Ray Howell : Kicking Bear

Kicking Bear Story

Noel Barteck has been a mentor to many kids throughout his life and has been a hunter safety instructor for over 35 years. He was recently recognized by the Wisconsin DNR for his years of service. Following is a story of him spending time with his son John and grandson Matt:

In this picture is my dad, Noel Barteck; Matt, my nine year old son; and myself. On the last day of the fourth season, in Wisconsin, the three of us set out. We got to the area we were going to hunt a little before five A.M. Grandpa set up the blind while Matt and I set out the decoys. We did get a few gobbles on the roost but as soon as they hit the ground they shut off. We saw a few birds crossing the opening, but nothing close. After an hour and a half with not much action we decided to move across the opening. We hadn't even zipped the door closed and a tom came out of the woods right where we had just come from about 150 yards away. He spotted our Jake and hen decoys and came on a line straight to us. Grandpa didn't think he was going to be able to get a shot from his angle, but I could. I couldn't see the bird, so Grandpa was telling me how far out he was. I think we had that tom so confused he didn't know what to do. He ran, strutted, cut, yelped, spit & drummed. The only thing he didn't do was gobble. Finally Grandpa whispered “You should see him right now" and just like that there he was in the window--20 yards away. I already had the gun up and was looking through the Red Dot scope. He walked into the dot and bang. The bird didn't weigh much (17.5 lbs) but he did have 1.25" spurs and a 9" beard. Overall, this was the best one that I have ever taken. Matt also went out and sat with his Grandpa during the gun season last year.