March 23, 2023 at 11:45 a.m.
Learn to Hunt Food program brings new hunters into the field
One way to become more self -sufficient is through hunting. The Department of Natural Resources' Learn to Hunt Food Program focuses on adults who are looking to get out into the field to fill their freezers and provide for their family.
According to Department of Natural Resources warden Tim Otto, the idea of obtaining one's own food is a significant draw for non-hunters to get into the pursuit of hunting.
"Food is woven into the culture of hunting," he said. "As hunters, sometimes we don't think about it. We get together and people are always bringing venison sticks and smoked fish. But we don't think about the food as much."
The Learn to Hunt Food Program is not a typical "one and done" sort of learning experience. The program starts on April 18 and those involved will meet with mentors and instructors in the evenings over the course of several weeks. There is a Saturday where new hunters can get out on a live hunt with a mentor. Otto said the spring hunt will likely be pheasant, but it will depend on what he can find for new hunters.
By fall, new hunters will head out with a mentor for some ruffed grouse hunting.
"People watch YouTube videos and all they see are grouse being dropped one after another," he said. "The reality is that it is not always that way." Without this type of experience, novice hunters may give up, thinking they do not "have what it takes" for a specific type of hunting. In reality, there are good days and not so good days when it comes to hunting. By spending time with a mentor, new hunters can understand that and learn different tactics to attempt to help improve their hunt.
"We want them to be comfortable with every aspect of hunting," Otto said.
This is the reason behind the multiple sessions. In the fall, the group will get back together for a shotgun shooting session. By the end of the sessions, new hunters will feel much less intimidated to get out in the field by themselves and have a successful hunt.
Besides the hunting itself, attendees will be exposed to various different types of game as well. Attendees and mentors are welcome to bring all types of game or even garden goods.
There is no fee for the class, but preregistration is required. More information can be found on the DNR website at dnr.wi.gov by searching, "Learn to Hunt."
Those looking to register for the classes should contact Otto directly at 715-889-0292.
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