Bulletin Board

Posted: Thursday, May 24, 2001

Brian Wolslegel, a taxidermist in Mosinee, Wis., is making a lot of money by buying, stuffing and selling dead animals that are used as decoys to deceive poachers. According to the Associated Press, the life-sized decoys are constructed with real animal hides and some include a robotic motor to make them move. A pheasant that doesn't move goes for $300, and a moose with robotic head and removable legs and antlers goes for $3,200. Mark Brann, an Eau Claire County conservation warden, said not everyone realizes the decoys are fake even though the animals don't run off or fall when hit. In one instance, someone was shooting at a fake deer and Brann said he had to drive up and tell him to stop.

"Don't hurry, don't worry. You're only here for a short visit. So be sure to stop and smell the flowers." - Walter C. Hagen, American golfer (1892-1969).

Dennis Spies

Managing Editor