Northwoods Youth Deer Hunt Challenge Banquet a success

More than 400 people packed the Lakeland Union High School commons on Monday evening for the 20th annual Northwoods Youth Deer Hunt Challenge Banquet.

This year’s challenge saw 175 youth hunters participate with 175 prizes given out — about 45 of those prizes were hunting firearms, crossbows and a fitted compound bow. 

The banquet recognized youth hunters for their dedication to the sport whether they harvested a deer this year or not. 

A meal was served courtesy of the Minocqua Lions Club before the presentation and the awarding of prizes began. 

The day started before that, though, as those who attended were able to take part in a wide range of activities like: Learning how to skin and butcher a buck; guessing how many pine cones fit into a bucket; learning how to score a big buck; or shooting in the archery contest.

Youth hunters and others who helped were thanked to take part in this year’s challenge. It was noted that the challenge is one of the biggest gatherings of hunters in the state all year. 

Chris Bartelt, a warden with the Department of Natural Resources, gave a speech and reflected on not only the state of hunting in Wisconsin, but his own hunting experiences as well. He encouraged the youth to be an advocates for the sport so it can grow and continue to be one of the state’s most cherished traditions. 

Trevor Greene may be reached via email at [email protected].