Challenge The Outdoors, Inc

 WELCOME TO CHALLENGE THE OUTDOORS, INC.

July 2022 NEWSLETTER www.ctoforme.org

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – Carl Gierke

As you probably know, CTO is an all-volunteer organization. Although individuals are reimbursed for their expenses in some cases, no one gets paid. Our board members, volunteers, event coordinators and many others simply do things for our organization because they want to give back to our members and provide them with opportunities they might not otherwise have. Whether it’s people providing rides for members, helping at events, or donating equipment, time and energy, I’m constantly reminded of the many generous, thoughtful individuals within CTO. Because they aren’t compensated financially and they deserve an occasional pat on the back, one of the biggest things we can do to remind these folks that they’re appreciated is to simply say thank you. I personally want to thank everyone that pitches in to make our events and organization successful. Your contributions are more than impressive and in many cases people simply offer their time and talents without even being asked. It’s a huge team effort born out of kindness and a willingness to try to make people’s lives a little better. Although it’s impossible to list names of the many people that deserve a thank you here, it’s one of the big reasons we host our annual banquet every July. In addition to electing our board members and sharing a great meal, it’s an opportunity to recognize the people that pitch in to make CTO and its events happen. Many of these folks spend many hours behind the scenes to keep CTO going. We hope you can make it and get a chance to thank them for their contributions. The banquet is Sunday, July 17th and you’ll find more information on the event in this newsletter. It should be a great time and a chance to share a few laughs along with some hunting and fishing stories. True stories are recommended but not required. Hope to see you there!

UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

DONATED BEAR HUNTS – Carl Gierke

CTO has been offered bear tags for two hunts this fall. One is in Taylor County (Zone A), near Medford. The hunt would begin on or about September 14th and hounds would be used. The guide has a trailer available for use during your stay, otherwise there are several hotels available in the Medford area. Any disabled hunter will be considered, although preference will be given to a disabled youth or disabled veteran. The other hunt is also in Zone A and would take place near Winter, Wisconsin starting on or about September 9th. This is a bait hunt and the outfitter is providing lodging and meals. An adult would need to have a Class A or B disability permit issued by Wisconsin DNR. If you or anyone you know might be interested in this hunt, please contact me asap, but no later than July 15th so we can put you on the list for consideration. If more than one hunter is interested, a drawing will be held.

2022 SPORTING CLAY SHOOTS AT J&H - Randy Swille, Steve Harvey, Roger Urmanski

This year we are offering Sporting Clay Shoots during six different months. CTO will cover the cost of four of them. We are having one more Sunday shoot and three Tuesday shoots and all will be held at J&H Game Farm near Navarino. Note that the shoot on August 21st will be a Shoot Your Choice event where you have the choice of shooting several courses. Dates of the shoots are: Sunday, August 21st 9:00-1100 am (Shoot of Your Choice) Tuesday, Sept. 13th 9:00-11:00 am Tuesday, Oct. 11th 9:00-11:00 am Tuesday, Nov. 8th 9:00-11:00 am

For Sunday shoots you can contact for info and sign up: Randy Swille. 920-373-8081 or Steve Harvey 920-494-3143

For Tuesday shoots you can contact for info and sign up: Roger Urmanski 920-468-8872

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP BANQUET 2022- Sharon LeFevre

Our annual membership banquet is fast approaching. It is scheduled for July 17, 2022 at Stadium View Bar in Green Bay, WI. Please watch your mail in the next few weeks for all the details. Also, if there is anyone that would like to help with the event that day, please let me know as we need about 10 volunteers. If you have any questions or can help, please call me at 920-615-2356 or email at bookmom53@gmail.com

MENOMINEE PARK & ZOO ANNUAL FISHING PICNIC- Barb Kaun, Chris Savka

On Saturday, August 6th from 11 AM until 3 PM CTO will be hosting a picnic at the Kiwanis Large Shelter, (Northside of park). Lunch will be served at 12 o'clock noon. Attendees can go fishing on an accessible dock along the shore of Lake Winnebago, use the playground, and 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.

NOTE: There is a marathon occurring in the park that day until about 11AM, so you may run into traffic, but the picnic will be held. Contact Person - Barb Kaun 920-720-9689.

WISCONSIN TIMBER RATTLERS BASEBALL GAME – Carl Gierke

On Saturday, August 13th, we will get together at Fox Cities Stadium, 2400 N. Casaloma Dr. in Appleton for our annual Timber Rattlers game. We’ll meet in the parking lot near the southwest corner of the stadium at 4:45 when tickets will be distributed. Gates open at 5:00 and dinner will be served from 5 to 6:30 and the game will start at 6:35. Admission includes your game ticket and an all-you-can-eat dinner (brats and burgers), along with two beverages. This event is open to all members and tickets and dinner are courtesy of CTO, however the $5 parking fee is your responsibility. Guests are welcome, but will be responsible for buying their own tickets. After the game, kids can run the bases and there will also be fireworks. There is limited space, so please reserve your tickets ASAP by contacting me by phone (920-986-3272) or e-mail cgierke1@outlook.com

YOUTH AND LADIES DAY – Carl Gierke

J&H will be hosting its annual Youth & Ladies Day of Outdoor Instruction on Saturday, September 10th. Registration will be from 9AM – 3PM and activities will run until 4PM. This is a free event for all ladies and all kids up to age 18. Activities will include shotgun, .22 rifle and BB gun shooting stations, archery, fly casting, and the trout fishing will again be sponsored by Challenge the Outdoors. There will be displays by the DNR, Al Meier’s Taxidermy and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Ladies Group. Food is also furnished along with a door prize for each participant. For more about the activities or if you wish to make any donations, please contact Diane at J&H at 715-758-8134 or e-mail at jhclub@tds.net. CTO is always looking for helpers at the Trout Pond. If you would like to help the youth and ladies bait hooks, catch fish or join those who clean the trout after they are caught, please contact Carl Gierke. It’s always a lot of fun seeing the smile on a kid’s face when he catches a fish. You’ll enjoy it!

LEARN TO HUNT WATERFOWL- Keith Pamperin

The Green Bay Duck Hunters Association has invited up to four disabled Challenge the Outdoors Members (or non-disabled youth) to take part in their Learn to Hunt Waterfowl, Friday September 16th and 17th. This Learn to Hunt is for persons that have not hunted waterfowl for the past five years. On Friday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm there will be a mandatory orientation and safety training at Brown County Sportsman’s Club, 1711 W Deerfield Ave, Green Bay. Pizza will be served. At this time, you will meet your mentor, discuss clothing and gear required to get you to your hunting location, and decide the location to meet predawn the following morning. If you do not have a shotgun for hunting waterfowl, please state that when you submit your application. Qualified members need to send their full name, and address, WDNR customer number, date of birth, hunter’s phone, and email along with a deposit of $10.00 made out to Green Bay Duck Hunters Association. Hunters 16 years of age and older need to carry a signed Federal Waterfowl Stamp. If the hunter is under 18 years of age, the hunter’s parent or guardian must provide written consent with phone and email. There is no cost to take part in this Learn to Hunt. The $10.00 deposit is to hold your place and will be returned to you if you take part. Please send $10.00 deposit made payable to Green Bay Duck Hunters Association to Keith A. Pamperin, 1499 Rockdale Street, Green Bay, WI. 54304, by August 1st, 2022. If you have any questions, contact Keith at kjpamperin@aol.com or by phone at 920 639 9275.

LEARN TO HUNT PHEASANTS – Keith Pamperin

Taking Wing Stewardship and Triple J Hunt Club have again invited up to five disabled members of Challenge the Outdoors to take part in their annual Learn to Hunt Pheasants to be held Saturday September 24, beginning at 8 am at Triple J Wing and Clay, 2687 Man Cal Rd Brillion WI. This Learn to Hunt is for persons that have not had the opportunity to previously hunt pheasants. No license is required. If you do not have a shotgun for hunting pheasants, please say that when you submit your application. Qualified members need to send their full name and address, WDNR customer number, date of birth, hunter’s phone, and email along with a deposit of $10.00 made out to Taking Wing Stewardship. If under 18 years of age, the hunter’s parent or guardian must provide written consent with phone and email. There is no cost to take part in this Learn to Hunt. The deposit is to hold your place and will be returned to you if you take part. Please send $10.00 deposit made payable to Taking Wing Stewardship to Keith A. Pamperin, 1499 Rockdale Street, Green Bay, WI. 54304, by August 1st, 2022. If you have any questions, contact Keith at kjpamperin@aol.com or by phone at 920 639 9275.

SHAWANO LAKE & PONTOON BOAT 2022 -David Paul

We are keeping our pontoon boat on Shawano Lake in Cecil (southeast corner of the lake). The boat will be located at slip #7 this year and each slip is marked with a number. Our pontoon boat has been equipped with a fish finder and a trolling motor as of last year. The boat is available to any CTO member to use through mid-September. All you need to do is call David Paul, (920-740-2775) to reserve the boat for a half or full day. You’ll need to bring your own fishing equipment. The boat has a cooler, fish finder and trolling motor as well as life jackets.

CTO Pontoon Boat Guidelines: Failure to follow these guidelines may terminate your use of the pontoon up to one year from date of infraction per CTO Policy.

A) Keys and signup sheet are at the BP gas station located at HWY 117 &22 in Cecil. Report any issues or damage immediately to David.

B) First time users are REQUIRED to receive training on operation of the pontoon and the lake topography.

C) You must follow the Wisconsin DNR boating regulations and you are responsible for knowing these regulations. Failure to do so can lead to legal ramifications that you are solely responsible for.

D) Prior to leaving dock:

1) Please have at least one working cell phone with you on the boat that gets adequate reception.

2) Retrieve personal flotation devices (PFDs or life jackets) from storage and make sure one is accessible for each person. Individuals under the age of 13 are required to wear them. Make sure one throwable flotation device is accessible in case of emergency.

3) Tilt motor down into water, but not hitting bottom. Trim down further when in deeper water.

4) Turn on running lights in dark or foggy conditions.

5) Make sure you have untied the pontoon from the dock. Leave the chains used to keep the boat tied up at the dock.

E) When returning to dock.

1) Remove any garbage, worms, fishing gear, food, etc. from the boat.

2) Bimini Top (canopy) should be lowered and please reattach the cover to the Bimini unless it is wet. 3) Make sure all running lights are off.

4) Make sure pontoon boat is secured at all points to the dock and close and latch all doors.

5) Return life jackets and other equipment to storage area it came from.

6) Return keys to BP gas station and call or text David Paul when you are done for the day. 920-740-2775 7) There is no need to refill the gas tank.

DISABLED DEER HUNT SIGN UP- David Paul

Members interested in participating in this year’s deer hunt will need to call (920-740-2775) or email (dcp7576@gmail.com) David Paul. If you choose to sign up by communicating with a board member and not me, you will NOT be signed up. You may NOT sign up at the Annual Membership Banquet. Sign up starts July 1st and ends on August 31st. The hunt runs from October 1st through the 9th. The hunt is held throughout Outagamie, Shawano, Manitowoc and Oconto Counties. You should start thinking about who will be assisting you during the hunt. This is not a “first come, first served event “and with this event gaining in popularity we will be establishing a waiting list for this hunt if we reach a level beyond our capacity of hunters. First time hunters and hunters who have not harvested a deer in previous years will be given preference if we have more hunters than hunting spots. More information will be in our September Newsletter.

CTO END OF SUMMER OUTING AT OUTAGAMIE CONSERVATION CLUB – Barb Kaun On Sunday, September 17th from 10 AM until 3:00 PM CTO will host this event with lunch provided at 12 o’clock noon. CTO will provide water and the food. Trap shooting is available with CTO picking up the cost of a round or two for those taking part. If you do not have a shotgun, OCC has a few that will be available to borrow. You are welcome to bring your own shells, or you can purchase some there. CTO will pick up the cost of one box of 12 or 20 gauge shells purchased at OCC for use at the outing. This is a perfect time for our members to take advantage of this great opportunity to try it out, as there will be plenty of time and instruction if needed. The pistol range will also be available. You are responsible for bringing your own pistol and ammunition. Targets will be supplied, but you may bring your own if you wish. Enjoy catch and release fishing at the stocked pond, unless the fish is deep hooked and won’t survive. Bring your favorite rod and tackle. We will provide live bait or you may bring your own as well. The pond is stocked with trout, pan fish and largemouth bass. The terrain is very flat around the pond and the entire OCC grounds, so getting around will be fairly easy, but you may want to bring a power scooter as the activities are spread out. There is a clubhouse at OCC, so this is a rain or shine event, and there is an open bar to purchase beverages. OCC is a great place to enjoy many different activities and it gives our members a chance to learn a new skill or two. Please contact Barb Kaun at 920-720-9689 if you are planning on attending or if you are available to help. You can see what OCC has to offer throughout the year by checking out their website: http://www.wiocc.com

MENTORS & DRIVERS NEEDED- Randy Swille & Steve Harvey The Event Committee is looking for any members or volunteers that would be willing to transport and mentor some of our members that cannot drive. Please call us if you would be willing to transport and mentor. Randy Swille 920-373-8081, Steve Harvey 920-494-3143

EVENT RECAPS

SPORTING CLAY SHOOT- RANDY SWILLE

Sporting Clay Shoots were held at J&H on May 15th and June 26th and we had a good turnout for both. Everyone had a great time and we stayed long after we finished shooting talking fishing, hunting, aches and pains and everything else - of course we were not able to solve any of the world’s problems. On behalf of Steve Harvey and myself we would like to thank all the members for the good shoot and friendly conversation. Additional thanks to Steve and Diane and J&H for their excellent food and hospitality and of course CTO for sponsoring this event. We are looking forward to seeing our members again at our next Sporting Clays Shoot on August 21st. Randy Swille 920-373-8081 Steve Harvey 920-494-3143

SPRING TURKEY HUNT- TOMMY NARMORE

On May 20th-22nd, Challenge the Outdoors held their annual spring turkey hunt. There were eight hunters this year. They consisted of Tom Narmore, Keith Hartjes, Randy and Darwin Swille, Laurie Dubord, David LaPlant, Russ Longre, and Rod Sternhagen. Congratulations to Keith, Randy and Darwin on harvesting turkeys. The weather this year was quite nice. It was mainly sunny and in the upper 60s to low 70s the whole time. Hardly any mosquitoes or ticks this year and that was quite nice as well. Lodging was provided by Challenge the Outdoors at the Christus Memorial Church Camp. A big thank you goes out to Tom and Ashley Lehman for organizing mentors and land. On behalf of everyone who attended the event, I would like to thank Keith Hartjes and Dan Kritz for doing most of the cooking. I would say this year’s turkey hunt was a great success with almost 50% success rate. Although the birds were not very vocal this year everyone did see at least one bird. Counting everyone involved and everyone who stopped by, we had a total of 23 people show up for the event. Unfortunately, the DNR has not posted next year’s spring turkey season dates yet for 2023. The hunt is usually the weekend after Mother’s Day and we always do a tag for Zone 3 Period 5. If you would like to participate, please contact Tom Narmore at (920) 410- 4436 or email at narmore1988@yahoo.com. Sign up will be from January 15th-March 1st 2023. Please follow the deadlines. Your cooperation is needed with this timeline in order to plan for mentors and secure land. Space is limited to ten hunters. First-time hunters get priority and then hunters that have never harvested a turkey before. If there are still available spots, any disabled member of CTO that signed up is eligible. Please look for further info in your upcoming Challenge the Outdoors newsletters.

CHASING RAINBOWS- Deb Pheifer

The weather was great on June 18th, 2022 for Chasing Rainbows at Wilderness Springs in New London. Mike and Kathleen Foster, our host and hostess, did a bang-up job, even though they had no power from the storms that marched through our state the week before! We had 32 in attendance and 21 people fishing. The lunch was put on by Chris and James Savka and it was wonderful. The largest trout caught was by John Dentice at 17" and there were 39 trout caught by the group. A great time was had by all! Big thanks to all who attended and those who helped!

SHAWANO LAKE FISHING – Carl Gierke

On June 4th, CTO hosted its annual fishing event on Shawano Lake, which is held the first Saturday in June to coincide with Wisconsin’s free fishing weekend (no license required). A tent was set up Friday night and the shade came in handy on Saturday. We had a beautiful day for fishing and had over 35 people showed up to fish or help out. Fishermen headed out about 9am and fishing continued until about noon when we took a break for a fantastic lunch. A few fishermen ventured out after lunch. Fish were caught on every boat and several boats had nice catches of panfish and our expert cleaners filleted fish for the anglers to take home. Shawano Lake is always a fun event and is a great example of CTO folks working together to make it happen. Many thanks to Bill Mayville for lining up the boats, which were graciously provided by Mike Shulze, Doug Hoppe, Bill Mayville and Mark Thorp. Thanks to Keith Pennings who again donated the use of a tent and to Dave Paul, Chouse Hartlaben and Mike Shulze for setting up the tent on Friday. Chris Savka did her usual great job of providing and preparing food with help from Barb Kaun, Mary Lou Mayville, Sharon LeFevre and others. Thanks to Dean Sprangers, Chouse and others for cleaning fish. Bill Baehr again demonstrated his masterful skills on the grill. In addition to the core CTO folks, we also had many new attendees, young and old, so thanks to everyone that showed up to help make it a fun day!

LAKE MICHIGAN FISHING- Bob Schuh

Fishing is fishing but sometimes the catching is the problem. On June 10, Challenge the Outdoors (CTO) had their annual Lake Michigan fishing trip. Five charter boats out of the port of Algoma took some 22 CTO members out that morning, but things were tough. Captain Barry and his first mate Madi worked hard to coax the fish into biting. They were not alone though, as only one fish was caught between the five boats. The 36 foot boat we were on, Shit Show, was very comfortable as we sat on the leather style seats at the table in the galley waiting for the bite that never came. Waters were just about flat calm so it was a very comfortable ride. Algoma water temps were very cold and the fish just didn’t start any kind of consistent bite this spring. With this warmer weather, things will change and Barry and Madi look forward to a good summer of trout and salmon fishing. We were treated to sub sandwiches, chips, and water when we were all back on land. Talk was about next year and how it will be better fishing. CTO offers its members a wide variety of outdoor adventures for persons with physical challenges. Check out ctoforme.org to see all the opportunities they offer to their members.

NON-EVENT INFORMATION ATTENTION THRIVENT MEMBERS! - Barb Kaun

In the past, Challenge the Outdoors, Inc. has been the recipient of your Thrivent Choice Dollars. Thrivent will pay up to $300,000 in online processing fees per calendar year for personal donations made through Thrivent's online giving platform. Visit the following link: https://service.thrivent.com/apps/ThriventChoiceMemberWeb/public/organizationSearchResults or call 1-800-847- 4836 to get personal assistance in donating your Choice dollars to benefit our current programs and help in future projects. Please consider CTO as the recipient of those donations.

MEMBER PARTICIPATION/CANCELLATION POLICY (implemented JUNE 2011) An event chairperson(s) may bar a CTO member for one (1) year from participating in the same event, if the member signs up for an event and fails to attend the event without giving prior notice given to the event chairperson(s) that she/he will not be attending. There shall be exceptions given for sickness, injury, equipment failure, or a death. The event chairperson(s) will have final authority to say if a one (1) year ban from the following year’s event is warranted depending on the circumstances surrounding the absence and impact on the event. This policy was implemented because occasionally, people unable to attend events did not notify CTO or event chairpersons, causing spaces to go unfilled. Please notify the chairperson as far in advance as possible if you can’t attend an event you’ve signed up for. We just want to ensure that as many people as possible can attend events. Thanks!

CTO ONGOING PROGRAMS - CTO has several programs designed to supplement the cost of outdoor activities and encourage disabled members to get out and have some fun. To be eligible for these programs, you must be a member for at least one year (except awards). See the website for further additional information and application forms. Otherwise, please contact the chairperson if you have questions. These include:

1) Shooting Policy – Designed to encourage participation in shooting sports, allows up to $50.00 per year toward membership in sporting/gun club(s). Original receipts must be submitted for reimbursement. Contact – Jim Adamovich

2) Adaptive Equipment – Supplements the cost of disability-related equipment necessary for a disabled member to take part in a hunting or fishing activity. Original receipts must be submitted for reimbursement, which is half the cost of the item up to a maximum of $100 annually. Contact – Pat Nieuwenhuis.

3) Field Grants – Supplements the cost of guided or otherwise expensive hunting or fishing trips up to a maximum of $200 per year, with a maximum of three in a lifetime. Applications should be submitted two months before the event and receipts for reimbursement are required. Contact – Pat Nieuwenhuis

4) Awards Program - Each year at its annual banquet in July, CTO awards prizes for the biggest deer, turkey and fish of different species that are harvested at, or outside of, CTO events. These and other awards hopefully encourage members to get out and hunt and fish whenever they have a chance. If you’d like to register an animal for consideration in the awards program, please contact CTO’s awards coordinator, Sharon LeFevre at 920-615-2356 or email at bookmom53@gmail.com. Time frame to submit an entry for an award is from July 1, 2021 thru June 30, 2022.

FOR SALE – Wheelchair Accessible Van, 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Loaded by A&J Mobility. Power fold ramp on right side and power sliding door. Power kneeling system. Easy-out front seat. 64,000 miles. Asking $27,500. Call Judie at 920-938-0080.

NEWSLETTER - David Paul The Challenge the Outdoors Newsletter is published every two months at the beginning of January, March, May, July, September and November. Questions, please contact David Paul at dcp7576@gmail.com