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Published – Monday, December 06, 2004

Bob Lamb: Warden says tragedy brought out the best in many hunters

By BOB LAMB / Tribune Outdoors Editor

At times, hunters and game wardens may disagree over hunting regulations, whether the law has been broken, whether a warning is warranted or why a citation is issued. However, in times of danger or worse yet, tragedy, you can be assured that hunters and wardens will come to each other’s rescue or stand side by side.

I received an e-mail several days ago from Randy Stark, Wisconsin’s chief warden. Stark’s message was about the deaths of six hunters and two more injured in a shooting spree in Sawyer County on Nov. 21, the second day of the state’s traditional nine-day gun-deer hunting season.

I read the message, and then read it again. It brought a lump to my throat and I choked back tears thinking about the families that were left behind in the wake of this horrific loss of life.

Despite the fact that this massacre was over a deer stand and trespassing on private property, it wasn’t about hunting.

Wisconsin’s age-old sport of deer hunting may have received an undeserved black eye because of this tragedy. However, the way hunters responded minutes after this homicide should also be mentioned.

For that, we turn to Dean Gullickson, a conservation warden in Chippewa Falls, Wis., who was involved in the initial response and investigation.

“As the media reports go out on this terrible tragedy, I’d like to tell you what I experienced from the Wisconsin hunters I contacted last Sunday.

Many Wisconsin hunters found themselves in the middle of a hot zone as we tried to apprehend the suspect wanted for multiple homicides. I asked them to leave the area for their personal safety. Not one of them complained about giving up their Sunday hunt.

The vast majority of them volunteered to stay and assist in the apprehension of this suspect. I was offered coffee, use of ATV’s, use of firearms, use of cell phones and use of hunting camps.

When told, ?Thank you, but we would just as soon have all civilians leave the area so that no one else would get hurt,’ they thanked me and relayed to me their thanks to the other wardens and officers for what we were doing.

One hunter said, ?I’m sure glad to see the wardens here.’

I said to one hunter, ?I am sorry that we have to interrupt your hunt.’

I then explained the situation to him.

He said, ?No need to be sorry, I’m sure glad we have you guys out here. Be safe.’

I was overwhelmed by the number of hunters who were willing to put themselves in harm’s way to stand side by side with wardens and other law enforcement officers to apprehend the suspect. All this, with a DNR airplane circling overhead and the reality that the suspect was nearby.

Doubtless, this tragedy will leave a cloudy mark in the history of deer hunting in Wisconsin.

As for this warden, I am refreshed knowing that we have so many Wisconsin hunters who are willing to help us when the need is there. I am humbled by their actions and proud to serve them as a Wisconsin conservation warden.”