Welcome to Challenge the Outdoors, Inc.
MAY 2018 NEWSLETTER
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – Carl Gierke
Well, the 2018 Sporting Clays Shoot Fundraiser is behind us and the people that helped pull it off did another great job. We weren’t blessed with the greatest weather – the high for the day was about 35 degrees, but compared to the Saturday before when it was raining and the Saturday after when we had a blizzard, we ended up with the best of the three Saturdays. With the cold weather, just about everything was moved inside the clubhouse at J&H, including raffle ticket sales and bucket raffles and although it was the proverbial ten pounds of stuff in a five-pound bag, everything went really well.
We had about 400 rounds of sporting clays shot that day, with about 350 first rounds and about 50 people shooting an additional round. Attendance was down a little bit from some of the past years, but the weather seemed to keep a few folks home.
The event was again a classic example of CTO teamwork, with so many people pitching in on so many levels. From the planning that began in late 2017, to the collecting and organizing of prizes, advertising, raffle ticket sales, set-up on the day before the shoot, the many activities the day of the shoot, clean-up, and the distribution of prizes, pulling off an event like this is a minor miracle and obviously a lot of work. It’s difficult to thank everyone who helped for fear of leaving someone out, but you know who you are and what you did, so many thanks to all who helped. Special thanks are due however, to the folks on the Fundraiser Committee – Barb and Fred Kaun, Karen Baehr, Tammy Kritz and Jim Adamovich for donating their time and energy to get the job done. Thanks also to our friends from DaVita and everyone at J&H Game Farm for their wonderful help.
We also want to send out a big Thank You to all the individuals who purchased raffle tickets and to the many sponsors that donated prizes for raffle items or made cash donations. The generosity of local businesses and individuals is incredible and is so much appreciated. Everyone who pitched in should be so proud of their contributions in making this a successful event that funds our events through the year.
With the weather warming up and many events coming up soon, check out the event calendar in this newsletter and see what events fit into your schedule this year. Hope to see you at an event soon!
SENIOR SAFARIS AT NAVARINO NATURE CENTER – Carl Gierke- Navarino Nature Center located at W5646 Lindsten Road, north of Navarino, is offering wagon-ride tours of the wildlife area, which last about 1-2 hours and are handicapped-accessible. NNC leases a 40-acre portion of land within the 15,000 acre Navarino Wildlife Area and the NNC property includes a picnic area and shelter and an all-season, handicapped-accessible education building. CTO is considering organizing a trip for members, but meanwhile, public tours are available on June 6th and August 15th at a cost of $10 per person. CTO will cover the cost of your trip if you submit a receipt to the CTO office. Check out NNC’s website (www.navarino.org) to get more information and reserve a spot if you’re interested, or give them a call (715-758-6999).
NEW MEMBERS- Please welcome Clyde Kettner, Terry and Tracy Lathrop, Troy Schultz, Rick Bogart, Robert Cullen, James Nooyen, and Christensen and Wisnet (Business Sponsorship) to CTO.
ATTENTION- WE ARE IN NEED OF SOMEONE WHO CAN MANAGE THE WEBSITE FOR CTO.THE VOLUNTEER NEED NOT BE A MEMBER. PLEASE CONTACT DAVID PAUL IF YOU OR YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED. 920-740-2775.
WHEELCHAIR WHITETAILS RECAP - A Unique Opportunity for Persons with Disabilities - Keith A. Pamperin
Last year during the first week of November, I along with two friends from Challenge the Outdoors Inc. were invited to participate in the final bow hunt at Steve Nooyen’s, Wheel Chair Whitetails in Florence County, WI….and what a fun experience it was. Tommy Namore and I left Green Bay Thursday morning November 9th full of anticipation. Jeff Pagels and his wife Jane were to meet us in camp later that evening. The further north we traveled the snow increased making traveling and the north country beauty more interesting. The Wheelchair Whitetails property is very secluded with a long meandering entry road through stands of mature maple trees, bordered by thousands of acres of Marinette and Florence County public land.
Steve says, “Having been extraordinarily blessed by God, my wife Kristi and I have chosen to steward our God-given resources for the benefit of wheelchair-bound individuals through a program called Wheelchair Whitetails, LLC.” In summary, Wheelchair Whitetails offers a three-day guided deer hunting experience to wheelchair bound hunters at no cost. The hunts are crossbow only and occur from mid-September to mid-November on the Nooyen's 520-acre private property located about 90 minutes north of Green Bay in Florence County, WI.
These are fair chase hunts with no fences. Hunts are conducted from wheelchair accommodating ground blinds, and transportation is provided to and from the blinds. All equipment, meals, and accommodations are provided for selected hunters and a companion at no cost.
In 2017, the inaugural year for Wheelchair Whitetails, Steve & Kristi hosted 17 hunters plus companions. Hunters arrived in camp Thursday morning, and after orientation, lunch, and some practice with the crossbows they were off to the woods. Hunters departed camp by noon on Saturday. Every hunter saw plenty of deer, and several were successful harvesting does at the end of the season. Shots were limited to 40 yards or less to minimize non-lethal hits, and "shootable" deer are determined from year to year to maintain a healthy deer population.
After getting settled in the very comfortable accessible lodge, followed by an orientation to the land via areal maps and a few practice shots with cross bows at varying distances, we were off for the evening hunt. Steve took us out to the blinds with a cool and brisk UTV ride. Tommy and I decided we would hold out for a nice buck until the final morning of the hunt. We were amazed at the number of deer we saw.
That evening Jeff and Jane Pagels joined us in camp. Jeff stated he would be thrilled to take the first good doe, saying “I don’t eat antlers.” Jeff did just that, taking a nice doe Friday morning. Jeff reports "A high point of the weekend was when Steve dragged in the deer I killed to where I could touch it and we bowed our heads and gave thanks for the bounty just delivered".
After seeing plenty of deer, Friday including a few smaller bucks, Tommy and I agreed Saturday morning was “fill a tag time”. We woke to a steady snow, with Steve taking Tommy to his blind, and Jeff and I to my blind. Jeff was going to be my camera man. Sure enough after about an hour in the blind, a nice doe appeared on the trail in front of me. After waking up my camera man, I took the shot. The deer made a giant leap and disappeared. After texting Steve, he came to look for the deer. Steve tracked the deer through the thick brush and heavy snow, and determined it was not vitally wounded. He said Tommy had also shot a doe, so he picked up Tommy and took the three of us back to camp. He changed into lighter clothes to track the two deer.
After about four hours, a very wet and exhausted Steve returned with Tommy’s doe and determined that I need to spend a little more time judging distances with a crossbow.
Tommy Namore stated “I had a great time at Wheelchair Whitetails. I was really impressed with the amount of deer we saw. Steve an Kristi put on a 5-star deer hunt. We could not have asked for better accommodations even with two wheelchairs and a mobility scooter, everything was accessible. You can really tell Steve put a lot of thought into the blinds, designing something that anyone can use no matter their individual challenges. I personally learned a lot on the hunt, and even though it was a bow hunt, it kind of felt more like a retreat”.
We are truly blessed to have people like Steve and Kristi Nooyen, that choose to inspire persons with disabilities to dream more, do more, and learn more in our great outdoors. I agree we could not have asked for more!
Applications for fall hunts open March 1 of each year. For more information, or to apply for a hunt, please check out their website: www.wheelchairwhitetails.org
MENOMINEE PARK & ZOO 1ST ANNUAL FISHING PICNIC- Tammy Kritz -On Saturday, June 16, from 10 AM until 4 PM we will be hosting a pot luck picnic at the Kiwanis Large Shelter, (Northside of park). Attendees can go fishing on the east shore of Lake Winnebago, use the playground, and also enjoy the free 8-acre zoo that houses over 50 animals. For an extra fee you can take a train ride that goes through the park, or rent kayaks, aqua bikes and canoes at Menomonee Park, 520 Pratt Trail in Oshkosh, 54901. Contact Person -Tammy Kritz 920-527-0696
OCTOBER SPECIAL DISABLED DEER HUNT- Pat Nieuwenhuis: -This year’s hunt will begin on Saturday, October 6th and ends on October 14th. Sign up for the deer hunt starts on July 1st and ends on August 31st. Please watch for your next CTO Newsletter for the upcoming information and the exact times. If you have any other questions, please contact Pat Nieuwenhuis at 920-687-8707.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP AND AWARDS BANQUET - Our banquet will be held Saturday, July 21st at Romy’s in Black Creek. We will elect new board members before the banquet, recognize donors and give out our yearly awards. This is a great opportunity to meet new members and reconnect with the old members. You will be receiving more information at a later date and if you have questions you may contact Karen Baehr at 920-766-9218. If you have prizes to donate for the bucket raffles, please contact Barb Kaun at 920-720-9689.
CTO PONTOON BOAT – Challenge the Outdoors is again keeping its pontoon boat on Shawano Lake at the park docks in Cecil (southeast corner of the lake). The boat is available to any CTO member to use from roughly May 1 through mid-September. All you need to do is call Gary Thyes (715-584-7700) to reserve the boat for a half or full day. You’ll need to bring your own fishing equipment. If you’ve never used the pontoon boat, you’ll also need to take a short orientation course from Gary.
SHADOWS ON THE WOLF – SOTW has constructed several Handicapped-Accessible fishing piers in Outagamie County and one in Shawano County. These include Mac’s Landing (north of Hortonville), Barker Park (south of Shiocton), Koepke Park (north of Shiocton), Village of Shiocton Municipal Building, Bamboo Bend Park (west of Shiocton), Co. Hwy S Boat Landing (west of Stephensville), and Sturgeon Park (City of Shawano). You can check them out and get directions on SOTW’s website (www.shadowsonthewolf.org) if you’re interested.
SHAWANO LAKE FISHING – Saturday, June 2nd is CTO’s annual fishing outing on Shawano Lake. The event is held at the park in Cecil and no fishing license is needed as this is the DNR’s free fishing weekend. Boats and bait are provided, but you will need to bring your own fishing equipment (CTO does have some equipment available). You will need to reserve a spot by calling Pat Nieuwenhuis (920-687-8707) and by filling out and signing the waiver/application, so we know how many people to expect. The application is in this newsletter, see page 8. We’ll start at 8:00 AM and usually fish until about 11:00 AM when lunch will be served. After lunch, you can go out and fish again if you’d like.
CHASING RAINBOWS – Cliff Pheifer -On Saturday, June 9th and Saturday Aug 25, Chasing Rainbows will be held at Wilderness Springs Trout Farm, which can be reached by going west of New London on HWY 54 and then turn right on Madden Rd. No fishing license is required and there is no size limit on trout, with a two fish limit. Fishing will start at 9:30 AM. Please bring your fishing poles, secret lures, and dish to pass for lunch. Cane poles, bait, cleaning, packaging on ice will be provided. To sign up for this event contact Cliff Pheifer at (715) 412 1707 or e-mail at: cliffp.cto@gmail.com.
WISCONSIN TIMBER RATTLERS BASEBALL GAME - AUGUST 18TH - On Saturday, August 18th we will meet outside of Fox Cities Stadium, 2400 N. Casaloma Dr. in Appleton by 11 AM for our annual Timber Rattlers game. This event is open to all members and tickets and lunch are courtesy of CTO, however the $5 parking fee is your responsibility. Guests are welcome, but will be responsible for buying their own tickets.
This year we will be sitting on the west side of the field, which is a switch from the past few years. Admission includes your game ticket and an all-you-can-eat lunch, along with two beverages. The picnic will be served at 11:30 and will last until game time at 1:00. Please reserve your tickets ASAP, but no later than August 1st by contacting Carl Gierke by phone (920-986-3272) or e-mail (cgierke1@outlook.com).
GET TIMBER RATTLER BASEBALL TICKETS AT A DISCOUNT The discount code will be good for the following games: 4/8, 4/18, 4/19, 5/10, 5/14. To get the discount, use code “thankyou”. The discount is an online only deal. You may forward the e-mail/discount code onto co-workers, family, friends, etc. To purchase tickets simply click HERE and select the game(s) of your choosing and type in the discount code when checking out. The discount will get you tickets at the price of $5.00/per reserved bleacher seats and $7.00/per box seats.
WRPCO DISABLED DEER HUNT OPPORTUNITY OCT.12-14 Wisconsin River Power Company (WRPCO) is excited to again be hosting a private hunting opportunity for persons with disabilities this fall (2018). We are hoping you can help recruit hunters. We have greatly appreciated your assistance in past years, publicizing our hunt and successfully attracting several participants from your organization’s members. The WRPCO hunt is scheduled for October 12, 13, and 14 in the WRPCO’s 750 acre Petenwell Wildlife area, adjacent to the Wisconsin River in Necedah, Wisconsin. Please see the WRPCO Deer Hunt webpage for information about the hunt. http://www.wisconsinriverpower.com/hunt.aspx
WRPCO also provides all the hunt activities and services outlined in the brochure free of charge to our hunters. Note, that applications must be submitted by June 1, 2018 for consideration. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact, Joseph M. Sukana, Supervisor – Power Generation, Wisconsin River Power Company, 608-565-2500, jmsukana@wisconsinpublicservice.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POSITIONS - Carl Gierke - CTO is seeking individuals to serve on its Board of Directors. Anyone interested must submit a short resume giving a description of their work history and experience and why they would like to be considered for the position to Carl Gierke by June 30th. This will enable applicant’s resumes to be published in the next newsletter and to be evaluated and voted on by members at the annual meeting in July. Terms are for one, two, or three years. Directors are asked to attend monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of each month and contribute their ideas and assistance to help CTO provide recreational opportunities to disabled individuals. It’s a great chance to use all those skills you’ve acquired over the years, meet some new people, and help make a difference. Hope you can join us!
CHALLENGE THE OUTDOORS AWARDS PROGRAM 2017-2018
The 11th Annual Awards will be given out at the 2018 CTO Annual Banquet on July 21st, 2018.. Time frame to submit an entry for an award is from July 1, 2017 thru June 30, 2018. Procedures, Rules and Details:
All the categories (Except Volunteer of the Year Able-bodied) entrants must have been a CTO DISABLED member before submitting an entry. The definition of a disabled member should meet at least 1 of the following requirements:
1. Have a Class A, B, or C hunting permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
2. Have a disabled fishing license from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
3. Other individuals can become qualified on a case-by-case basis. Contact Awards
The CTO Board of Directors shall appoint a CTO member as “Awards Administrator”. In this capacity, this person will oversee tiebreakers, choose award winners in the “Honor” categories and otherwise administer this program. Send entries for the award categories to Award Administrator, Dave Samsa 2949 Harbor Winds Dr. Suamico, WI 54173 or email to psamsa@new.rr.com Phone 920-621-7495 Feel free to ask questions.
A CTO disabled member can only win one of the hunting, fishing, or shooting categories in any one year. Enter as many categories as possible so you have a better chance at winning. Always include the date that the activity was completed; and whether you were on your own, or during a CTO sponsored group event.
A CTO disabled member can only win a Biggest Challenge Overcome Outside Award and a Deep Doo- doo Award twice, and Volunteer of the Year Award once for the life of this Awards Program. A CTO able-bodied member can only win a Volunteer of the Year Award once for the life of this Awards Program.
Winners in these Honor categories might have their stories and photos published on our website and other publicity tools as are feasible. The winners might be notified of their Honors a few days before the banquet so they can prepare a brief presentation to the banquet attendees. The reason for this is to strive to show the group what a “real” winner does to gain such high recognition and provide inspiration for others to reach for similar achievements.
Volunteers and others will be encouraged to remind or make entries for disabled members with or without the member’s knowledge. For example, boat captains on the Shawano Lake fishery will be advised to measure fish that might be award eligible.
All of the award winners in the categories below will receive a gift card for a retail store and a certificate for display.
AWARD CATEGORIES BIGGEST CHALLENGE OVERCOME OUTSIDE: One year, a CTO member overcame his quadriplegia to hunt turkeys on his own. He set and reset his blind to get the best spot; he got in the blind and set up and after several exciting close calls was able to bag a turkey. Try and top that one to win. A person can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else. Past Winners include Mark Baehr, Steve Lang (twice), & James Luedke. Award = $75 gift card.
DEEP DOO-DOO AWARD: For the CTO member who takes the biggest challenge in the outdoors while getting in a difficult situation. One winner was a wheelchair user who dropped a goose in a muddy cornfield after his able bodied buddy could not find the goose, he crawled through the mud to find it himself. While the mud got washed off in a hot shower, the glow of the satisfaction of his achievement will last lots longer. So, get out there and expand your limits. A person can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else. Past Winners include Steve Lang (twice), Roger Mateer, Keith A. Pamperin, & Lauri Dubord. Award = $25 gift card.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR(ABLE-BODIED): For the CTO member who best embodies the spirit of giving to help others enjoy the outdoors. A person must be nominated by someone else. Past Winners include Bill Mayville, Larry Zander, Karen Baehr, Rod Barkhaus, Tony Gehr, Gary Thyes, Carl Gierke, Rita Adamovich, Jane Day, & Bill Baehr. Award = $100 gift card.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR (DISABLED): For the CTO member who best embodies the spirit of giving to help others enjoy the outdoors. A person must be nominated by someone else. Past winners include Jean Chapman, Judy Paluch, Toby Malchow, Larry Laehn, Mark Baehr, Peter Lathrop, Cliff Pheifer, Steve Harvey, Bob Day, & Patrick Nieuwenhuis. Award = $100 gift card.
LONGEST FISH, BY THE FOLLOWING SPECIES. During a CTO event or on your own: (length in inches) No photograph required, but it would be nice. Great Lake/Green Bay Trout or Salmon, Inland Trout, Walleye, Musky, Northern, Perch, Small and Large Mouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Rock Bass, White Bass, Catfish, Whitefish, & Rough Fish(Bullhead, Carp, Dogfish, Sheepshead, etc.). There will be one winner for the longest rough fish of all of the rough fish species. Award = $15 gift card for the longest fish in each species.
CHASING RAINBOWS LONGEST TROUT AT BOTH EVENTS: (length in inches) No photograph required. There will be one award for each of the Chasing Rainbows events. Award = $15 gift card.
BIGGEST WHITETAIL BUCK HARVESTED DURING A CTO EVENT OR ON YOUR OWN: Number of Points longer than one inch x maximum inside spread in inches. No photograph required, but it would be nice. In case of ties or near ties, antlers will be re-examined in more detail by CTO Award Administrator. Award = $25 gift card.
BIGGEST TOM TURKEY HARVESTED DURING A CTO EVENT OR ON YOUR OWN: Length in inches of spurs and beard. The weight of the turkey is also required. No photograph required, but it would be nice. Award = $25 gift card.
TOP SCORE FOR DISABLED SHOOTER AT THE J&H SPORTING CLAYS FUND RAISER: Bust the most clay pigeons and win. Top score = 50. Award = $25 gift card.
TOP OVERALL TRAP SHOOTER: Top 3 rounds times the distance for the year. Top score would be a score of 25 times the maximum yardage of 27 yards times 3 = 2,025. Award = $25 gift card.
TOP OVERALL SKEET SHOOTER: Top three rounds for the year. Top score would be a score of 25 times 3 = 75. Award = $25 gift card.
TOP OVERALL SPORTING CLAYS SHOOTER: Top three rounds for the year not including the J&H Sporting Clay Fund Raiser. Top score would be a score of 50 times 3 = 150. Award = $25 gift card.
FOX VALLEYWHEELCHAIR WASH/HEALTH FAIR- Mark Baehr On Friday, May 11th, 2018 from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m. there will be a free wheelchair wash and health fair at NuMotion, 920 North Westhill Blvd. Appleton, WI 54914 Power and manual wheelchairs and scooters are welcome! Free admission! The health fair will include: lunch, door prizes, wellness booths, complimentary weight checks, and wheelchair safety inspections. Please register with Making the Ride Happen by calling 920-225-1719. Walk-ins are welcome but may experience a longer wait time. Large groups are required to register in advance. This event is sponsored by the following business and organizations: Easter Seals of Wisconsin, Options for Independent Living, Johnny B, Disabled Citizens, Mind Works, Lutheran Social Services, Making the Ride Happen, NuMotion and Volunteer Center. Hope to see you there!
BLIZZARD GAME IS RESCHEDULED FOR MAY 5TH, AT 7 PM- The Green Bay Blizzard game, which was originally schedules for April 15th has been reschedules for May 5th. At this point the event is full, but if you’re interested please call or email Steve Harvey in case any openings come up.
BOARD HIGHLIGHTS FEBRUARY & MARCH- Tammy Kritz
1. Please Welcome James Nooyen who has offered to be our bookkeeper for Challenge the Outdoors, Inc.
2. Ice Fishing Event Feb. 11th- 4 members spent 5 hours fishing and caught 60 White fish.
3. Holiday Party, Feb. 17th was a great success this year with 17 Bowlers, a fabulous potluck, unique door prizes and a photo show put on by Steve Harvey & Sharon LeFevre.
4. Green Bay Sports Show Feb. 23-25- raised $1645.00 in Raffle Ticket sales
5. Ice Fishing on Feb.25th was canceled due to high winds.
6. Thank you to everyone who came out to Buffalo Wild Wings on Feb. 28th as we raised $133.48.
7. March Fishing Show in Oshkosh raised $830.00 in raffle ticket sales and we made a lot of new connections.
8. Pheasant Hunt on March 4th was a great success at J & H Game farm with 16 hunters, 35 Pheasants , total cost $1,032.00
MEMORIAL FOR LOVED ONES- If you would like to memorialize a loved one or friend that has passed on that was a member of CTO you can forward your pictures to Steve Harvey 2775 West Point Road, Green Bay, Wi 54304 or email spharleyman57@gmail.com He will either place them on a picture board or include them in a slide show to be displayed at CTO events.