WELCOME TO CHALLENGE THE OUTDOORS, INC.
MAY 2020 NEWSLETTER
www.ctoforme.org
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - Carl Gierke You may have heard that there's this thing called a pandemic going around. Yes, we're living through something right now that will be in the history books for a long time. Like all of you, Challenge the Outdoors has been faced with some difficult decisions lately. We all certainly look forward to warmer weather, getting out and seeing CTO folks and participating in events, but we have to think about the health and well-being of others these days. Most of our events involve fairly large groups of people and many members fall into a high-risk category for contracting coronavirus, which could complicate existing health issues as well. Ok, you can see where this is going.
For these reasons, CTO's board of directors has decided that the health and safety of our members must come first and have therefore canceled events scheduled for May and June. These include the turkey hunt, Lake Michigan fishing, Shawano Lake fishing and Chasing Rainbows. The Lake Michigan event may be rescheduled based on what direction the pandemic takes us, the others are doubtful. In addition, the monthly Tuesday shoot at J&H and the launching of the pontoon boat on Shawano Lake will be delayed at least until the governor's "safer at home" order is lifted, which presently is May 26th.
This will hopefully help minimize risk to our members and volunteers and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 during a time when there is no evidence of it letting up. It will also enable us to evaluate what direction the pandemic is going in late June, make some decisions on whether to hold scheduled events beyond then and inform you of those decisions in our next newsletter, which comes out in early July. You can also check our website and Facebook page prior to that, in case other news comes up.
For those of you concerned that the membership you paid, or will pay, is wasted, please continue to update your membership and don't worry. When things become clearer, we'll certainly make things right with our members, based on the events that did or didn't happen.
I apologize for any inconvenience these decisions may have caused, but we at CTO feel it is the most responsible decision we could make. Hopefully we'll all be out fishing, hunting and swapping stories again soon. Meanwhile, it is very, very important that you do your part to keep yourself and those around you safe and healthy so we'll have a chance to get together again when better days return. See you then!!
BOUNDER PLUS WHEELCHAIR AVAILABLE - Carl Gierke CTO has received several generous donations over the past few months that were to be re-donated to CTO members. One of these is a Bounder Plus motorized wheelchair donated by Mr. Rob Jackels of Kaukauna. Rob would like a CTO member to receive this very nice chair free of charge. CTO has purchased new batteries and will deliver it to the lucky winner. Applicants will be evaluated based primarily on physical and financial need and the winner will be announced at our Annual Banquet in July, or on that date if the banquet is not held. If you are interested in this wheelchair, please contact Gary VandenHeuvel at 920-205-2758 or glvanden15@hotmail.com
NEWSLETTER-DAVID PAUL The Challenge the Outdoors Newsletter is published at the beginning of January, March, May, July, September and November. Members can choose to receive it via email, which is preferred, or regular mail. If you know of a member that is not receiving the newsletter, please contact David Paul at 920-740-2775 or dcp7576@gmail.com.
CTO PONTOON BOAT – David Paul 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 10th 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. If you’ve never used the pontoon boat, you’ll also need to take a short orientation course from Dave.
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. You must request the use of the pontoon before using it from David Paul, 920-740-2775. 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) Make sure you 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.
E) When returning to dock (slip #22): 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
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES – Carl Gierke If you’re looking for places to fish this year, consider that Shadows on the Wolf has constructed several handicapped-accessible fishing piers in Outagamie County and one in Shawano County. These include Mac’s Landing (north of Hortonville on Cty Hwy M), Barker Park (south of Shiocton on Old Hwy 54), Koepke Park (north of Shiocton on Koepke Rd), Village of Shiocton Municipal Building (in Shiocton), Bamboo Bend Park (west of Shiocton on Hwy 54), Co. Hwy S Boat Landing (west of Stephensville), and Sturgeon Park (City of Shawano). If you’re interested, you can check them out and get directions on SOTW’s website (www.shadowsonthewolf.org).
WISCONSIN TIMBER RATTLERS BASEBALL GAME – Carl Gierke On Saturday, August 15th we are planning on getting 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. 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. Admission includes your game ticket and an all-you-can-eat dinner (brats and burgers), along with two beverages. After the game, kids can run the bases and there will also be fireworks. Please reserve your tickets ASAP, but no later than July 26th by contacting Carl Gierke by phone (920-986-3272) or e-mail (cgierke1@outlook.com).
18TH ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP AND AWARDS BANQUET- Deb Pheifer CTO’s annual banquet will be held Sunday July 19th, 2020 at Stadium View located at 1963 Holmgren Way, Green Bay Wisconsin. At this event we recognize donors, thank volunteers, present awards and have our yearly election for the Board of Directors. This is a wonderful time to thank the individuals who donate time and resources to our organization, meet new members and reconnect with old! Please submit any applications for awards to Deb Pheifer @ 715-412-4162. Further information on the banquet will follow!
SHOOT TIL YOU DROP- Jim Adamovich On Saturday, September 1st from 8am until 4pm, CTO will hold this event at J&H Game Farm located off of HWY 156 just west of Navarino. Disabled shooters and volunteers assisting disabled shooters can choose from sporting clays, wobble flurry, skeet and 5-stand shooting. CTO picks up the cost of the targets and ammunition for this day-long event. Food will be made by J&H; however, participants are asked to bring a dish to pass for lunch. Call Jim Adamovich to sign up at 920-722-2090.
OCTOBER SPECIAL DISABLED DEER HUNT- Pat Nieuwenhuis This year’s hunt will begin on Saturday, October 3rd and ends on October 11th. Sign up for the deer hunt starts on July 1st and ends on August 31st. You must contact Pat Nieuwenhuis at 920-687- 8707 to sign up. Please watch your next newsletter for additional information and the exact times.
ARCHERY DEER HUNT - Keith Hartjes This event will be held September 18–20, 2020. This event is very popular so members that haven’t previously attended will be given priority. Overnight accommodations will be at Christus Church Camp N11605 Boy Scout Ln. Clintonville WI 54929. Main meal will be provided by myself and CTO. Blinds will be set, mentors will be provided for tracking, transportation etc. One deer per person. Archery license is required. Contact Keith Hartjes 920-540-3416 after June 1, 2020.
TUESDAY SHOOTS AT J&H GAME FARM You may have noticed the monthly Tuesday Shoots on the CTO calendar. These sporting clay shoots are held the second Tuesday of every month and are open to all CTO members. All you need to do is show up (Preregistration is not necessary) and tell Diane, or someone at the desk at J&H, that you are with CTO and CTO will take care of the cost of your shooting and shells. Shooting is held rain or shine and there are no rain dates. We encourage you to show up about 10AM to shoot with other CTO folks and share your knowledge of shooting, provide help to anyone that may need it and maybe have a little competitive fun. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Adamovich. Hope to see you out there!
CTO 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.
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 (except awards), you must be a member for at least one year. See the website for further additional information and application forms. Otherwise, please contact the event 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 our 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, Deb Pheifer at 715-412-4162 or email at deb57ncliff55@gmail.com. Time frame to submit an entry for an award is from July 1, 2019 thru June 30, 2020.
DNR WEBSITE FOR THE DISABLED SPORTSPERSON- Barb Kaun As we enter 2020, you may find this website helpful so that you are prepared for fishing and hunting opportunities by reviewing the DNR's requirements for permits and licenses at https://dnr.wi.gov/permits/disabled.html
TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION- Sharon LeFevre
*CTO’s Website address: www.ctoforme.org
*Facebook is: CTO - Challenge The Outdoors (this is a public group). Please note that you need to access this Facebook group page through Facebook and search for our name. *Facebook group page for CTO is https://www.facebook.com/groups/challengetheoutdoors/ -If you have questions regarding any of the above, you can contact Sharon at 920-615-2356 or www.bookmom53@gmail.com
NEW MEMBERS- Please welcome the following new members to CTO: Carol, Austin, Katrina, Abbigail, Gabriel, and Elizabeth Erickson, John Sticka, Bradley, Jodi, and Kurt Wendler and Jonathon Mizo.
We wish to recognize and thank the following partners for their generous donations which helped make CTO’s Sporting Clays Fundraiser Raffle a success!!
NWTF Wolf River Toms Waverly Masonic Lodge No. 51 Shadows on the Wolf, Shiocton David Paul, CTO Member Shiocton Business League Shiocton Sportsman Club Family & Friends of Cliff Pheifer ACCEDE, LLC Mediation Services Trigger Action Sports, Little Chute Wolf River Asphalt, Shiocton Toy Box Charters, Chilton Mike Schulze, CTO Member Country Inn & Suites, Little Chute Reel Shot, Appleton Festival Foods, Oshkosh Advance Whitetail Hunting, LLC Irish Acres Alpaca Real Deal G2 Spectrum Hunting Products Buck It Ready, LLC Healthy Rack Deer.com Buffalo Wild Wings, Appleton River Rail, Shiocton Riverside Pump ‘n Munch, Shiocton First Gear Starla’s Delights Advanced Archery, Hilbert Simons Cheese Specialty Haen Meat Packing, Inc., Kaukauna Mr. Al Adler The Meat Block, Greenville All Sports Trophy, Neenah Twin City Rod & Gun Club, Neenah Heat On Therapy Unison Credit Union, Kaukauna PDQ Car Wash, Appleton Badger Sports Park, Appleton Cinder’s Charcoal Grill, Appleton Gateway Chiropractic, Appleton Scheels, Appleton Piggly Wiggly, Little Chute Van Abels of Hollandtown Mohnen’s Restaurant, Darboy Wolf Moon Trout Dick’s Sporting Goods Wounded Warriors of Wisconsin Butch’s Pizza, Kimberly Gary Vanden Heuvel, CTO Member Ace Hardware, Appleton Sam’s Club, Appleton John Hammen, CTO Member John Green, CTO Member DG Bullett, Waupaca Grand Chute Lions Club Hortonville Lanes Lady-Bee’s Crafts Century 21, D. Christiansen Target Tom Narmore, CTO Member North Country Framing, Marinette Wisconsin Wildlife Federation 7-UP Bottling Company The support of these fine businesses and individuals helps fulfill the mission of Challenge the Outdoors, Inc. Please show your thanks by supporting them!
LAKE MICHIGAN SALMON FISHING- Keith Hartjes The Lake Michigan Salmon Fishing event for June 1, 2020 is canceled. I am working with the captains trying to reschedule for late July or early August. I will be in contact with people that are on the sign up list to talk about their interest in going when and if I get a new date. If you have any questions, please contact me at 920-540- 3416. Thank you all and stay safe, God Bless
FOR SALE- GARY VANDEN HEUVAL - Jazzy electric wheelchair, very good shape. Call Gary at 920-205-2758