By Todd Schaller, WWA Vice President
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s January, 2023 Newsletter edition. Photos courtesy Stephen Perez.
WWA held a third Learn to Hunt (LTH) Waterfowl Program in 2022 thanks to the passion of several WWA members. This success is really about connecting the dots.
The program started when two WWA members, who had no personal connection, contacted WWA President, Bruce Urben, looking to be more involved. One expressed an interest in education and mentoring, and the other an interest in sharing his property with new hunters.
By connecting these two dots, WWA members Kevin Sadler and Lou Schueller became friends and developed a plan to hold and host a LTH Waterfowl event. Kevin’s passion for teaching and mentoring and Lou’s passion for waterfowl habitat was a perfect combo.
In partnership with Horicon Marsh Hunting Retriever Club, Kevin was able to find both a mentor, Dana, and new hunter, Julie. Kevin also pulled in additional support; Waukesha Gun Club (classroom and trap range) and Echo Calls (gear for students).
The unique and exciting part of the program was that all of the students were adults who started hunting later in life, often referred to as “late onset hunters”. Julie, Liz, Stephen and Jason all had hunting experience in other species with an interest in expanding into waterfowl hunting. The common bond for the students was their interest in the food and conservation aspect. In fact, two mentioned reading Aldo Leopold’s “Sand County Almanac”.
The training day went well, with a focus on firearm safety, regulations (thank you, Conservation Warden Dan Hodge), methods/techniques, and basic biology. As a former instructor for a youth trap team, Kevin’s guidance on the trap range helped everyone improve their shooting skills.
The field day, while not very successful from a harvest aspect, was productive in enjoying the sunrise, watching the marsh awaken, seeing ducks at first light, watching a couple bucks chasing does, and discussing some of the “whys” about how the hunt (decoys, calling etc.) was set-up.
It also included an example of how a well-trained dog (Chase – an American Water Spaniel) is a vital part of waterfowling and conservation. Everyone in the blind was excited to see Chase make an awesome retrieve of a teal which flew several hundred yards before coming down wounded.
Post hunt included introductions and a “thank you” to Mr. Schueller, the property owner. In this conversation, it was easy to see his passion for habitat work and passing on the waterfowl heritage.
Kevin’s demonstration of game care/cleaning and tailgate preparation of seared skin on teal breast for tasting was a great closure to a successful event.
Special thanks to organizer Kevin Sadler, property owner Lou Schueller, and mentors Dana Williams and Matt Porter.