Saturday, November 5, 2022 | Country Acres South • Page 1 PRSRT STD ECR U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #278 Madelia, MN 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave Sauk Centre MN 56378
SOUTH Saturday, November 5, 2022
Volume 1, Edition 11
Focusing on Today’s Rural Environment
Guiding the gun
Tlougan runs goose hunting service, provides learning, fun BY GRACE JEURISSEN STAFF WRITER
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OCHESTER – At 3:30 in the afternoon, a group of hunters waits patiently, using their calls every few minutes to lure the geese closer to their home base. It could be 15 degrees in December, but avid huntsmen will brave the elements to have a successful hunt. “For me it’s about being able to provide a memorable experience,” said Dean Tlougan. Tlougan has been growing and building his reputation as a man of many talents. He has been a body builder, real estate agent, dental technician, but his favorite titles are as a hunting guide around the Rochester area and owner of Premier Flight Guide Service. Since 1997, Tlougan has been running his own guide service, specializing between September and December on Canadian geese and between February and April on snow geese. The Rochester area, Tlougan said, is a flourishing area for goose hunting. In 1962, the DNR was gathering data on the Rochester
wintering area for geese and had a discovery. The Giant Canada Goose, thought to be extinct, had direct descendants making homes in the area lakes and ponds. “I’ve been scouting and mapping their migration for years,” Tlougan said. “I have it all in my head, all of my contacts and all of my hunting knowledge.” Tlougan, along with a number of other people including his son, Brendan, takes groups of hunters for usually a half-day hunt out to a field that Tlougan has pits built into. He sees the most action from flights at the warmest point of the day. The pits are large containers assembled below ground in the fields used for goose hunting. They provide a place to camouflage in the landscape of the field. “I’m fair with the groups that come out,” Tlougan said. “If they don’t get anything in the first half of the day, we will usually give them the option to come out again in the afternoon.”. Tlougan runs 12 fields that he leases from area farmers to put his pits for goose hunting in. The farmers
(Above) Once hunting pits are installed by Premier Flight Guide Services in the Rochester area, they will remain there for the whole year. When the weather starts to turn, there are propane heaters to keep the hunters warm during hunts.
get paid by Premier Guide Services to use that area, and the farmers farm around the pits, which stay in the ground yearround. Once hunting season gets close, Tlougan goes to the fields and weaves cornstalks over the flaps of his pits. This makes the field look normal to the birds as they are migrating. Below ground, the pits have propane heaters, making it easier for the hunters to stay out during the mid to late fall cold snaps.
(Left) Landon Tlougan holds his geese after a hunt in October. Landon is Dean Tlougan's grandson.
Tlougan page 2
PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Dean Tlougan holds up a goose after a hunt. He has been running Premier Flight Guide Services since 1997 and strives to provide a meaningful experience for all parties involved in a hunt.
ST R
Publications bli ti The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.
This month in the
COUNTRY: Watch for the next edition of Country Acres on November 19, 2022
5
An ode to veterans Grace Jeurissen Column
8
Paddling to new heights Wabasha
6
Overcoming life's hardships Lewiston
10 Apples, peaceful abundance Dennison
Page 2 • Country Acres South | Saturday, November 5, 2022
SOUTH Published by Star Publications Copyright 2014 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave. Sauk Centre, MN 56378 Phone: 320-352-6577 | Fax: 320-352-5647 NEWS STAFF Mark Klaphake, Editor, mark.k@dairystar.com Grace Jeurissen, Editor, grace.j@star-pub.com Taylor Jerde, Writer, taylor.j@star-pub.com Tiffany Klaphake, Writer, tiffany.k@dairystar.com Sarah Colburn, Staff Writer Story ideas send to: grace.j@star-pub.com, mark.k@dairystar.com SALES STAFF Laura Seljan, 507-350-2217, laura.s@dairystar.com Julia Mullenbach, 507-438-7739, julia.m@star-pub.com Missy Traeger, 320-291-9899, missy@saukherald.com Tim Vos, 320-845-2700, tim@albanyenterprise.com Mike Schafer, 320-894-7825, mike.s@dairystar.com Warren Stone, 320-249-9182, warren@star-pub.com Jaime Ostendorf, 320-309-1988, Jaime@star-pub.com Bob Leukam, 320-260-1248, bob.l@star-pub.com PRODUCTION STAFF Pat Turner | Amanda Thooft | Nancy Powell Maddy Peterson | Cheyenne Carlson Karen Knoblach | Annika Gunderson Deadlines: Country Acres will be published the first and third Saturday of every month. Deadline for news and advertising is the Thursday before publication.
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Publications bli ti “Committed to being the eyes and ears of our communities.”
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Tlougan
A group of hunters stop for a photo with their geese in October. Premier Flight Guide Services of Rochester strives to create a hunting experience where people can learn and have fun.
from front “We try to make it enjoyable for everyone in the party,” Tlougan said. “You meet a lot of great people, all coming out to enjoy a day of hunting geese.” The hunt usually starts before the sun wakes up, and the party of hunters, will meet somewhere before hopping into one or two of the guide’s trucks to head toward one of the fields. While in the truck,
the guides will give the group tips on gun safety. “No bird is worth someone getting shot,” Tlougan said. “It’s exciting to have a flock of birds come down at us, but most important is everyone making it home safe with a great story to tell.” When hunting waterfowl, there are regulations from the DNR. All members of a hunting party can only have two shots in their magazines,
meaning they’ll need to put a plug in. They have to use steel shot in their shells. A safety rule when in the pits with the crew is to put the safety on your gun when reloading a round. The DNR will occasionally enter fields to check that everyone in the hunting party has licenses and a plug in their magazine. They don’t always stop by but occasionally will drop in to make sure everyone is following the
rules. Tlougan said it’s not the guide’s responsibility to check that everyone is following the rules; it’s the hunter’s. “I’ve been doing this so long, I often times don’t even shoot with the group while we are out there,” Tlougan said. “I just love watching the excitement and determination in the group’s faces as they are bringing in birds.
Tlougan page 3
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Tlougan from page 2 That is probably my favorite part of going on the hunts.” Tlougan’s experience out in the field dates back to boyhood. Some of his fondest memories are of his dad taking him deer hunting. Since his dad was raised on a farm, they had access to acreage that offered a great learning area for a developing huntsman. “We started hunting when I was 10 or 11,” Tlougan said. “I started out shooting squirrels with a 22-caliber rifle, then graduated to grouse and pheasant hunting. I didn’t start goose hunting until I was 15, and I have been doing it since.” Many of his best times hunting were when he brought his own children. “We make a lot of memories when out on hunts, but nothing compares to when you take your own kid on their first hunt with you,” Tlougan said. “After you get to share those moments with your kids, there isn’t anywhere else you’d rather be.” Tlougan worked with a different guide service for four to five years. He launched Premier Flight Guide Services at the urging of others. With $4,000 in leases, and by word of mouth, he booked out his first year as the owner of his new company. He has been surrounded by avid hunters since. Hunting is an investment and the guide service allows people who don’t have the capacity to invest in equipment, such as hunting blinds and decoys, the opportunity to still go hunting. Tlougan has a huge collection of goose hunting equipment, including 1,500 BigFoot decoys and a variety of silhouettes. Over his many years of hunting, he has collected not only supplies, but key memories and lots of birds.
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-Dean Tlougan
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FEATURING STORIES AND PHOTOS ON SEVERAL LOCAL FARMERS, RECIPES AND MORE PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Hunters walk to the pit openings during a hunt last year. Decoys are used to create a scene that will attract a flight of geese.
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Five pits are put into one of the fields Premier Flight Guide Services leases. Once the fields are harvested in the fall, the guides will cover the lids on pits with corn stalks or bean stubble to camouflage them for hunting.
“We had a field when I started out that we called Hamburger Hill where we had two sets of pits, each for around 16 to 20 guys,” Tlougan said. “The birds had been feeding there. We had a two-bird limit back then, and after one group filled
out, the next would go in and do it again. I bet we probably shot 100 geese that day.” Hamburger Hill may have provided Premier Flight with a bountiful day, but years later the memory of that guided hunt lives on.
Saturday,
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A large group of guides and hunters harvest 32 geese during a hunt. Hunts usually last half a day.
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safety has never been a concern because They are bound by a brotherhood of the young men and women who laid held up by the promise they made to down their lives at places thousands of protect our great nation. They are promiles away and across choppy seas, may tecting the honor of the past, present they find peace. I sleep at night knowand the next generation, their rights ing my family will be there the next day. written on centuries-old paper. Holding my lover’s hand, I walk across We the people… the farmyard with only a wasp’s nest as We the people should stand beside my biggest threat. our brothers and sisters. We should reOur brethren in arms carry the weight spect their sacrifice and represent their Touch of Grace purpose well. We should be thankful for by Grace Jeurissen of their equipment and the memories of things they’ve seen or had to do all while their service and be willing to embrace evading fi re from adversaries. them. For some, the battles may still play like a They work their way up the ranks of the milbroken record. I can’t even begin to imagine the things itary, some collecting medals of honor for saving the lives of their comrades and civilians, but what they’ve witnessed. Some have seen the ravages of a battlefield or of those who they couldn’t save? Written letters of condolences are sent to famflown, walked, driven or sailed through treacherilies on the home front whose flags wave in the ous territory to back the red, white and blue. As families are separated by seas, without tru- wind on a brisk Autumn day. Those flags become ly knowing when the next time will be that they still when a knock from the military representative can hold their son, daughter, husband or father in echoes through the lonely halls of a home. Dog tags are displayed proudly atop the flag their arms, there are preparations being made for the upcoming holiday season on the home front. that sits on a widow’s mantle. The widow is reThen there are the comrades who made it back, minded each day of how brave her husband was finally having the security of being surrounded by and knows how proud he would be of his daughthe ones they love but haunted by the ones who ter who will soon be graduating from college with honors. couldn’t accompany them on the journey home. Article One of the Code of Conduct for memSo many who return feel relief to be standing in their boots on American soil once again, but bers of the Armed Forces of the United States of their soles – and souls – still show signs of the America states: “I am an American fighting in the forces which places they’ve been. Mud from the jungle, sand guard my country and our way of life. I am prefrom the desert and salt from the sea are stuck pared to give my life in their defense.” deep in the cracks of their boots. On this November day, let us thank those who The toughness, both mentally and physically, that these elite individuals possess is far stronger served our great nation and pay our respects to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. than the glue that holds my own shoes together. I take advantage of my opportunities. My
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Page 6 • Country Acres South | Saturday, November 5, 2022
Overcoming life’s hardships
West family named Winona County Farm Family of the Year BY TAYLOR JERDE STAFF WRITER
lung cancer three years ago, just months after exiting the dairy business. It was a huge change for the West family, however, Nancy said they are blessed that they weren’t forced to make a rapid exit and disperse their herd. “Dairying was our identify, it was our life style,” Nancy said. “We took huge pride in being dairy farmers and when we sold out, there was a
grieving process that went along with it.” Today, they balance LEWISTON - Lee the needs of the herd with and Nancy West have Lee’s need for treatments. prided themselves on beThey don’t talk much ing dairy farmers for the about his diagnosis and past 40 years. In 2019, instead choose to focus on the couple began to tranthe good. sition their herd to beef “We realize that othby breeding them to beef. ers facing challenges also The timing, and a need to hear of someone move to a less intense beating the odds,” Nancy kind of farming came said. just in time. Lee was diThey go to La-Crosse, agnosed with stage four WI to focus on Lee’s health and when they return home, they focus on the farm. They both have their favorite chores. Lee enjoys anything that has to do with the cattle, and Nancy enjoys cutting hay in the summer. Their dedication has earned them the title of Winona County Farm Family of the Year. “If you take care of the animals,” Nancy said. “They’ll take care of you.” While they’re busy, and they have healthcare and farm priorities, they continue to be involved in the community. They spend their free time giving back to 4-H, the organization where the two first met, and the place that shaped them into the humble people they are today. “We like to think of ourselves as behind the scenes people,” Nancy said. The love they have for their farm and community are clear to see. Both Nancy and Lee were active in 4-H while growing up and have continued to stay active within the program along with their church. The Wests have been farming on the homestead for nearly 40 years. They raise 25 beef cattle and have 600 Nancy serves as a trustee and teaches confirmation. acres.
Family PHOTOS BY TAYLOR JERDE
Lee and Nancy West stand on their homestead Oct. 18 near Lewiston. They were named the 2022 Winona County Farm Family of the Year.
“We enjoy seeing people,” Nancy said. “We like to give back to the community.” Since both Lee and Nancy grew up in 4-H, they learned early on to give back. “Since 4-H isn’t a self-centered organization, you learn to be selfless,” Nancy said. Nancy dedicates much of her time to 4-H. She worked the Winona County 4-H food stand for 25 years. She currently serves as a club leader and restarted a club with many first generation 4-H members. She enjoys the education 4-H has to offer. “It’s exciting to see the youth get excited and engaged,” Nancy said. “I like to watch the kids grow and learn.” Lee and Nancy’s two daughters were also in 4-H. Both daughters served as Min-
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nesota state 4-H ambassadors, just as Lee did when he was younger. “It’s unique to have two generations become state ambassadors,” Nancy said. “Not many families can say they have had two generations in the state ambassador program.” It was also through this program that Lee and Nancy were able to lease out a couple of dairy calves to younger 4-H members. They appreciated other families getting excited about the dairy industry. Lee’s parents began the farm in 1961, they had a small herd of six to eight dairy cows. Lee always enjoyed working with the cattle, and knew he wanted to manage his own cattle. He went to the University of Minnesota, and graduated with an ag-
riculture degree in 1980. Nancy also grew up in the dairy industry and was a University of Minnesota graduate. She began working at the Lewiston-Altura schools in 1989, and has been there since. On the farm, Lee always completed the milking and was in charge of crop management. Nancy was the assistant, and helped with most tasks. She enjoyed helping her husband when she could. Their current homestead is where Lee was raised and where they raised their daughters, Lori and Brenda. Their daughter Lori was a finalist for Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Both daughters and their husbands come home to the farm to help from time to time.
West page 7
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Saturday, November 5, 2022 | Country Acres South • Page 11
Apples from page 10 “Every apple is handpicked from the tree,” Zimmer said. They put the apples into bushel containers then put into a hydrogen-peroxide and water mixture to disinfect them. From there, they are rinsed in water, dried, inspected, packaged and cooled to 37 degrees. They continue to be maintained at 37 degrees, until the customer purchases them. Zimmer also uses the hydrogen-peroxide to spray the orchard to avoid potential summer diseases. He enjoys being able to run the orchard and takes pride in planting new trees with new varieties. Staying up to date with new information that becomes available in the industry is also something he values. “It’s critically important,” Zimmer said. “I enjoy having new University of Minnesota varieties available, because after all, we are in Minnesota.” He is most proud of having people come from all over to visit his orchard and purchase apples of their choosing. He said he had a couple come up from Kansas, because they were searching for Prairie Spy Apples, and of course, he had them. “There’s something special for everyone to have and share,” Zimmer said. “ I hope everyone
enjoys it.” Zimmer said. He purchased the orchard back in 2007 from its founders Dennis and Judy Smith. Zimmer wanted something to do during his retirement, so when the 20-acre orchard became available, he bought it. “I thought it was great for me,” Zimmer said. “Besides, age is just a number.” The Smiths began the orchard with a wide variety of apples. “They started the routine of a great variety and I loved the idea, so I have tried to continue it,” he said. “I have also added a few more varieties along the way such as First Kiss, Sweet Tango and Triumph.” Most importantly, he enjoys being outside. He says there is no better way to spend his retirement than enjoying the outdoors. Additionally, Zimmer enjoys doing different things around the orchard on his own schedule. He doesn’t mind working by himself. “I like the challenge,” he said. “I enjoy being able to modify the processes or equipment that allow me to input an idea to make an improvement.” With modifying his own processes, he has been able to make his own cider recipe that he is proud of. “My customers enjoy it, but most importantly I like it,” he said. “If I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t feel satisfied enough to give it to someone else.” Like many farmers, fall is a busy time for Zim-
PHOTOS BY TAYLOR JERDE
mer. He wouldn’t have it Julie Greseth decorates the Apple Haus each year. The theme for decorations changes with each season. any other way. “Dolly Parton has a song called 9 to 5, well mine is 5 to 9,” he said. There’s no doubt Zimmer’s days consist of long hours when guests see his Apple Haus. His dear friend, Julie Greseth, decorates the interior and exterior of the Apple Haus. The theme of the décor changes each season. Although it is a lot of work making sure everything gets done. He doesn’t think of it as work and said if he did, he wouldn’t be doing it. Zimmer’s dedication to his orchard earned him the 2020 Best of Dennison Award. Thçe award focuses on quality and not quantity. “I appreciate the fact that other people think that the orchard is an important part of the community,” he said. “There’s a lot of enjoyment for me to see other people who are able to enjoy the environment that I have been fortunate enough to live in.” Sogn Valley Orchard has a sense of nature all around it, a beautiful atmosphere, and delicious products. All are welcome John Zimmer’s apple orchard is located in a small valley to enjoy the beauty of the near Dennison. Zimmer purchased the orchard in Sogn Valley.
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Page 12 • Country Acres South | Saturday, November 5, 2022
It’s Harvest Time! Great Used Equipment Deals all Around!
Check out www.dankersent.com for more used machinery | Call and ask for Bruce FORD 7710
‘96 CASE IH 9350
‘15 CASE IH Magnum 250
’05 CASE IH STX375HD
Local Tractor from an estate
Local farmer retirement, has 4 remotes, 12 spd. synchro, & MORE!
1536 hrs., 18 spd. power shift, Pro 700 w/ full guidance, 3 PTOs, & MORE!
16 spd. power shift, 4 remotes, 1,000 hrs., field ready
NEW HOLLAND 258
WHITE 226
GLENCOE F551A
GLENCOE Soil Saver
Rubber tires, original paint, good condition
21 foot, nice, clean, light shanks
$6,500
$5,800
$5,000
GREAT PLAINS TC5111
H&S 270
JOHN DEERE 980
JOHN DEERE 980
Turbo chisel plow, 11 shanks
Like new, very low use
Heavy duty springs & rolling basket, 25 foot
JOHN DEERE 4440
WHITE 2-85
KUHN KNIGHT 8124
CASE IH FHX300
Local Tractor
Front wheel drive, nice condition
Ready to go to work
Field ready, good condition, includes 29P hay head & 3PN corn head, Horning Krop processor
CASE IH FHX300
CASE IH FHX300
‘22 NEW HOLLAND Roll-Belt 560
‘08 NEW HOLLAND T8010
Serviced by shop, new knives, no processor, excellent condition
Field ready, rebuilt w/ new blower band, blower paddles, sprockets, & MORE
Slightly used
2,200 hrs., 4 remotes, heavy duty drawbar, 1000 PTO, mega flow hydraulics, & MORE!
ROTO MIX 274-12
’20 ROTO MIX 525A
‘20 ROTO MIX 625
’19 TEAGLE TOMAHAWK 8500
Call for Price
Twin screw w/ EZ 2500v, large read out scale
Stainless steel liner kit, twin screw, left or right discharge, EZ charge read out scale
$20,000
$3,900
$26,000
$31,000
- $27,500
- $58,500
$13,500
$20,000
- $42,000
Call for Price
- $189,000
Soil Saver
$16,000
$25,000
Call for Price
- Call for Price
$69,500
7 shank
18 feet, used on small farm, low acres, field ready, shanks tight, excellent condition
- $11,500
- $30,000
- $129,500
2019 NEW
$35,000
4960 Moundview Drive | Red Wing, MN 55066 | (651) 327-2627 | www.dankersent.com
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