As summer begins to wind down and we find fall quickly approaching, we are reminded of how quickly time passes. This past year I was able to be part of a Hunter’s Safety class which certified about 45 new hunters into hopefully a lifetime of hunting adventures. There were also about 10 new bow hunters that became certified. To see the excitement on their faces, the careful eagerness as they show that they know the skills, and the relief that was sighed as their tests were completed and handed back showing they passed is something I am so grateful to be a part of their journey. I am looking forward to seeing pictures of their future harvests. (I encouraged them to take and show me pictures if they see me out in the community. I have had several students approach me at school, where I work, to tell me that they can’t wait to hunt. I got to see some pictures of pretty excited hunters with their turkeys!) If you have the opportunity to mentor someone’s hunting career, do it!! It is seriously one of the most rewarding, memorable experiences!
With the upcoming hunting seasons almost here; I hope you’ve done some scouting, your guns and bows are sighted in, your bear bait is getting hit (fingers crossed, I drew a tag this year), and that there is lots of memory available on your camera to capture all those special moments that are just waiting to happen. Remember sometimes the best memories happen not in the actual moment but the time leading up to and the events following.
Soon there will be some important elections in Wisconsin. Here is your friendly reminder to research the candidates, where they stand on the issues that matter most to you, and to remember that you not only have the right to vote, but the obligation. Many of the rights we have, and some we don’t, are directly the cause or effect of votes that have been made. So please take the time, do the research, encourage those you know to do the same, and get out there, make sure your voice is heard.
Keep your eyes open for the yellow postcard in the mail. We have some pretty amazing member meetings planned and would love to have you join us! This past fiscal year we helped fund some great projects. If you know of a worthy cause, please have them visit our website www.newisci.org and apply for project funding. Our website is also the best way to stay current with what our chapter is working on. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns and I will do my best to help get answers or resolutions. Good luck when you hit the stand or blind and please share the pictures with me!
