Caledonia Argus

New bench at deer park pays tribute to long-time caretaker

Posted: 11/11/03

A new resting place honors the memory of one of the Caledonia deer parkís greatest fans.

That man was Milton Welscher, who died on September 15 of this year at the age of 78.

He volunteered much of his time at the deer park, which is located at the Houston County fairgrounds in Caledonia. He took care of them, fed them, even had names for them.

His nieces and nephews and their spouses figured the best way to honor Miltonís memory would be to install another bench near the park. It is next to one that was installed in the memory of Alan ìBuffyî Bissen.

ìThat was just his life, I guess,î Sandy Welscher, the wife of Miltonís nephew Jan, said on November 6. ìHe took care of those animals.î

ìItís our love for him,î she explained. ìDeer were like his babies.î

Beverly ìShortyî Welscher, Miltonís wife, is pleased with the tribute. ìI thought it was wonderful of the kids. They really did a good job of it.î

ìHe loved the deer, and took care of them for quite a few years,î she added. ìHe spent a lot of time out there.î

Many people feed the deer there, so she figures the bench will get used well. ìI bet heís looking down watching all the goings on,î she added.

About the Rod and Gun Club

The deer park is run by the Caledonia Rod and Gun Club. Here is a history of the club by member Steve Peter:

It was the early 1900s and the area around Caledonia was very good habitat for wildlife. The valleys were lined with hardwood forest, there were areas of open prairie and plenty of fresh water flowing through the county in Beaver Creek, Winnebago Creek and Crooked Creek. Early settlers had a great interest in hunting and fishing. In the early years the club was involved very much with wildlife conservation and the stocking of streams in the area.

The Caledonia Rod and Gun Club is probably most noted for the wildlife display that it provides at the Houston County Fair. The display includes animals such as raccoons, squirrels, fox, rabbits, mink, and various others along with a local fish display. The animal exhibits at the Houston County Fair are a major attraction and enjoyed by many.

In the early 1950ís, outside pens were built at the fairgrounds to provide a year-around exhibit of deer and other birds and animals. Today there are two species of deer, plus geese, turkeys, and ducks on display. An informal club was in existence for many years. In 1961 the club was incorporated.

Todayís activities of the club remain to be the wildlife and fish display it provides at the county fair and the ownership and maintenance of the deer pens at the fairgrounds. In recent years, the club has installed new chain-link fencing around its pen and constructed a new building to provide shelter for the animals.

Caretakers of the deer pens in recent years have been Mike Gavin, Fremont and Arlene Diersen, Milton and Beverly Welscher, and at present, Gordy Bauer.

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