Not only were a record number of legal muskies caught during Musky Hunt 2002, but a record value of prizes were awarded. Over $7,000 in door prizes alone were presented. The generosity of local businesses and sponsors cannot be appreciated enough.

For example, the L.C.O. Casino, Lodge and Convention Center donated the Grand Prize - a boat, motor and trailer, but that is not all! They also provided wonderful facilities for the opening night Guide Tips with delicious hot and cold hors doeuvres. In addition they donated numerous prizes including 6600C5 Magi-X Garcia Reels valued at $110, fishing maps, books and fishing rods. Leader boards were provided by L.C.O. staff. The final evening of festivities featuring the awards banquet was also hosted by L.C.O. Casino, Lodge and Convention Center.

Budweiser Park Ridge Distributing of Eau Claire, WI provided 25 cases of beer to give away. They also designed and printed & distributed promotional posters for the Musky Hunt event.

Reinhart Foods, Baraboo-Sysco Foods and Indianhead Foods made major food product donations for breakfast and Brat feed events.

Many of the businesses that participated are tourism associated partners. An example would be guides and bait shops. Jenks Bait and Tackle was instrumental in acquiring valuable prizes and prize brainstorming, as well as storage. D&B Bait and Tackle donated a fishing rod, reel and net. The Guide Service also donated a Garcia reel. Guides Drake Williams, Dan Seibert and Ron Bergman all donated special lures. Bergman also conducted the Fishing Tips Night, advising contestants on fishing conditions, rules and answering questions. Mel’s Outdoor Power donated useful motor oil and a new gas tank. Round Lake Marina provided a gift certificate for your choice of merchandise.

Other supporting businesses included TNT Groceries, who donated a Fenwick Rod and lure, and Winter Co-op, who donated a gift certificate. Local attractions like Wilderness Walk donated a fillet knife, while Tremblays Sweet Shop and Hayward KOA gave business gift certificates.

The new restaurant owner of Schultz’s Restaurant, formerly Goetsches, jumped in with numerous donations including Garcia Reel, Beckman Net and fillet knife, while several gift certificates came from Coop’s Pizza, Club 77 and Snyder’s Y-Pines. Anglers Bar & Grill on Main St. donated a high tech rain suit.

Barker Lake Golf and Telemark donated golfing coupons and Spider Lake Golf Resort contributed golf coupons, binoculars and a Fenwick rod.

Support from member resorts was almost unanimous. Donations ranged from $36 to $366, with the average about $200 each. Vendors, the companies resorts do business with, came through for us too. Ackley Novelty and Northwest Coin maintain most area video games, pool tables and other entertainment devices. Their generous donations included a Fenwick Rod and Corsair Reel, each about a $90 value. Tony’s Candy & Tobacco provided a high tech rain suit, while Beer Central, a speciality beer distributor, donated some Fenwick rods and lures. GB Sales, the Miller beer distributor provided a unique Eagle mirror. OldCabin Internet Services, the webmaster for www.chippewaflowage.com presented a compass watch. Fleece vests were provided by Jimmy’s Salad Dressing.

Musky Hunt 2002 enjoyed the backing of many community members. These included Heart of the North Home Furnishings donated a four head programmable VCR and Vacationland Home Furnishings unique eagle print. A Dewalt Angle Grinder came from the Winter Lumber Company while Russ Smith Construction sent a fishing rod and lures. Woods to Water Realty, the Sawyer Country Record and Gillis Motors all contributed nice lures. A Garcia reel came from the Chippewa Valley Bank.

The Lake Chippewa Flowage Resort Association is grateful for the support of our members and neighbors. The Musky Hunt enables us to accomplish the following goals:

1. Sponsor a Catch and Release Musky Tournament that emphasizes fun and camaraderie
2. Encourage tourism in the Hayward area through this event and in the future
3. Fulfill our Mission Statement by promoting good sportsmanship, protecting and preserving our resources though a limited tournament and look to the future as vital, ongoing business concerns.