Whitetails Unlimited

by

founded in 1982
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

“Working for an American Tradition.”

  •  the betterment of the white-tailed deer and its environment
  • 114,000-plus members

 

Whitetails Unlimited 
PO Box 720
2100 Michigan Street
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 54235

920.743.6777

whitetailsunlimited.com

Whitetails Unlimited

About Whitetails Unlimited

Whitetails Unlimited (WTU) is a national nonprofit deer hunting and conservation organization based in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. It was founded on July 1, 1982. Pete Gerl was the founder and first executive director, and a small group of Wisconsin organizers worked with him. WTU’s mission centers on three things: education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and preserving the hunting tradition for future generations. The group raises money mainly through local banquets run by volunteers. Since 1988 it has returned 50 percent of net banquet proceeds to local conservation and education projects.

For gun owners and hunters, WTU is a steady grassroots supporter of youth shooting and safety programs. Its local grants have funded 4-H Shooting Sports, archery programs, Eddie Eagle gun safety and Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshops. Project POLITE, started in 1987, worked to improve relations between hunters and landowners. By 2019, WTU had generated more than $100 million that went back to local groups. Pete Gerl retired in 2021, and David Hawkey became executive director. The organization marked its 40th year in 2022.

Key Facts

  • July 1, 1982: Whitetails Unlimited is founded in Wisconsin.
  • 1983: First banquet held in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, with 75 attendees.
  • 1988: Policy formalized to return 50 percent of net proceeds to local chapters.
  • 2004: New national headquarters completed in Sturgeon Bay.
  • 2019: More than $100 million generated for local projects since founding.
  • 2021: Pete Gerl retires; David Hawkey becomes executive director.

Timeline of key dates for Whitetails Unlimited

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Sources

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