Marjorie Freiberg, 86, doesn’t let age stop her from enjoying nature and deer hunting.

Marjorie hunts with her crossbow, not to get a big buck, but for the meat.

After the hit, she tracks her deer with the help of her daughter, Barb, and grandson, Justin.

She still guts her own deer, too. She has four ground blinds on her daughter’s and sons-in-law’s land and also on her grandson’s land. With their help, she can still hunt.

This year, her daughter said she should get a buck, so they can get it mounted. That way, they can tell their great-great grandchildren their great-great grandmother shot this buck when she was 86 years old.

Marjorie granted her daughter’s wish, as she arrowed a beautiful 7-point buck that tipped the scale at 170 pounds Oct. 13.

Marjorie told me in a letter she was proud to be that 86-year-young lady.

Read last week’s column:Mishicot trap team second in conference and more in the latest Manitowoc outdoors report

Scoping the Great Outdoors: Read on for more outdoors news from throughout Manitowoc County and beyond.

Where to properly dispose of deer carcasses

Once you finish processing your deer, safely dispose of the deer carcass and waste in a provided deer dumpster in partnership with individuals and organizations around the state.

Proper carcass disposal helps slow the spread of chronic wasting disease by removing potentially infected deer waste from the landscape.

Do some research now to find a location near where you’ll be hunting. In Manitowoc County, we have four dumpsters in place. On the northern end of the county, Larrabee Sportsmans Club and Westshore Sportsman’s Club both have a dumpster. In the southern part of our county, dumpsters are at the Cleveland Fish and Game property and at the Kiel Fish and Game property.

Please use the dumpsters to properly dispose of your deer carcasses.

Have Breakfast at the North Pole Dec. 2

Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center, 7001 Gass Lake Road, Manitowoc, is holding Breakfast at the North Pole.

‘Tis the season, as Mr. and Mrs. Claus are back in town! Meet two of their friendly reindeer, take the perfect Christmas card photo, and enjoy a festive breakfast buffet with the whole family from 9 a.m. until noon Dec. 2.

Get more information and purchase tickets on the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center webpage.

FORWARD Endowment grant deadline nears

The FORWARD Endowment, the Manitowoc County trust established to fund projects focused on hunting, fishing, conservation and related education, has announced that it will begin accepting requests for its 2023 funding cycle.

FORWARD stands for “Friends of Resources, Wildlife and Recreational Development.” It was founded by the Manitowoc Unit of Manitowoc County Fish & Game. It is now supported by a combination of funding from area sporting clubs and private donations. Manitowoc County Fish & Game Protective Association has been a major supporter of the fund through its annual banquet proceeds each year.

The FORWARD Endowment has announced the 2023 grant season is underway, celebrating its 30th year. FORWARD announced that approximately $9,000 in total funding will be available for this giving cycle. They will accept applications for grants through Dec. 31. Selection of grants will take place at the Gift Committee’s March 2024 meeting. That date will allow the Gift Committee to have accurate information about the funds available from the trust, which is managed by Associated Bank.

Leede Research is again coordinating the gifting process and aiding in filling grant request materials. A simple application form asks for details of the requests and organization. Both hard projects and related education programs are eligible for grants.

Read more Bob Schuh:Click here for more Scoping the Great Outdoors columns by Bob Schuh

It was noted that while the endowment understands the stress the pandemic has placed on many organizations, its charter does not allow for the funding of budget shortfalls or operations. Projects must have public benefit and tie to hunting, fishing and conservation and must be based in Manitowoc County.

The group has automated the applications, which are available through the mantyfg.org website. Contact emails can be sent to mantyfg071@gmail.com.

The FORWARD Endowment has provided more than $145,000 in grants to projects and groups in Manitowoc County. These represent completed projects in the community.

FORWARD is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and donors can make checks payable to The FORWARD Endowment c/o Associated Bank. Only interest incomes from the fund are spent so the fund will continue to grow and be there for future generations. Memorial or estate planning gifts are possible with the fund. Those making end-of-year charitable donations are invited to consider the fund. Contact mantyfg071@gmail.com for more information.

That’s it for this week, so have fun in the great outdoors.