Stalking Tranquility – Door County’s Hunting Tradition Alive and Well
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When you ask a seasoned hunter what he likes most about his sport, don’t assume the answer is bagging a 30-point buck. More than likely he will mention the tranquility of the woods, the closeness to nature.
Civilized man often works inside a building and travels inside a vehicle. Sometimes his only opportunity to commune with nature occurs when walking across a parking lot. In pursuing game, a hunter is engaged in a primal pursuit that dates back to man’s earliest history. For a season, he feels at one with the wilderness.
A notion persists that hunting is a sport occurring Up North, not in Door County, the land of tourism, orchards, and arts. But stalking game on the peninsula, though a low-profile quest, is alive and well.
Meet Five Door County Hunters
Ron Lang, a retired social studies teacher who lives near Ellison Bay, came duck hunting in Northern Door in 1964 and moved permanently to the area in 1977 to accept a teaching position at Gibraltar High School.
Retired field warden Joel McOlash resides near Rowleys Bay. His family has lived on the peninsula for 130 years; he spent 22 years with the DNR in Door County.
Mark Schartner hunts on a 300-acre Carlsville farm that has been in his family for generations. He raises crops and provides maintenance for a hotel in Fish Creek.
Artist Matt Stender was born in Southern Door, spent his early childhood in central Wisconsin, and returned to the county with his parents in eighth grade. He has a degree in natural resources.
Charter boat captain Paul Woerfel of Fish Creek was raised in Door County and grew up in a hunting family. He owns the Homestead Suites and, for 25 years, a private island on which he hunts ducks.
Hunting Traditions in Door County
Of all game seasons, the whitetail hunt is richest in tradition. Hunters of other game typically set out individually or in small groups, but for many sportsmen, a deer hunt becomes a social event, said McOlash.
“We participate as a family,” Stender said. “We all have breakfast opening morning. And we process the deer together. As I grew up, I realized, this is the meat we eat.”
“We get together before the season begins to play cards,” Schartner said. At one time his extended hunting family numbered about 17, “with uncles, cousins, and everyone, but now there’s about six of us.”
Lang remembers hunting as “all family, shirt-tail relatives and in-laws.”
For some, hunting means deer camp, “a place where you don’t worry about manners and etiquette,” Woerfel laughed, “where you can fart and belch!” Some men own cabins in Door County that are passed from one generation to the next.
Hunters traditionally have assembled in “gangs”: Daubners, Jungwirths, Voights, Olsons, Dahlstroms, Letties, Andersons, Bridenhagens, Kitas, Anshutzes, and Kwaterskis are all local hunting families. The groups did not have exclusive membership, but rather merged in different combinations from time to time.
While camaraderie is an important part of the hunt, so are the tales told. “For my family,” Woerfel said, “it was never about the killing as much as about getting together and the storytelling.”
One tale is told of former sheriff, the late Hollis “Baldy” Bridenhagen, whose hunting arsenal included firecrackers. His son Keith Bridenhagen remembered that his father would pull students from classes at Gibraltar High School to spook deer out of the woods for waiting hunters.
And Bridenhagen recalls one time when he was with his father and other hunters crossing private property only to be confronted by an angry landowner: “I’m going to call the sheriff if you don’t get off my land!”
“I am the sheriff!” Baldy retorted.
“Those were different times,” Bridenhagen laughed. “Hunting season was his Holy Grail. Some of my fondest memories are the times I spent with my dad.”
Perhaps the most important social aspect of hunting is a boy’s rite-of-passage experience shooting his first deer. Schartner remembers the event well; he bagged an eight-point buck on his 13th birthday near a cabin his grandfather owned. “Everyone said I’d hoot and holler,” he said, “and I was excited and tried not to, but I only lasted a couple of minutes. Then I yelled to get my dad to come over and help me!”
And he proudly remembers the experience with his young son Adam, now 25. “I sent him alone to his stand, and when I walked to mine, I chased out a little three-point buck, and he shot it!”
A hunting passion “goes back to the experience you had growing up,” Woerfel notes. “My father went to Chambers Island with my older brother Craig, and I started hunting with them, staying in the cabin in rough weather, a dock loaded with deer.” Although some people thought them “crazy,” as a boy he understood hunting.
While hunting traditionally has been a man’s sport, women also participate. In the past some women helped with drives, a hunting technique in which a line of “drivers” walks across a piece of wooded land moving deer into the open where hunters “post” awaiting them.
Stender teaches hunter education and finds “a larger percentage of women and girls now take the classes.” Schartner’s 15-year-old niece Lauren already has shot three bucks. Some wives hunt deer with their husbands; both Annee Lang and Janet McOlash have.
Many hunters extend the camaraderie beyond the deer season by belonging to sports clubs. McOlash estimates a half dozen rod and gun clubs are active in Door County. In addition to social opportunities, members have access to a gun range and trap shooting, as well as environmental projects such as raising pheasant chicks.
Some join hunting organizations with a state or national scope. Lang belongs to both the Professional Bowhunters Society and Wisconsin Traditional Archers. In addition, for the last 10 years, he has participated in the Conservation Congress, an advisory group to the DNR.
While hunters enjoy the companionship of hunting, they stalk game for other reasons, too. “It’s watching the sun come up,” McOlash said, “seeing animals in their natural state, walking in the woods, looking at the trees – that’s what hunting is all about. I always feel better in November!”
Woerfel finds hunting therapeutic: “You watch the woods happen around you, and all the little things go away – the true experience.”
“Fall is my favorite time of year,” Schartner said. There are fewer hunters during bow season, and he enjoys the solitude, “sitting in the woods, relaxing.”
Most hunters culminate their connection with nature by eating the game they have bagged. “When you take a package of meat out of the freezer,” Stender notes, “when you know where it came from, when it has a story attached to it,” it is more than a meal.
“You have to respect the deer enough to take care of it,” Schartner said of the processing, “and then eat it.”
Most hunters live for the challenge of the hunt, a quest that goes back to our ancient ancestors, McOlash noted.
“Out in nature you’re against the animal,” Schartner said. “It’s the anticipation of seeing one. Even if you let one go, you could have shot it. People think we’re nuts out in the freezing rain just to shoot a deer.” But it’s all part of the challenge.
Lang is a hunter’s hunter, as for him the sport is not just blaze orange in the fall, but a way of life. He reads books about hunting, is politically involved, and has written articles. For him, the challenge of hunting includes a system of ethics.
Subsequently, he questions the values of hunters who bait deer. “Would you invite someone to dinner, and then shoot them?” he asks. “Hunting should be a challenge!” He shakes his head at “deer condos,” the hunting stands that look like playhouses on stilts and “canned hunts” of pen-raised animals.
McOlash, who has spent his professional life in the outdoors, feels “hunting is becoming almost too commercialized,” referring to extraneous gear and technology offered for sale. And he makes a surprising observation. As he gets older, McOlash observed, “It’s harder to pull the trigger.”
Lang explains this phenomenon by noting that hunters go through developmental stages during their lifetime: first, the goal of killing a deer; next, an objective of filling a bag limit; then, a desire to trophy hunt; finally, a mellowing stage during which the challenge itself becomes important, and a hunter often finds contentment with the peace and tranquility he finds outdoors.
Hunters who reach this stage may find it harder to pull the trigger, as McOlash observed, or may let one go, as Schartner said.
History of the Hunt in Door County
Just as a hunter’s philosophy evolves, so has the practice of hunting on the peninsula. One of the most significant changes has been the decrease in available hunting land.
“So much of Northern Door County has been subdivided,” Woerfel said, “the pieces of property smaller. People don’t allow hunters.” Farmers once did for the control of wild creatures causing crop damage. “Hunters would get to know the farmers,” he said, but the farms have been sold off.
Schartner agrees. “When I started you could hunt where you wanted. You hunted on your neighbors’ land, and they hunted on yours.”
One result of diminished hunting grounds has been the demise of the deer drive. Lang recalls drives near Gills Rock extending from one gravel road across land to another. But now the zoning in Liberty Grove requires homeowners to build on a five-acre minimum lot.
Consequently, many hunters own their own hunting land. Woerfel purchased Jack Island off Peninsula State Park 25 years ago for duck hunting. Schartner hunts on the family farm. Bridenhagen hunts with his son Ivan on 60 acres of land they own near the family landscaping business.
Stender finds that much of the land in fields and woodlots in Southern Door is not available because the owners reserve the hunting rights for themselves or grant them exclusively to one hunter. He deals with this fact by building personal relationships with landowners to their mutual benefit; he offers to hunt when crop yields are reduced by wildlife damage, and sometimes he helps plant trees in exchange for hunting privilege.
McOlash notes that limited public hunting land is available in the county, the Gardner and the Mud Lake Wildlife Areas, and the state parks that allow hunting on a restricted basis.
Perhaps the most dramatic change in hunting in Door County is the decreasing number of sportsmen, in part because of the loss of interest among young people, a trend that affects not only Door County but also the nation. “Kids are losing a connection with the outdoors, with rural America,” Lang observed. The rural population is declining, he adds, and young people are more likely to be involved with electronics and organized team sports.
However, bow hunting has seen an increase in participants. Lang, McOlash, Schartner, and Stender all hunt with bows. “Hunting with a rifle is not that big a deal for me,” Schartner said.
The Importance of Hunting
Some aspects of hunting have been controversial in Door County, such as rifle versus shotgun hunting, trapping, and state park hunts. Non-hunters are concerned about safety issues and “bad actors” in the woods. However, hunters are quick to point out the ecological and economic importance of their sport and to respond to safety concerns.
Retired game warden McOlash speaks with authority when he states, “Hunting is important, a necessary ‘evil,’” in game management. He notes, “99.9 percent of the hunters and fishermen are law-abiding citizens, and the remaining 0.1 percent give them all a black eye.” He encourages people to report anything illegal they observe to the toll-free hotline, anonymously if they prefer.
“To be effective, wardens must have the support of local people,” he said and added that many violations occur close to the violator’s home. Incidents that occur when everyone is sleeping are not always isolated. The warden is patrolling, of course, but he is one person.
And people concerned about gun safety should note that of the few accidental gunshot injuries, most are self-inflicted.
Hunters provide a valuable service in many respects. Fees for hunting licenses and stamps along with excise taxes on firearms and ammunition become segregated funds that finance virtually all aspects of the DNR, McOlash said – “almost zero money from general funds.” Door County’s non-hunters benefit from wildlife management and a balance of nature as they enjoy the outdoors.
Woerfel saw Chambers Island lose its deer population. He knows the problems that may occur with an uncontrolled deer herd population, one allowed to build dramatically, and then crash because of disease, inbreeding, and starvation during winter. The DNR works to manage a species through regulated hunts.
“The DNR uses me as a management tool to maintain a healthy herd,” Stender said. When he hunts for his own enjoyment, he is also providing a service.
Hunters are political supporters of the DNR when they become members of one of the game-sustaining organizations, such as Whitetails Unlimited, with national headquarters in Sturgeon Bay. These sportsmen realize that maintaining habitat is essential to continued hunting. And, for that reason, McOlash said sports clubs work closely with the DNR.
Today’s hunters are concerned with the ethics of the hunt, and Door County sportsmen support hunter education classes. Bruce Alexander of Alexander’s restaurant sponsors a fundraiser game feed every spring to help finance the Peninsula Gun Club’s youth hunting program.
The Future of Hunting in Door County
No hunter has a crystal ball that provides a glimpse into the future, but all want the tradition of game sports to endure. As they have seen changes during their lifetime, they know that the culture of hunting will continue to evolve.
One likely development is a further expansion in bow hunting and a diminished participation in the rifle hunt. As population and building in Door County increase, and as a concern grows over non-hunting gun violence, bow hunting seems a natural response to the changing face of the peninsula.
One constant, however, is the appeal of the tranquility of nature, whether you are a birder or gatherer of wild mushrooms, whether you hike or cross-country ski, whether you hunt with a rifle or a bow. There is something about the human psyche that compels us to make a connection with Mother Nature to feel complete.
Whitetails Unlimited
By Jen Zettel
Turn east on Michigan Street at the stop light by the Door County YMCA in Sturgeon Bay and a giant deer may jump out at you.
Okay it won’t literally jump anywhere, but the 21-foot-long statue of a leaping, 18-point-buck does sit in front of the Whitetails Unlimited national headquarters. The national headquarters employs 31 people full time and is located in Sturgeon Bay because it’s where the idea to create the organization started.
Founded in 1982, the organization is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the hunting tradition, while working to protect whitetail deer habitats, according to National President Jeff Schinkten. Whitetails Unlimited now has almost 100,000 members across the United States making up nearly 450 chapters.
Members pay dues to the organization, often attending fundraising banquets as well, Schinkten said. Money raised by a local chapter is split in half with the national organization, allowing chapters to put money toward their unique needs, whether through sponsoring hunter education classes, improving shooting ranges, or maintaining conservation land.
Whitetails Unlimited is one of the biggest supporters of hunter education classes in Wisconsin, which Schinkten said is because of the danger involved. “It’s fun to go out and hunt, but let’s do it safely,” he said.
With Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) still prevalent in the south-central part of the state, the organization also funds studies on deer herd movements, focusing on how CWD spreads.
In addition, Whitetails Unlimited has also purchased lands for public hunting and lobbies for hunters at the federal level.
Even during the economic slump of recent years, Whitetails Unlimited has not only survived but thrived. “We started from nothing, and despite some tough economic times, last year was our best year ever,” Schinkten said.
Deer Hunting Tips
For Non-Hunters & Hunters
By Jen Zettel
For many, hunting is an annual tradition. It’s so popular in Wisconsin that in 2010 hunters killed over 336,000 whitetail deer. The increase from 2009 was more than 7,000 when hunters killed 329,103 deer.
Whether you’re headed out into the woods this fall to hunt or simply trying to stay safe during the hunting season, here are a few tips to help out.
Non-hunters
If walking or exercising outside during hunting season, be sure to wear something that’s blaze orange. A vest, hat or jacket would work well.
Avoid walking at dusk. Dusk is when visibility is at its minimum, so walking at another time will help a hunter spot you more easily.
Try to stay on well-traveled roads or paths. Hunters will avoid shooting where they know people are. Walking on a remote path where someone is likely to hunt is asking for trouble. Choosing to walk or exercise in a state park or refuge where hunting is prohibited is encouraged.
When walking animals, such as dogs, during the season, keep them on a leash at all times. Tying an orange bandana around its neck is a good safety precaution as well.
Hunters
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) advises all hunters to remember the four rules of firearm safety. They include treating every gun as if it were loaded, pointing the muzzle in a safe direction, being confident in your target and keeping your finger away from the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.
The DNR also recommends hunters respect landowners, which includes asking for permission to hunt or even enter someone else’s property. Watch out for other hunters and don’t interfere with their hunt.
Make sure your backtag is displayed correctly. It’s supposed to be in the center of your back on your outermost garment.
Be certain you have the correct license. A Gun Deer License is needed to hunt deer with a firearm, including muzzleloaders. An Archery License is needed to hunt with a bow and arrow. If you lose or damage a license, you must turn in the remaining pieces of the license to a license vendor to receive a duplicate.
Anyone planning to hunt should take the Hunter Education course, unless they were born before January 1, 1973. Anyone who has not completed the Hunter Education course must hunt with a mentor.
As popular as shining for deer is, remember it is illegal to shine if a firearm, bow and arrow or crossbow is in the vehicle. It is also illegal to “use, or possess with intent to use” a light for shining deer from September 15 through December 31 between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am.
If you’re hunting with a firearm, make sure at least 50 percent of your outer clothing is blaze orange. The DNR recommends 100 percent solid blaze orange clothing, although camo-blaze of at least 50 percent blaze orange is legal.
It is illegal to hunt more than 20 minutes after sunset and more than 30 minutes before sunrise.
When trekking out for the hunt, make sure you don’t shoot a firearm within 100 yards of a house or “building devoted to human occupancy” if the land isn’t yours and you don’t have permission from the landowner.
When traveling in or on any vehicle, all firearms must be unloaded and entirely enclosed in a carrying case. Bows and crossbows must be unstrung and within an enclosed case when traveling in a vehicle as well.
Hunters should also be aware of the fact that hunting 50 feet from the center of a road is illegal. Shooting a gun or bow and arrow across a highway is also illegal.
After bagging your buck or doe, make sure you register it at a DNR Registration Station. All deer must be registered by 5:00 pm the day after the season closes. Archery hunters must register the deer by the third day after the deer was killed or on the day after the season closes, whichever comes first.
Hunting Seasons
Bow Hunting
The first bow hunting season runs from September 17 through November 17, 2011 with the later season running from November 28 through January 8, 2012. The antlerless deer hunt, which only allows hunters to kill a deer without antlers, goes from December 8 through December 11, 2011.
When used for deer hunting, bows must hold a draw weight of at least 30 pounds. Metal broadheads are required to be sharp and have a width of at least 7/8 of an inch.
Shotgun and Rifle Hunting
Gun hunting starts November 19 and runs through November 27 this year. The antlerless deer season will start December 8 and run through December 11.
The overall minimum length for shotguns must be 26 inches, with the barrel length being at least 18 inches. The same requirements are needed for rifle hunting, except the barrel length must be at least 16 inches.
Muzzleloader
The season runs from November 28 through December 7. Muzzleloaders must be at least .45 caliber if smoothbore and .40 caliber or larger with a rifled barrel. The gun itself must be loaded with one single ball or slug to be legal for deer season.
To double check the dates and times for various hunting seasons visit: dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/hunt/seasdate.htm.
Resources
Department of Natural Resources hunting regulations: www.dnr.wi.gov
Department of Natural Resources violation hotline: 800-TIP-WDNR (800-847-9367)
Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder, Richard Louv. Algonquin Books, 2005.
Beyond Fair Chase: The Ethic and Tradition of Hunting, Jim Posewitz, Falcon Press, 1994.
On the Hunt: The History of Deer Hunting in Wisconsin, Robert C, Willging. Wisconsin Historical Society Press, 2008.