November 20, 2017 at 4:39 p.m.

Tomahawk Venison Feed kicks off 2017 hunt

Tomahawk Venison Feed kicks off 2017 hunt
Tomahawk Venison Feed kicks off 2017 hunt

By Beckie [email protected]

Despite freezing rain and steady winds, a large crowd of hunters and venison lovers converged on downtown Tomahawk Friday for the 52nd annual Venison Feed.

They may not have lingered as long as in years when the weather is warmer, but hunters still came out in big numbers for the season's first taste of venison.

"It's amazing to me!" said Jesica Witte, executive director of the Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce. "This is a rain, snow or sun event and we've had a wonderful crowd so far. It's just something the hunters expect. They come in early to town because they know they're going to hit this up before they hit their hunting shack. It has been a tradition in our community started by business owners who realized the impact the hunters had to our economy every year. They wanted to, one, thank them, and two, welcome them to our town."

Venison burgers have been a staple since the very beginning, Witte said, and over the years they have added things such as chips, which are now donated by the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association. There are also a number of non-profits at the event every year raising money for their groups.

Everything is donated, Witte said.

"From the onions to the buns, somebody gave us the money to make it happen," she said.

Many of the volunteers, as well as some of the hunters, have been to nearly every Venison Feed.

The Venison Feed supports more than hunters, however. Food baskets are put together for local assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Many of those people, Witte said, used to participate in the Venison Feed in years past when they were able to and the chamber and volunteers want to make sure those people are not left out and that they get their venison burgers every year.

Emma Gane from FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) enjoyed her first year at the event. Her group was raising funds for different competitions for their school. Tammy Younker and the Pack 548 Cub Scouts have been holding a bake sale at the Venison Feed for five or six years.

Younker said the event is a great way for people to learn more about what Tomahawk has to offer and visit the different stores and shops.

The event has been a staple of the Tomahawk community for decades with new generations of hunters attending along the way. For many, deer season would not have the same flavor without first stopping for a venison burger and to catch up with old friends.

Beckie Gaskill may be reached via email at [email protected].

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