Science & Outdoors
Members of the Izaak Walton League Stevens Point chapter at a 3-D bow shoot.
Ikes and Wisconsin make for a promising hunting season
The Pointer
jtowl695@uwsp.edu
With archery season upon us, hunters are antsy, deer are wary and the weather and mosquitoes indicate the middle of July. The offset of the seasons may deter some from venturing to their stands, but for avid hunters, christening the bow during opening weekend is an obligation that will be met come hellish temperatures or high water.
The harsh winter and delayed spring in 2007-2008, had a devastating impact on deer survival and greatly reduced the fawn population. Consequently, the prolonged effects which include a “missing or reduced age class of deer” will be evident for years to come, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. In 2009, the DNR aimed to rebuild deer herds in areas indicative of significant declining populations. One way in which these intentions will carry over into hunting season this year includes the elimination of herd control hunts in such areas.
Though the upcoming gun season will give way to stricter regulations, the benefits of restoring the deer population once more will ultimately allow for a more successful season statewide. For instance, in 2008, hunters harvested 453,480 deer, a figure that ranks as the tenth largest in state history. While the DNR is required to develop strategies for the sake of controlling deer populations, the strategy of a hunter continues to be the art with which he or she makes a clean kill.
In anticipation of current and upcoming hunting seasons, hunters across Wisconsin are sighting in their bows and cleaning their guns. Many students may not realize the home field advantage they have by simply attending the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point.
UWSP is privileged to be part of a nationally recognized organization whose mission is “to conserve, maintain, protect and restore the soil, forest, water and other natural resources of the United States and other lands…” The Stevens Point chapter of the Izaak Walton League prepares students to preserve outdoor America for future generations, and grants members “access to the rifle, trap and bow ranges on club grounds” according to Izaak Walton League Stevens Point chapter president, Tim Neuman.
As the “defenders of soil, air, woods, water and wildlife,” the Stevens Point chapter extends an invitation to all students to join the defense and enjoy the benefits that come with being a member.
“There’s only a handful of student chapters across the nation, so that’s pretty neat”, said Neuman who has been involved with the organization since 2005.
Additionally, students have access to a Bill Cook chapter membership. While a student chapter membership costs $3 a semester or $5 for the academic year and grants admission to club grounds facilities, the Bill Cook chapter owns 180 acres and a brand new clubhouse, all of which become readily available upon becoming a member. UWSP students benefit from drastically reduced membership fees, paying only $21 per year as opposed to the $63 fee for non-students.
More commonly referred to as Ikes, the members of the Izaak Walton League on campus gather for meetings every other Wednesday. During off weeks, special outings are planned such as trap shoots, or in the case of this week, 3-D bow shoots. In addition to weekly gatherings, the organization also hosts a wide range of events that promote conservation and camaraderie.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the Trainer Natural Resources building 372. For more information or if interested, contact president Tim Neuman at tneum374@uwsp.edu or faculty advisor Diane Lueck.
Hunting is about more than just killing that trophy buck. To be a hunter is to exist in and love every aspect of nature, an idea perfectly captured by life-long sportsman and host of hunting television show “Spirit of the Wild,” Ted Nugent, who says of the outdoors, “take it all in, there’s no bag limit on happiness.”
