2009 Bear Hunt taking Shape

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 *******, 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