2023 WBHA Elections
Voting for the WBHA elections will take place at the Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors has made the change to allow for more member participation in elections.
Each year, there are significantly more members who attend the annual meeting than who submit a ballot. Please take the time to vote!
Members who can not attend the annual meeting still have full voting privileges by means of an absentee ballot. If you desire an absentee ballot, email your request to: johnl@marawood.com.
WBHA Board Candidates
Below you will find your WBHA Board Candidates. Each candidate has filled out the same questionnaire and these are their answers.
CANDIDATE
ED KEONIG
A little about you:
I am a retired union carpenter. I have spent my whole life as a hunter. 30 plus years as a bear hunter. I have and will like to keep active in support of the Wisconsin bear hunters because we are the smallest group of hunters with the biggest target on our back's. I have been to Madison on numerous occasions to talk to politicians about bear hunting. I would like to continue to do that.
Are you willing to go to local meetings to oppose road closures or local ordinances that the WBHA does not approve of?
Yes
Besides BOD meetings and the Annual meeting how much time can you commit per month?
More than 10 hours
As a board of director for the WBHA, you will be expected to attend four board meetings per year. Do you pledge to do your best to attend scheduled board meetings?
Yes
What days are best for you?
Monday through Sunday
What are some of the things you feel you can personally do to further accomplish the goals of WBHA?
Being available at a moments notice to be somewhere to support the WBHA
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
I think we are heading in the right direction
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
Just want to help out so my grandkids can have a opportunity to bear hunt like me
CANDIDATE
JIM HAMILTON
A little about you:
I have been Bear hunting for 23 years and been a board of director for 10 years, of those 10 years I believe I have only missed 1 board meeting. Bear hunting is my passion and I felt I wanted to do more to help preserve our sport, so 10 years ago I ran for the board and was elected to represent the NE. I live in Near Shawano and am a HVAC technician, I currently run the annual raffle.
Are you willing to go to local meetings to oppose road closures or local ordinances that the WBHA does not approve of?
Yes
Besides BOD meetings and the Annual meeting how much time can you commit per month?
More than 10 hours
As a board of director for the WBHA, you will be expected to attend four board meetings per year. Do you pledge to do your best to attend scheduled board meetings?
Yes
What days are best for you?
Saturday & Sunday
What are some of the things you feel you can personally do to further accomplish the goals of WBHA?
I will always fight for our sport and our way of life. Whether that’s giving my input at meeting, getting donations to help with raffles and advertising, or help making the tough decisions that this organization faces on a regular basis. The WBHA is one of the strongest most organized organization in the state and arguably the country and I will continue to do my part so it will continue to remain that way.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
I will look at all policies on a case to case basis and make decisions that I feel will be in the best interest of the organization.
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
I would be a good choice because I have a hard work ethic and am always willing to help whoever may need it whether it’s at the convention or a town hall or whatever the situation may be. I’m not afraid to give my opinion at meetings even if it’s not the popular opinion. This sport we all love is always under attack and I will do everything in my power to fight for it if I’m elected again.
CANDIDATE
TOM DISTERHAFT
A little about you:
I have been bear hunting the last 30 years, starting with a trip to Canada. Which the last six years I really got into bear hunting with hounds in Northern Wisconsin. Besides bear hunting, I also enjoy coyote hunting with hounds, white tail hunting and fishing. I've been a central Wisconsin Native all my life. I have worked in the sand industry for the last 30 years.
Are you willing to go to local meetings to oppose road closures or local ordinances that the WBHA does not approve of?
Yes
Besides BOD meetings and the Annual meeting how much time can you commit per month?
10 hours
As a board of director for the WBHA, you will be expected to attend four board meetings per year. Do you pledge to do your best to attend scheduled board meetings?
Yes
What days are best for you?
Saturday & Sunday
What are some of the things you feel you can personally do to further accomplish the goals of WBHA?
I will stay informed on all matters related to hunting especially bear hunting. I will try to past on that information to hunters and non-hunters alike.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
At this time, there are no policies that I would like to see changed.
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
I have a passion for the sport of Bear Hunting and I am willing to do my part to keep it alive in generations to come.
CANDIDATE
MICHAEL OLSON
A little about you:
I grow up fishing and hunting with my family and friends. I enjoy being in the outdoors learning new things from different people. I didn't grow up in a hound hunting family. I was invited to join a friend of mine on a hunt about 12 years ago and fell in love with bear hunting and running hounds. I then joined the WBHA as a lifetime member to help support the sport I fell in love with.
Are you willing to go to local meetings to oppose road closures or local ordinances that the WBHA does not approve of?
Yes
Besides BOD meetings and the Annual meeting how much time can you commit per month?
10 hours
As a board of director for the WBHA, you will be expected to attend four board meetings per year. Do you pledge to do your best to attend scheduled board meetings?
Yes
What days are best for you?
Saturday & Sunday
What are some of the things you feel you can personally do to further accomplish the goals of WBHA?
I feel like I would be a great person to represent the sport of bear hunting and running hounds. When I meet someone who asks about running hounds, I try to explain it in the most detail I can. Hoping that after our conversation they understand that we as hunters aren't just about killing bears but preserving a resource and sport that we love. I feel just by taking the time to explain people have a better understanding why we as bear hunters do what we do.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
I will first say I don't know much about the policies, but I am will to learn. I feel like since the time I became a member of the WBHA, the WBHA has done a great job keeping our sport alive.
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
I think I would be a good choice of the BOD because, I'm level headed but I also believe in fighting for things I love. When people ask about bear hunting I explain the care and time we take with our dogs, the love for nature and the animals in it. I also believe at my age I understand the pros and cons social media has on our sport.
CANDIDATE
TODD BINA
A little about you:
I am a current WBHA Board member. I have enjoyed working with all the board members and the general membership tremendously. These past few years have been challenging for all of us and I hope to continue working for all our interests. I am a retired firefighter and live in Melrose WI. All my kids are grown and have blessed me with two grandchildren. Our future and theirs is what I hope to preserve by being involved with organizations as ours.
Are you willing to go to local meetings to oppose road closures or local ordinances that the WBHA does not approve of?
Yes
Besides BOD meetings and the Annual meeting how much time can you commit per month?
More than 10 hours
As a board of director for the WBHA, you will be expected to attend four board meetings per year. Do you pledge to do your best to attend scheduled board meetings?
Yes
What days are best for you?
Monday through Sunday
What are some of the things you feel you can personally do to further accomplish the goals of WBHA?
Continue to be an advocate for Bear hunting and hunters, along with preserving the great traditions
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
Times change and as they do we will need to change with them. Some may be out of our control, however those that we can influence or compromise should be our focus.
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
As a current member of the board, it is my hopes to continue with the direction of the association. This is easier to accomplish with board members who continue to serve that have the knowledge of the past and current objectives.
CANDIDATE
DANIELLE MEYER
A little about you:
I grew up and currently reside in southeast Wisconsin with my husband Josh and daughter Lyndi. From little on our family trip spent summers traveling up north every summer weekend so my dad could train our hounds. Raised with hound dogs, I instantly fell in love with the sport and especially working with the dogs. When I could finally go along with my dad, I was hooked and have been bear hunting and training hounds ever since!
Are you willing to go to local meetings to oppose road closures or local ordinances that the WBHA does not approve of?
No
Besides BOD meetings and the Annual meeting how much time can you commit per month?
4 hours
As a board of director for the WBHA, you will be expected to attend four board meetings per year. Do you pledge to do your best to attend scheduled board meetings?
Yes
What days are best for you?
Saturday & Sunday
What are some of the things you feel you can personally do to further accomplish the goals of WBHA?
Continue work as membership chair to expand and inform all members through various means of communication, so that they can know the impact of the organization.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
Continue work to establish wolf management in Wisconsin.
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
With a few years of experience, specifically in membership, I feel that the connections we’ve made with members will only continue to improve and that I can help to not only maintain but grow this area.
CANDIDATE
MARTY KAMROWSKI
A little about you:
My name is Marty Kamrowski, I am 55 years old. I have been bear hunting for over 35 years. I previously served on the BOD in the early 2000s.
Besides bear hunting/hound hunting, I enjoy, and deer hunting and fishing, especially ice fishing.
I also enjoy reading, and writing. In my previous time on the BOD, I was the WBHA column writer for Full Cry Magazine. More recently I’ve written numerous posts in the Time to Take a Stand Group to oppose anti hunters in general, and specifically wolf patrol.
My work experience includes over 15 years as a supervisor in a manufacturing setting, working in pest control, and currently working as a meat cutter.
Are you willing to go to local meetings to oppose road closures or local ordinances that the WBHA does not approve of?
Yes
Besides BOD meetings and the Annual meeting how much time can you commit per month?
10 hours
As a board of director for the WBHA, you will be expected to attend four board meetings per year. Do you pledge to do your best to attend scheduled board meetings?
Yes
What days are best for you?
Saturday & Sunday
What are some of the things you feel you can personally do to further accomplish the goals of WBHA?
I believe that by using my unique skill and experience set that I can make a positive difference in the WBHA.
These skills and experiences include supervisory experience, time management, problem solving, and logic, interpersonal skills, relationship building, along with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, not only verbally, but especially through the writing.
While the WBHA has numerous goals, I would maintain that the WBHA, and each and every hound hunter has the same ultimate goal which is to continue to be able to legally hunt our dogs. I personally believe that I can help keep this goal a reality by building relationships with legislators, landowners, communities where we hunt, and the public in general.
Make no mistake, we are in a never ending battle to keep the sport that we love. As vitality important as it is to have excellent relationships with legislators, it is equally important that we have establish excellent relationships with landowners, communities, and the general public in order to win the fight in the court of public opinion. Quite simply, every friend that we make today, will hopefully translate into a vote for us in the future.
Given the opportunity, I believe that I can be a driving force in building new relationships, promoting our sport, and help create a positive image of our organization to people, and communities who don’t know who we are or what we stand for.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
While there are numerous things that could be implemented, or changed, here are a few that I feel are very important.
It goes without saying that #1, and #1a are probably at the top of everyone’s list.
1) Lobby congress to delist wolves, and include language prohibiting activist judges from relisting
1a) Push the DNR to actually manage wolf populations to the original goal of 350 wolves.
2) Greatly increase fines including prison time for those convicted of injuring, killing or stealing dogs especially when they are actively engaged in hunting or training.
3) Work to get state code changed to allow for unarmed right to retrieve. In an increasingly difficult environment being legally able to retrieve our dogs is becoming a bigger issue.
4). Actually enforce existing laws regarding hunter harassment especially as it pertains to anti hunters, and anti hunting groups.
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
The easy answer is three words commitment, dedication and passion. However, it is more than that. It is a vision to help this excellent organization to achieve new accomplishments, to help promote our sport, and to educate those who truly have no idea what hunting with hounds is all about. I foresee new and exciting ways to expand our base, to further our influence in the state, and also among other hound/ hunting organizations. I believe that I can help create outstanding public relations, and to further create the brand of the WBHA.
CANDIDATE
MARK SCHEUNEMANN
A little about you:
I have sat on the board of directors for 20 years and enjoy teaching the sport to new hunters.
Are you willing to go to local meetings to oppose road closures or local ordinances that the WBHA does not approve of?
Yes
Besides BOD meetings and the Annual meeting how much time can you commit per month?
10 hours
As a board of director for the WBHA, you will be expected to attend four board meetings per year. Do you pledge to do your best to attend scheduled board meetings?
Yes
What days are best for you?
Monday through Sunday
What are some of the things you feel you can personally do to further accomplish the goals of WBHA?
To continue the promotion of the sport to new and youth hunters.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
To continue opportunities for hunting in the state and advocate for hunters’ harassment laws to be passed.
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
Lifelong support for hunting.
CANDIDATE
KELLY JOCHIMSEN
A little about you:
I am an avid outdoors man and automotive freak. My family has opened these doors for me my whole life and taught me the joy that this all brings. The real joy in my life has been showing my son Beau all wonders of this great area I live in.
Are you willing to go to local meetings to oppose road closures or local ordinances that the WBHA does not approve of?
Yes
Besides BOD meetings and the Annual meeting how much time can you commit per month?
More than 10 hours
As a board of director for the WBHA, you will be expected to attend four board meetings per year. Do you pledge to do your best to attend scheduled board meetings?
Yes
What days are best for you?
Monday through Sunday
What are some of the things you feel you can personally do to further accomplish the goals of WBHA?
I am a very driven and dedicated person. From my last term I have joined the Wisconsin Fur Bearers Board, where I have been able to make more connections with groups to help our voice be heard. Also, I want to see our sport grow and survive through the many changes that it is facing and I am willing to do the work behind it to make it happen.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
I would like to see the closed area in Mondux be opened. In this area it would be very beneficial.
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
I am a very hard working, passionate person. This is an area I truly love and want it around for many years to come. My favorite passion of this sport is teaching the youth, our future; by being on the board I will be able to help make this an option. By seeing what battles are coming our way and work as a team to over this.
CANDIDATE
MEGAN DREHER
A little about you:
I grew up in southeast Wisconsin and I’ve been bear hunting as long as I can remember; making trips up north with my family every summer weekend to run our dogs. Ever since, I’ve been very passionate about the sport, and in recent years have been fortunate to travel with my boyfriend and run our dogs in other states as well.
I am a full time labor and delivery nurse, and when I’m not working or training hounds I enjoy all other types of hunting as well!
Are you willing to go to local meetings to oppose road closures or local ordinances that the WBHA does not approve of?
No
Besides BOD meetings and the Annual meeting how much time can you commit per month?
4 hours
As a board of director for the WBHA, you will be expected to attend four board meetings per year. Do you pledge to do your best to attend scheduled board meetings?
Yes
What days are best for you?
Saturday & Sunday
What are some of the things you feel you can personally do to further accomplish the goals of WBHA?
Continue to expand membership and allow avenues for our members to see all of the benefits of the organization.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
I would like to see us continue to work toward regular wolf seasons for proper wolf management in Wisconsin.
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
I have a lot of connections with multiple hunting groups; therefore the ability to social network.
I’ve also had a lot of experience working with membership and expanding membership as well as providing many new membership benefits.
CANDIDATE
CHRISTIAN SCHEUNEMANN
A little about you:
I have been bear hunting since I was old enough to walk thanks to my dad and grandpa. I've been on the board for about 6 years and I'm happy with the progress we have made so far in defending the right to not only bear hunt, but hunt in general. Currently I help out with the SOS auction, run the photo contest, and am one of the SW contacts for the BOD. I look forward to hopefully continuing my time serving the hunting population and the organization through the BOD.
Are you willing to go to local meetings to oppose road closures or local ordinances that the WBHA does not approve of?
Yes
Besides BOD meetings and the Annual meeting how much time can you commit per month?
4 hours
As a board of director for the WBHA, you will be expected to attend four board meetings per year. Do you pledge to do your best to attend scheduled board meetings?
Yes
What days are best for you?
Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday
What are some of the things you feel you can personally do to further accomplish the goals of WBHA?
I feel that I can be an outlet for members of the organization can voice their frustrations, and bring them to the attention of the BOD to bring up in legislature, or at meetings. I also feel that I can continue being a model sportsman for other hunters and the general public to see.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
The policy I would like to see changed the most is the one that takes power away from the state to manage their own wildlife populations, namely the gray wolf. I also am against the closure of any road or trail that accesses public land. Why should it be limited to foot travel if the road was there in the first place?
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
I think I would be a good choice for a seat because of my willingness to serve the organization and keep the hunting lifestyle alive. It's constantly under attack and without organizations like ours, one day it may cease to exist.
CANDIDATE
JASON KLUGOW
A little about you:
Hi, my name is Jason Klugow. I am 48 years old. I grew up in the Clear Lake area and still reside here.
Graduated votech school out of High School & went in the work force immediately afterwards . I have been in the pipeline business for 30 years now.
I started bear hunting when I was 15 with my father (Bill Klugow). Got my first hound when I was 20. Been hunting bear ever since.
I hunt with a great bunch of family and freinds, with more memories than I can remember.
Are you willing to go to local meetings to oppose road closures or local ordinances that the WBHA does not approve of?
Yes
Besides BOD meetings and the Annual meeting how much time can you commit per month?
More than 10 hours
As a board of director for the WBHA, you will be expected to attend four board meetings per year. Do you pledge to do your best to attend scheduled board meetings?
Yes
What days are best for you?
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
What are some of the things you feel you can personally do to further accomplish the goals of WBHA?
I would like work with board directors to keep this bear hunting tradition going in the state of WISCONSIN, plus other regions of the United States. Also would like to reach out to the younger generations of our sport to help us preserve this hunting heritage of Wisconsin.
We need also to reach out to alot of these counties & the state and try to keep our tote roads open to public access.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
When comes to policy changing or not changing, we would need to have a deep discussion about what we are changing and why. A lot of the time we jump into policy changes on not knowing exactly why we are changing them.
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
I have a deep admiration for the sport of bear hunting. Keeping this great sport alive and thriving is a family tradition.
We as bear hunters, or all hunters in general need to work together & to support one another to keep all are great traditions going
CANDIDATE
CARL SCHOETTEL
A little about you:
I am the current President of the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Assn. I am married to my (more than understanding) wife Nancy with three adult kids Jessica Joe and Danny. My passion is family, Bear hunting, Hounds. and fighting the people that want to take it all away. That is what keeps the fire inside me burning. I feel grateful for the opportunity to serve as president of this great organization and to make sure our members will be able to hunt bears with hounds as long as I'm still standing.
Are you willing to go to local meetings to oppose road closures or local ordinances that the WBHA does not approve of?
Yes
Besides BOD meetings and the Annual meeting how much time can you commit per month?
More than 10 hours
As a board of director for the WBHA, you will be expected to attend four board meetings per year. Do you pledge to do your best to attend scheduled board meetings?
Yes
What days are best for you?
Monday through Saturday
What are some of the things you feel you can personally do to further accomplish the goals of WBHA?
Represent the WBHA in the most professional manner. Come prepared to all meetings and hearings and present the goals and ideas of the WBHA in a way that people that normally don't agree with you will listen and have a conversation and create a plan to accomplish our goals.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
A wolf management plan that includes the 350 goal and a hunting season.
To get all the bear hunting regulations into statute so it cannot be taken away and maintain a healthy bear population, so the state does not get hauled to court and sued by the Antis.
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
I have a great record with our Board of Directors of maintaining the financial stability of the WBHA and accomplishing our goal as an organization.
Listening to the membership and act on their input.
Always looking for a way to improve the WBHA
