Four Decades For Whitetails Unlimited
“If we knew it couldn’t be done, we might not have done it.”
Anniversaries are an opportunity for two things: celebrate the past, and look forward to the future. This year is a round-number anniversary for Whitetails Unlimited: 40 years ago a small group of ordinary people set out to on a mission to do something good for wildlife conservation and to benefit deer hunters. And they succeeded. Beyond their expectations.
But they didn’t do it alone.
“We had a lot of help from of other organizations, companies, and individuals, and we can’t emphasize enough the work and enthusiasm of our members over the last 40 years,” said Whitetails Unlimited President Jeff Schinkten. “And now were in a position to give back,” noting that through the WTU grant process the organization is now able to support other non-profits that align with the WTU mission of conservation, education, and support of the American tradition of hunting and the shooting sports.
“We support a lot of local volunteers involved with the 4-H Shooting Sports Program, hunter safety training, National Archery in the Schools Program, wounded warrior and handicapped access hunting programs, and hundreds of other local conservation programs,” said Schinkten. “In our last fiscal year Whitetails Unlimited delivered more than 2,000 grants totaling more than $2.8 million to a wide variety of recipients, and we owe a debt of thanks to a lot of people and companies that support us – because we can’t accomplish this alone.”
In particular Schinkten noted the support of WTU’s national sponsors, which include Benelli as a long-time supporter. “Our members appreciate high-quality merchandise at our fundraising events, and I’m extremely proud that companies like Benelli choose to support us,” said Schinkten. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a face light up when someone wins a Benelli at one of our events, and they are always happy at the end of the night as they carry that box to their truck.” Depending on local laws, many WTU events complete the required background check and allow firearm winners to go home with their rifle, shotgun, or handgun that same day. Whitetails Unlimited always follows all laws and regulations concerning firearms.
Schinkten noted that, “After 40 years we’re looking forward to accomplishing even more, promoting safe, regulated, ethical hunting, expanding the pool of people who hunt, and celebrating deer, deer hunting, and deer hunters. Many areas have an overabundance of deer, and while there are real problems out there with things like CWD and hunting access issues that have to be dealt with, we also want to stay optimistic and honor the positive contributions that hunters provide.”
Schinkten noted that even after the chaos of the last few years of living with COVID and the ups and downs of the economy and supply chain, he’s more optimistic than ever. “We have a tremendous staff who work well together, with an amazing level of adaptability, determination, and morale. Things will always be changing. Sometimes that change is slow and gradual, and other times it is like living inside a race car going downhill. Whatever happens we’re going to make the best of it and come out stronger.”
His optimism is a product of the success of WTU over the last 40 years.
Whitetails Unlimited is a classic American success story. It started with an idea, was created on a dining room table, developed by a few people who didn’t know what couldn’t be done and through hard work, struggle, and attracting like-minded individuals who were willing to help, the organization grew and succeeded. From the first event in 1982 the growth has been steady and now WTU operates from a national headquarters, putting on almost 500 events a year in 27 states. There are 20 Field Directors organizing the events, supported by the headquarters staff.
But the real mission of the organization is not to just put on a great banquet – it’s to raise money for conservation. To date, Whitetails Unlimited has expended more than $116 million on program services and activities that continue to enhance, and ultimately foster, the WTU mission.
Schinkten has been there almost from the inception, and while he is justifiably proud of what had been accomplished, he is not shy in saying where he thinks the real credit belongs. “WTU’s mission has not changed, nor has the commitment of every employee who works here. The organization exists to serve the members through that mission, and it will continue long after each of us is gone. We are caretakers, not owners, and we’re committed to making the organization stronger when we leave than it was when we got here.”
While Whitetails Unlimited has earned the reputation of being the nation’s premier organization dedicating its resources to the betterment of the white-tailed deer and its environment, Schinkten said that all the conservation groups are important in the effort to support hunting, and that corporate sponsors also understand that everyone needs to support the overall effort. “Hunters today have access to better gear, across the board, than at any time in history. Companies like Benelli are constantly improving their products and manufacturing processes, and that benefits all of us when we go into the field. Our magazine editor used a Benelli Lupo rifle on a hunt last year, and he said he was very impressed with it. That just reinforces how much we appreciate their support of our mission.”
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Photo Cutlines: All image except the fire ring are from a Missouri whitetail hunt in 2001 by Whitetails Unlimited Magazine editor Jeff Davis, using a Benelli Lupo rifle in .243
