Ross Bielema 21 September 2022

Cops connect with kids via archery, fishing

Some of us only think of police as life-or-death crimefighters or the enforcers of traffic laws, but a statewide program aimed at keeping kids on the straight and narrow brings cops and kids together to enjoy archery, fishing and bowling while teaching youngsters that the men and women in blue are really pretty cool. The Cops and Kids Foundation, launched in Sussex by retired Pewaukee Police Officer Bob Kraemer in 2010, has spread its programs th
Ross Bielema 2 September 2022
Special target needed to stop hyper-fast bows
As a chubby high school kid, I was never an athlete, but when our gym class had a few weeks of archery, I was floating on air. Those kids who didn’t shoot a bow and arrow much had no clue that the three feathers on one end of the arrow were crucial to good arrow flight. Some of our gym class arrows had two feathers and occasionally just one.
Ross Bielema 25 August 2022
Setlining for flathead catfish on the Wolf
Think of your favorite, mouth-watering fish fry. What species comes to mind? Beer-battered walleye? Pan-fried perch or maybe crappies or bluegills? Perhaps you prefer a delicious ocean fish, like grouper or red snapper? Chances are, you probably aren’t thinking of catfish. Unless it’s a Wisconsin fish fry with the big, ugly flathead catfish as the star attraction. Most channel catfish are tasty, but they definitely have a fishy taste.
Ross Bielema 11 August 2022
Bowhunters tune gear, shoot practice arrows
A little book called “Zen Bow, Zen Arrow” by John Stevens tells the story of Japanese master archer Awa Kenzo, arguably the greatest bow shot in his country during the early 1900s. Kenzo used the bow to not only supply his family food and provide protection, but also to teach a martial arts form and even as a device leading to spirituality and enlightenment. “With each shot, see your nature,” Kenzo taught his many disciples.
Ross Bielema 18 July 2022
Bow clubs host 3-D archery, other contests
Area bowhunters will have several opportunities to hone their shooting skills in a wooded setting next month as two archery clubs host 3-D archery competitions. If bowhunting isn’t your thing, you can still shoot in the clubs’ field archery contests. Clintonville Bow Hunters recently rebuilt 17 of its 28 wood-framed field targets, according to club president Jim Schoenike.
Ross Bielema 4 July 2022
A new spin on golf: Disc golf comes to Shawano
Father’s Day takes on special meaning at the disc golf course at Don Martzke Park next to Shawano Community High School. For Eric Jansen and his 15-year-old son, Braylon, both of Kimberly, tossing discs at an area course has been a Father’s Day tradition since Braylon was 6. “It’s a constant challenge,” the elder Jansen said of the sport as the father-son duo warmed up at a practice basket before Hole 1 of the 9-hole course.
Ross Bielema 23 June 2022
Wildlife trappers move nature’s pests back outdoors
Since first moving to Wisconsin in 2000, I’ve lived in the country and loved every minute of it. As more city dwellers move to the country, they are drawn to the natural beauty and critters — until those critters move into their homes. That’s where nuisance wildlife trappers come in. When we had bats in the wall of our house, we knew who to call.
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