An official publication of Whitetails Unlimited, Inc.

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1 Photo by John R. Ford Est An official publication of Whitetails Unlimited, Inc. Summer 2003 WTU Partners With Prominent Seed Company Whitetails Unlimited and Nature s Own seed company have joined in a strategic alliance as Partners in Conservation. The alliance results in Nature s Own being named as the official seed company of WTU, and Nature s Own will feature the WTU logo on packaging, television advertising, hunting shows, websites and other promotional material. Nature s Own seed products will be available through Whitetails Unlimited, and there will be special pricing available to WTU Chapters on selected products. We re very keyed up about this partnership, said WTU President Jeffrey Schinkten. Nature s Own is a premier company involved in habitat enhancement, and they will add incredible expertise and resources to our conservation programs. Ron Edwards, owner of Nature s Own, is a member of the Kankakee River Valley (Illinois) WTU Chapter and recognizes the importance of habitat enhancement for landowners and the serious deer hunter. We ask too much when we expect every habitat to provide all the necessary nutrients, forage and minerals that both game and non-game species need to thrive. It s not a perfect world. If we want to produce the best possible results, Mother Nature needs our help, Edwards said. He notes that Nature s Own has specially formulated and field tested their products to provide the necessary nutrients and forage to maximize wildlife habitat while helping landowners achieve optimum results. Nothing is more satisfying than the opportunity to have a direct impact on the quality of the wildlife we love. Edwards said. We re picking up where Mother Nature left off. WTU Executive Director Peter J. Gerl and Vice President of Field Operations David Hawkey visited the Manteno, Illinois facility earlier in the year and were very impressed with what they saw. This is a first-class operation, from the research to the final packaging, said Gerl. We re very serious about who we partner with, but after examining the Nature s Own operation we knew this was a terrific opportunity for both of us. I was very impressed with their operation, and the professionalism and knowledge of their staff, Hawkey noted. Everything is topnotch all the way around. This will be a great benefit to our HOPE (Habitat Options and Planned Enhancement) program. Nature s Own is a division of the Summit Seed Company of Manteno, Illinois. In addition to products to enhance whitetail habitat, they offer a wide range of products to enhance habitat for numerous other game and non-game animals. They have just com- (continued inside) Working For An American Tradition Inside CRP Program Michigan Legislative Group Firearm Safety MirroCraft - New Sponsor Website Redesign Expanded Whitetail Watch Washington Message

2 (continued from cover) pleted a new 20,000 square foot learning center surrounded by 25 acres of research plots (see photo below). These experimental plots allow Nature s Own to evaluate the correct selection of plants for habitats across the country. They are continually researching new habitat materials for future release. They also offer equipment, instructional videos and services such as soil and water testing, recommendations on fertilizer, on-site consulting, a professional staff to answer technical questions and a great deal of information on their website. The partnership of Whitetails Unlimited and Nature s Own will help WTU members be better stewards of the land, Schinkten said. It s a great relationship. Nature s Own can be contacted at P.O. Box 814, Manteno, IL, 60950, phone (800) , or visit Habitat Gains Will Continue Through CRP Program The Conservation Reserve Program is the federal government s largest, and most successful, environmental improvement program. The 2002 Farm Bill authorized the continuance of the program for another decade. Today the program pays out more than $1.5 billion each year and safeguards millions of acres of wildlife habitat. WTU has been a staunch supporter of the CRP program, which since it s inception in 1986 has produced a number of dramatic improvements in the health and size of wildlife populations. Even more impressive, CRP s success is accomplished through voluntary partnerships between individuals and the federal government. The program provides incentives to encourage the natural planting of diverse covers, with the aim of sheltering and feeding a variety of wildlife, including the white-tailed deer. Originally, most of the land enrolled had to meet the specific criteria of reducing soil erosion; but today program acreage also includes cropped wetlands, flood plains, and riparian areas, offering diverse habitats important to numerous wildlife species. The results have been truly noteworthy. Nature s Own has the knowledge, experience and products to take the mystery out of habitat enhancement." WTU President Jeff Schinkten Michigan Sportsmen s Group Whitetails Unlimited has joined with other hunting, fishing and conservation groups in the Michigan Legislative Sportsmen s Foundation, a group that will present our message to members of the Michigan legislature and state government. The MLSF will provide a vehicle to communicate with lawmakers, and policymakers in the state, and will also provide a channel of communication with the newly-created Michigan Legislative Sportsmen s Caucus. The Michigan Legislature has become the 11th state to establish a bipartisan Legislative Sportsmen s Caucus to provide input in crafting public policy that affects hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. Modeled after the Congressional Sportsmen s Caucus, the largest caucus in the U.S. Congress, the Michigan LSC already counts 84 of the 148 members of the Michigan legislature as members, almost 60% of the legislature, and has co-chairs and vice chairs in each house representing both Republican and Democratic parties. Outdoor recreation is a potent economic force in the state, Michigan ranks 3rd in the nation in total number of hunters, and 8th in the nation in anglers.

3 MirroCraft Joins Our Sponsor Team WTU would like to welcome our newest national sponsor, MirroCraft. WTU s state fundraising efforts contribute greatly to our national conservation projects and the addition of a MirroCraft Utility V deep fisherman helped greatly to the success of our efforts. Mirro Aluminum Company of Manitowoc, Wisconsin first began production of aluminum boats in Marketed under the name of MirroCraft, the original line offered a series of quality boats for recreational fishing and pleasure. Redesigned Website Premiering Soon Whitetail Watch Expands As the 2003 hunting season approaches Whitetails Unlimited is pleased to announce its Whitetail Watch program has been expanded to Ohio and Nebraska. Others states currently involved with the program include Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. WTU VP of Field Operations David J Hawkey stated, WTU welcomes the opportunity to join forces with the Ohio Turn In Poachers program and Nebraska Wildlife Crimestoppers program. Our mutual goal to reduce the crime of poaching is a priority. To curb poaching, Whitetail Watch enlists the support of citizen volunteers and landowners to serve as a neighborhood watch patrol for wildlife violations in the area. In 1982 several employees purchased the aluminum boat business from Mirro and relocated the operation to Gillett, Wis. The company name was changed to Northport, Inc. However, the trade name of MirroCraft was retained. The MirroCraft name has become and continues to be synonymous with boat innovation, safety and quality. Visit to see all the exciting models, order a catalog or find a dealer. The Whitetails Unlimited website will soon have a new look and a vastly improved ordering interface, making it easier for individuals to order WTU merchandise and banquet tickets online, and for chapter committees to view and order closeouts and specials. WTU s graphic artist Denise Dubick reworked the look of the website header, providing a contemporary, classy appearance. Website designer C.J. Neal is implementing the entire project, working with a website programming firm. A dynamic database will be incorporated within the site allowing WTU merchandise to be updated in real time and significantly improve internal processes for accounting, billing and fulfillment. The finished site is scheduled to go live in late June or early July. After the redesigned site is up, additional content will be added to further serve the varied missions of Whitetails Unlimited. Visit us at unlimited.com. Participants receive a wallet card that explains the proper action to take when a violation is witnessed. A window decal is also provided for display on vehicles which acts as a visible deterrent to potential poachers. Landowners are provided with signs notifying potential violators that their property is part of the Whitetail Watch program. Many WTU chapters have been instrumental to the success of the Whitetail Watch program in their local area through distribution of wallets cards, decals and signs, along with supporting a rewards program for convictions.

4 Firearm Safety a Top Priority For the past twenty-one years, Whitetails Unlimited has been instrumental in providing the country s young people with the knowledge and understanding they need to avoid tragic gun-related accidents. Since 1982 our fundraising activities and cost-share partnerships have generated over $8.2 million in support of national efforts promoting firearm safety and hunter education. As hunters, our management program is backed by over sixty years of research supporting regulated hunting as the most viable option state wildlife agencies have to control deer populations. WTU would like to take this opportunity to showcase several national firearm safety programs that we have financially supported over the past two decades. 4-H Shooting Sports Foundation Beginning in 1991, Whitetails Unlimited joined forces with the 4-H Shooting Sports Foundation. This year more than 300,000 young people will take part in the program. The leadership for the program is an established core of nearly 15,000 trained adult volunteer instructors. Whitetails Unlimited financially supports the 4-H program because we recognize that the organization is in a strategic position to offer a positive gun safety message to the youth of our nation. The 4-H program teaches young people the safe and responsible use of firearms, and the fundamental techniques of using air guns,.22 s, blackpowder rifles, and shotguns. The basic principles of hunting and archery are also taught as disciplines of the program. The Shooting Sports program is active in all 50 states, and is still the fastest growing program out of over 100 in which a 4-H member can choose to participate. With 6.6 million members in 4-H nationally, the potential for firearms safety training is tremendous. Hunter Education Instructors Association On an annual basis, we have been serving the needs of America s 55,000 volunteer hunter education instructors faced with the challenge of teaching our children safe and responsible hunting skills. All of the state hunter education associations that Whitetails Unlimited financially supports provide their local instructors with state of the art teaching aids for the overall improvement of hunter education instruction. NRA Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program WTU financially supports this national gun safety program developed by the National Rifle Association which is being used by WTU chapters, school systems, law enforcement agencies and other groups concerned with the safety of children. For the seventh straight year WTU has earmarked funds to purchase and make available materials free of charge to anyone interested in promoting the program. Whitetails Unlimited offers the educational materials for preschool through grade 3 to all interested parties. The Eddie Eagle Gun Safety program is a unique accident prevention program to help children learn that guns are not toys. With a firearm present in about half of all American households, WTU feels there is a tremendous opportunity, and obligation, to teach children a lifesaving message. National Writers Conference Whitetails Unlimited Magazine editor Jeff Davis will attend the Outdoor Writers Association of America national conference in late June. The meeting, in Columbia, Missouri, is an opportunity to meet with writers, editors, photographers, industry representatives and newsmakers involved in hunting and outdoor sports. If you are attending the OWAA conference make sure and let Jeff know where to find you, and get together for a chat.

5 WTU Project Funds Working For An American Tradition From a modest beginning in 1982 our Grassroots Program has experienced overwhelming success, raising funds in support of Whitetails Unlimited s numerous ongoing programs. Today, over 70,000 conservationists have joined our ranks, dedicating themselves to current conservation issues affecting the white-tailed deer. WTU members play a vital role in the success of WTU programs and deserve our deepest gratitude. Whitetails Unlimited banquets offer an avenue for WTU members who share the same common interests of preserving the hunting tradition and educating the public on the importance of conserving our natural resources. A Closer Look Education... $4,999, % Habitat... $8,466, % Hunting Tradition... $8,249, % Research... $3,249, % WTU fundraising activities and cost-share partnerships have generated over 24.9 million dollars in support of our goals. This new list represents a sampling of recent projects funded by WTU: Saline County Mo. Hunter Education - $3,691 Huron County Mich. Shooting Range Enhancement - $1,744 Sandhill Wis. Outdoor Skills Center Deer Home Range Study - $1,200 Washington County Iowa Hunt for the Hungry & Conservation Foundation - $2,196 Clare County Mich. Range Improvements - $1,994 Winnebago County Wis. Hunter Education - $1,569 Edwards River Ill. Hunter Education - $2,931 Cuyahoga County Ohio Youth Education - $2,660 Waukesha County Wis. Hunter Education - $2,986 Lancaster County Neb. Youth Education & Shooting Sports - $3,987 Cass County Mich. Shooting & Conservation - $4,729 Minnesota Firearms Instructors Association - $5,000 Rock County Wis. Hunter Education/ 4-H Shooting Sports - $3,378 Portage County Youth Archery - $1,336 Alcona County Mich. Habitat Enhancement - $2,102 Monroe County Wis. 4-H Shootings Sports - $2,098 Dubuque County Iowa Youth Education & Anti-Poaching - $4,538 Vilas County Wis. Habitat Enhancement - $6,500 Sandusky County Ohio Habitat Enhancement - $4,930 Bay County Mich. Youth Education - $10,917 Marathon County Wis. Operation CWD - $3,000 Oakland County Mich. Habitat Enhancement & Hunter Education - $1,848 Mosquito Hill Wis. Nature Center - $3,165 Keokuk County Iowa Shooting Sports - $2,880 Otsego County Mich. Hunter Education - $1,051 Harrison County Ohio Youth Education - $3,507 Price County Wis. Youth Day - $2,485 Charlevoix County Mich. Anti- Poaching - $1,039 Douglas County Wis. Youth Education - $1,173 Houghton-Keweenaw County Mich. Habitat Enhancement - $1,357 Vermillion County Ill. Habitat Enhancement - $2,415 Racine County 4-H Shooting Sports - $1,762 Polk County Iowa Habitat Enhancement - $2,732 Walworth County Wis. Hunter Education - $1,068 Ashtabula County Ohio Youth Education - $6,853 Iosco County Mich. Deer Management Seminars- $4,788

6 TM Whitetails Unlimited, Inc. National Headquarters P.O. Box Rhode Island Street Sturgeon Bay, WI NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE P A I D Green Bay, WI Permit No. 141 Message for Washington Whitetails Unlimited joined with 29 other sporting and conservation organizations in placing an ad in Roll Call, a daily newspaper that covers Capitol Hill and is read by everyone who is anyone in Washington, D.C. The ad was organized and placed by the Congressional Sportsmen s Foundation, which WTU is a member of, and was in response to an ad run the week before that was placed by the Fund for Animals organization. The Fund for Animals is an animal rights group that has recently sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in order to stop all hunting in National Wildlife Refuge areas. In 1997 Congress passed a law that declared that hunting is among the six primary uses of the National Wildlife Refuges, and the Fund for Animals suit seeks to change this law. Roll Call is widely read by members of Congress and staff members of federal agencies and is an effective way to present information to decision makers in Washington. The Congressional Sportsmen s Foundation is a cooperative of sporting groups that promote hunting, fishing, shooting sports and responsible conservation and use of our natural resources. By joining with other groups with similar goals, WTU s interests and message can more effectively reach top decision makers in Washington. National Conservation Partners