Kids and Mentors Outdoors (KAMO)

Recent pic taken by KAMO fan. This bull is out of a herd wintering in southern Jackson County.

KAMO is in need of an assistant for an upcoming large event. This requirement was thrown at us recently. Does anyone know of anyone?

The Kids and Mentors Outdoors (KAMO) group has its annual deer  hunt near Poynette from Friday, December 13th (evening) - Sunday,December 15th (early afternoon). This year we are required to have a person with a medical background on site - that person would stay in the Mac Kenzie Center Lodge on call (during this time, they could do personal work - for example, bring in a laptop). It could be a doctor, nurse, physician assistant, practical nurse, athletic trainer, EMT, or a person who has completed the American Red Cross Emergency Response Course.This person would be provided transportation to and from the event site, free food and lodging, and would receive $150. That person would have to stay the entire time. They would be helping a great cause and would really enjoy the atmosphere. Contact Mike at 608-799-5037/ [email protected] if interested.

Some KAMO mentors in La Crosse decided to get involved with Angler R3. This movement would be geared toward adults who never learned to fish. Here's the word we are trying to spread:

I am writing as a representative of an R3 Angler Education group. R3 stands for  - Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation. This is  nationwide movement intended to increase the numbers of people participating in fishing (there is hunting R3 too).

Our La Crosse group consists of members of the U.S. F.W.S., D.N.R., and a couple non -profit groups. We are currently planning a February class with up to 20 novice, adult anglers. Potentially, we could use some ideas and support:

Where would we take a first time group on two consecutive February weekends - the 22nd and 29th so that there might be a decent chance to catch fish in the general La Crosse area with a nearby porta potty and place to clean fish? Yes, this is a tall order.

Once we get enough people hooked on ice fishing, we'll worry less about these amenities on future outings.

Would some people reading this post potentially be interested in helping our R3 group?

While I'm on the subject, the Kicking Bear group plans to host its first annual Kids Fishing Tournament off Schaeffer's Landing - Lake Onalaska on January 18th. That event too, will be supported by other outdoor nonprofits, but we could use experienced anglers to help the kids and their families have a better chance for success.

The KAMO group is getting ready for the state anterless hunt in Poynette this December. The hunt was put on the Go Wild site as a Learn to Hunt.

There may be some room for some non learn to hunt kids (those that have already bought a license in the past).

The event coincides with the anterless hunt on December 13-15. Participants stay in dorms at the Mac Kenzie Center.

Coulee had pontoon rides on a hot afternoon on the Black River that drew 65 riders.

Kids who were waiting practiced fish casting.

A couple pics from Youth Outdoor Fest in La Crosse.

I was so busy myself, I didn't take pictures of some really neat stuff like the zip line. 

This fest keeps growi ng and may someday be a regional draw.

Sherry Hougom pictured at the June 9th, 2019 Loggers game with some KAMO families. The Sara Hougom Foundation put the event on for the past four years in honor and memory of Sara, who lived in style and would have loved to be at a Loggers game with her friends. The foundation invites members of the BBBS, Boys and Girls Club, and KAMO to the event and spoils the heck out of us with free admission, food, and beverages.

The Coulee Chapter of KAMO had an event in neighboring Hokah and this is a piece on it.

https://wxow.com/news/top-stories/2019/06/24/jefferson-award-winner-retired-teacher-but-still-instructing/

If it doesn't open for you, you can always do a cut and paste

Coulee KAMO has outings with an emphasis on nature appreciation and safety. There were over 30 participants today.

Coulee's 3P event on Black River of 6-6-19

Coulee's latest. All our events are free and open to the public.

 Fishing by request throughout season. The fishing could be shore, boat, or fishing float based depending on your group size. We need a week or more notice. Fishing conditions are often subject to river levels. If you are interested in an outing for your group, little brother/ sister, child, family, give us a call early and express interest. Contact Mike at [email protected] or 608-799-5037 if interested and he will try to set up a trip for you.

Saturday, June 1st - Kids Fishing Day - Mosey Park (near Schaefers). W7207 North Shore Lane, Onalaska. 9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M - Pontoon, boat, and shore based. This is also free fishing day for adults - don’t need a license. Please RSVP. Contact Mike - [email protected] or 608-799-5037

Tuesday, June 11th - 9:30 - 1:30. Paddle, Pedal,Picnic. Meet at the end of Fisherman’s Road. W. We will pedal down to the Black River Beach. We will then paddle down to Shennanigans, take the canoes/ kayaks out, and cross the street to Olivette Church for lunch. You can bring your own equipment or it will be provided. For more information, contact Tim Collins - [email protected]/ 608-385-2143 or Mike [email protected] or 608-799-5037. Since we need to predict our equipment needs and will serve food, we would like to know in advance if you are coming if feasible.

Saturday, June 22nd - 11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. - Kids Day - 211 Main Street, Hokah (an old school building). Archery, nature art, fish casting, outdoor gear swap. Bring your artistic skills. Food will be served. Hokah is a short drive from La Crescent - 6 miles. For more information, contact Mike at [email protected]/ 608-799-5037 or Mallory at [email protected]

Tuesday, July 16th - Pontoon Rides on the Black River. More details will be provided as the event draws nearer. Usually begin boarding at the west Clinton Street Landing (near Veterans Park/ huge parking area east of Tom Sawyers) at 6:00 P.M. Please bring a personal flotation device if you have one, otherwise we will provide one. For more information, contact Tim Collins - [email protected]/ 608-385-2143

Hunter’s Education class - Traditional class in planning stages. May also run Internet Field Day. Will run for four summer nights at a location to be determined. For more information, contact Mike - [email protected] or 608-799-5037

Coulee is having a Kids Fishing Day off Mosey Park on Lake Onalaska Saturday,June 1st from 9:0 AM - 1:00 PM.

We are also have an archery, fish casting, outdoor gear swap, art event at 211 Main Street in Hokah, MN. This will run from 11:0 AM - 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 22nd.

Both events free and open to the public.

If you have any outdoor gear you want to get rid of,we can get it in the hands of kids. We will be giving away tackle boxes to kids and want to put assorted small tackle in them. If anyone has any leads on how to get a mound of tackle - bobbers, hooks, plastic tails, at a deal, we'd like to know.

Recently, a chapter of KAMO started in Marshfield. The next most promising sounding place is in Beaver Dam. And right behind that is Dodgeville. This might be the year we reach across the Mississippi and have activities in neighboring Houston County. In fact, we are planning an event in Hokah that will feature archery, nature art, and a gear swap/ give away.

Scenes from Saturday's Kids Archery Day at the La Crosse Archery facility in Onalaska. 41 kids and over 2 parents came in for instruction and shooting. About a third had never shot before. In another part of Onalaska, KAMO helped a D.N.R. staff person certify 23 hunter's education instructors in a five hour workshop. 23 participants from 7 counties.

Coulee's trip to the America Standardbred Adoption Program today. This is a horse recovery ranch which takes animals off the race track and from the Amish, gets them into good condition, and finds a home for them. Located between Genoa and Desoto. A great place to take your kids.