Bernie Kieffer (right) took this Wisconsin buck with the help of Three Lakes Preserve and BADF. Bernie's son, Tim, helps his dad hold the buck for photos.

By Tim Kieffer

Late last year BADF helped my dad, Bernie, get involved with a special hunt in Three Lakes, Wis., with Three Lakes Preserve. I want to thank you for the opportunity to get him hunting again.

Immediately following Bernie's hunt, I found an understanding taxidermist near home who dropped everything to get the mount completed and to my dad as fast as possible. When the mount arrived at his house, it was placed next to his favorite chair in the living room. He told his hunting story to many people and about the generosity of Three Lakes Preserve and BADF.

My dad passed away quietly at home on July 22, 2008, from complications brought on by cancer.
 
Bernie wanted to be cremated. After his memorial, we placed his ashes in his hunting duffle bag with his gear and buried him by his favorite hunting stand on his land in northern Wisconsin.

His obituary states, "From now on, every cast will catch a fish and every morning will bring a trophy buck."

I will inherit the mount and will cherish the memory of the great hunt we had together.

Thanks again for the memorable hunt. It meant more to us than anyone could ever know.

-- Tim Kieffer