Northeast Wisconsin Outdoors (NEW Outdoors)

Whoops of joy at wielding 4-foot chainsaws, and shouts of triumph at hitting the mark in the tomahawk toss echoed through the woods near New London on Saturday. There were more clouds than sun, but that was ok, since the gun barrels and Dutch ovens were blazing. Our Women’s Outdoor Skills Event was a success by every measure of the word. Every participant and volunteer had a great time.

Self Defense

Self defense techniques were demonstrated by Black Belt Instructor, Scott Simpson, of Cornerstone Christian Karate, New London, WI. Practical methods to defend against assailants were taught and practiced. Eye gauging, windpipe crushing, verbal assault, and various escape methods were safely practiced. Of course, everyone got to split a board as well.

Trailer Backing

It sounds silly to teach a class on trailering, but what a valuable skill to have! Imagine being able to take the boat out yourself on that gorgeous day when your husband is too busy at work to get away. Mickey Weber and Austin Jackson from NEW Outdoors demonstrated proper methods of maneuvering a trailer. Our participants in this class were empowered after practicing what they learned.

Chainsaw

David Pleshek of Pleshek-Vosters Outdoor Power in Kaukauna, WI lead the chainsaw skills class. The women were instructed with basic operations of this power tool of power tools. Dave demonstrated sawing techniques and safety equipment, then the women were “cut loose” to try some of the equipment themselves. The participants were very excited to try the various saws, working their way up to a monster 4-footer that Dave pulled from the back of his truck. No log pile was too much for these adventurous women.

Dutch Oven/Camp Stove Cookery

Jon Vanderheyden of NEW Outdoors showed our participants just how easy and fun it can be to prepare entire meals, including desserts, in a Dutch oven with a few charcoal briquettes or pieces of wood coal. While the ovens were cooking, Chef Jason Coleman, Fox Valley Technical College instructor, demonstrated easy techniques for preparing meals on a camp stove. And the results were delicious!

Black Powder, Rifles, and Shotguns

Lead by Len Doran of NEW Outdoors, our team of instructors and qualified volunteers introduced the ladies to the pure fun of shooting. The participants had various levels of experience—some with absolutely none. Taught proper safety first, then correct methods of aiming and firing, all of the women were successfully hitting targets very quickly. Participants got to try various types of firearms from black powder rifles to shotguns. All came away with huge smiles.

Talking Turkey

Our resident turkey sage, Len Doran, shared his experience with participants of this seminar. He demonstrated turkey calling techniques, discussed hunting methods, and answered questions.

Tomahawk Toss

Throwing the “hawks” is always a favorite. Once again, led by Len Doran of NEW Outdoors, this activity was a hit with the entire group. Len’s expert instruction enabled many of our participants to split an ace at seven paces. Using Len’s handcrafted hawks, the ladies threw at balloons and playing cards. Nothing is more exhilarating than the sound of the hawk making a solid “thunk!” as it sinks home into the target.

Outdoor Gear

A rep from the Outdoor Outlet in Appleton, WI  was on hand later in the day to show the latest in camping and hiking equipment.

Thank you to all the participants, instructors, volunteers, and sponsors of our event. All the proceeds of this event will be used to help fund future events such as this, as well as to support local charitable groups here in Northeast Wisconsin. Please see our Sponsored Groups page for some of the organizations we are helping to support. Visit the local businesses that have given us support in this event and others.