MAY, 2012
C h a l l e n g e T h e O u t d o o r s , I n c .
A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO SERVING THE RECREATIONAL NEEDS AND DESIRES OF THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED SPORTSPERSON
Reflections of the President—Steve Lang
As the calendar turns to summer, and the days grow longer with the trees and flowers blooming, I would like to encourage everyone to get out and take advantage of it. I know that many of you can have a hard time in cold, sub-zero weather, so let’s all enjoy the advantages that summer s going to bring all of us.
In the coming months, not only is CTO going to be having a number of annual fishing events, a Timber Rattlers baseball game event, and more, but some will have enjoyed a spring turkey hunt as well. This is in addition to whatever you are also doing on your own. Don’t forget to let us know what adventures you’ve been on.
We love to hear, and see pictures, about them. You can contact us by email, Facebook and even phone. Who knows, maybe one your adventures may even be talked about at our annual membership banquet as part of our “awards program.” Speaking of the awards program, don’t forget to send in your stories of your adventure (or misadventures) and pictures of either the fish you caught or the turkey/deer you shot. PLUS…there’s an added treat this year thanks to HT Enterprises. For everyone that enters and doesn’t win a category, your name will be put into a 2nd chance drawing. Basically, we WANT to hear and see your adventures!!!!
Let’s see and hear about what our members are doing enjoying this year. Tell us about it J
14th ANNUAL SPORTING CLAY BENEFIT
April 14, 2012 J&H Game Farm, Navarino
The weather was awesome, the attendance was great, and everyone had a good time raising funds for Challenge the Outdoors to continue providing outdoor experiences for the physically challenged. We had a total of 402 first time shooters, 84 second rounds (includes some third rounds).
There was a special raffle of a gun donated by Shadows on the Wolf in memory of Larry Zander who was one of the charter members and instrumental in the formation and running of the Sporting Clay Fundraisers. (Larry passed away shortly after the event last year and is greatly missed by all.) There were also bucket raffles and many items on the main raffle.
A special thank you goes out to J&H (Jim, Joanne, Steve & Diane), for without their fantastic help in all ways we would not be able to have such a great day. Also thanks to all our member volunteers and also the non-members (far to many to mention the names but you know who you are). Also appreciated were the many physically challenged people that were there participating in the shooting and also there to thank the participants and spend some time visiting with them.
2012 CTO Pontoon Boat Season on Shawano Lake
The CTO Pontoon Boat, the “Challenger” will be put in the water by May 1st, 2012 for the summer sea- son. The location and procedures will be the same as the last two years. (See our WEB site for the Challenger Operations Manual; click on the Fishing Button) The only change will be that the outdoor privy will not be available. (We are trying to save some money for more important uses!)
Once again, Gary Thyes will manage the Challenger including reservations, boat use training and is also available to drive the boat for lake tours if you ask him nicely. Gary can be reached at either 715- 584-7700 or email him at garythyes@yahoo.com Reservations will normally be made in half day increments on weekends to give more members a chance to use the Challenger.
2012 SHAWANO LAKE FISHERY SATURDAY JUNE 2, 2012
Many residents and fishermen know we are on Shawano Lake this one time each year. We make quite a presence at the park and boat landing in Cecil. And—being there is what it’s all about. Outdoor folks sharing what we want most. Camaraderie and good will. In the past we’ve had various weather conditions. But we’ve never had a bad day. Sure we want to catch fish and we do. Folks sitting around en- joying a good meal and telling stories, mostly about fishing and the big one that got away is always a joy to hear. (By the way—it’s OK to tell tall tales on this day as long as it’s about fishing.)
There is a Registration Form on Page 7 that must be completed and returned by May 25th so we can be sure of enough pontoon boats for all to fish. Drive to Cecil, turn right at the lake and we are at the park and boat landing a few blocks down. Try your best to be there before 8:oo a.m., have a sweet roll or donut & coffee,
Bait will be furnished. Call Jeff at 920-366-5731 or e-mail at jcpagels@att.net if you have questions
P.S. Don’t forget the Awards—be sure to have your big fish measured!
SIGN UP FOR OUR 4th ANNUAL LAKE MICHIGAN FISHING EVENT (THE SOON THE BETTER)
We will have our 2012 Lake Michigan Fishing Event on Friday, July 6 this year. I have room for about 35-37 disabled fishing people going out of Algoma's Harbor at 4:00 a.m. and Two Rivers' Harbor at 4:30 a.m. We will be fishing for Salmon and Trout till about 10:00-10:30 a.m. and then a breakfast/lunch after everyone is off the Lake and the fish are cleaned. The Captain is the boss on his boat, and he and his first mate are the helpers on each boat. This is a disabled fishing only event. If a person needs a personal helper, we will put him on the boat with you. When not helping you, that person might have to help the other people on the boat. Not working with the fishing gear but personal help.
This year will be our fourth year of fun. We do share the fish, because some boats might not get any, and other boats might get their limits. It all depends on the fish and the weather and where you are fishing.
We have wonderful captains and first mates, and you can ask them any questions that you might have.
Please call me or e-mail me to make a reservation. If you see me at another event and want to go, give me a piece of paper with your information on it so I don't forget you want to register. I have a short memory and I don't want to forget you. I will notify everyone by email or phone if they are on a boat or a waiting list. I need all phone numbers that I can reach you at. The places on the boats are on a first come first serve basis, and then we will start a waiting list. I would say the sooner you put in your reservation the more likely you will be on a boat going fishing. I have a list of information that I give you and a map on how to get to your harbor. If you have any other questions or want to make sure I got your reservation, e-mail me or call me.
My e-mail address is: palj22@att.net and my phone number is 920-336-1934 with an answering machine if I am gone, and I do have a cell number at 920-619-5154 as my backup phone.
Information I need is: Name (print it out), full address (city and state and Zip code), phone number including the area code REGULAR AND CELL PHONES. Please let me know if you are in a wheelchair or what you use to get around, and if you have to have a personal helper. If you fished with us before, I have all your information. I need this to tell me what boat you will be on.
We will be having a meal after we get off the water. Make sure to measure your biggest of salmon, trout, and even rough fish because we have an award system. Then also take a picture all of you with your fish and captain and first mate if possible. The food is all set up; so, if your boat comes in early and the fish are cleaned, the captain will help you get over to the restaurant.
We do have a special menu that the restaurants have made for us, and the great meals are included with a non-alcoholic beverage. If you have a problem when you are on shore, check with the person in charge or call out to the boats, my number is 920-619-5154.
Here’s to “big fish" and "good weather".
Judy and Wayne Paluch 920-336-1934
920-619-5154 cell phone
Reminder, First Annual Green Bay Walleye Hunt is Set!
Challenge the Outdoors is pleased to announce another partnership event with members of the Green Bay Fire Department! Our first annual Walleye Hunt, (patterned after the successful Musky Hunt) will be held Thursday, June 7th on the Bay of Green Bay somewhere within 15 miles of the City of Green Bay. Since first announced on February 29th, 21 CTO members have signed up by using social media other than our CTO newsletter. The deadline was April 1st, 2012.
In a similar fashion, we will pair up disabled fishers with a volunteer and his boat for about a ½ day of mostly trolling for walleye. At this time of year, fish in the 10-pound category are not uncommon as well as plenty of eater fish in the 15-17 inch range. So, whether you are looking for a wall mount or some delicious eating, this event is for you. All gear will be provided including a brat fry after fishing. Bring a cooler if you want to take some eating size fish home.
The exact landing location will be announced as we get closer to the event as the fish move around and our guides want to key in on the nearest landing to the good fishing. One thing for sure is that it will be within 15 miles of the City of Green Bay
Sign up Deadline was Sunday, April 1st but if you really want to go, I am keeping a back up list in case some of the original 21 participants have to drop out. If you want to be on the back up list please call or email Jeff Pagels who is the CTO Event Coordinator for this opportunity. Jeff can be reached at 920-366-5731 or jcpagels@att.net
How do you read this newsletter?
For the January issue of the CTO newsletter, 64 members read the news letter on line, which cost CTO nothing. At the same time, more than 319 members were mailed a hard copy of the newsletter which cost $.78 a copy for a total expense to CTO of more than $300. We are not even sure all of those newsletters are read. CTO publishes a newsletter 6 times per year which results in processing costs exceeding $2,000 annually. This cost does not include the many, many volunteer hours spent copying, collating, sealing and stamping the hard copy newsletters.
Needless to say, the $2,000 annual expense could be money better spent elsewhere in the organiza- tion. If you own a computer and receive a mailed hard copy version of the newsletter, please consider changing to getting your copy via email. We do not want to deprive anyone the opportunity to read the newsletter, but at the same time, it is much easier on both ends to get the newsletter via email.
Just send an email to Jean Chapman, chapjean1@yahoo.com asking that you be placed on the elec- tronic subscription list. We do not sell or give away our list of names, but if that thought bothers you, you can still read the newsletters anytime on line at our WEB site. Still email Jean to let her know you are reading the newsletter on our WEB site and don’t need the hard copy. Every penny saved here can be used elsewhere to help us help others enjoy the Great Outdoors. Thank You!!6
CTO is Catching Rainbows
SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
This May, Challenge the Outdoors will be spending a beautiful spring day fishing Wilderness Springs Trout Farm. The farm is located west of New London on HWY 54 for about 3 miles, then right on Madden Road for about 2miles. The fish farm is on the right. (Zander Pond is off limits to anyone but Zander family members, so please respect their wishes.)
To catch rainbows, no fishing license required. Fishing poles, bait, cleaning, and packing on ice will be provided. Bring a cooler to transport your catch back home. You may bring your own poles and secret lures if you like, but no live bait! This year we are going to be roughing it without the use of heat or electricity. Please bring a dish to pass that we don’t have to heat up and your own beverages.
Fishing rules:
#1 CTO members, able or disabled, may catch a maximum of 3 trout.
#2 No catch and release. If you want to catch more trout, you will have to pay the going rate for them to the fish pond owners.
#3 No live bait.
If you have any questions, please contact Cliff Pheifer at (715) 256 1401 or e-mail at: deb57ncliff55@gmail.com
Awards Program Adds a New Category
The CTO Annual Awards program has added a new category to the many now offered. The new category, titled “Second Chance” will be awarded at random to one of the entries that did not win another award. For example, if you entered your buck deer with a smaller rack or you enter a 2-inch perch and they do not win the “biggest” category, your name goes into the drawing for the “Second Chance” award.
After all the awards are given out at the banquet, a drawing will be held to determine at random who wins the “Second Chance” award which will consist of a package of fishing and hunting prizes in- cluding lures, an ice fishing tip up, ammo storage belt and more.
So, remember, even small fish can win an award because a disabled member can win only one cate- gory. That means now, that even a two inch perch has more than one chance to win something.
There are 7 months left in this year’s contest including the upcoming ice fishing season, the regular spring season and the annual Shawano Lake Fisheree. Take the little bit of extra time to enter your fish or animal with Jeff Pagels at jcpagels@att.net ; include a photo of your entry.
Ready for some Rattlers baseball?
Timber Rattlers vs. Cedar Rapids Kernels
When: Friday, August 10
Time: Meet outside the stadium at 5:00 p.m. Please try to be on time!
Where: Fox Cities Stadium 2400 N. Casaloma, Appleton, WI
We will be eating in the 1st base picnic pavilion again this year. The Rattlers staff will setup tables that are accessible for people in wheelchairs or scooters. Admission includes game ticket and an all-you-can-eat buffet (brats, hamburgers, potato salad, cookies, etc.) along with two beverages. The buffet will be served at 5:30 p.m. and will last until game time at 7:00 p.m. The Rattlers staff has scheduled this date to be a giveaway & fireworks night.
CTO will buy the tickets for its members, but the $5 parking fee is your responsibility. This event is open and free to all members. Guests are welcome, but will be responsible for buying their own tickets. Tickets cost $18.50 for adults/$14.50 for children 10 & under. The deadline to reserve your ticket(s) is July 23, so reserve your ticket(s)
ASAP or you may miss out on a fun event! To reserve a ticket(s) contact Jim “Lefty” Luedke at: (920) 394-9388 or e-mail lefty081577@yahoo.com
8th ANNUAL KIDS FISHING & FUN DAY MAY 23rd
WOW, it’s been 8 years since we started this great event! Time flies when we’re having fun! We’ve been to Navarino, Zander’s pond, Seymour, Green Bay and the last 2 years at Memorial Park in Appleton.
This years event takes place on May 23, 2012 at Memorial Park in Appleton. We’ll be arriving at 8 a.m. and the kids from Seymour Highs special needs classes will be coming to the park at 9 a.m. The kids and teachers are always excited for this great opportunity to catch some fish and create great memories that last the whole year! For many of the kids it will be their only fishing opportunity for the year. We try to match up kids and mentors 1 on 1. We catch carp, bluegill, perch, & crappie all of which are released per park policy. There is a Universal Playground at the park as well and it’s a big hit.
CTO provides all bait, tackle & gear and a fine picnic lunch after. For the past few years Janis Vanden Heuvel has given CTO a very generous donation designated specifically for this event. We thank Janis for her kindness and generosity! We will be counting on our fine group of volunteers to make it a great event again this year too! If you are interested in helping out please call Mark Baehr at: (920) 766-9218 or email him at: Baehrm@sbcglobal.net
Highlights of Board of Directors Meetings
February 2012
· The founder of Sail Any Way gave a presentation about this nonprofit corporation. Their goal is to give everyone an opportunity to sail. For more information visit their website at sailanyway.org. CTO Associate Director Brian Hess will also answer questions.
· A total of 67 schools received the Challenge The Outdoors Incorporated Memorial Scholarship application.
March 2012
· The Board agreed to order 144 screen printed T-shirts of a variety colors and sizes. These T-shirts will be sold to whoever would like one.
· The Pheasant Hunt and the Green Bay Gamblers Hockey Game were both fun and successful events.
REMINDER
Please check for a date on the mailing label of this newsletter. This date indicates when your dues are to be paid. Just complete the form on the last page and return with your payment.
Also—if you have a change of address and/or phone number please let us know. This will as- sure that you receive your newsletter on time.
Challenge The Outdoors Shooting Opportunities
Sporting Clays:
If you are a disabled sportsperson and would like to try your hand at shooting Sporting Clays do we have a deal for you! Every second Tuesday of the month at 11:00 am shooters meet up at J&H Game Farm in Navarino, WI. What you will need to bring is a shotgun, Ear and Eye protection. CTO will provide ammunition and the cost of shooting one round of sporting clays. Due to the extra cost of some shells we are currently only providing 12 and 20 Gauge shells. If you shoot a different Gauge you will be asked to provide your own ammunition. Note: When we shoot Sporting Clays at J&H. most of us come early (around 11:00 am) and enjoy a casual lunch at our own expense from the great J&H menu. We start gathering our equipment and loading up around 12:45 to 1:00 pm for a great afternoon of shooting. It takes each group of shooters about 2 1/2 to 3 hours to finish the course. In the summer months be sure to bring water and skeeter spray!!
Trap or Skeet Organized League Shooting Teams
If you think you might be interested in becoming a member of a shooting team or starting your own team and would like to apply for CTO funding for yourself or your team. Please contact or e-mail Keith Pamperin at (920) 494-3990 or kjpamperin@aol.com
PLEASE COME!!
Our Challenge the Outdoors, Inc Board of Directors meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. We welcome your presence and input.
May 15, 2012 Muehl Public Library Seymour, 7:00 p.m.
June 19, 2012 To Be Determined Call for Place, 7:00 p.m.
If you wish to attend one of our meetings call (920) 525-1123 for a possible change in location.
NEW MEMBERS MARCH-APRIL, 2012
SCOTT UNVERRICH FRED OPPERMAN
JOE/MARY JO ENGLAND BUD/TAMMY KRUEGER