Hunters support Merrill Lions Club project

The Merrill Lions Club is recognizing area hunters for their participation in the annual Deer Hide Project during the 2025 deer-hunting season. According to the club, hunters donated a total of 640 deer hides.
The hides are collected on behalf of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation and sold, with proceeds supporting the Wisconsin Lions Camp. The camp provides free camping opportunities for Wisconsin youth and adults with disabilities. Statewide hide sales in 2024 generated approximately $114,000, all of which was directed to the camp.
The Merrill Lions Club also acknowledged several individuals and businesses for assisting with the project. Mike Giese of RESI provided a collection site at 1401 E. Main St., while Jay Schuelter of SGS Environmental Contracting offered a collection location on S. State St./Cty. Hwy. Q. They also thanked Kyle Christenson and River Country Store for donating salt used to preserve the hides.
For more information about the Deer Hide Project or the Merrill Lions Club, contact Dennis Knott or Jeff Kraft, co-chairs of the project.