Beasts & Beer
Socialize with other nature enthusiasts over snacks and beverages and enjoy an engaging presentation from a local expert.
DETAILS
Dates: Select Wednesdays throughout the year. See the descriptions below for dates and topics.
Happy Hour: 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Presentation: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Program Fee: $16/person
WHAT TO EXPECT
Seating will be in the bar or restaurant of the venue. There is no assigned seating.
Food: A simple snack will be provided during the presentation. At venues that serve food, you may also purchase additional food either before or after the presentation.
Drink tickets are included with your program fee. A drink ticket can cover one alcoholic drink (bring your ID) or a non-alcoholic drink of your choice.
MONTHLY TOPICS & LOCATIONS
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Living Off Grid
with David Welder, Author
Join us for an engaging and insightful presentation by David Welder, a seasoned environmental engineer, artist, and naturalist, as he shares his journey of transitioning from city life to a fulfilling off-grid lifestyle in the heart of northern Wisconsin. With a storytelling that feels like a cozy chat by the wood stove, David blends humor and wisdom, offering a unique perspective on sustainable living. He and his wife, Veronica, have embraced a life of simplicity and self-sufficiency, demonstrating how to enjoy the beauty of nature while leaving a light ecological footprint.
Photo courtesy of David Welder’s website: forthtobasics.com
@ Mary’s Bluegill Bar, Birchwood
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Weasels, Martins, & Fishers
with Kevin Austin, Wisconsin Trappers Association
District Director of the Wisconsin Trappers Association, Kevin Austin has enjoyed being outdoors his whole life. He will be presenting on weasels, martins, & fishers from a trapper’s perspective, going over their natural history, behaviors, habitats, and a bit how their mind works. Afterall, to be a successful trapper, one has to think like an animal!
@ Fire Away Roadhouse & Rest Camp, Cameron
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Monsters of the Lake
with Neal Rosenberg, WDNR
Northwest Hatchery Group Leader Neal Rosenberg works at the Spooner Service Center for the Department of Natural Resources. His job and the talented team he oversees take him to many places, which gives him the unique advantage to present on Monsters of the Lake. At this presentation, we will uncover some of the mysteries of lake aquatics and fascinating fishes and fisheries.
*This venue will be serving mocktails, NO alcohol. Mocktails will be along the lines of an Italian soda, with sugar and sugar-free options, made with a variety of syrup, club soda, cream or half & half, with some fun embellishments on top.
@ Washburn County Wellness Center 50+, Spooner
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Dragons & Damselflies
with Matt Berg, Teacher
Matt Berg has taught high school biology for 29 years. When not teaching, his biological survey company (Endangered Resource Services, LLC) is busy all over WI and MN working on a variety of projects that include aquatic plants, birds, forestry and habitat assessment, butterflies, freshwater mussels, and, the topic of this month’s program – Dragon and Damselflies. As the company name suggests, much of the contract work he and his employees are involved in specializes on rare and endangered species and the habitats that support them.
@ Perlick Distillery, Sarona
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Apostle Islands
with Dan Morrison, Kayaker
Explore the stunning geological formations of the Apostle Islands, many of which are accessible only by kayak. Join experienced kayaker and trip leader Dan Morrison to discover the fascinating processes behind the creation of these unique features that make up the landscape.
Photo by the National Park Service: nps.gov
@ Round Man Brewing Co., Spooner
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Beavers & Climate Change
with Dr. Emily Fairfax, Ecohydrologist
Dr. Emily Fairfax is an ecohydrologist at the University of Minnesota studying how beavers create climate resistant patches in the landscape. News headlines claim that beavers can reduce flood damage, protect plants from drought, and even fight wildfires – but is it true? Come learn answers to these questions and more about nature’s engineer – the beaver.
@ Lehman’s Supper Club, Rice Lake
WAYS TO REGISTER
Online
Register online by clicking the button.
Visit this page for a quick tutorial on how to register.
Phone
Call the office between 9 am & 4 pm on weekdays to register over the phone. We can take credit card payment over the phone.
715-635-6543
In-Person
Stop by the office between 9 am & 4 pm on weekdays to register in person or mail a check.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Programs under $25/person
- Participants who cancel online or notify Hunt Hill by email or phone at least 48 hours before the program or event will receive a refund minus a 10% processing fee.*
- Participants can choose to receive their refund via their payment method or keep it as a credit** for a future program.
- Participants who cancel less than 48 hours before the program will not receive a refund or credit.
Programs over $25/person
- Participants who cancel online or notify Hunt Hill by email or phone, at least 15 days before the day of the program or event will receive a full refund minus a 10% processing fee.*
- Participants who cancel less than 15 days will not receive a refund or credit, unless their spot can be filled by another participant. If filled, a refund will be issued minus a 10% processing fee.*
- Participants who cancel 48 hours or less before the program will not receive a refund or credit.
Spanish Camp
Refunds will follow the same procedures as the ‘Programs Over $25/person’, except that:
- If a participant cancels less than 15 days before the first day of Spanish Camp and the spot cannot be filled, the participant will receive a ½ refund (no additional 10% processing fee assessed).
- If a participant has to leave during the week of camp, a refund of $50/night will be refunded.
Hunt Hill cancelations
If Hunt Hill has to cancel a program or event, all paid registrants will receive a full refund or credit.
*There is no processing fee assessed on refunds kept as credit or when the participant paid with cash or check.
**Credits can be held until December 31 of the year the cancellation was made. After that, credit is forfeited. Hunt Hill is unable to offer refunds for credits requested and not used.