Good luck to all the deer hunters who will take to the woods for the opener Nov. 23.

Keep in mind the rules of gun safety — known as “TAB-K.”

“T” is for “Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.”

“A” is for “Always point your muzzle in a safe direction.”

“B” is for “Be certain of your target, what is before it and behind it.”

“K” is for “Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.”

Remember, gun safety is no accident.

Also, a blessing of the hunters is slated for Nov. 19 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Waldo Site, 1121 N. 14th St. Mass and blessing are at 5 p.m.

A free chili luncheon will be in the Social Hall after the blessing, and chili, dessert and beverages are included. Freewill offerings will be accepted.

A raffle will be held for the chance to win a $250 gift card to Fleet Farm. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5.

People are welcome to attend the blessing event in their hunting gear.

Read last week’s column:Mishicot teen lands 410-pound black bear, and more in the latest Manitowoc outdoors report

Donate deer and elk antlers

Deer season is just about on us, and I am reminding hunters that I am again collecting deer and elk antlers for Leader Dogs for the Blind.

I have received some pretty good results so far this fall and I want to thank those who have already donated antlers.

These antlers are used as chew toys for puppies as they don’t splinter when they are chewed on.

Any size or age antler is good, so even if you are cleaning out the garage and come across some antlers, please save them for us.

Leader Dogs for the Blind thanks you for all of your past support. If you have some antlers you would like to donate, give me, Bob Schuh, a call at 920-682-3106 to make arrangements to get them to me.

Rifle & Pistol Club’s Deer Hunters’ Sight-In is Nov. 16-17

Manitowoc Rifle & Pistol Club, north of Two Rivers between State 42 and County O on Viceroy Road at 7227 Sandy Hill Lane, will be hosting its annual Deer Hunters’ Sight-In from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Nov. 16 and 17.

The event is open to the public. Register at the clubhouse. Admission is $5 per gun. They will have 25-yard, 50-yard and 100-yard ranges in operation.

The facility features indoor range stations sheltered from the weather. Each range station is staffed with a spotter or coach when in use.

Lunch will be available inside the clubhouse. More info: manitowocrifleandpistolclub.com.

Woodland Dunes closing trails during gun deer season

Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserves in Two Rivers is reminding everyone of trail closures Nov. 23-Dec. 11.

All of the trails at Woodland Dunes will be closed for the deer hunting season — except the first part of Willow Trail and Goldenrod Loop and Cattail Trail.

Gun deer season:What to know about the Wisconsin gun deer hunting season: Dates, licenses, regulations

FORWARD Endowment still accepting requests

The FORWARD Endowment, the Manitowoc County trust established to fund projects focused on hunting, fishing, conservation and related education, has announced it is still accepting requests for its 2024 funding cycle.

FORWARD stands for “Friends of Resources, Wildlife and Recreational Development.” It was founded by the 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 each year.

The FORWARD Endowment has announced it has completed a redesign of the trust to a new unitrust format that gives the group more flexibility in funding projects that are important to the community. The new format will allow it to fund larger projects, if deemed appropriate to the overall goals of the trust and needs of the community.

With the new format, there are fewer limits on related spending, so no specific amount available will be announced. Organizations are encouraged to take strong community projects to the table.

Selection of grants will be made at the Gift Committee’s meeting in March 2025. That date will allow the committee to have accurate information about the funds available from the trust, which is managed by Associated Bank. Investment performance does impact the funding available.

Leede Research will again be 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.

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 [email protected].

The FORWARD Endowment has provided more than $150,000 in grants to projects and groups in Manitowoc County. These represent completed projects.

FORWARD is a 501(c)(3), and 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.

More info: email [email protected].

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