Archers chosen for deer hunt at Huyser Farm Park

Under the watchful stares of mounted deer heads and a sign that states, “Hardware stores are candy stores for adults,” Mike Wolters of Graafschap Hardware pulled the first name for this season’s annual Laketown Township Archery Deer Hunting Program.

A total of 14 people were drawn at the historic hardware store, 4578 60^th St., on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. Each applicant got one of the 15 spots open for five different time periods from Oct. 1 through Nov. 14 and Dec. 1 through Jan. 1, 2026.

Hunters were notified by email and should stop by the Laketown Township office, 4338 Beeline Road, any time starting Monday, Sept. 22, to sign a waiver and pick up the hunting packet.

“Good luck and shoot straight,” Brett Grams who organized the 17^th annual hunt for the township told the archery hunters in their notification email.

Dates and hunters are:

Oct. 1-14: William Boetcher, Edward Watson and Chris Nyland

Oct. 15-28: Deil Woodwyk, Caleb Bieske, Jeff Nyland

Oct. 29-Nov. 14: Joe Sikma, Joshua Bowman, Brent Lamberts

Dec. 1-16 : Owen Kamphuis, Phil Kamphuis, James Lundy

Dec. 17-31: Tammi Hamm, Steve Hamm

Hunters are required to fill out a questionnaire after the season. Failure to do so will disqualify the hunter from future permits.

The park property will remain open for hiking, fishing and other recreational activities during hunting times. Signs will be in place in the parking area notifying people that hunting is underway.

The hunting program began in 2008.

In 2024, one hunter was successful in getting a deer.

In 2023, four hunters reported bagging deer.

In 2022, two hunters reported getting deer.