2024 WBHA Election Results
The results are in:
Vice President
Lucas Withrow
Secretary/Treasurer
John Trochinski
Board of Directors (Incumbents)
Eric Tuckner
Jeff Schultz
Dave Hainz
Stephanie Hilton
Jacob Trochinski
Morgan Francis
Board of Directors (New)
Adam Flannery
2024 WBHA Election Information
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
STEPHANIE HILTON
A little about you:
I'm a busy mom and step mom of 5. My husband, Zach and I chase kids around to all their sports and activities when we're not chasing bear. I've made many trips to Madison and have been part of many legislation changes over the last 18 years, including the Hunter Harassment Bill, Youth Mentored age change and Governor's Tag Transfer legislation. I currently serve as the Foundation President and hold positions on many other committees including Legislative, Public Relations, Facebook, Audit/Business and all Foundation Funded Committees.
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?
I will continue to represent the WBHA and advocate for the preservation of hunting in Wisconsin. I will continue to commit my time to public relations, youth and education through the Foundation as well as political awareness with current legislation.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
Policies will be difficult to change with our current legislation but we can continue to be on the defense and make sure no more policies are passed that will negatively affect hunting in Wisconsin.
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
I have 18 years experience on the Board and would like to continue to promote youth in the outdoors, provide our scholarships and landowner appreciation awards as well as promote our membership so we have the support and funds to continue to defend our sport and way of life.
CANDIDATE
JOHN TROCHINSKI
A little about you:
I've been a member of the BOD for over 10 years, served as Principal Director, Chairman of the Finance Committee, and am currently the Secretary Treasurer of the WBHA.
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?
Keep the members of the WBHA informed of their assets and of possible means to conserve those assets.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
Possible term limits to expose new ideas.
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
Because of my experience and knowledge of the workings of the WBHA
CANDIDATE
ERIC TUCKNER
A little about you:
My name is Eric Tuckner, My wife, Abby, and I live in New Richmond, WI with our two daughters, Cheyenne (14) and Kaycie (8). I am running for re-election for the Board of Directors to do what I can to preserve the sport of bear hunting in our state for years to come. I have hunted over baits and hunted with hounds for years and can’t imagine what life would be like without bear hunting. Bear hunting is a family sport, not only for the four of us and our three hounds, but for all of your families as well.
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 will continue to raise awareness of our sport through town hall meetings, youth day events, staying involved with our legislators. I believe it’s extremely important to pass our heritage and way of life to our youth. I’ve been down to Madison and testified to protect our sport and will continue to do so.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
If elected I would like to see the Department of Natural Resources put a management goal for wolves in the state. Continue to do what I can to get them delisted again. We all spend a lot of time with our dogs and put a lot effort into raising and training them. Our elected officials need to do a better job at not threatening our heritage.
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
I currently serve on many committees most of you probably recognize me from the SOS auction. I’ve been all over this state meeting great like minded people who all want to continue our sport. We battle every day to keep the anti hunters at bay it’s not an easy job or ever going away.
CANDIDATE
JACOB TROCHINSKI
A little about you:
My name is Jacob Trochinski, i have been bear hunting all my life with family and close friends.
In the of season i enjoy hunting whitetail and begin in the boat chasing walleyes any chance i get. have been a board member for the past 6 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?
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?
Continue to work with the board to make the annual convention a continued success. I will continue to work with vendors to try to improve the vendor hall.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
Wolf hunting
Continued hunting access to federal land with hounds
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
I work well with the vendors for the annual convention. I will continue to try my best to be helpful at the convention and town hall meetings.
CANDIDATE
DAVE HAINZ
A little about you:
I've been involved with hunting with dogs since I was young. I think bear hunting (and all hunting) is something that everyone should be allowed to do and we need to stick together as an organization and as hunters in general to make sure this right is not taken from us. I've been the head of the field trial committee for several years and a member of the WBHA Board of Directors for quite a few 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?
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?
Showing up in numbers at local meetings is important to our goals. I am willing to show up and also to directly reach out to people one on one to encourage them to also attend and to explain to them why what we are trying to accomplish at these meetings is important. I work very hard at approaching hunters who are not members of the WBHA to explain to them the importance of the organization's goals and why they should be a member. I do the same thing with raffle tickets because funds are needed, too, in order to accomplish the goals of the WBHA.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
We need to continue to fight for a season on wolves.
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
I'm very personable and comfortable approaching a wide variety of people to explain the goals of the WBHA and the importance of these goals. During my time on the board I have raised money for the WBHA through the field trial and swims, too.
CANDIDATE
JEREMY STOMMEL
A little about you:
I was introduced to the sport 6 years ago when I drew my first tag. I have had a love and passion for the sport since. Bear hunting with hounds has become a family hobby for myself, my wife and our daughter. I was able to relive the excitement when my daughter was gifted a tag this year and harvested her first bear. Outside of hunting we enjoy other outdoor hobbies, such as snowmobiling and kayaking.
I own my own carpentry/contracting business, which allows me some flexibility with my schedule.
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?
Spread awareness and active participation in the younger generation of hunters.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
Support the fight against the banning of hound hunting on government owned land.
Lend support to re-instating the WI wolf hunting season
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, can offer a fresh perspective and have schedule flexibility.
CANDIDATE
MORGAN FRANCIS
A little about you:
I'm a second-generation hound hunter. I grew up in south central Wisconsin traveling four hours to hunt with my father every weekend. As I grew older my passion grew and I started raising my own hounds. In early adulthood I was drawn to hounds more than ever and moved to West Virginia for a year and a half with intentions to train dogs year-round. When I moved back to Wisconsin, I decided it was time to get a degree and just finished my nursing program this spring. Now living in Crivitz, I am now able to pursue hounds more than ever before. I have been on the WBHA board for three years now, as well as the Wisconsin Conservation Congress and Wisconsin Wildlife Federation. I also actively participate in taking kids hunting through the Oconto River Kids and Learn to Hunt programs.
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, Saturday, & Sunday
What are some of the things you feel you can personally do to further accomplish the goals of WBHA?
I personally try to always educate none hunters and especially those against hounds about our sport. I always try to find common ground between all of us and try to stress the importance of being part of organizations like the WBHA. I think being more involved in organizations that we are passionate about is important for our future generations. It doesn’t matter if you're 20 or 70, anyone can make a difference.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
As of now we are the only state to allow chocolate for baiting, I believe this is something that we have to continue fighting. Although a small "thing" we must fight it because it's just another small chip. Of course, the wolf problem in our state is something that we will continue fighting and continuing to show our presence in the room. Fighting to keep our training season two months long and our kill season one month is also of importance.
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
I strive to be a positive role model to our younger generation and always available to ask questions to whomever has them. I know the importance of being involved and showing up for our sport to keep it something that future generations can enjoy.
CANDIDATE
JEFF SCHULTZ
A little about you:
I live in Friendship with my wife and 3 daughters, I also have one daughter that is married. As a family we enjoy many outdoor activities which includes bear hunting. I have been lucky enough to watch 3 of my daughters harvest a bear with the fourth only a few years away. I have been a member of the WBHA for 20 years and a board member for 7.
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?
Wednesday through Sunday
What are some of the things you feel you can personally do to further accomplish the goals of WBHA?
I feel that educating people that are unfamiliar with the WBHA what the organization is about and what it does is very important in accomplishing its goals.
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 more opportunities for youth to become involved with bear hunting and hunting with hounds in general
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
I have been a WBHA board of director for 7 years. I very much enjoy bear hunting and want to do all I can to make sure our future generations get to enjoy bear hunting as well as all other forms of outdoor recreation.
CANDIDATE
MATHEW MEINEN
A little about you:
I have grown up hunting with family and friends and have enjoyed teaching my two boys to enjoy it also. I enjoy fishing on the Red Cedar river and camping with family and friends. I am also a volunteer firefighter and first responder for my hometown of Bloomer Wi. I have been married to my wife Amanda for 22 years and we have two boys together-Isaiah(25) and Clayton (16).
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, & Saturday
What are some of the things you feel you can personally do to further accomplish the goals of WBHA?
I feel I can help get our voices heard and be involved in the WBHA and policy making.
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 more ATV accessible trails for hunting on public land. I also would like to see some action taken to control the wolf population.
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
I enjoy hunting and would like to keep it alive for future generations. I also would like to make sure people have the correct information about bear hunting.
CANDIDATE
LUCAS WITHROW
A little about you:
I've been serving the WBHA BOD for approximately 15yrs. Serving as the vice president for at least 8 yrs. Im an avid houndsmen, currently owning and maintaining a pack of 12 hounds , mostly used to pursue bear. My idea of bear hunting relates directly to the use of hounds. I enjoy training season more than kill season and really enjoy the company of those whom do it for the experience, rather than the kill.
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 feel I can personally continue to advocate for the use of hounds for hunting bears and other game. Use my voice to correct and inform folks throughout the country about what the WBHA is and does for all sportsmen in Wisconsin. Continue to speak up when necessary and be active in political hearings and any DNR meeting opportunities.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
I currently feel all WBHA in house policies are sufficient but in terms of state policies I'd like to see changed as follows
* bear hunting with hounds statutory protected in Wisconsin and any state where its currently legal.
* point transfer for Wisconsin residents to Wisconsin residents
* tag transfer to ALL veterans
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
I feel I bring a certain level of leadership and representation to the WBHA thats meshes well with most if not all of the other WBHA representation.
CANDIDATE
JESSE JONET
A little about you:
Just your average person in north eastern Wisconsin that grew up with hounds being a part of my whole life. I am very fortunate my daughter has the love of the hounds also.
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?
Monday, Thursday, Saturday, & Sunday
What are some of the things you feel you can personally do to further accomplish the goals of WBHA?
If elected, this will be my first time on a board of directors so o will have a lot of learning to do, I am a very ambitious person and can be very persistent on learning very quickly. I will dedicate as much time as I can to help accomplish the goals.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
To help assist what ever way possible to enjoy the ability to train hunt and enjoy our hounds on all public lands. I agree a would help push the delisting of the gray wolf. Keep all use of bait legal.
Why do you think you would be a good choice for a seat on the Board of Directors?
I am a very dedicated person, very knowledgeable.
CANDIDATE
ADAM FLANNERY
A little about you:
I am from Crandon Wisconsin, born and raised here. I attended college at UW-Madison and graduated with a Doctorate of Pharmacy. I currently work for Walgreens and hunt in most of my spare time. I was born bear, bobcat and coyote hunting with hounds with my family and friends.
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 can represent the WBHA in professional way and help with legislation, regulation, and fundraising in anyway possible. I think I would be a good fit based on why education, knowledge of the sport, and my reach of board and non-board members.
If elected, what are some policies you would like to see changes on or policies you do not want changed?
Preserve chocolate bait, stop the ban of hounds on national forest land, and try to determine a way to delist wolves.
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 am young, ambitious, intelligent and passionate about bear hunting.
