Welcome to Challenge the Outdoors, Inc.
MAY 2023 NEWSLETTER
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – Carl Gierke
We’re often asked how things are going with the new clubhouse and fishing access at the Peter’s Pond property on the north side of Angelica. Steve Nooyen provided an outline of the game plan last fall in the newsletter and basically not much has changed other than the fact we are victims of price increases, like everyone else these days. Phase one of the project includes constructing the building and parking lot by this time and that’s pretty much finished, although landscaping needs to be completed before safe access is possible. Phase two, which is the main focus this year, involves landscaping and developing access to the fishing pond by installing trails and piers. Phase three, which will probably begin next year, involves developing the remainder of the property for whatever uses we decide – possible options include an archery range and/or field course, or wildlife habitat and trails.
As I mentioned, the cost of this project, like many things in our lives these days, has grown considerably from original estimates. CTO has been involved in many fundraisers to supplement future anticipated costs and we thank everyone who has been part of these fundraising efforts. However, we realize that efforts will have to continue, or even intensify, so if you have any suggestions on businesses, employers or individuals that may be willing to support our fundraising efforts, please let a board member know. We’re always happy to meet with people to spread the word about the events and activities CTO offers. Thank You to the many individuals, businesses, and organizations that already support our organization!
Lastly, I’d like to give a big Thank You to everyone that contributed to the success of our Sporting Clays Shoot Fundraiser on April 1st. There’s a recap article in this newsletter, but we sure appreciate the great help we get every year at this event, rain or shine. Although this year was more rain than shine, the many people that helped at so many levels did a great job, enabling us to fund the many activities we have coming up. With warmer weather on the horizon, I hope you’re able to get out and enjoy the many wonderful places and activities Wisconsin has to offer. Enjoy the summer – we hope to see you at a CTO event soon!
UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
SUNDAY/THURSDAY SPORTING CLAY SHOOT- Randy Swille/ Steve Harvey /Roger Urmanski The CTO Sunday/Thursday Sporting Clay Shoots are all scheduled for 2023. We have scheduled six Sporting Clay Shoots this year and CTO will cover the cost of up to four shoots for each member and their mentor. We hope to see many new faces along with our friends that have had fun shooting in the past. New hours at J&H will have us starting at 9:30AM with our get together lunch at around noon. The Sunday dates are as follows: May 7th, June 11th, August 20th (Shoot of Your Choice) The Thursday Shoots will be July 13th, September 14th and October 12th. If you would like to take part call Randy Swille at 920-373-8081 or Steve Harvey at 920-494-3143 to sign up for Sunday Shoots. Call Roger Urmanski at 920-468-8872 to sign up for Thursday Shoots.
WOLF RIVER FISHING OPPORTUNITIES- David Paul CTO would like to make you aware of several easy-access fishing opportunities in the area. Shadows on The Wolf is a non-profit organization that has built 12 piers on the Wolf River that are handicap accessible and provide access free of charge. At this time, the river is at flood stage like almost every river in the area, but hopefully that will change in the next week. To find the pier locations, check out their website at shadowsonthewolf.org Once you reach their website, click on projects, then click on the RED SQUARE BUTTON and it will take you to the locations with pictures and directions to drive to these piers.
SHAWANO LAKE FISHING – Carl Gierke On Saturday, June 3rd, CTO will hold its annual fishing event 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 baits are provided and CTO will have some fishing equipment available, although you’re welcome to bring your own equipment. We’ll start at 8:30 am and fish until about 11 am, when we’ll take a break for lunch. If you’d like, you can go out fishing again after lunch. You’ll need to reserve a spot by calling me (920-986-3272) no later than May 30th, so we know how many people to expect. Hope to see you there!
SHAWANO LAKE & PONTOON BOAT 2023 - David Paul As I am typing this I am gazing over open water filled with ducks, geese, swans, loons and a lake waiting for boating enthusiasts. The water level that caused so many issues last year has been temporarily resolved for this coming year and we shouldn’t have the challenges of getting wheelchairs on the boat. Yes, our pontoon boat is setup with a ramp so wheelchairs can safely board the pontoon. The docks have been installed at the Cecil Village Boat Launch and I will have the boat in the water around May 6th, weather permitting. 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 the 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 from roughly May 4th 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.
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) 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. 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.
CHASING RAINBOWS AT WILDERNESS SPRINGS TROUT POND – Carl Gierke On Saturday, June 17th and Saturday Aug 26th, 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. Watch for CTO signs. 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 and secret lures, although CTO will have some fishing equipment available. Food and drinks, cane poles, bait, cleaning and packaging on ice will all be provided. To sign up contact Carl Gierke (920-986-3272).
CHARTER FISHING EVENTS - Randy Swille Great news, CTO members we have some charter fishing events coming up. The bad news is if you went last year you will have the lowest chance of going because of a new rule the board passed last year, The way it will work; Waiting list from last year will have first priority. Those members that did not go last year will have second priority. Those members that went last year, and if there are any open placements, will be given third priority and will be drawn out of a pail. Call me or leave me a message if you would like to sign up and as to which fishing excursion you would like to go on and date. Randy Swille 920-373-801
Deadline for signing up for all events will be May 19th, space is limited. All participants will need a printed copy of their fishing license and those fishing on Lake Michigan will also need a printed Lake Trout Stamp which you must purchase.
#1. Lake Michigan Charter Fishing with Captain Lee Haasch. We have two boats with six fishing members in each. This will take place in Algoma on June 28th, 1:00 to 6:00 PM. Lunch is on your own.
#2 Is for Walleye and Jumbo Perch in the bay of Green Bay. Captain Butch Rabetski will be taking out three members on July 14th for a seven-hour trip starting at 7AM until 2PM. A box lunch will be provided.
#3 Is for Walleye and Jumbo Perch in the bay of Green Bay. Captain Butch Rabetski will be taking out three members on July 28th for a 7 hour trip starting at 7AM until 2PM. A box lunch will be provided.
#4 Based on interest we may have another charter. It could be another Lake Michigan trip, a Bay of Green Bay trip or a Lake Winnebago trip if there's interest. Randy Swille 920-373-8081
ROCKERS BASEBALL GAME - Steve Harvey/Sharon LeFevre/Randy Swille CTO will host a Rockers Baseball Game on June -26th in Green Bay at Capital Park on Holmgren Way. Gates open at 5 pm for the game, but we ask that you arrive by 4:50 to get your tickets and get to the seating area with the group. We have 30 seats available, so please call to register early for the game. Food and refreshments are included. This is a new event and you must call for tickets by June 16th (Steve Harvey 920-494-3143 or Sharon LeFevre 920-615-2356).
ROCKERS BASEBALL FUNDRAISER – Steve Harvey On Monday, June 12th, we have an opportunity to raise some funds to help pay for our Rockers baseball game, which will be held on Monday, June 26 at the Green Bay Rockers Ball Park. On June 12th we will be asking anyone that would like to go to a Green Bay Rocker Baseball game to purchase their tickets through the Rockers website or through the QR code and click on CTO. The tickets are $15 and you also get a free hat. Also, $4.00 of the ticket cost goes directly to our organization. Feel free to spread the news and share the poster and QR code with other friends and businesses to purchase a ticket and enjoy the game while helping CTO with their expenditures.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP BANQUET - Sharon LeFevre Our banquet is set for Sunday, July 9th at Stadium View in Green Bay. It starts at 3pm and we will have our annual election for board members with a small meeting to begin with and then dinner will follow at 5pm. Please look for your invitation in May and respond accordingly for reservations. The deadline to register will be June 25th. Call Sharon LeFevre at 920-615-2356 or text or e-mail at bookmom53@gmail.com to register. If you are interested in helping with the event that day please let me know. We can always use volunteers. We will also have recognition awards at the banquet for one able-bodied volunteer and one disabled volunteer. Please send your nomination to Sharon LeFevre at bookmom53@gmail.com or call or text to 920-615-2356 by June 25th. Thanks and hope to see you all there.
BOARD OF DIRECTOR ELECTION TIME- Sharon LeFevre It’s time again for the annual elections to the Board of Directors. We have two members up for re-election this year as follows: Keith Pamperin and Sharon LeFevre. We are also looking for new directors to join us. If this is something you are interested in, please call or text me at 920-615-2356 or email me at bookmom53@gmail.com by the 5th of May so we can talk and get your bio. All directors have a three-year term.
SEPTEMBER 2023 BEAR HUNT OPPORTUNITY - Carl Gierke Joe Kalmon of Wisconsin Black Bear Guide Service is offering a guided bear hunt this fall near Mellen, Wisconsin (Mellen is about 25 miles southeast of Ashland). The hunt is being offered to a disabled CTO member that does not use a wheelchair, due to the fact that he has only one wheelchair-accessible blind and that has already been awarded to a hunter outside our organization. Basically, baited stands would be provided for the hunter, who would need to acquire his/her own bear tag for Zone A at least 30 days before the season opener. The season runs from Wednesday, September 13th through the 26th, however Joe is recommending a hunt from the 13th through the 17th. A cookout is held on Tuesday evening before the opener with the other hunters in camp, however all other meals and lodging are the responsibility of the hunter. A bear tag for Zone A has been donated to CTO, which will be transferred after the hunter is determined. The lucky hunter will be selected by drawing if there is more than one applicant. If you’d like to be considered for this hunt, please contact me asap, but no later than June 1st.
ALTERNATIVE DEER HUNTING OPPORTUNITY- David Paul Please look over this Deer Hunting opportunity for this coming year and all details below. I am passing this on to our members to consider this opportunity as an alternative to the CTO deer hunt that we sponsor. It is important to note that you may NOT participate in the CTO HUNT and THIS HUNT. You must CHOOSE one or the other. The CTO Deer Hunt sign up does not start until July 1st and ends at the end of August. Signing up for this hunt,(WRPCO) is your responsibility as I am just passing this information on to our members.
Dear Partners, WRPCO has begun the planning phases and is proud to host its annual three day deer hunt, for hunters with disabilities, this October 2023. The corporate leadership team continues to support this special event and currently we are in a good place with regard to the COVID-19 Pandemic and associated restrictions/recommendations. The WRPCO hunt takes place in our Petenwell Wildlife Area located on the Wisconsin River between the Petenwell and Castle Rock hydroelectric project reservoirs near Necedah in Central Wisconsin. This year the hunt is planned for October 13-15. Interested hunters with a Wisconsin Class A, B, C or D disability permit affiliated with your organization is welcome and encouraged to apply (click on application link below) on our website wisconsinriverpower.com.
LAND NEEDED FOR THE DEER HUNT - David Paul If you know of any land that we could enroll in the deer hunt please contact me. The land doesn’t need to be in or near the traditional area we have hunted in the past, so think of a family member or family friend who might consider putting their land in our program. I can answer most questions you might have regarding this. Contact -David Paul 920-740-2775
RECAP OF RECENT EVENTS
SPRING PHEASANT HUNT- Carl Gierke On Sunday, March 5th, a combination of helpful volunteers and CTO hunters eager to bag a pheasant or two met at J&H game farm near Navarino for our spring pheasant hunt. Hunters headed out in groups of two accompanied by dog handlers and UTV drivers. Each hunter had a chance to shoot at least two birds and take two cleaned pheasants home. After hunting, we enjoyed a great meal prepared by the fine folks at J&H and got to share a few stories about the day’s hits and misses. Some highlights of the day included the excellent work of dogs owned by Roger Hanson and Gary Fontaine. Many thanks to them, John Krumrey and Matt Ernst for helping and bringing their UTVs and to the many CTO volunteers as well. Also, thanks to Diane, Steve, JoAnn and everyone at J&H for the great food and making sure everything ran smoothly.
BLIZZARD GAME INDOOR FOOTBALL -Steve Harvey, Sharon LeFevre
Would like to thank 30 members that attended the game when the weather was not very nice. All had an action packed game to watch and cheer them on to a victory with some food.
SPORTING CLAYS FUNDRAISER – Carl Gierke On Saturday, April 1st, CTO hosted its 25th annual Sporting Clays Shoot/ Fundraiser at J&H game farm near Navarino. This shoot is CTO’s biggest fundraiser of the year and helps fund the many events we offer to our members. The weatherman didn’t exactly cooperate this year, as several inches of snow were forecast for Friday night and Saturday morning. Fortunately, only a couple inches of snow fell. Unfortunately, the forecast and the fact that it snowed up until about 10am probably kept many people from attending. However, the weather didn’t dampen the spirits of workers and shooters that attended, as we had about 220 shooters and everything went smoothly. Attendees had a chance to get in on bucket raffles, Lewis class prizes, free food, and the general raffle that included major prizes like $500 cash and several guns. Almost all of the raffle prizes were donated by generous business owners and individuals and we thank you so much for your kindness and willingness to support CTO and its members.
Many thanks to everyone that pitched in to make the shoot a great success – whether you helped sell raffle tickets, collected or donated prizes or food, worked at one of the many stations the day of the event, set up or cleaned up, came to shoot, or helped advertise the shoot – you played an important role in a successful team effort. Special thanks go out to Barb and Fred Kaun, who managed much of the planning and paperwork for the fundraiser, Chris Savka who oversaw the purchase and preparation of the food, and Anne Atnip and Debi Delie who served on the fundraiser committee. We’re planning on doing it all again next year on April 13th 2023, so put it on your social calendar and pray for good weather. This would be a week later than usual, but avoids spring break weekend for many people. If you have any ideas on improving our fundraiser or have items in mind to donate for next year, please let me or the other fundraiser committee members know (Barb, Fred, Chris, Debi, Anne). Thanks again for all your help!
ICE FISHING OPPORTUNITY- Keith Hartjes On Feb. 20th 2023 Alex Wegner, Alan Wegner and myself packed up and drove to Red Cliff, WI we met Todd Stroeing at the Legendary Resort and Casino. We met our guide on Tues morning at 6:15am and loaded up the snowmobiles and headed out. We went out 5 miles by the Apostle Island for a day of ice fishing. We all had a great time started at 35 ft of water and then moved 20 yds and were in 70 ft of water. We caught a mix of nice fish such as White fish, Herring, Brown Trout, Lake Trout .
We ate a fresh Brown Trout on the Smokey Joe Grill Alex brought along. We spent the night and drove back home on Wednesday and never hit bad roads until we arrived in Green Bay. All in all, it was a fun time and we have 2024 and 2025 already booked to go back. Thank you to CTO for the field grant to help make this a little more affordable.
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.
PERMITS FOR DISABLED HUNTERS Qualified disabled persons may obtain a permit to hunt from a stationary vehicle.
Visually handicapped persons may be able to obtain a permit to use a laser sighting device while hunting with a firearm, bow or crossbow. An authorized health care provider must complete and sign the Hunting or Trolling Disability Permit Authorizations Application form 9400-604 [PDF]. To obtain a form, visit dnr.wi.gov and search using the key words “disabled hunter permit” or contact the DNR Call Center at 888-936- 7463 for further information. Allow six weeks for the permit application to be processed.
DISABLED VETERAN RECREATION CARD Resident disabled veterans who are receiving disability compensation benefits due to a disability rating of at least 50% or greater for a service-related disability, or who are individually unemployable are eligible to receive the annual Disabled Veteran Recreation Card. Privileges include fishing, small game, state park admission and trail pass.
CROSSBOW HUNTING OPPORTUNITY – David Paul I want to share with our members an opportunity for individuals who are wheelchair bound or have a disability to participate in a Crossbow Deer Hunt in northern Wisconsin each fall. This event is not run by CTO but is offered by WHEELCHAIR WHITETAILS and you can read more about this great opportunity on their website, WHEELCHAIRWHITETAILS.ORG
I will highlight some of the important facts about this hunt and you will need to complete the application on their website. Once again, CTO has nothing to do with this hunt but many of our members have participated in the past. Feel free to share this information with friends who might be interested in this opportunity as this is open to anyone who meets their eligibility requirements.
PARTICIPANTS DO NOT HAVE TO BE WHEELCHAIR BOUND, BUT ARE GIVEN PREFERENCE FOR THE HUNT.
THERE IS NO COST TO ATTEND.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PURCHASING YOUR CROSSBOW LICENSE. A DISABLED HUNTING PERMIT IS NOT NEEDED.
CROSSBOWS ARE THE ONLY WEAPON THAT MAY BE USED. YOU MAY BRING YOUR OWN OR ONE WILL BE PROVIDED IF YOU DON’T OWN ONE.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ARRANGING TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE HUNT AND YOU MUST HAVE AN ASSISTANT WITH YOU. (SPOUSE, FRIEND, RELATIVE). ASSISTANTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO HUNT.
LODGING, MEALS AND TRANSPORTATION ARE PROVIDED ONCE YOU ARRIVE AT THE CAMP.
THE HUNT IS GUIDED ON PRIVATE, UNFENCED PROPERTY IN NORTHERN WISCONSIN WHERE 15 GROUND BLINDS ARE ESTABLISHED.
HUNTS START IN THE MIDDLE OF SEPTEMBER AND RUN UNTIL MID NOVEMBER.
PARTICIPANTS ARRIVE THURSDAY AT NOON AND STAY AT THE LODGE UNTIL NOON SATURDAY.
PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE ABOVE FOR ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE. YOU MUST APPLY ONLINE FOR THE HUNT.
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 – Carl Gierke
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 – Carl Gierke
3) Field Grants – Supplements the cost of 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 – Debi Delie
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.