View Full Version : 2009 Bear Hunt taking Shape
With the air of an anti-hunting, anti-2nd Amendment administration and congress, the future of all shooting sports is put in harms way. “Chairman Barack’s” efforts have not yet negatively affected USSA, and 2009 may yet unseat 2007 as the worlds largest Bear hunt.
In 2007 United Special Sportsman Alliance had held what was the “World’s Largest Bear Hunt”. Twenty eight disabled and critically-ill youth from all over the country came to WI to harvested 23 bear.
After composing a letter which included USSA Kid’s testimonies from last year hunt, I decided to try something different. I had the women in my church handwrite all the envelopes (almost 1,500) hoping it would have a personal effect on the lucky men and women who drew a bear licenses.
It has been only a month or so, and we already have 26 bear licenses donated to USSA sportsmen. Bear hunters have until August to donate their bear tag and it will be interesting to see if we beat our 2007 world record, even with the specter of Chairman Barack and Screecher of the House Pelosi hanging over our industry!
God bless you all!
Brigid O'Donoghue
Hardpan
05-28-2009, 01:29 AM
Best of luck to you, Brigid. I don't have a tag, but we are all proud of you and praying for you as well.
Hardpan
As of today we have 39 bear licenses donated to our charity. It has been really exciting watching this hunt come together and grow. Many caring people come forward to help bless the lives of these children and families. There will be a lifetime of memories for all involved. God bless you all!
Brigid O'Donoghue
This article was printed in Friday's WI Leader-Telegram Newspaper:
Program grants outdoor wishes of ill children
Jeff Betlach of rural New Auburn waited four years for a bear hunting permit. Then he gave it away to a 16-year old girl from Junction City he had never met.
Betlach, an advertising salesman for the Eau Claire Press Co., said he was looking forward to bear hunting but not all the effort that goes into establishing bait sites for bears. When a letter arrived asking him to donate his permit so a terminally ill youth could go bear hunting, he agreed.
As of last week, 37 Wisconsin hunters have donated their permits to seriously ill or severely disabled youths from around the country, out of about 1,400 permits issued by the state, said Brigid O'Donoghue, founder of United Special Sportsman Alliance.
That's particularly generous considering some hunters wait up to 10 years to get a permit, she noted.
O'Donoghue, who lives on a cranberry farm east of Black River Falls with her finance, Pete Normington, started the nonprofit organization in the fall of 2000.
A bear hunt is the most common request by the young hunters and also one of the most difficult to arrange because bear permits are hard to get, she said.
An elk hunt is the second most common request, followed by a hunt for white-tailed deer.
Two years ago O'Donoghue had the idea of buying the list of hunters receiving bear permits from the state Department of Natural Resources. Hunters applying for permits have the option of not having their names on the list.
This year she decided that letters to the hunters were more likely to be read if they were addressed by hand. She got help from members of her church, St. Joseph's in Black River Falls. Women in the congregation hand-addressed 1,400 letters.
"I thought if I ended up with 10 kids, I'd be happy. That would be 10 kids with big smiles on their faces. But it turned out to be huge," she said, adding that the hunters "gave with their hearts."
Some bear hunts are done with hounds and some by hunting over bait. In Unit C, the state's southernmost bear zone, hunting with dogs is not allowed and all hunting is over bait, she noted.
For every youth hunter, many volunteers are needed to make the hunt happen, but finding help has not been a problem, she said. "You'd think you'd have to work hard to get helpers, but every year the number grows," she said.
Taxidermists also volunteer to make a bear rug or head and shoulder mount of the animal if the hunter is successful, she said. "I know that it's giving up time in their busy schedules."
The program has grown, providing hunts for disabled and seriously ill children from 34 states, she said. It also works with seriously ill adults and disabled veterans.
O'Donoghue hopes to provide 1,000 hunts or fishing trips a year. "I think we're going to make it this year," she said.
United Special Sportsman Alliance has a good relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes of terminally ill children but stopped offering hunts in 1999 after animal rights groups and sponsors protested.
O'Donoghue didn't start United Special Sportsman Alliance because Make-A-Wish stopped offering hunts, however. Make-A-Wish refers youths who request a hunt as their wish.
"I respect (Make-A-Wish) for their beliefs, and they respect me for mine," she said.
O'Donoghue first arranged a hunt in 2000. It was in Wisconsin at a deer farm for a Texas hunter whose dying wish was to hunt for a big whitetail. That led her to organizing hunts for sick children.
At the time she had never hunted or fished. "I grew up in Milwaukee. I didn't have any interest in it," she said. "Nobody ever took me out there. I had no concept of what I was missing.
"As this charity started growing, all of a sudden the children started asking me questions that I couldn't answer," she said.
Board members of United Special Sportsman Alliance took her hunting for the first time at age 35.
"I've hunted and fished all over America now," she said.
She supported the recently passed hunter mentor bill that allows youths 10 years old to hunt, accompanied by an adult mentor, without having passed a hunter safety class.
O'Donoghue has hunted in other states with youths younger than 10, and they have been safe hunters. Unfortunately, many terminally ill youths don't make it to the age of 12, she said.
Knight can be reached at 830-5835 or joe.knight@ecpc.com.
Three days into the hunt and three bear down!! John Tyler, 10 years old from KY harvested 235# on Wed. Andrew, 16 years old from TN harvested a 192# yesterday. Little Tommy, 10 years old from IL harvested 300# bear early this morning. Thirty-six hunts to go; I will keep you updated and post pictures soon as I get them.
God bless you all!
Brigid O’Donoghue
Deerchaser
09-11-2009, 06:14 PM
If you need free guides are skinners or anything else next year I will be glad to offer my time!
Hey Brett,
We will take you up on your kind offer! We hold a turkey hunt every March there in Alabama and would also like to get a group deer hunt going in 2010. We have a child from AL on this bear hunt, but no word yet. God bless you!
Brigid
Little Tommy, from IL had his bear tag handed down to him by Gregg Meddaugh. After Greg read the article printed above he called and donated his bear tag. Tommy’s bear weighed in around 300#.
Tommy attended the bear hunt with his family, and it was guided by Bill and Debbie Kochevar and their hunting group; Gregg and Sandy Meddaugh also attended. His bear will be mounted by an IL taxidermist.
Please keep Tommy in your prayers, he is expecting another surgery soon, and we are all thinking and praying for him. Congratulations Tommy!! God bless you darling!
Brigid O’Donoghue
Keegan’s (from WI) bear tag was handed down to him by Scott Schoenike of South Milwaukee, WI. Jack Neissen (USSA) and several of his friends took care of the baiting. Keegan attended the bear hunt with his dad (Ron).
Yesterday morning there was a message on my cell phone from Ron telling me Keegan’s bear hunt was a great success. He told me they were close to where I lived and were stopping by. I was just about to leave my house; I called them back and told them I would wait for them.
They say “the window to our soul is through our eyes” what I saw in Keegan’s eyes yesterday was priceless. As we stood there and talked about his hunt, Keegan’s mom called. You could tell by the look on his face, his Mom was really proud of her son.
Hunting has a lot more meaning to those who participate than non-hunters could ever imagine!
Congratulation Keegan I knew you could do it!! God bless you!
Brigid O'Donoghue
Five days into the hunt and three more bear down!! Joshua from MN harvested a bear around 250# this morning, Matthew from IL got his bear yesterday 214# and Keegan’s weighed in around 150#. Thirty-three hunts to go; I will keep you updated and post pictures soon as I get them. Please keep these families in your prayers.
Brigid O’Donoghue
Deerchaser
09-13-2009, 04:07 PM
Brigid
I am serious and it would be an honor to help.
Hey Brett,
SOUNDS GOOD! Email me your contact information (childswish@gmail.com) and I will have Joe (USSA) from AL give you a ring. He has a heart of gold and been working with USSA for over three years.
Brigid
Fishin' Buddies
09-14-2009, 04:18 PM
WOW !! Brigid, I see this is going to be a great hunt this year....and how about my buddy Tommy knocking out a 300#er. Way to go Tommy I am very proud of you buddy, and good luck on your surgery. You get well real soon, there will be many more exciting hunting and fishing trips coming up down the road, so you tell those Dr.s to get you better. Brigid you are the best ever....
God Bless
Perry
Joshua’s (from MN) bear tag was handed down to him by Brett Richson of West Bend, WI. Galen and Linda Liebzeit and The Wildcat Bunch guided his successful hunt. Josh attended the hunt with his Mom and his hunting buddy Bo, all the way from TX.
They called me on their way back home yesterday and they were still on cloud nine. Josh told me his story in such a descriptive way I felt like I was with him during his bear hunt.
When you hear laughter and joy come out of a critically-ill little 12 year old it makes your job all the more important. It gives you the realization of the divine intervention going on and it makes you heart long to help more.
Josh touched the hearts of everyone he came in contact with during his hunt. I’m sure there were tears shed when he left, but they were tears of joy that only comes from giving back.
Congratulations Josh and may God bless you and all your newfound friends.
Brigid O’Donoghue
Matthew’s (from IL) bear tag was donated to him by Bob Goke. The hunt was guided by Bob and his hunting group who has been on board with USSA guiding bear hunts for over four years.
Bob told me the very first time we spoke when his name was drawn for a bear tag he would donate it to the charity. So, I wasn’t surprise when he called and put in an order for a “USSA Special Kid”.
I met Matthew and his family at Rend Lake last August on a fishing trip. Matthew and his parents were excited about the upcoming bear hunt. Matthew had never hunted before so this was a thrill for his whole family.
Even though Matthew is only 17 years old he wants to start his own business. He had a million questions for me on how he could get his business established. I told his parents there was a time I had a dream just like him, that dream was to start the charity. Because of my dream we have found a way to make these outdoor wishes like Matthew’s into reality.
Matthew let your wings soar higher than you can see. Never give up in believing in yourself and what you can accomplish. Never accept any failures as a fault but a learning lesson. God bless you darling.
Brigid O’Donoghue
Two more bear down!! Jeremiah 13 years old from LA harvested a 153# this morning and Austin from MO got a 124# bear on Sunday. Waiting on their pictures and will post them soon as I have them.
Brigid O’Donoghue
Please keep Coy from MN in your prayers; because of his health he will not be able to attend his bear hunt this weekend. His family has been through some really tough times.
Hang in there Coy we are all praying for you. God bless you!
Brigid O'Donoghue
john mozingo
09-17-2009, 09:10 AM
:DWhen I First Saw Austins Guide I new We Would Hit it Great We Boath Hate To weare SHOES:rolleyes:..Toney Was a Number One Guide And Friend.And All 17 Popple Who Helped To Put On austin Bear Hunt..When We went To Help Find His Bear I had Forgot To Take My Shoes .So I helped Find The Bear With Out My Shoes What A hoot I got From Every Boaday..Thank God Toney Had His On...Austin Mom And dad also got to out on batis and see Bear..Austin Saw 15 Bear Befor getting his..Iam Proud he Dint shoot any sows with Cubs...Cant wait to Help on another USSA bear hunt...John Mozingo USSA Board Member....
Hey John, I heard Austin's hunt was awesome, his parents and Tony couldn't stop talking about how much fun you guys had. We can't wait to see some pictures. We love you John! : ) God bless you!
Brigid
john mozingo
09-19-2009, 01:13 PM
Brig We Need to see some more Pictures:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
Just letting you know I would like to spend a little time here, but I’m COVERED UP with work for the bear hunt. Just an update we have a total of 17 bear down and counting. Please keep all of the kids, families, and volunteers in your prayers. God bless you!
Brigid O’Donoghue
Go to: http://www.maximumdraw.com/videos.html and watch John Tyler’s Bear Hunt.
"MAKE A WISH" WISCONSIN BEAR HUNT WITH JOHN TYLER DIKE – 2009”
Brigid O'Donoghue
Jon’s (from MI) bear tag was handed down to him by Tom Hanson of Bruce, WI. Ted Thums and his hunting group guided the successful hunt. Jon attended the hunt with his Dad and nurse.
Ted called me first to share the good news of Jon’s 180 pound bear. Than Joseph called and told me all about his son’s hunt. Each story was spoken from their hearts telling how Jon overcome a multiple of serious challenges to obtain his wish.
Congratulations Jon on your successful bear hunt! Life sometimes can deal you a bad hand, but when life becomes overbearing you need to look back on the memories of your bear hunt; that will help you cope.
God bless you!
Brigid O’Donoghue
Zach’s (from MN) bear tag was handed down to him by Jeffery Rach of Kaukauna, WI. His hunt was guided by George Hrdlicka and his hunting partners Brent Evitch, Mike Paul Jr., and Bud and Brad Smith from North Carolina.
George said, “Zach held his composure better than any adult I have ever seen.” He told me how meaningful Zach’s hunt was for him as well as his hunting partners, and asked to be put on the guide list for next year.
Zach has a life threatening illness, but it doesn't stop him from enjoying the sport of hunting. I have to say it was breathtaking when he called me and told me how much fun he had. His mom too was very happy her son’s hunt was such a success.
I knew you could do it Zach, and I hope to see you and your family in July! God bless you!
Brigid O’Donoghue
Nick’s (WI) bear tag was handed down to him by Marvin Kummer of Pittsville, WI. Nick’s bear hunt was guided by his father. Fathers always make a great hunting guide and this was no exception!
When Glenn called and told me his son had gotten his bear with his crossbow; I told him I had already heard! Good news travels fast!
Nick was in an accident which left him paralyzed. Instead of letting obstacles get in his way; he reaches outside of his boundaries and making outstanding achievements.
Congratulations Nick; you're awesome!! God bless you!
Brigid O’Donoghue
Just an update 20 bear down and more hunts to come! : )
Brigid O'Donoghue
Jake’s (from MN) bear tag was handed down to him by Kelvin Guess of Michigan City, IN. His hunt was guided by Jeremy Moore and his hunting group.
Here is an email Jake’s father sent me:
“Dear Brigid, Jake had the most wonderful experience bear hunting in Wisconsin!!!! It started out on September 15, 2009 when Jeremy Moore met us at his friend Ryan's place. There are no words to explain just how great these guys are or the other people in bear camp. They welcomed us into their house and treated us just like family. What we thought was going to be a one day hunt turned out to be 8 days of bear hunting and those guys refused to give up until Jake got his bear. Finally, Jeremy contacted his friends with the bear hounds and they treed a bear yesterday and Jake ended up harvesting the bear. Jake has not stopped smiling or laughing since yesterday morning!!! I cannot thank you and all the people involved in your organization enough. Once again there are no words to describe just how wonderful you and the folks involved in your organization.
Thank You Truly Doug”
Congratulations Jake, you are an awesome hunter!! You have learned through the years with your health to never-never-never give up!! God bless you!
Brigid O’Donoghue
Max’s (from WI) bear tag was handed down to him by Dave Noble of Menomonie, WI. The hunt was guided by Carrie and Brian Cassellius and their hunting group. Carrie told me their hunting group consisted of 8 to10 families. All those who attended were excited to be part of Max’s hunt.
Max attended the bear hunt with his sister Dakota and dad who said, “Max shot a really nice bear over the weekend. We had a great time, and I thought you might like to see a photo or two.”
Carrie said, “Max was cool, calm, and collective and had a perfect shot,” she went on to say she had tears rolling down her face she was so happy for him. She told me the guys in her hunting group are “hard-core-hunters,” but Max softened up all of them.
Max has a life threatening illness and spent a great deal of time in the hospital. It can be very trying on a family to have a child in a hospital for long periods of time. Looking forward to this bear hunt has helped Max and his family deal with the medical struggles by giving them something positive to look forward to during that long period in the hospital.
Congratulations Max and God bless you and all your new hunting friends!
Brigid O’Donoghue
Twenty-two kids are smiling now that they have realize their dream wish and each has harvested a bear. More to come...
Please keep the families and guides in your prayers.
Brigid O'Donoghue
Benjamin’s (WI) bear hunt tag was donated by Jeff Ternes of Random Lake, WI. His hunt was guided by Mike Wells. Ben attended the hunt with his parents and siblings, Jacob and Sara.
Arlene (mom) told me the hunt was a great experience for the whole family. The family waited back at camp during the hunt and Arlene said, “even though we weren’t with Ben it was still very exciting and we (family) felt we were with him.”
Benjamin harvested his bear with a “sip and puff tube” which operates by sucking on a straw. A very special thank you to Andy Bishop (USSA) who supplied us with the Adaptive Equipment needed in this hunt.
Congratulations Ben! After watching you at the gun range in July I knew you would have no problem handling that equipment!! We are all so very proud of you! God bless you!
Brigid O’Donoghue
Twenty-four bear down!! USSA has now broken its 2007 world record when it harvested 23 bear.
Please continue to keep the families and guides in your prayers.
Brigid O'Donoghue
One more down........Bridget just shot a 200# bear. I will post her pictures soon as I get them.
Brigid O'Donoghue
john mozingo
10-04-2009, 11:04 AM
Way to go Brig..More of them Special smiles ::D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:Times 2 Plus 2.John USSA
Hey John, a newspaper reporter interviewed me the other day and asked me how we got into bear hunting. I told her how you set up our first bear hunt in MN in 2004, and then it took off from there. Remember????
God bless you John!
Brigid
Jeremiah’s (from LA) bear tag was handed down to him by Jeffery Johnson of Spencer, WI. His hunt was guided by Russ and Jenny Smith of Hayward, WI.
Here is the email Jeremiah’s dad sent me:
“Brigid, I wanted to get this email out to you and let you know how wonderful of a time that Jeremiah had on his hunt. He was able to get his bear on the first day, and in the first 25 minutes of being on his stand. Our hosts, Russ and Jen, were great and made Jeremiah feel special and part of everything from the moment we got there. After Jeremiah got his bear, we then went on bear hunts with dogs and watched them get several bears this way. Jeremiah was so excited the whole time. He was always eager to wake up early and get going on a new adventure. And he stayed up late every night, watching bears and foxes in the back yard. Russ also treated Jeremiah to a great day on the lake for Jeremiah’s first time ever, to cast and reel in a rod and reel by himself. He also caught his first fish ever while we were there.
Jeremiah had an awesome time, and one that could never have happened without you, your group of alliances that you’ve made, and the man who donated his tag to make this happen.
We want to thank you, the man who donated his tag, and everyone else who was a part of this, for making Jeremiah feel normal and a part of what everyone else enjoys in life.
Thank you so much, Michael “
Congratulations Jeremiah on your successful hunt! You let NO obstacles get in your way and you are an inspiration to us all. God has blessed you in so many ways!
Brigid O’Donoghue
Zac’s (from WI) bear tag was handed down to him by Dennis Seis of Antigo, WI. His hunt was guided by Perry Frahm and his hunting group.
Here is an email from Zac’s mom:
“Hi Brigid, Here are some of the pictures from Zac's bear hunt on Saturday, October 3,2009 in Rhinelander WI. We got to Perry Frahm's house on Friday evening. We woke up at 4:30 am on Saturday morning and headed up to Rhinelander where Zac was going bear hunting. There were quite a few guys who helped out with their dogs and about 10:30 am the call came that there was a bear treed. We drove to where the bear was treed and drove back into the woods to about 108 feet away and walked in the rest of the way. This was my first time to see Zac actually hunt and it was so exciting, however, I do know that I am not a hunter and will leave that up to my husband and boys. Zac saw the bear in the tree and started to cry as did I, but he got the gun and shot it. Thank you for the use of the special gun which made it easier for him to shoot it.
The bear was so gorgeous in the tree. It is sure something to see the animals in their natural environment. Thanks to Pete, who helped Joel get Zac out to the tree and then drag the bear out with Perry and get Zac back out to the truck. Thank you Fritz for using your dogs to track the bear and tree her. We can't thank you all enough for an exciting and successful hunt for Zac. The bear is presumed to have weighed between 125# to 150#. Thank you so much Brigid for all you do for our children and for us. I can't even begin to tell you what it means to see our child's face when he shot the bear. He accomplished something that we never thought possible with his disease. Thank you for making his wish come true.
God Bless and Love
Dori, Joel, Zac and Nate”
Zac, never give up the sport of hunting; as you get older you will gain a deeper understanding to the meaning of “enjoying the great outdoors”! Congratulations on an awesome bear!
Brigid O’Donoghue
Natalie’s (from MN) bear tag was donate by Steven Dopp of Middleton, WI. Her hunt was guide by Patrick Novesky, a Conservation Warden of WI DNR in Forrest and Oneida County. Natalie has battled a life-threatening illness, which has given her a greater perspective on life. Never worry about yesterday, just live today like there is no tomorrow!!
Below is an email from Natalie’s mom:
“Dear Brigid, Thank you so much for arranging Natalie's bear hunt! She had a great experience and got her black bear on Sept. 24th! I sent a photo just a bit ago to you as well. The local newspaper will be doing an article on her about this so I'll send you the link when we see it. A nice plug for your organization! I'll be in touch with you about that”!, Connie
Congratulations Natalie! I bet your dad was teary-eyed; they get that way for their little girl (at any age).
God Bless you!
Brigid O’Donoghue
One week left for the bear hunt and 27 bear harvested. :cool:
Some of them are enduring an uphill battle with their health and getting them to their hunt has been difficult. Please continue to pray for these special youth hunters.
God bless you all!
Brigid O'Donoghue
Chad’s (Oklahoma) bear tag was donated by Rodney Bleim from Round Lake Beach, IL. His hunt was guided by Galen and Linda Liebzeit and the Wildcat Bunch.
Chad has a life threatening illness and travel to WI (23 hours) alone on a Greyhound bus. When he arrived in Abbotsford, WI Linda Liebzeit and I were waiting for him at the bus depot. I gave him a big hug and wish him good luck on his hunt.
On September 18th Galen called and told me Chad harvested a 135# bear.
Linda sent me the pictures of Chad’s hunt with this note, “I don’t know if Galen told you? Chad’s bear took 2 hrs to get out of the tree after he shot the bear. Guys ended up climbing the tree to get it out-It was really quite something to watch 40 feet stuck in a tree. What a hoot!!:) “
Chad, it was very brave of you to travel alone, but the fellowship at your bear hunt, and memories etched deep in your heart were worth the 46 hours you rode in a bus! God bless you and congratulations on your successful hunt.
Brigid O’Donoghue
birddog32
10-13-2009, 11:52 AM
Jeremiah from La. So happy to hear that you got your bear. Hopefully it will be something you never forget. Good luck in anything you do and may the wind always be in your face. Jeff Johnson
birddog32
10-13-2009, 11:53 AM
Congrats Jeremiah nice bear. Enjoy,..........Jeff Johnson
Bridgette’s (from WI) bear tag was donate by John Thompson of Beloit, WI. Her hunt was guide by Tony Tennessen (USSA).
Tony emailed me the following pictures and added, “Bridgette shot a 200 lb. bear on Saturday, Oct. 3rd in Antigo, WI”.
Bridgette, I heard you had a really good time with Tony and his hunting buddies. I heard Ashley and you kept Tony inline. I think he will take me a little more serious in the future.
Your name "Bridgette" means "strength"-never let your disability keep you from climbing the biggest mountain! When you finally get to the top and look down, what you once imagined is now reality!
Congratulations on your successful bear hunt; I bet your brother was VERY proud of you! : )
God Bless you!
Brigid O’Donoghue
FINALE UPDATE on 2009 Wisconsin Bear Hunt: We granted 39 bear hunts and harvested 27 bears.
The USSA kids hunted in all four hunting zones and here are the results:
Zone A: 11 bear harvested
Zone B: 7 bear harvested
Zone C: 3 bear harvested
Zone D: 6 bear harvested
Thank you to all the bear tag donors, guides, hunters, land owners, volunteers, and taxidermists who made this hunt possible. Each and every one of you played a very important role in making these bear hunts a great success.
In addition a very special thanks to the Lake Country Foundation, Inc. who donated the $3,500 from its "Larry Walters Memorial Hunters Scholarship" in memory of Larry Walters. This donation covered 100% of the out of state licensing fees and some instate licensing fees. The Brett Farve Fourward Foundation and Walgreen covered all of the additional needed expenses. God bless you all!
Brigid O’Donoghue
I will continue posting pictures as I receive them from the families.
I received the following story and picture of Nicholas (WI) bear hunt:
"This 120lb. black bear was shot by 15 year old Nicholas out of Marshfield, WI on 9/20/09 at the Tailfeatherlane Game Farm and Guiding Service in Saxon, WI. While accompanied by his father Chris and Grandfather Nick Beesman.
This opportunity was made possible by Erick V. Graf out of Clinton, WI who had booked the bear hunt originally with Tailfeatherlane guiding service (owner Jerry Moore), but had to cancel himself because of physical problems, had graciously donated his bear permit to United Special Sportsman Alliance Disability group. Which in turn contacted Jerry Moore and asked if he would be willing to donate a bear hunt for Nicholas.
Nicholas is a very special young man who has had a physically ruff start himself. Nicholas had to have open heart surgery at birth, a bone marrow transplant on 2007 and again will be having open heart surgery in January 2010. But, please do not think Nicholas was going to let this stop him! Nicholas is a strong willed young man who was set up for the challenge and with the wonderful support from his immediate family, shared in this first time bear hunt and it is became a great experience for all.
We would like to give a special thank-you to Super One Foods in Hurly for their donations. The manager and employees were all very kind and giving for a special young man."
Andrew (from TN) bear tag was handed down to him by Joe Frane of Stratford, WI. Ron Johnson (USSA) and his hunting group which include his three sons were his guides. Andrew attended the bear hunt with his mom.
Ron called me following the hunt and told me Andrew was quite the hunter and everyone had a great time. Brian Bliese from KY will be donating the shoulder mount. Congratulations Andrew! : ) God bless you!
Brigid O'Donoghue
Emily (from WI) bear tag was handed down to her by Carl Wroblewski of Plover, WI. Adam Bernarde (USSA) and his hunting group guided her hunt. Emily attended the hunt with her parents and little sister Grace.
This was a very special hunt for Emily and Adam Bernarde. Adam is a long time advocate for USSA, and held close to 100 hunter safety courses for USSA Kids which included Emily. Adam and Emily have a very special bond between them.
Emily remember it doesn’t matter how hard your day is just keep looking ahead and keep that beautiful “angel” smile on your face. God has blessed you!
Brigid O'Donoghue
Nate (from WI) bear tag was handed down to his by Dale Rosenthal; who also guided his hunt. Nate attended the hunt with his family.
The following is an email I got following the hunt, “Thank you again for letting us have the opportunity in being part Of Nate’s life. Nate has touched many of our hearts in just the little time that we had him here with us. I hope that he enjoyed going hunting with the dogs and got too learn that it isn't as easy as putting dogs out and walking to a tree to shoot the bear. Many of us have put a lot of work into attracting these bears and baiting every day. These dogs have been in training since the 1 st of July. We take all of July and August to train these dogs. During this time we take a lot of pictures of the bear and then instead of shooting the bear we just walk away and find another one too run. This gives the dogs an opportunity to get into shape just like you or I would for a sport. This is their sport. I want to thank Nate for making a great shot on that bear. This ensures us that our dogs are not going to get hurt. So THANK YOU and GREAT shot.
Thank you again and best of luck NATE!!!!!!!
Congratulations Nate and I hope to see you and your family at our July Summerfest event! God bless you!
Brigid O'Donoghue
Tristan (from MI) bear tag was handed down to him by Matthew Sprister. I met Tristan’s guide when Brittany (USSA) and I spoke at her school last spring. George Brahm told me it would mean a lot to be able to guide a bear hunt for a special kid.
Tristan is 12 years old and LOVES to HUNT. He sent me the following 8” x 10” picture now hanging on my wall with all the other pictures I receive. I keep telling everyone I need a BIGGER office, they think it’s for more operating room, but I just want more wall space for these very special pictures.
Tristan and I talk and text often now that he has joined the USSA Junior Board. I’m learning from special kids like him how to better operate the charity. The children’s hearts are wide open and the charity needs to function in the same manner!!
Congratulations Tristan on a fine bear! God bless you and see you in July. My love to you and your little brothers!
Brigid O'Donoghue
Jacob’s (from AL) bear tag was handed down to him by Paul Auslos of Green Bay, WI. Patrick Novesky working with “Catch a Dream” help set the hunt up for Jacob.
His mom said, “Here is a picture of the bear Jacob shot. It weighed 271 pounds after it was gutted. He was thrilled!”
Jacob is battling a life threatening illness and has already spent a great deal of time in the hospital. While looking forward to this bear hunt it helped him and his family deal with the medical struggles by giving them something positive to look forward to. Congratulations Jacob on a dandy of a bear. I hope to meet you and your family at our AL fishing trip in May. God bless you!
Brigid O’Donoghue
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