1

Officers and Board Members: President: Bruce King, 738-8661 Vice President: Keith Mathison, 452-3410 Treasurer: Kevin Traastad, 452-3804 Secretary: Paul Sandvick, 792-9883 Board Members: Gary Gilbeck, 452-3354 Merv Broten, 483-2610 Ryan Zitlow, 606-5108 Cory Leis, 452-2016 CVCC Contacts: Newsletter: David Skipton, 519-2334 muchkap@charter.net Clubgrounds: Roger Anderson, Glen Olstad, Jermaine Jackson. Education: Steve Pauloski. Muzzleloading: Scott Hobson, Keith Mathison. Trap Shooting: Merv Broten. Memberships: Paul Sandvick. Clubhouse Project: Scott Hobson, Ray Williamson. Monthly Gun Raffle: Keith Mathison. Boy Scouts: Lisa Stensline.

Website: Paul Sandvick. Farm: Gary Gilbeck. Club History: Jon Lee. Archery: Cory Leis, Dave Larson. Oak Savanna Project: Kevin Traastad. Shooting Ranges Security: Bob Ritger, Bruce King. “Serious Sportsmen” Raffle: Bruce King. 4H Shooting Sports – Keith Mathison.

Website: www.CoonValleyCC.com

Email: email@coonvalleycc.com Please send address or email corrections to this email address.

CVCC NEWSLETTER

SPRING 2019

2

President’s Report by Bruce King

Was it a long winter, or was it just me? Usually I am quite patient with seasonal changes and weather in general, but this year I found myself wishing more than once for an end to the snow and ice. I am outside more now so perhaps my tolerance of cold weather is eroding a bit. We are definitely into spring now, most of the snow and ice is gone. Robins are bouncing around the yard eagerly awaiting the rising of the worms. As I look at my yard, I question whether I did any yard work last fall. I guess that was one benefit to all the snow cover; it kept me from worrying about all the work I had

to do come spring. Well, it’s spring at the Conservation Club as well and the calendar is filling up. This weekend 4-6 and 4-7 is the final bow shoot. We have a shooting range committee meeting scheduled for the 18th to address flood damage on the gun range, a work day on the 20th, and a muzzleloader shoot on the 27th. With our newly remodeled clubhouse we have many dates requested for baby showers, confirmation parties and graduation parties. These are good problems to have, because it shows we are active and vibrant. It also proves that we have many opportunities for you to become involved. Many hands make short work, and new ideas are vital to keep your club going and to make it a destination of choice. That reminds me that April is election month. Might this be the year you take a leadership role at the club? There are four officer positions and two board positions available. New faces are welcome and encouraged. It has been an honor to serve as your president this past year, and I thank all members who have helped and supported the club in any way. I am also thankful for the folks in surrounding communities who attend our functions and fundraisers. We cannot survive without their support. I know there are many demands on your time, and I thank you for the time you have given us. While I will remain active in the club, I am stepping down from the president’s position. Currently my responsibilities in general have outpaced my time and ability. I can no longer offer the club the time and energy needed to properly fulfill the president’s position. Thank you for your time and patience. Thank you also for all you have done, and all you will do.

Coon Creek Canoe Race "Chapter Two"

How often in the past 25 years have you thought or talked about the Coon Creek Canoe Races? Perhaps you yourself said, "we should do that again." Well, good news: we are doing it, and you can be a part of it.

3

Things will look a bit different than they did in the past, and we hope to foster a true sense of community. We also hope to provide some badly needed revenue to help rebuild and recover in the local community after last year’s flooding.

Your Conservation Club is just one of the organizations working to make this happen. I encourage you to help out on any of the following committees: Canoe and Creek, Race Committee, Security, Public Relations, cooking, serving, or bar tending. Save the date - August 24 - and find more information on Facebook or Instagram, Coon Creek Canoe Races. Tell all your friends.

Watch for more information to come. Do all you can to become involved and show that you are committed to your community.

Thank you,

Bruce King

Coon Creek Canoe Races

The 2018 flood featured prominently in state news and led to a collaboration to create the Coon Creek Canoe Race Project. Pictures and videos depicting the destruction aired throughout the state and nation. The iconic footage of a bull, standing in the rushing waters of Coon Creek flowing over Highway 14, powerfully captures the loss and devastation, but also strength and resilience. That bull survived and was united with his owners, a local family. He is a notable figure in this project. This is a compelling story of the strength and resilience of families, neighbors, and organizations connecting to rebuild and improve the community.

Several location organizations from two communities worked together to identify and plan this project. Those organizations are: Coon Valley Business Association, Coon Valley Conservation Club, Coulee Track and Trail, Coon Valley American Legion Post 116, Coon Valley Lions, and the Chaseburg Snowtrailers Club. Each of those organizations is comprised of people directly affected by the flood and people who are committed to executing a safe and successful canoe race on August 24th, 2019. These organizations are contributing equipment, supplies, and volunteers with skills and ingenuity. The robust fabric of this partnership is a weaving of strength, resilience, vision, and heart.

The Coon Creek Canoe Race is a two-pronged event: the canoe race and a festival. The race begins at the home of the bull, the Gilbeck Farm, in beautiful Timber Coulee, about five miles from Coon Valley. Buses and trailers will shuttle canoeists and canoes to the launch site. There are three race categories and a team of volunteers will launch canoes every two minutes, recording the times of launch. The route, a 3.6-mile course on a Class I trout stream (“Coon Creek”) and designed to showcase the scenic beauty of the area, follows the ride of the bull when swept away by the flooding creek in August of 2018. The race ends in the Coon Valley Veterans Memorial Park where the bull was found standing firm in the rushing waters. After the race is completed, prizes will be awarded in each category. The race is fun for the whole family.

4

The Veterans Memorial Park will be home to the festival. This family and adult festival will provide fun and educational activities for all ages, including canoeing lessons for children. To advance economic development and promote business, the festival will feature local products, such as coffee, soda, beer, wine, and cheese. Local organizations will offer a variety of food choices. Two area bands and one Chicago-based band will create a fun and festive atmosphere, providing music throughout the day and into the evening. The CVBA is building relationships and developing package deals with area lodging establishments. This will create a beneficial economic impart for this business sector in Coon Valley and the surrounding communities.

* Check us out on Facebook and Instagram: Coon Creek Canoe Races

*Website: www.cooncreekcanoerace.com

(Courtesy of Geoffrey Lenser.)

Muzzleloading at the CVCC by Royce Curtis

April 27th marks the beginning of the 15th year of muzzleloader shoots and activities at the CVCC. With Board and Members’ approval Life Members Bill Marquart and Arvid Holey organized the first muzzleloader shoot in August of 2004. The success of this shoot led to many additional muzzleloader activities, including the hosting of Spring and Fall Muzzleloader weekends the 3rd weekend of May and September. Muzzleloader enthusiasts gather for a full weekend of camping, shooting practice and competition, food and sharing of knowledge, opinions and expertise. Monthly shoots were also organized and

are now held from April through September, usually on the 3rd Saturday except for April and June. All of the shoots present a variety of targets that provide both beginning and experienced shooters with many challenges and lots of fun competition for prizes. All CVCC muzzleloader activities are OPEN to the PUBLIC. For more information check the CVCC Facebook page or web site.

Camping at the CVCC by Royce Curtis

The CVCC currently has both Modern (with electrical hook-ups) and Primitive camp areas established. These camp areas are generally available to CVCC members and guests with no specific rules or fees set by the Club. The Modern camp area is in the parking lot. The primitive camp area is at the back of the club grounds with access trails around the crop field behind the clubhouse. Users of the camp areas have generally made a donation to the Club when using the camping areas. These donations have more than covered the cost of any electricity used. Current use of the camp areas has been limited but increased demand in the future is anticipated. Activities where camp areas have been used include: Muzzleloader weekends in May and September, Rendezvous’ in June and September, CVCC-sponsored weekend shoots, opening weekends of fishing and hunting seasons, and various weekend visits of members from out of the area. With improvements in our

5

camping facilities, increased use and resulting income can benefit the Club and provide another reason for members to make use of what the CVCC offers. Here are some ideas for consideration. Short Term Planning:

1. Locations and number of Modern camp sites to be determined. 2. Additional Primitive camp-site locations to be identified and prepared. 3. Access to Primitive camp sites to be improved. 4. Camping rules and fees to be determined.

Long Term Planning:

1. Identify additional Modern camp sites. 2. Improve access to water and toilet facilities. 3. Establish all-weather access to Primitive camp area. (Also provide access to back of club

grounds for fishing, hunting and other year-round activities.) 4. Install pit toilet in Primitive camp area. 5. Erect a small shelter in Primitive camp area.

Members are encouraged to share any thoughts, questions, ideas, etc. with any CVCC Board Member or Officer. The CVCC has been extremely successful in completing major projects and improvements, such as our shooting ranges, archery equipment and facilities, and most recently the Clubhouse improvements. Can we do the same with another area of the Club? Moving forward will require discussions and approvals by the Board, Officers and Members.

2019 Wisconsin DNR Hunter Education The CVCC-sponsored Wisconsin DNR Hunter Education class will again be part of the Westby Area Schools Summer School. The class will be offered during the first session in June and run two hours each day for two weeks. Registration will begin May 1st. For further information, look for the Summer School announcement from Westby Area Schools or contact elementary school principal Bruce Pederson or lead instructor Corky Roethel at 608-634-4534.

CVCC Membership Options Ø Individual YEARLY -- $40.00 Ø Family YEARLY -- $60.00 Ø Senior (62+) YEARLY -- $20.00 Ø Youth (under 18) YEARLY -- $20.00

NOTE: Lifetime Membership is available for $350.00 after five years of active membership, with all previous dues paid credited to this fee.

6

2019 COON CREEK RENDEZVOUS June 28 - 30

Location: Coon Valley Conservation Club S1005 Knudson Lane Coon Valley, WI 54623

DIRECTIONS: One mile west of Coon Valley on Hwy 14/61, then south on Hwy 162 approximately 1 mile to Left, turn onto Knudson Lane. Follow Knudson Lane to the end. Look for Coon Valley Conservation Club and Coon Creek Rendezvous signs.

This is a Traditional Primitive Pre-1840s Fur-Trade Rendezvous with primitive camping areas available on our nearly 160 acres. Both wooded and open sites are available, as well as sites adjacent to Coon Creek. (Modern Camping also available)

Camp Fee: $30.00 /Camp – Adults & Kids under 18 (Pay at Check-In before setting up. Get Camp Medallion, Schedule, Camp Rules, Map.) - No extra Trader fee. Early Set Up Available starting on Monday 6/24. Teardown Sunday after camp meeting.

General Rules & Schedule: • Tethered, Well-Behaved Pets

Welcome. • Primitive Dress Required during

Public Hours (9 AM – 7 PM). • NO Cannons or Powder Burning

Shooting outside of designated areas/events.

• Friday Night Campers Welcome in the Club House.

• Saturday Morning Breakfast – Open to the Public $8.00 “all you can eat.”

• Saturday Night Campers Potluck. • Camp Meeting (Sun. Noon). • Tear Down (Sun. After Camp

Meeting).

Activities Being Planned include:

• Muzzleloader Rifle Shoot, • Pistol Shoot, • Bow Shoot, • Candle Shoot, • Hawk and Knife Throws, • Woods Walk • Plus other possible activities - Atlatl

Throw, Spear Throw, Fryin’ Pan Throw, Bow Throw, Kids Games, etc. (Have any others you would like? – Contact the Booshway/Segundos.)

**Special Activity for early arrivals - Open Trap Shooting on the Wobble Trap Thursday, June 27th, starting at 6 PM – Bring your modern shotgun and join us!

Booshway: Royce Curtis 608-452-3809 or CVCCHuntSafe@gmail.com . Segundos: Tom Garves & Martin Ferrari.

7

CVCC – Holmen R&G Muzzleloader

2019 Shoot Schedule

@*CVCC, S1005 Knutson Lane, Coon Valley, WI.

@**Holmen R&G, W7503 Cty Rd T, Holmen,

WI.

** ALL SHOOTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ** SHOOT RULES: All shoots are standing offhand position with no telescopic sights or support aids, including slings or shooting sticks, etc. Target loads with lead balls or lead bullets only. SAFETY is FOREMOST – Muzzles Up or Down Range at all times! Range is open for practice prior to shoots. *Sat. Jan. 5: Winter ML Pheasant Hunt 1:00 – 4:00 PM (*Reservations Required) at Badgerland Pheasant Farm, Westby. *Sat. Jan. 26: “Iron Man” Shoot (including muzzleloader, rifle, pistol, shotgun and

archery) starting at 9:00 AM. *Sat. Feb. 16: Cabin Fever Shoot – 9:00 AM – Five-shot bullseye, including muzzleloader, rifle, pistol, shotgun and archery. Unlimited number of targets. **Sat. Apr 6: Silhouette Muzzleloader Shoot – Holmen R & G – 11:00 AM. *Sat. Apr 27: Silhouette Muzzleloader Shoot – 1:00 PM. **Sat. May 4: Traditional Muzzleloader Shoot – 11:00 AM. **Fri. May 17–> Sun May 19: Spring CVCC Muzzleloaders Weekend –Sat. 1:00 PM Rifle Shoot. *Sat. June 29: Twelfth Annual Coon Creek Rendezvous Rifle Shoot – 1:00 PM. Pistol Shoot – 7:00 PM. (*Traditional Muzzleloaders/Patched Round Ball only.) **Sat. June 1: Traditional Muzzleloader Shoot – Holmen R&G – 11:00 AM. *Sat. Jul. 20: “Heat in the Valley” Muzzleloader Trap/Silhouette Rifle Shoot – 1:00 PM. Sat. Aug. 17: Sixteenth Annual “Smoke in the Valley” Shoot – 1:00PM. ** Sat. Aug. 31: Traditional Muzzleloader Shoot – Holmen R&G – 11:00 AM. **Fri. Sept 20 –> Sun Sept 22: Fall CVCC Muzzleloaders Weekend – Sat. 1:00 PM Rifle Shoot. *Sun. Sept 22 -> 8-12 noon Ninth Annual “Muzzleloader Pheasant Hunt” at Badgerland Pheasant Farm, Westby. (*Reservations Required.) ** Sat. Oct. 5: Silhouette Shoot – Holmen R&G – 11:00 AM.

8

Military Rifle Shoot by Merv Broten

The winter Military Rifle Shoot was held on February 2nd, 2019. We had 15 shooters, of whom five were shooting the course for the first time. The weather was a couple of degrees above freezing, with an occasional light rain shower. We missed the 20-below-zero temperatures by three days! That would have made the shoot interesting for sure! The results were as follows: Vintage Military Rifle

1st Place – Dean Ellefson, score 186, US M1 Garand, and Yugoslav M48. (Dean shot two different rifles, and scored the same with each.) 2nd Place – Keith Mathison, score 178, USSR M91/30. 3rd Place – Gary Bendel, score 176, US M1 Garand. 4th Place – Merv Broten, score 169, Swiss K-31. 5th Place – Erv Dukatz, score 163, US M1903A3. Modern Military Rifle For the Modern Rifle, the top two shooters were tied for score, with the same number of 9s, the same number of 10s, and the same number of Xs. To break the tie, we measured the group size of all 20 shots. 1st Place – Rockie Reuter, score 192, 8-1/2” group, AR. 2nd Place – Dean Ellefson, score 192, 13” group, AR. 3rd Place – Keith Mathison, score 187, AR. 4th Place – Merv Broten, score 186, AR. 5th Place – Sean Olstad, score 172, AR. Junior Vintage Rifle 1st Place – J. Jackson, score 64, Swedish M1896. Junior Modern Rifle 1st Place – J. Jackson, score 159, AR.

9

The next shoot will be held June 1. For information, contact Merv Broten at 483-2610, or broten@mwt.net.

Trap Shooting Now that the snow is gone (mostly), and we have emerged from our winter hibernation, it’s time to get back outside, squinting in the daylight, and return to the most important pursuit of life: breaking orange objects flying through the air!! As some of you know, our Laporte thrower had some problems at the end of the season last fall. After some troubleshooting and phone calls, all delayed by the cold weather, the machine is once again fully operational. The fix involved replacing the main circuit board in the control panel. Hopefully, this fix will also help with the hesitation problem we have intermittently experienced for the last couple of years. Once again, we will be shooting on Thursday evenings, beginning at 6:00. The usual start date is the first Thursday in May. However, if the trap field dries up sooner, we may start sometime in April. Check the Club website, as I’ll post something there if we advance the start date. Dust off your shotgun, and I hope to see you soon!! Merv Broten

10

Coon Valley Conservation Club Nonprofit Organization S1005 Knudson Lane US Postage PAID Coon Valley, WI 54623 Coon Valley, WI 54623 PERMIT No. 15

SPRING 2019 NEWSLETTER Upcoming 2019 Events Calendar (next three months):

Board meetings – 2nd Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. Members’ meetings – last Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m.

April: 11 – Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Trap-Shooting Season starts. 18 – Thursday, 6:30 p.m., CVCC Shooting Range Committee meeting. 27 – Saturday, 8:00 a.m., Coon Creek Rendezvous Committee meeting and work morning. 27 – Saturday, 1:00 p.m., CVCC Muzzleloader Shoot. May: 4 – Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Hunter Safety Shoot.” 17-19 – Friday, 8:00 a.m through Saturday to Sunday, ending 4:00 p.m., Spring Muzzleloader Weekend. 18 – Saturday, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Muzzleloader Shoot. June: 1 – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Military Shoot. 28-30 – Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Coon Creek Rendezvous.