Ruffed Grouse Society gives away dogs

The Chain of Lakes Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) gave away a pure-bred small munsterlander hunting dog Tuesday, July 23.

This puppy was generously donated by Lynn Kirsteatter of Northern Lights Kennel as a way to get youngsters interested in grouse and woodcock hunting.

In early June, essays were submitted from area youth about why they would like a hunting dog, how they would take care of it and approval from their parents. There were many essays, and the Grouse Dog Committee of the local RGS Chapter narrowed them down to a few finalists.

Each finalist then received a visit from members of the Grouse Dog Committee to interview the applicant, and ensure that any puppies given away would get a good home. This year two puppies were given away. The first one was delivered in June. The small munsterlander puppy was too young at the time, so delivery was delayed until July.

The winner of this puppy is Brady Snedden of Eagle River. Brady is an avid hunter. He chases grouse in the Northwoods, and goes to North Dakota each year with his family to hunt pheasants and waterfowl. He decided to name his new pup Dakota.

Brady was surprised with the new puppy while his family was dining outside at the Eagle River Dairy Queen. It was, of course, a set up. The RGS members contacted his parents ahead of time, and asked them to sit outside on the picnic tables, with Brady's back positioned so that he couldn't see them coming. Lynn Kirsteatter snuck up behind him and offered him the puppy.

The Chain of Lakes Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society will be holding its annual Sportsman's Banquet on Thursday Aug. 29 at the Whitetail Inn in St. Germain.

For more information, call Dan Anderson at 715-617-0845 or email hellmo@frontier.com.

The Ruffed Grouse Society raises money for the development of habitat that benefits ruffed grouse and woodcock. Locally, RGS is working on several habitat projects in the Vilas County Forest.