Workshops added for first time
By John Faucher
Submitted Photo
Emanuel Lutheran Church, Men of the Outdoors is sponsoring its third annual Sportsmen Breakfast Saturday, Feb. 22.
This year for the first time the event will feature workshops in addition to hunting and fishing activities, a morning social, vendor displays, and breakfast with a keynote speaker.
The event is held at Emanuel Lutheran Church and School in New London. Doors to the gymnasium and cafeteria open at 7:30 a.m.
Three different workshops on hunting dogs, solo camping and mule deer hunting will run from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
A Versatile Hunting Dog workshop will explore equipment and training techniques used to have a well trained hunting dog. The workshop is led by Peter Burton and his Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Burton currently serves on the Board of Directors for the North Central Wisconsin North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association.
Solo Camping in the Boundary Water Canoe Area will feature Chuck Reetz.
Reetz is an avid BWCA camper who makes several trips to the wilderness every year. He will talk about his adventures including winter camping and the minimal necessities he uses.
A High Country Mule Deer Hunting workshop will take audiences into the wild Rocky Mountains to hunt elk and mule deer with Joe Kavanagh.
He will share his experiences and demonstrate how to pack light and prepare for a Western back country hunt.
Keynote speaker
Former New London resident and outdoor TV series host Jeff Gagnow will be this year’s keynote speaker.
Gagnow owns a successful real estate appraisal firm near Fond du Lac. His career schedule has afforded him the time to continue following his passion for the outdoors.
Gagnow has a semi pro career in 3D archery, fishing tournaments and he has filmed dozens of hunts for television in 25 states and Canada.
Gagnow travels the country while managing several hundred acres of land in Wisconsin and Michigan for deer, bear and turkey.
He is also an avid writer who shares stories of his experiences meant to make readers laugh and think. Through his faith, he hopes to inspire others to enjoy the outdoors beyond their expectations.
Ticket information
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for kids ages 12 to 2 and available at the New London Area Chamber of Commerce, Piggly Wiggly, Festival Foods, Little Shop of Bait and the Emanuel Church office.
There will be hunting and fishing activities for kids including a fish identification challenge.
Numerous door prizes will be given away and breakfast is included with the event.