For the past couple of years, Dean had been considered for an F3 hunt. Each time, his response reflected his thoughtfulness: he felt someone else deserved the opportunity more.
This year, it was Dean’s turn.
The Central Wisconsin Fur, Fin & Feather board selected Dean for F3’s inaugural hunt at Hogsback Ranch near Gilman. This time, he gladly accepted—and his excitement helped set the tone for a memorable weekend.
Planning began with Joe, Jesse, his wife Trisha, and Cindy, who met with Dean and his wife to talk through the details. From the menu and snacks to directions and arrival times, everyone helped prepare for the hunt, scheduled for November 14–16, 2025.
When the weekend arrived, Dean had plenty of family there to share it with him. His wife, son, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren joined him at the lodge, making the experience a family memory from the very beginning. The group met ranch owner Luke around noon, settled in, and prepared for an afternoon in the blind.
By about 2:30 p.m., Dean, Jesse, Chad, and an F3 volunteer were in position. Around 4 p.m., a buck appeared in the far cornfield. Dean carefully positioned himself, but the deer never offered a clear shot.
As the buck moved through the grass and into the cornfield south of the blind, Dean adjusted his position and waited. When the deer finally stopped and presented an opportunity, Dean took his shot. The buck traveled roughly 50 yards before going down.
Excitement filled the blind. After waiting a few minutes, the group headed out to admire Dean’s buck and take photos of a moment none of them would soon forget.
But some of the best memories came afterward.
Back at the skinning shed, Luke caped and field-dressed the buck while everyone gathered to celebrate. With a few cold beverages, plenty of conversation, and the camaraderie that comes from sharing a successful hunt, the evening became about much more than the deer.
That is what makes an F3 experience special: the people beside you, the family waiting to celebrate, and the friendships strengthened along the way.
Thank you to Luke and Hogsback Ranch for hosting this inaugural F3 hunt, to the volunteers who helped bring the weekend together, and to Dean’s family for sharing in the experience.
Dean spent years putting others ahead of himself. We’re grateful he let us make this weekend his.
