Several women are enjoying this weekend at a rustic winter getaway with the Women in the Outdoors, a local group of the Little Wolf Gobblers, which is part of the National Turkey Federation.
Bonnie Splitt, of Shawano, Diane Krueger, of Caroline, and Mary Krueger, of Clintonville, do the planning, preparation and evaluation for the group.
“Being part of this group is awesome,” Splitt said. “We are busy from the time we get there until we go home. We laugh and have a good time.”
The getaway takes place at the farm of Kevin and Lori Wichman near Marion. The barn is used for the projects and meals, the granary is a bunkhouse, and the farmhouse is also used for sleeping. However, women don’t have to stay overnight.
“Ladies come from all over,” Diane Krueger said. “We do a lot of working with power tools. It‘s an experience.”
This year, the women made suet feeders, turned old calendars into note cards, had a sunrise hike, and ate a lunch of wild meats. They were also told how to get great outdoor pictures, made a cement stepping stone, and helped the Wichmans gather maple sap.
Other years, they have made birdhouses, flower and vegetable boxes, and jewelry.
Women of all ages attend the event, and most of them keep coming back.
Splitt acknowledged planning the event is a lot of work, but she enjoys it.
“Everybody is so grateful,” she said. “They have such a good time. We get rave reviews. It’s very gratifying.”
This will be the third year that Marlene Brath, of Shawano, has attended.
“Last year, I learned how to prune trees,” she said, using the technique on a tree in her yard. “It looks so much prettier and happier.”
Diane Krueger has been a part of WITO for 15 years. She is a hunter and loves the outdoors, but said anyone can enjoy the activities and crafts.
The women have the choice to do as much as they want inside or outside, weather permitting.
Those who are hunters learn about the conservation and preservation of wild turkeys and hunting them.
Each year new activities are planned.
“We change it up to make it interesting,” said Splitt, who is also the cook. “I try to have new recipes every year. We always have wild game.”
Mary Krueger said the event is educational and fun, particularly for women who have never done these types of things.
“Being able to get out and enjoy nature gives you a piece of solitude like no other,” she said.
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