack is that it’s so big and massive without having any abnormal points. This is the rarest of all traits in a truly world-class whitetail, for almost all of the great deer have at least one nontypical point. No matter where the Jordan buck eventually ends up in the rankings, he’ll always be regarded as one of the most massive, perfect and, yes, legendary of all deer. Jim would certainly be proud.
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town for years, and he never knew it! It was just another quirk in a long string of bizarre events in this melodrama. A lot of years passed before this enormous mount mysteriously showed up at a rummage sale in Sandstone, Minnesota, in 1958. According to Robert “Bob” Ludwig, a Department of Natural Resources forest technician from Sandstone, the antlers were then black with age, the mount was held together with old twine and sawdust leaked from various openings. However, Bob was impressed with the massive antlers and figured they were worth the asking price of $3, so he sprang for it. After his purchase, the mounted head was moved between storage in his house and the barn, depending on the particular mood of Bob’s wife, who wasn’t really all that impressed with his great “deal.” Then, in 1964, Bob read an article in an outdoor magazine that described the method used by the Boone and Crockett Club to measure whitetail racks. Bob rough measured his rummage sale special at a net score of 205 B & C points, which would make the massive 10-pointer a new world record! Presuming he’d made a mistake, Bob mailed his completed score sheet to Bernie Fashingbauer, an official B & C scorer and a director of the Science Museum of Minnesota’s Lee and Rose Warner Nature Center. After a phone conversation, Bob was supposed to arrange a date for Bernie to score the trophy. However, nearly a year went by with no action. But, then came another stroke of luck, this one good: While Bernie was on a hunting trip to the Sandstone area, he recognized Bob’s name on a mailbox and decided to stop in. He’d indeed found the right person and after scoring the head it tallied a potential world record score of 206-6/8 net points. Then in 1971, the “Sandstone Buck,” as he’d been dubbed, was sent to Pennsylvania, where he was rescored by a B & C judges panel. The deer was indeed declared a new world record with a final net score of 206-1/8 points. But still, there remained the question of whether or not the deer had been shot, and if so, by whom. In yet another strange twist, sometime after the initial scoring in 1964, Bob had met his his longdistant cousin - Jim Jordan! - to show off his incredible find. Immediately, Jim claimed this was the deer he’d shot way back in 1914! Bob wasn’t convinced, however, because he’d always been under the impression that Jim’s rack had had a bullet hole in it. There was no hole in either of these antlers. Also, aside from Jim, there were no living witnesses who’d actually seen his deer. The debate contin-
Wisconsin DNR ramps up social media for nine-day deer season
PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - HUNTING GUIDE - NOVEMBER 14, 2012
MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is ramping up social media to connect with the public on the excitement and traditions of the state’s nine-day gun deer season. They invite seasoned hunters, new hunters and those interested in learning more about hunting in Wisconsin to take part in online chats, a new wildlife-focused blog, Facebook, and a “tweet-along” with DNR conservation wardens. Their aim is to help the public prepare for the hunt, share traditions, ask experts questions and share stories of deer season 2012. The first forums kicked off Sunday, Nov. 11, and run through the end of the nine-day gun deer season. Here’s a complete list:
“Ask the Experts” series of live online chats
DNR will host a series of daily online deer hunt chats that started Tuesday, Nov. 13, and run throughout the week leading to the deer gun opener. Experts will answer questions and provide tips on topic areas ranging from regulations and safety, to how women can get involved in the hunt. To participate, visit the DNR home page, dnr.wi.gov, and look for the advertisement or search the phrase ask the experts. Below is the schedule for the series of chats. • Tuesday, Nov. 13, 11:30 a.m., Women in hunting: Dr. Christine Thomas, dean of the College of Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and founder of “Becoming an OutdoorsWoman,” and Keith Warnke, DNR hunting and shooting sports coordinator, discuss the important role of women in hunting and how women can get involved. • Wednesday, Nov. 14, 11:30 a.m., Get ready for the hunt: Kevin Wallenfang, DNR big-game ecologist; Scott Loomans, DNR wildlife regulations specialist; and Tom Van Haren, DNR conservation warden, discuss preseason preparation questions such as regulation changes, deer
season forecast, and safety. • Thursday, Nov. 15, 11:30 a.m., Need a place to hunt?: Join representatives from the DNR’s Managed Forest Law, Voluntary Public Access and Public Lands programs to learn about the thousands upon thousands of private and public acres of prime habitat open for public hunting. • Friday, Nov. 16, 11:30 a.m., Safe and legal, the keys to a successful hunt: Join DNR conservation wardens Tom Van Haren and Todd Schaller, along with DNR wildlife regulations specialist Scott Loomans to ask last-minute safety and deer regulations questions before heading to the field.
New WDNR wildlife blog – Hunting for the health of it
DNR will be launching the first-ever wildlife blog during the 2012 deer hunt with a Hunting for the Health of it theme. Readers can follow the blog that star Monday, Nov. 12, as each day Jeff Pritzl, DNR Northeast Region wildlife supervisor, explores seven health-related aspects of hunting. Topics include social, physical, emotional, career, intellectual, environmental and spiritual aspects of the hunt that lead to increased health for the participant, communities and our natural resources. Follow the DNR wildlife blog at wdnr.blogs.govdelivery.com.
Facebook - Share the stories and join the contest
As of Sunday, Nov. 11, DNR will daily post photos, videos and stories relating to the deer hunt. This year they will also be launching a new Facebook photo contest centering around Wisconsin’s rich hunting tradition. Beginning Saturday, Nov. 17, and running through Wednesday, Nov. 28, hunters, families and nonhunters energized by the deer season are encouraged to submit photos that represent what the traditions of the deer hunt mean to them. These can be historical photos, photos of the hunt or even landscape shots from a morning in a tree
stand. The public will vote for their favorite picture, and the winner will receive a free three-year subscription to Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine. Anyone interested in the traditions of the hunt should “like” WDNR on Facebook to follow the stories of the deer season and participate in the 2012 Traditions of the Hunt photo contest. Visit facebook.com/WIDNR.
“Deer Hunt 2012” with Dan Small
Once again, DNR has partnered with Dan Small to produce “Deer Hunt 2012,” an informative and entertaining onehour television show aimed at helping hunters brush up on safety, know the science and get ready for the fun, family and traditions of the hunt. This year’s show captures important research on buck mortality, fawn recruitment and the social side of deer management; the importance of passing along the hunting tradition to the next generation and recruiting new hunters; hunter safety and the new ATV/UTV laws; a ride-along with a conservation warden; the link between forest management and deer management; the season forecast and hunting tips. There are recipes and a campfire conversation with DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp and others as they share their first-deer stories and encourage seasoned hunters to share their traditions and the thrill of the harvest with new hunters. The show aired in early November, but if you missed the show, it can
Get the latest news and information by following DNR on Twitter. Be sure to follow them Nov. 17, 18, 22, 23 and 25 as they live-feed tweets and images from a ride-along with a DNR conservation warden out working deer season. Warden ride-alongs often reveal interesting events and insights into the deer hunt that many never see. The tweet-along will focus on the social, safety and community-building aspects of the nine-day deer season. Follow them at twitter.com/WDNR. – from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
New rule in 2012
NORTHERN WISCONSIN – Coyote hunting season is open all year statewide. Starting in 2012, the coyote season will not close in the northern portion of Wisconsin during the gun deer season. – from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
Nick Gramer, of Danbury, with a nice 9-point buck he shot with a bow. – Photo courtesy of Log Cabin Store
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David Green shot this heavy-racked 10point buck with a bow recently. The deer weighed 167 pounds. – Photo courtesy of Log Cabin Store
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NOVEMBER 14, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - HUNTING GUIDE - PAGE 13
STATEWIDE – Before heading out, hunters should make themselves aware of legal restrictions on hunting activities related to time of day. • Times listed are one-half hour before sunrise to 20 minutes after sunset. • Firearm hunting prohibited on Nov. 16. • Calculating hunting hours: Determine your location in either the Northern or Southern Area and add the minutes shown in the zone in which you are hunting to the opening and closing times listed in the Northern Area Hunting Hours table.
Watch your clocks!
• Night hunting: Coyote, fox, raccoon or unprotected species may be hunted without hunting hour restrictions except: 1. During the bow deer season when hunting hours listed in the the regulation book apply to bow hunting all species. 2. During the regular gun deer season from Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 in nonmetro units when normal hunting hours apply to hunting all species. • Caution: Consult your migratory bird regulations pamphlet for migratory bird hunting hours including woodcock, crows, doves, snipe and rails.
Find us on the Web at:
the-leader.net or wcregisteronline.com 2012 Deer, Bear, Small Game and Fall Turkey hunting hours listed from 30 minutes before sunrise to 20 minutes after sunset for Zone A in the Northern Area. If hunting in a zone other than Zone A, add the appropriate minutes to the opening and closing times. See the appropriate regulations for hunting season dates.
Northern district deer season forecast
NORTHERN WISCONSIN – Deer populations in northern Wisconsin got a real boost this past year. An extremely mild winter combined with early spring conditions really helped deer come out of the winter in great shape. The early spring green-up allowed deer to put weight back on quickly and likely contributed to heavier weight fawns and multiple fawns surviving. In the past, these conditions usually result in good antler development in bucks. Experts expect hunters will see this during the 2012 deer hunting season. Local DNR deer managers in the north recognize that deer are not equally distributed across the landscape. In other words, in some areas there may be very few deer and other areas more deer. This can be very frustrating for the deer hunter. The DNR also recognizes that they do not have all the answers, and they need to rely on others for more information. This year, for example, their quota recommendations were developed based on reasonable and realistic levels from input they received from hunters attending their public deer forums. They also rely on what hunters see out in the field. It is especially important to receive this information prior to the hunting season from the summer deer observation survey during the months of August and September. Anyone can participate in this survey and send the results in to the DNR. They always welcome more input and help with managing the deer herd. The DNR and the public share responsibility in this valued resource. Another challenge everyone is facing
in northern Wisconsin is the detection of a CWD-positive deer in Washburn County. This deer showed up as a sick deer on the opening weekend of the nine-day gun season last year. It was euthanized, and the test results clearly indicated it was CWD-positive. The DNR are taking this very seriously, but they are also approaching it in a calm manner. They have developed a community-based approach to manage CWD in this area. We are reaching out to people in the community for ideas and feedback in how they should proceed. Their first step is to determine the extent of the disease and to share this information widely. They have been collecting samples from road-killed deer and from willing landowners who are interested in getting more deer tested from their own property prior to the hunting season. During the fall deer season, they will be testing hunter-harvested deer from an area over 300 square miles in size around this CWD-positive sample. This will be the first step to determine the extent of the dis-
ease. They must first determine if this is a spark that can be snuffed out or a widespread fire that they may have to manage. They will be relying on hunters in this area to make sure they get any adult deer harvested in this area sampled. After the DNR learns about the extent of this disease, they will then collectively determine the appropriate response based on the community-based approach to manage CWD in Northwest Wisconsin. – from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
Good Luck Deer Hunters
Poachers hotline number: 800-TIP-WDNR
Northwest Wisconsin gun deer season CWD sampling
PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - HUNTING GUIDE - NOVEMBER 14, 2012
NORTHWEST WISCONSIN – During the 2012 gun deer season, DNR wildlife staff will be staffing several registration stations in the Northwest Wisconsin CWD intensive monitoring area sampling adult deer for chronic wasting disease. This sampling is voluntary for all hunters bringing in deer for registration at these stations. The registration stations being staffed and the dates and times DNR staff will be at these stations are listed below. DNR staff at these stations will extracting lymph nodes located in the upper neck area of the deer. This procedure is quick, minimally invasive and does not
impact the hunter’s ability to skin and process the deer for meat. Hunters who
harvest large bucks that they intend to mount and who wish to have their deer
tested for CWD will be referred to local taxidermists set up to sample deer for CWD testing. The one exception to the process listed above is if a hunter harvests a deer that behaves or looks to be diseased. Hunters who observe a deer that appears to be diseased are encouraged to harvest and tag that deer. They should then contact local wardens or wildlife staff to submit the deer for CWD testing. If they do so, a replacement tag will be issued to the hunter. The DNR will retain the entire deer carcass for CWD testing, with the exception of the antlers, which the hunter may keep. – from the Wisconsin DNR
Deer marked for research purposes
STATEWIDE – Beginning in 2010, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources made its most significant investment in Wisconsin deer research. Federal Wildlife Restoration Act funds are being used to conduct a number of research projects to improve the deer population knowledge, including buck mortality and fawn recruitment studies. The University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Wisconsin Conservation Congress, Whitetails Unlimited, Safari Club International, AFL-CIO, Union Sportsmen’s Alliance and numerous Wisconsin citizens are key partners in these research efforts. The DNR will be looking for help from additional partners to increase their capacity for gathering valuable information through these multiyear research studies. The buck mortality and fawn recruitment studies will provide information on the magnitude and relative importance of various causes of buck mortality: hunting, predation, vehicle collisions, weather, etc., and causes of mortality and rates of loss of fawns, including the roles of predation, habitat, and weather) across northern Wisconsin, including Sawyer, Price and Rusk counties, and east central (Shawano, Waupaca, and Outagamie counties. Importantly, researchers have captured and marked numerous deer throughout these areas. The department would like to make clear that if hunters encounter any of these animals while hunting this fall, they are legal to harvest. External markings on deer include mortality-sensing radio collars and metal ear tags. The department asks hunters to treat these deer as they would any other deer, and to make the decision about whether or not to harvest them as if they were not marked. The department has provided contact information on all radio collars and ear tags and asks that hunters report harvest information of all marked animals by contacting DNR research scientist Mike Watt at 608-221-
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tiny lead particles or fragments remaining in the processed meat. These are often too small to be seen and can disperse far from the wound channel. Although lead in venison does not rival lead paint in older homes as a health risk for the public, the risk is not low enough to ignore. Children under 6 and pregnant women are at the greatest risk from lead exposure. The amount of lead found in a small percentage of venison samples suggests that long-term effects of lead consumption could occur in people who regularly eat venison harvested with lead ammunition. However, there is currently no known evidence linking human consumption of venison to lead poisoning. The following measures can reduce your potential exposure to lead in venison: • Consider alternative nonlead expanding ammunition such as copper or other high-weight-retention lead bullets, such as bonded bullets. • Practice marksmanship and outdoor skills to get closer to your target, making cleaner, lethal shots away from major
muscle areas. Aim for the vitals behind the shoulder or the neck. Don’t shoot at running deer. • Avoid consuming internal organs as they can contain extra lead from heartlung shots. • Process small batches so you can frequently check the grinder and remove lead fragments. • Remind your meat processor to not use deer meat with excessive shot damage. • Trim a generous distance away from the wound channel and discard any meat that is bruised, discolored or contains hair, dirt, bone fragments or grass. For additional information: • on the lead-in-venison issue: dnr.wi.gov, Keyword: lead. • on lead poisoning: dhfs.wisconsin.gov. • on deer processing: datcp.wi.gov/uploads/Food/pdf/Com monSense.pdf. • on where to find copper bullets and nontoxic ammunition for hunting: dnr.wi.gov. – from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
NOVEMBER 14, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - HUNTING GUIDE - PAGE 15
Deer hunt for disabled is another success
by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer POLK COUNTY– The Polk County Sportsmen’s Club and conservation warden Jesse Ashton teamed up again this
Karl Nelson harvested this buck near McKinley on the Ed Dittbrenner farm. Penny Iwaszko of Amery shot this buck while hunting with guide Scott Hansen near St. Croix Falls.
Sig Rimestad poses with a buck he shot during the annual hunt for hunters with disabilities. Rimestad hadn’t shot a buck in more than 40 years. – Photos submitted fall for the annual deer hunt for hunters with disabilities, which was held Oct. 614. Hundreds of acres of land from generous landowners and volunteer guides helped to make the hunt successful once again this season. Close to 20 hunters were successful in taking more than 15 deer during the hunt, including a couple of nice bucks taken and several does. Hunter Sig Rimestad ended up taking his first buck in more than 40 years while hunting with guide Dan Peters. Last year, Rimestad missed a nice buck during the hunt but was successful this time around. “He was shaking like a leaf when it came into the waterhole,” said Ashton, Duane Leier shot a nice doe near McKinley during the gun hunt for hunters with disabilities.
Testing patience
I spent a good portion of last week waiting for bucks that weren’t moving much, and by Sunday morning the basket 6-pointers, forks and crookedracked 5-pointer I’d passed on earlier were Marty starting to look like real trophies. Seeger Thoughts of big sets of antlers soon shifted to the weight of the deer The and which buck might Bottom best fill the void of venison in my freezer. Line A couple of does showed up earlier in the week and looked like prime candidates too, but none offered up a shot and those particular deer would be the only ones I would see in about four days of hunting. Such is life when antlers become the motivation for hunting, and putting meat on the table takes the backseat. Even the pressure on the home front has been starting to build over the past week or so. “Sure would have been nice to have some fresh venison steaks for dinner tonight,” my wife, Laura, said on Sunday evening, all while I was busy frying one of our last packs of bear steaks from earlier this fall.
Rodney Brust with a doe he took with the help of guide Steve Jacobs.
Charles Holmquist with a nice doe taken with guide Donald Vandela.
Mike Bussewitz shot a buck while hunting with guides Branden Kratochvil and Brad Thyse. adding that stories such as these are why the annual hunts are so special. Landowners interested in offering up land or disabled hunters interested in getting involved in the hunt in the future can contact Ashton for more information at 715-472-2253, or e-mail at Jesse.Ashton@wisconsin.gov. Burdette Mueller shot a nice doe with help from son and guide Bill Mueller.
I assured the wife that the venison would come soon enough, especially with the gun-deer season set to begin on Nov. 17, but what I really couldn’t stop thinking about, or discussing, were my adventures in trapping recently. Earlier this fall, a good friend loaned me a couple of conibear (body-grip) traps to use in my never-ending quest for a fisher, which I happened to draw a tag for again this season. I’ve drawn a fisher tag before but was unsuccessful in my attempts, even though veteran trappers insist that the fisher is one of the easiest animals to trap. And perhaps it is, but evidently not for a novice trapper like myself, who took the trapper education course about three years ago. It was a worthwhile course, especially for somebody new to the world of trapping. It’s also a requirement before you can actually purchase a licence to trap. I learned a lot through the course on regulations, why trapping is needed, where to set traps and how to avoid the incidental taking of a nontarget species, as well as the safe release of the animal. Using live-animal traps was something I tried a couple of years ago but the body-gripping traps are something new I’m trying this year. They have been recommended by those helping me along with going after fisher or raccoon. While controversial and illegal in some states, the body-gripping traps are effective and there are many ways to ensure that no other animals are harmed, such as dogs, which are frequently seen at large on
As with bowhunting, trapping equally tests ones patience. – Photo by Marty Seeger some of the properties I’ve been trapping on. Fortunately, I’ve found areas where I can elevate my traps away from certain nontarget animals, while also finding a little bit of success. As of last Friday, after more than a week of trapping, I still had yet to trap anything, but after tweaking my sets, actually investigating the terrain, reading signs and identifying some tracks, I finally found some success. Over the past couple of days I’ve managed to trap at least two raccoons and hope for several more in the coming weeks. Odds aren’t too good though, when my trapline consists of just two, but it’s a
start in the right direction and just maybe I’ll find a fisher in one of them in the next couple of weeks, time pending, of course. My trapping exploits have also generated some interest from a few area farmers who seem to be welcoming my services with open arms for relief of some raccoon problems they’ve been having, especially in and around their cornfields. I’m quite a distance away from my current trapping areas so time and cost is limiting, but it’s nice to know that trappers can be of valuable service to landowners who need a little help with certain species. The learning experiences alone have been worth the time and effort of trapping, and the excitement of walking into the woods to check traps each morning is not unlike the feeling you get when a big buck is first spotted on the horizon, and working its way toward you. Upon trapping the first large raccoon of the season, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. It was a nice reprieve from sitting in a deer stand for hours, and even offered up a little exercise. I’ve been slowly learning, too, that trapping is a real challenge and not as simple as setting a trap in the middle of the woods and expecting that the next day something will be there. Much like waiting for the right buck to appear, trapping can also be a great test of patience.
PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER – HUNTING GUIDE – NOVEMBER 14, 2011
STATEWIDE – Most venison is obtained out in the woods following the shot of a gun or the flight of an arrow. In addition, Wisconsin regulations on deer/car collisions now permit drivers to take possession of deer with which they have collided. Before doing so, however, drivers must contact a local Department of Natural Resources representative. Whether you get your deer in the forest, open field or on the highway, there’s a lot to be done before the first venison gets to the dinner table. If you are a hunter, you need to get ready for handling your deer out in the field. Don’t let the seasonal peak of enthusiasm just before opening day interfere with this preparation. Be sure to take along: 1. Ten to 15 feet of 1/4-inch rope to drag the deer from the woods. 2. A sharp hunting knife (5- to 6-inch blade) to field dress the deer. 3. A plastic bag to hold the heart and liver if you are so inclined to eat these delicacies. 4. A square yard of cloth or toweling to clean out the body cavity of excess blood or intestinal contents and dry your cold, wet hands.
Be sure the deer is dead
Strive for a quick, clean kill. One theory holds that a deer chased hard or wounded tends to taste gamey and strong because of a buildup of metabolic waste products in the muscle tissue. Approach a downed deer with caution, it may not be dead. Many a hunter has been caught off guard when the deer he thought was dead jumped up and ran away. Never try to kill a deer with a hunting knife. A second shot behind the head will save you time and trouble. When you’re sure the deer is dead, attach your deer tag as directed in the DNR regulations pamphlet. The old advice to bleed your deer immediately by severing the main blood vessels in the neck is no longer recommended. Modern firearms ordinarily take care of the bleeding without additional effort.
Field dressing
As soon as your deer is tagged prepare it for field dressing. Drag it to a spot where you will have plenty of working room and prop it up on its back. A rock or log might help. Place the carcass on a slope at a slight angle to straight downhill and work on the downhill side to make blood drainage easier. Then, open the deer on the underside from the breastbone to the tail or, vice versa, as some hunters prefer. Make the first opening through the skin and thin muscles of the upper abdomen just back of the breastbone. Lift the skin around the cut enough to insert two fingers of your free hand into the body cavity. Then, keeping the cutting edge of the knife up and between your fingers, slit the skin down to and around the anal opening. The two-finger guide assures that the stomach and intestines are not cut. Meat contaminated by digestive tract contents may have off-flavors and be contaminated with bacteria which can cause food-borne illness if the meat is not properly handled or cooked. If your deer is a buck, cut around both sides of the genitals and discard them. When this is
So you got a deer ...
done, cut the upper leg muscles between the hind legs (rounds) down to the soft bone of the pelvis. Then use a heavy, sharp knife to cut through this aitchbone and spread the two rounds. This exposes the canal which contains the large intestine. Some hunters prefer not to cut the aitchbone until the deer is butchered or at least until they get back to camp where they can use a saw or hatchet. Instead, they cut around the anus and tie it off. This procedure allows you to draw the intestine back through the canal between the rounds, into the body cavity and out.
Cleaning the body cavity
Now that the abdominal cavity is opened and ready for cleaning, cut the diaphragm (membrane separating upper and lower body cavity) away from the ribs. Splitting the breastbone part of the way toward the neck makes it easier to cut the ligaments, blood vessels, esophagus (tube from the mouth to the stomach) and windpipe. However, if you have to drag the deer very far, or over snowless ground, it’s best not to cut the breastbone. With the smaller body opening, you will collect less dirt and debris as the deer is pulled along the ground. Next, cut the liver and heart from their attachments and put them in the plastic bag. Pull the remaining entrails down and backward, and the deer is cleaned. Be sure you don’t rupture the bladder in pulling the entrails free of the body. Some hunters prefer to pinch off the bladder with one hand and cut it off and remove it before removing the other organs. The deer doesn’t have a gall bladder so you can handle the liver (where a gall bladder is normally attached) without fear of rupture and contamination. The kidneys usually adhere to the upper body wall and may be removed during field dressing or left until the carcass is cut up. Don’t damage the two small strips of meat along either side of the spine in the body cavity. These are the tenderloins and are the choicest part of the deer. If fat covers the tenderloins, leave it in place to protect these muscles until cutting. To finish field dressing, wipe the inside of the body to get rid of excess blood or loose tissue. Do not wash or flush with water. The deer is now ready to drag to camp or to your car for transportation home. If you want the head for a trophy, be careful as you drag the deer out. A long drag can wear the hair off down to the skin. When you tie the deer on your car be aware of DNR regulations on concealment—leave the tag handy for the check station attendant. If it’s one of those rare, warm November days, don’t leave the carcass on a hot car any longer than necessary, as this may lead to spoilage of the meat. Don’t tie the carcass on the hood. The engine heat will accelerate spoilage, and the carcass will obscure your view of the road.
Hanging the deer
Once you get the deer to the camp or home it should be hung. This can be done head up or head down, whichever you prefer. To hang it head up use a rope around the neck or antlers. If necessary, hang at least four feet off the ground to prevent it being chewed on by dogs or wild animals. The best device for hanging the carcass with the head down is a gambrel or strong stick, notched at both ends and in the center. Place the wood between the tendon and the hocks of each leg and spread the legs well apart. Tie a rope to the notched center of the stick to suspend the carcass. A short stick placed crosswise in the body cavity will keep it open and allow air circulation to dry the cavity and retard spoilage. A deer in this condition is “hog dressed.” If you like aged venison, leave the skin on and store the animal up to a week to 10 days at temperatures just above freezing. The hide prevents excessive moisture loss during this period. If temperatures are above 40 degrees, the aging time should be reduced. Aging improves the tenderness of the venison, but may cause greater trimming losses due to dehydration of exposed surfaces.
Skinning
Remove the feet by cutting around the
leg below the knee. Once the tendon of the front leg is cut, the leg can be snapped off by twisting or bending it against the natural curve in the leg. Use a meat saw to cut the leg quickly. In cutting around the hind legs be sure to cut through the flat joint beyond the hock so the opening between the tendon and the hock itself will be left intact. If you cut the main tendon there is virtually no way to hang the deer head down for skinning. Be careful not to touch the musk gland which is on the outside of each hind leg below the hock. If you cut into this gland you are likely to get the pungent, disagreeable odor of musk on the meat. After removing the lower legs, cut through the skin down the inside of each leg. Cut along the underside of the brisket (chest), and continue up the underside of the neck to the base of the skull. (See special instructions for preparing your trophy head.) Next work the skin away from each of the hind legs. A sharp knife and strong fingers are your best tools for this job. When the hind legs are free you can pull the tailbones out of the tail.
Skinning the trophy head
If you want the head mounted for your trophy room, special care is needed. Start skinning with a cut along the back of the neck (not the underside) from the shoulders to between the ears. Remove the hide by working forward until the skull is exposed. Then cut the flesh where the skull joins the neck and twist the head off or saw through the spine. Alternately, you can skin the deer head down by working the hide down the neck (no cuts) until the entire hide is over the head. Then remove the head, salt all flesh or skin surfaces, and take the entire hide to a taxidermist where he or she can remove what is needed and save the rest of the hide. At this point take the tongue out. It’s edible, if you wish to try it. Now give the hide and exposed part of the skull generous salting and take it to a taxidermist immediately.
Skinning the deer
Remove the hide from the body proper by strong downward pulling on those portions freed from the hind legs and tail region. To do this best it takes two people. Your hands, which won’t slash the hide, are far better tools than a knife. The heel of the skinning knife and your fist will help in places where the body is difficult to separate from the hide. If the flesh pulls off with the skin, stop pulling and try again after cutting the flesh back with the skinning knife. When the deer is skinned head up, there is less likelihood that the thin muscles of the abdomen will pull off with the hide.
Don’t forget to care for your deer hide by salting it heavily and rolling it up. Many places pay cash for hides or will trade for a pair of gloves or other goods. If you want to have it tanned, you can have several pairs of gloves made from a deer hide or you can save them until you have enough for a larger garment. A buckskin tannery is W.B. Place and Co. in Hartford, 800-TAN-HIDE.
Looking out for hair
One of the most annoying aspects of poorly skinned venison is to find a roast or stew garnished with coarse deer hair. You can avoid this unpleasant experience by taking plenty of time when cutting through the hide. It helps, too, if the cuts are made by inserting the knife under the skin and cutting through the skin from the inside. When you cut through the skin from the outside, you cut a lot of hairs, and these tend to stick to the clean carcass. Use a stiff brush to remove any hair on the meat. You don’t need any water.
Cutting the carcass
There are hundreds of local independent meat processors who will cut, wrap and freeze deer for $50-$70. However, you gain personal satisfaction and avoid the bulk of this expense by doing it yourself. Cutting up your own deer often results in “hacking” it into cuts that can be recognized only by the owner. This task need not be so difficult, though, if you follow a few simple directions. Equip yourself with a good sharp knife (keep a whetstone handy) and a saw. A small meat saw is best, but a carpenter’s saw will do in an emergency. There are two approaches to cutting up the deer carcass. In the first method, split the carcass through the center of the backbone so as to have two “sides.” Then with the skin side down and looking at the cavity, divide each side into quarters by cutting from A to B (as shown in diagram). Leave one rib on each hindquarter. 1. Cut through the forequarter between the fifth and sixth ribs (from C to D) and remove the rack (or rib) (1) and a portion of the breast (2). 2. Separate the rack from the breast by cutting about 3 inches below the inner edge of the backbone (E to F) and parallel to the line of the back. Use the rack for chops or roasts. Bone and grind the breast. If desired, the rib section of the breast (2) can be cut into chunks and used as spareribs. 3. Separate the chuck (3) from the shank (4). Make your cut (G to H) parallel to the top of the chuck and about an inch above the elbow joint. Bone and grind the shank and breast. Use the chuck for pot roasts. Cut one roast parallel to the back (next to line G to H). Starting at the top of the back, cut two or more roasts parallel to the line from C to H. 4. Remove and bone the neck (5). 5. Remove the flank (6), cutting from F to J. Bone and grind the flank. 6. Separate the loin (7) from the haunch or leg. Make your cut (K to L) just in front of the hipbone and parallel to line A to F. Slice the loin into loin chops. 7. Separate the rump (9) and sirloin (8) from the leg. Make your cut just below the aitchbone (X) (M to J). The rump is a good roast. The sirloin may be used for roasts or for sirloin steaks. 8. Venison round steaks are usually cut from the round (10), separated from the shank (11) along the line N to O just above the stifle joint between the two long leg bones. Bone and grind the shank.
See Processing, page 17
Processing/from page 16
NOVEMBER 14, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - HUNTING GUIDE - PAGE 17
Serving Breakfast All Day, Every Day! Daily Breakfast Specials 7 a.m. - 11 a.m. Serving Biscuits & Gravy Daily
Suzy Q’s Snowshoe Tavern
Cushing, WI • 715-648-5223
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715-648-5275
TUES.: WED.: THURS.:
Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy & Toast Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy & Toast Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy & Toast
DAILY DRINK & DINNER SPECIALS TACO TUESDAY $1 Tacos - 5 p.m.
FRIDAY NIGHT FISH FRY- 5 p.m. FAMILY-STYLE BREAKFAST
SERVING BISCUITS & GRAVY, ALL DAY, EVERY DAY!
FRIDAY NIGHT
FISH OR SHRIMP DINNER.....$7.95 SERVED 5 P.M. TILL GONE
GOOD LUCK HUNTERS!
Sat. & Sun.
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SWEENY’S BAR 8515 Cty. Rd. FF • Webster, WI • 715-866-7400 HAPPY HOUR: Mon.-Thurs. 3-6 p.m.; Fri. 3-5 p.m.
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HAPPY HOUR: MON. - THURS. 3-5 P.M.
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START START THE THE DEER DEER OPENER OPENER AT AT SWEENEY’S SWEENEY’S
ROBERT’S ROAD HOUSE 4790 East State Hwy. 70, Siren, WI 715-349-2585
NOW ACCEPTING EBT
MONDAY
3 TACOS W/RICE & BEANS (CHOOSE FROM BEEF, PORK, CHICKEN OR FISH)
TUESDAY
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WEDNESDAY
715-472-4343
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NOW ACCEPTING EBT
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WEEKLY SPECIAL!
Large 16” Breakfast Pizza
1495
$
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NOW ACCEPTING EBT
Hours: Monday - Thursday 1 - 9 p.m.; Friday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
MEAT RAFFLE - EVERY SAT. - 4 P.M. SEE US ON FACEBOOK
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Located on Hwy. 48 in the Village of Luck.
ST. LOU I S STYLE RI B S!
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KRIS’ PHEASANT INN & SPORTS BAR DJ Hwy. 35 & Main Street,
Enjoy one of our pizzas anytime!! Call ahead & have your order waiting for you.
FRI. & SAT. N IG HTS
NOW ACCEPTING EBT
YELLOW RIVER SALOON & EATERY
Wi-Fi Available
1 mile north of Webster • 715-866-7473
Open at 11 a.m. Mon. - Fri. & 10 a.m. Sat. & Sun. Mon............................................................25¢ WINGS 4 - 10 p.m. Tues......$2 12” PIZZA W/BEVERAGE PURCHASE 4 - 10 p.m. Wed..................................................BUCK BURGERS 4 - 10 p.m. Thurs..............................................MEXICAN MENU 4 - 10 p.m. Fri....................................................WALLEYE FISH FRY $10.95 Sat...............................................................PRIME RIB 5 - 10 p.m.
MON. NIGHT, 7 P.M. TEXAS HOLD’EM PLUS 25¢ WINGS, 4-10 P.M. BURNETT COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY MEAT RAFFLE EVERY FRIDAY, 5 P.M.
SUNDAY GREEN BAY SPECIALS!
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573163 2a 2DH
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27924 Yellow Lake Rd.
Webster, Wis.
~ LUNCH SERVED DAILY ~
Serving Breakfast Saturdays & Sundays, 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Open 7 Days A Week • Serving Lunch & Dinner
573161 2a 2DH
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Opening at 4:30 a.m. Sat. & Sun., Nov. 17 & 18
Flying Pie Pizza
573159 2a,d,DH
Cushing, Wisconsin
AME LEGIONRICAN RAFFLE MEAT T 6:30 P HURS. .M.
HAPPY HOUR: MON. - FRI. 10 A.M. - NOON & 5 P.M. - 6 P.M.
DUGOUT BAR & GRILL
ATTENTION HUNTERS!
NOW ACCEPTING EBT
ing, braising) to ensure tenderness. Top quality cuts from young deer may be satisfactorily cooked by broiling or oven roasting. Much of venison’s gamey flavor comes from the natural fat. This flavor may be reduced by trimming off excess fat. Other fats, such as bacon, lard or suet, may be added to the lean venison to help prevent it from drying out during cooking. For recipes and tips on cooking venison, see “Wisconsin’s Wild Game: Enjoying the Harvest” (B3573), available at your county Extension office or from Extension Publications, Room 170, 630 W. Mifflin St., Madison, WI 53703. Call toll-free 877-WIS-PUBS for more information. – by Scott Craven and Dennis Buege, taken from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
~ EVENING SPECIALS ~ $ Mon. All-You-Can-Eat Soft- or Hard-Shell Tacos......... 7.50 Tues. 12 Lg. Butterfly Shrimp w/fries & coleslaw, Incl. $ reg. beer or rail drink (served Noon till gone)................... 7.50 $ BBQ Pork Ribs. choice of potato & soup or salad........ 8.95 $ Wed. All-You-Can-Eat Chicken........................................ 8.95 Thurs. Serving Starts At Noon. All-You-Can-Eat Chicken $ Wings & Fries, Incl. reg. beer or rail drink................... 7.95 $ Fri. All -You-Can-Eat North Atlantic Cod............... 10.95 Sat. & Sun. Serving Our Chicken Picnic Special Starts at 1 p.m.
HAPPY HOUR: SUNDAY THRU FRIDAY, 4 - 6 P.M. $1 OFF BEER & DRINKS • 75¢ TAPPERS
Yellow Lakes & Rivers Assoc. Meat Raffle Every Saturday, 3-5 p.m.
573164 2a 2DH
JOIN US FOR FOOTBALL! Free Food &
Happy Hour During Green Bay & Minnesota Games
MONDAY & THURSDAY NIGHT
Chicken Wings Choose from 9 varieties
6
$ 50 Per Person Up to 5 baskets
5 p.m. till gone.
Siren, Wis.
715-349-5755
FRIDAY NIGHT Walleye & Perch Fish Fry
1200
$
Per Person Up to 3 pieces
Now Broiled or Deep Fried!
WEDNESDAYS - PIZZA NIGHT 1/2 Price On All Large Pizzas Dine in only with beverage purchase
GREEN BAY VS. MINNESOTA BUS TRIP Lambeau Field - Dec. 1st thru 3rd $550 per person* (*Double Occupancy) Sign up at bar or call for more info.
Thurs., 5 p.m.
LAST C HA TO SIG N NC E UP 573129 2a 2DH
715-472-2378
Venison may be preserved by curing, drying, smoking (dried venison), corning and canning. Today, probably the most widely used method of preservation is freezing. To freeze venison successfully, wrap it tightly in a good quality freezing paper, eliminating as much air as possible during wrapping. Since fat tends to change in flavor during storage, you probably will want to trim off as much as possible. Properly wrapped venison cuts can be stored nine months at 0 degrees or lower, and retain acceptable flavor. Ground venison stored in the freezer longer than four months may develop off flavors. DNR regulations require that all venison be used up before the following July 1. Venison is cooked in a way similar to lean beef. If the deer is suspected of being old (worn down teeth), the meat should be ground or cooked by moist heat (stew-
DAILY LUNCH & DINNER SPECIALS 573230 2ap 2DHp
Main Street, Luck Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Sat. 6 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Sun. 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Preserving venison
573298 2DH
Jenell’s Main Dish
A permit is required from the DNR to allow donated venison to be served at community game feeds.
573155 2a,dp 2DHp
The second method allows you to cut the steaks and chops yourself while leaving the difficult boning of the front half of the carcass to the butcher. 1. With the skinned carcass hanging head up, make the cut K-L-J to the spine on each side of the carcass. Saw through the spine and remove the two rounds. 2. Spread the two rounds and saw lengthwise through the spine separating the two rounds. Each can now be cut into roasts and steaks as in method one, steps 7 and 8. If you wish to save freezer space, separate each of the large muscle bundles (9,10) in the round, remove them, and slice them against the grain for boneless steaks. Remember, the colder ( and thus stiffer) the meat, the easier it is to slice. Grind scraps and the tough lower leg muscles (11) for deer burgers. 3. Using your fingers and a sharp boning knife, separate the loins from the spine from the K-L-J cut all the way up into the shoulder. Work carefully and close to the bone. Each loin will come out as a long strip of meat which can be sliced into boneless chops. 4. You now have all the best cuts ready for the freezer. The remaining front half of the deer can be taken to a processor for boning, grinding and/or sausage preparation. Some hunters and processors like to prepare totally boneless cuts. This can be most easily done by hanging the deer by its hind legs and carefully separating the meat from the bone. With the deer in the hanging position, the pull of gravity will help remove the meat. If you are wondering what to do with the ground portions, how about deer burgers? You can improve the flavor somewhat and make them more juicy by adding 2550 percent ground fatty pork to the ground venison. As an alternative, part or all of the venison can be made into sausage. The boned meat can be taken to a local processor who will add beef or pork and can manufacture a wide variety of venison sausages such as bratwurst, summer sausage, wieners, Italian sausage and others. The charge for this service ranges from $1.50 to $2.50 per pound finished weight, which usually includes the cost of added pork or beef. If you wish, some meat departments offer prepackaged spice blends and casings and you can make your own sausage. Remember, however, it is against the law to sell venison.
- LIONS MEAT RAFFLE
Hunters Code of Ethics
Hunting incident reports
PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - HUNTING GUIDE - NOVEMBER 14, 2012
factors involved with hunting incidents. Hunting incident synopsis provides a snapshot of each hunting incident that occurred during that year. Remember safe hunting is no accident. – from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
Hides for Fire fundraisers
lection at the Jackson Fire Hall, Connors Service Station in Webster, and Fur, Fins and Feathers in Siren. Look for the blaze orange collection boxes. Please help by donating your deer hides. - submitted
• Always know where you are hunting and gain permission before entering private lands. Know how to use a map, compass or GPS unit when needed. • Be courteous, follow the landowner’s rules and treat their property with respect.
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• Follow all hunting laws and report violations observed to your local warden. • Assist or support landowners and the DNR with wildlife habitat projects. – from the DNR Web site
STATEWIDE – The state of Wisconsin is a participating member of the Wildlife Violator Compact. The Wildlife Violator Compact is an agreement between participating states that prohibits a person whose hunting, fishing or trapping privileges are suspended in a participating state from obtaining licenses or permits, or participating in those activities in all participating states. • If your hunting, trapping or fishing privileges are suspended or revoked for a fish- or wildlife-related violation by any of the member states after April 15, 2008, you may not engage in those activities in Wisconsin or purchase any license, permit or tag that authorizes those activities in Wisconsin during the period of the revocation or suspension.
HOURS: 6 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sun. - Thurs.; till 9 p.m. Fri. & Sat.
Allen Broadheads, 2 Pk. 9.99 Loads Of Archery Targets 10 Styles Of Ground Blinds On Hand Large Selection Of Game Cameras Ladder & Hang-On Stands Camo Clothing & Makeup Hip & Chest Waders • Trapping Supplies
4. Respect wildlife and other natural resources
Wildlife Violator Compact
715-349-2400
$
• Understand that not everyone supports hunting. While everyone is entitled to their own view, positive hunting behavior will not turn someone who is neutral into someone who is opposed.
1. Respect landowners
Located on Hwy. 70 by Clam Lake Narrows 4 miles east of Siren, Hwy. 70
Pistol & Rifle Am m o
3. Respect nonhunters
• If a person is cited for a wildlife violation in this state and fails to pay or appear in court, Wisconsin will revoke all that person’s hunting, fishing and trapping privileges and will communicate that information to that person’s home state and other participating states. The participating states include: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. – from the DNR Web site
OP E N 7 A WEEDAYS K
573363 2DH
WE ARE A WI DNR BIG GAME REGISTRATION STATION
On County Rd. U 1 mile West Of Hwy. 35 between Danbury & Webster
715-866-7107
Golf Course
*
Co. Rd. U
OPEN DAILY AT 8 A.M.
ow Yell ke La
Webster
Burgers..............................................................................................$2.00 plus 50¢ Taps noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday Chicken Wings, All you can eat.....................................$8.00 Wednesday Prime Rib Sandwich................................................................$6.75 Thursday Tacos.....................................................................................$2.00 each and Quesadillas........................................................................$6.99 Friday Night All-you-can-eat Fish Fry 5 - 9 p.m....................................$8.50 Saturday Prime Rib Dinner................................................................$10.95 Sunday
(Served with potato, coleslaw and Texas toast)
Wonderland Meat Raffle 4 p.m.
Hot Beef, Pork Or Turkey Sandwiches
With mashed potatoes and gravy $7.25 Also Homemade Chili And Soups available. Afternoon Happy Hour: 1 - 3 p.m. Mon., Tues., Wed. Special drink prices and free pool Join us nightly for our Deer Hunting Drawings Including a Special 7-Night Hawaiian Getaway With 1/2 Price Airfare Serving Breakfast every day during hunting season starting at 8 a.m.
Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Day Day Kitchen Open 573076 2a 2a,DH
till 11 a.m. serving breakfast. Bar Open all day.
CLIP & SAVE
11 P.M. TO MIDNIGHT
THURSDAY, NOV. 22, Served 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
2-FOR-1 BEER & BAR RAIL
GOOD LUCK HUNTERS!
Reservations Preferred
LAKE COUNTRY RIDERS SNOWMOBILE CLUB
JOIN US SATURDAY NIGHT!
MEAT RAFFLE
DJ/KARAOKE
EVERY FRIDAY 5:30 P.M.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! CLIP & SAVE
CLIP & SAVE
Monday
Dining Room Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
POWER THANKSGIVING HOUR BUFFET
Hwy. 35
Yellow Yellow Lake Lake Golf Golf Course Course
FRIDAY NIGHT
Danbury
715-349-2954
Serving Breakfast Friday, Saturday & Sunday JOIN US FOR OUR
CLIP & SAVE
10th Hole at
24136 State Hwy. 35, Siren, Wis.
573134 2DH
TOWN OF JACKSON – It’s deer hunting season! If you are a deer hunter and want to put your deer hides to good use, the Town of Jackson Volunteer Fire Department is sponsoring a deer hide col-
• Don’t interfere or disrupt the hunt of another. Treat other hunters in a manner that you would expect to be treated.
TEST THE HOTNIGHT M E N’ S I N OU T ! AM ER I C A
1 NI
G
NLY HT O
ACTIO N AT 8 PSTARTS $5 C O . M . THE DVER AT OOR
!
OIL & HOT CREAM WRESTLING
M ON D NOV. 1AY, 9 GUYS, YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE. GET THERE EARLY FOR FRONT ROW SEATING. GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THE HOLLYWOOD KNOCKOUTS
KRIS’ PHEASANT INN & SPORTS BAR
Hwy. 35 & Main St., Siren, Wis. • 715-349-5755
573130 2-3a 2DH
STATEWIDE – The Department of Natural Resources compiles annual reports on hunting incidents statistics. These reports contain information regarding type of firearm involved, location of incident, species hunted and numerous other
2. Respect other hunters
STATEWIDE – Positive hunter behavior and ethics will preserve the future of hunting and will help ensure continued opportunities and places to hunt. Ethics cover behavior related to issues such as respect, responsibility and fairness which cannot always be addressed with laws. Responsible and ethical hunters should always:
Hunter CWD appeal
NOVEMBER 14, 2012 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - HUNTING GUIDE - PAGE 19
SHELL LAKE — With the 2012 gun deer hunting season beginning on Saturday, Nov. 17, hunters are again asked for help in monitoring and managing the chronic wasting disease problem. A CWD-infected deer was found just west of Shell Lake in March, and special efforts must be made this hunting season to help determine the extent and distribution of the disease. There are no regulation changes in the hunting season except for the ban on baiting and feeding deer, and that is in effect in all of Washburn, Burnett, Polk and Barron counties. To determine the extent of the CWD problem, an effort is being made to test 1,000 deer killed within a 10mile radius of Shell Lake. This large number is necessary to give a statistically valid sample. So far, 144 deer have
Buck survival and deer mortality
been tested, and none have tested positive. These samples included car kills, special landowner permit kills, crop-damage permit kills and archery kills. It is hoped now, during the rifle season, another 850 samples can be collected and tested. The help of every hunter is critical to meet this goal. When a harvested deer is registered at Holiday Station South, Spooner, Cenex, Shell Lake, and Speedys, Barronett, hunters will be asked to submit a sample from their deer. Staff from the DNR and volunteers will be at some of the registration stations to assist in doing this, but the process is a very simple do-it-yourself procedure as well. If the hunter is planning a head mount, the taxidermist can collect and submit the sample. According to the CWD Citizens Advisory Committee, the critical thing is that every hunter offers his deer head for sampling. Future management decisions will be evaluated and determined based on information learned from this testing. It should be noted that there is no cost to have the test done. Hunter cooperation is also needed in the disposal of
bones, trimmings, etcetra after the deer carcass has been cut up. Most hunters throw the carcass remains in the woods for other wildlife to feed on, and that could spread the disease if the deer was infected. Instead, hunters are asked to dispose of those remains in special dumpsters located at Cenex in Shell Lake and Speedys in Barronett. These dumpsters have been arranged for by the CWD Citizens Advisory Committee and are provided compliments of Allied Waste. The CWD Advisory Committee wants every hunter to understand that CWD is now a reality here in Northwest Wisconsin. Ideally, the only infected deer is the one found last March, but that is unlikely. Extensive testing now is essential to determine the extent of the problem and how to manage it in the future. The complete cooperation of every hunter is critical to deal with this threat to deer hunting, as we now know it here in Northwest Wisconsin. — submitted by the CWD Citizen Advisory Committee
STATEWIDE – In 2011, the DNR began an ambitious deer research study in Wisconsin looking into the survival rate of bucks and causes of death among both sexes and across all age classes of deer. During the months of January, February and March in 2012, researchers and volunteers captured deer using a variety of techniques including box and netted cage traps, drop nets and darting. Captured deer were fitted with radio collars and ear tags or just ear tags. Pregnant does were fitted with transmitters that would indicate when they gave birth. In late May and early June, researchers again took to the woods, and swamps, to locate the newborn fawns which also were fitted with expandable radio collars and ear tags. The DNR has just finished up their second year of capture and are really pleased with the number of deer they have caught and all the help they have received. This is a great opportunity to get involved with research on the ground for anyone who has an interest in deer. In addition to the hundreds of landowners who let them trap on their land, the DNR had over 500 volunteers help them in the 2012 capture season alone. They have had kids as young as 5 and men and women in their 60s and 70s participate. They owe these people a debt of gratitude, and the DNR setaff certainly couldn’t have done it without their help. The goal of this study is to learn more about the specific causes of death of Wisconsin deer whether it be from weather, disease, predators, vehicles or hunters. This knowledge will be used to refine the DNR’s population estimating formula and to understand the impact various types of mortality have on deer survival.
Volunteers still needed
The need for volunteers will continue through winter 2014 in the case of the adult deer mortality study and possibly through spring 2013 for the fawn recruitment study. If you want to volunteer or learn more about this and other deer research, go to dnr.wi.gov. – from the Wisconsin DNR Web site
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