Deer hunters group hosts youth hunts, donates to charities

WITTENBERG — Donations to local charities is just one part of the business behind the Wisconsin Deerhunters Inc. Witt-Birn chapter.

The group of about 270 hunters holds just one fundraiser a year. They spend the rest of the time using the money raised to promote ecology and help to ensure a sustainable deer population and donating to organizations that support the communities.

This year, the hunters gave $1,500 each to the Wittenberg Food Pantry and the St. Florian Food Pantry in Hatley to help with their operations.

Past donations have included $2,000 to purchase a drone for the Birnamwood Fire Department and $12,000 to the Wittenberg Fire Department to purchase an ATV.

The Witt-Birn chapter, which started in 1991, has given about $100,000 over the years to the Witt-Birn Hi-wood Nature Center, according to Denny Brahmer, a longtime member of the Deerhunters. Brahmer was one of the high school teachers who helped get the center started for the school district. Over the years, they have also donated 3D targets, bows and arrows, pellet guns and snowshoes to the nature center.

Brahmer noted that each year, the group gives three $1,000 scholarships to Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School graduating seniors.

A few years ago, there was interest in adding an archery program at the high school. Brahmer said they donated the bows, arrows and targets for the physical education department.

Another main focus is promoting an appreciation for outdoor activities, which also includes a youth pheasant hunt. This past fall they sponsored two youth hunts at the Sugar Bush Pheasant Ranch just north of Birnamwood.

Students who had completed the hunter safety training they offered had the opportunity to try hunting. The group provided the guns and ammunition, safety glasses, ear protection, vests, the dogs and the pheasants.

“The cost to hunt can be significant, and we want to give students the chance to see if they enjoy the sport before committing to that kind of investment,” said Brahmer.

The Witt-Birn chapter is one of eight chapters in the state. Anyone is welcome to join the organization or attend the annual banquet, which will be held April 4 at Chet and Emil’s in Birnamwood.

For information, call Brahmer at 715-454-6637 or Dan Kapitz 715-253-2054.