Since 1970, the White Clay Lake Sportsmen’s Club has continued its mission to better the hunting and fishing opportunities and to help control the wildlife in the White Clay Lake area.
White Clay Lake is a natural lake of around 257 acres that is fed by runoff.
“I’ve grown up on this lake,” said Kent Heller, who has been the club president for four years.
One of the club’s main activities is raising and releasing 350 pheasants every year. Member Don Radloff and his wife, Barbara, have raised them since the 1970s. In October, the pheasants are released.
“Some go on state land and some go on club members’ land,” Heller said.
On Oct. 3, the club and Department of Natural Resources will sponsor a youth hunt on members’ land after giving the participants a history and safety lesson.
“Each hunter partners with a mentor,” Heller said.
Another activity important to the club is stocking the lake with walleyes. Since 2001, between 2,000 and 2,500 fingerlings have been put in the lake. A raffle will begin soon to pay for the stocking by selling 200 tickets at $100 a piece. The drawing is on Dec. 12.
“There’s a waiting list for tickets,” Heller said.
On Feb. 13, the club will hold its 45th annual ice fishing derby on the lake, along with a kids raffle.
“Every kid gets a prize,” Heller said.
In March, the club has an ice-out contest and the pheasants are ordered. In April and early May, members repair anything that needs to be fixed at the pheasant pens before the chicks arrive in May.
The club takes care of the docks and boat landings on White Clay Lake, Pensaukee Lake, Korth Lake and Swan Acres. In 1989, members built a dock on White Clay Lake for the handicapped.
In the spring, the club gives a scholarship to a student from Bonduel High School who is interested in studying conservation. Since 1996, the club has sponsored kids going to Timber Top Camp.
In August, the club has a corn roast, going to a different member’s house each year. On Labor Day, members work in the Shawano County Conservation Club stand at the Shawano County Fair.
“We are involved in a variety of activities,” Heller said.
The club meets at 8 p.m. on the second Sunday of the month at White Clay Lake Lodge. Other officers are Jerry Schneider, vice president, Mary DeBauch, secretary, and Carol Schneider, treasurer. Board members are John DeBauch, Roger Dorn and Jack Schneider.
For information, call the White Clay Lake Lodge at 715-745-6254.
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