First day hunting brings 9-point buck

Neil Woodwyk’s first time in the field during his first time participating in the Laketown Township Archery Deer Hunting Program at Huyser Farm Park brought him a nine-point buck.

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to get to hunt the park and try a new hunting spot. It is a beautiful piece of property, and I hope I will get drawn in years to come to try again,” the Hamilton man said.

Woodwyk, who grew up in Laketown Township, was one of 14 people chosen for the annual hunt that runs Oct. 1 through Nov. 14 and Dec. 1 through Jan 1, 2026.

Woodwyk hunted a total of four times in his Oct. 15-28 time slot and bagged the deer on his first day on Oct. 15.

“I did some scouting before the season by walking the trails and looking at maps,” he said. “Made the decision to setup in a spot where it looked like there was a lot of deer traffic and I saw four deer that evening — three bucks and one doe.”

Asked where his spot in the park was, he replied with a smiley face emoji: “A good hunter never gives away a secret spot.”

Woodwyk has been hunting for 22 years.

“My first successful archery hunt was 19 years ago and have been hooked ever since,” he said.

The park property, 4188 64^th St., remains 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.