Ray Carviou, once a longtime member of Manitowoc County Fish and Game, and three other fellows who were long-time local boys, took a bear hunting trip to Minitonas, Manitoba, Canada.

Ray had set up the trip with Canadian Wilderness Outfitters after much planning. He said normally he would not make such a big deal of a hunt like this, but the owner, Scott Smith, and his staff had totally impressed him through phone conversations and time he spent to make sure they would be satisfied.

It was the first time Ray had spent any time in Manitoba, and he was very impressed by the hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland.

He said he thought it would be like his many trips to Ontario — smothered with woods and water.

They all said as they got into Manitoba, “Where can all these bears be hiding?” But as they started nearing the Duck Mountain area, the high mountain landscape seemed to melt into farmland, providing a lot of great habitat for wildlife.

The group consisted of Carviou, Gary Brandl, Greg Lambert and Ken Noskowiak. Ray and Greg had taken a total of six bears in the past, and Gary and Ken had no prior bear experience. All but Ken, who chose shotgun, used crossbows.

After getting settled in, the next day was hunting time, and after the night concluded, Ray and Ken had both scored. Ray’s bear tipped the scale at 400-plus pounds, and Ken brought back a 140-pounder.

Stories of that night’s hunt were told, with Ken seeing two bigger bears after he had shot that one.

Gary had 10 bears in and out and got some great videos and pics, but decided to wait, since it was the first day.

Greg saw several bears, none to his liking, on the first day.

Day two brought luck to Gary’s outing as he returned to camp with a chubby 220-plus-pound bear that had to be extracted from the perch it expired in, 60 feet up in an aspen tree.

Greg’s next few days were a little slow on sightings, but Greg’s stick-to-it attitude the final night had him find his mark as he returned to camp with a nice bear comparative to Gary’s.

Ray conveyed the hunt was a complete success. The group gives special thanks to Smith and the entire Canadian Wilderness Outfitters staff. They said anyone interested in a top-notch bear hunt should check them out.

Read last week’s column:Hunters, be careful where you place tree stands — and more in the latest Manitowoc outdoors report

FORWARD Endowment opens requests for 2024 funding cycle

The FORWARD Endowment — the Manitowoc County trust established to fund projects on hunting, fishing, conservation and related education — is accepting requests for the 2024 funding cycle.

FORWARD stands for “Friends of Resources, Wildlife and Recreational Development.” It was founded by Manitowoc Unit of Manitowoc County Fish & Game and 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.

The FORWARD Endowment has completed a redesign of the trust to a new unitrust format, giving the group more flexibility in funding projects important to the community.

The new format also allows it to fund larger projects, if deemed appropriate to the overall goals of the trust and needs of the community.

With the new format, fewer limits are placed on related spending, so no specific amount available will be announced.

Organizations are encouraged to take strong community projects to the table.

Grant recipient selection will be done at the Gift Committee’s March 2025 meeting, allowing the committee to have accurate information about the funds available from the trust, which is managed by Associated Bank.

Leede Research will coordinate the gifting process and aid in filling grant request materials. An application form asks for details of the requests and organization. Both hard projects and related education programs are eligible. Projects must have public benefit and tie to hunting, fishing and conservation. They must also be based in Manitowoc County.

Applications are at mantyfg.org. Anyone with questions can email mantyfg071@gmail.com.

The FORWARD Endowment has provided more than $150,000 in grants to projects and groups in Manitowoc County. It is a 501(c)(3). Donors can make checks payable to the FORWARD Endowment, c/o Associated Bank. Those making year-end charitable donations are invited to consider the fund.

Mishicot club to host snowmobile safety course

Kettle Range Snow Riders will hold a snowmobile safety course at Mishicot Sportsmen’s Club, 13804 Jambo Creek Road, Mishicot.

Classes run 6-8:45 p.m. Oct. 22 and 24 and 8:30-11 a.m. Oct. 26. People can register at gowild.wi.gov.

Also, mark your calendars as Kettle Range Snow Riders will hold its fish fry Nov. 1 at the Mishicot Vets Club, 314 W. Main St., Mishicot. Serving will be 4:30-8 p.m. with carry-outs also available by calling 920-323-6950.

4-H Family Fun Night:Learn about 4-H in Manitowoc County during annual Family Fun Night. Here’s how to attend.

Missed message for Leader Dogs for the Blind antler donation

Last week, I had the story about me collecting deer and elk antlers for Leader Dogs for the Blind and I had a message on my answering machine from a reader. Yup! You guessed it. I hit the wrong button on my answering machine and deleted the message. Roseanne, I hope you see this and call me back with your telephone number.

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