Beasts & Beer

Socialize with other nature enthusiasts over snacks and beverages and enjoy an engaging presentation from a local expert.

DETAILS

Dates: One Wednesday per month in February-November. See descriptions below for dates and topics.

Happy Hour: 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Presentation: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Program Fee: $15/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

FULL – Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Ursus Unleashed
with Nancy Christel, DNR

Discover the secrets of the elusive black bear with WI DNR Wildlife Biologist, Nancy Christel! From their adaptable habitats to unique behaviors, delve into the world of these fascinating creatures. Join as we explore their life cycle, foraging habits, interactions with humans, and the essential role they play in the ecosystem. Gain a deeper understanding of black bears and the measures necessary for their conservation in the wild.

@ Mary’s Bluegill Bar, Birchwood
CANCELLED – Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Feathered Perspectives – Wisconsin Birds
with Ryan Magana, DNR
Unravel the intricate world of bird ecology with WI DNR Conservation Biologist, Ryan Magana! Explore the diverse habitats, life histories, migration patterns and breeding behaviors of our avian neighbors. Join us as we uncover the essential roles wild birds play in our natural world, including the food chain, seed dispersal, and maintaining ecological balance. We will also discuss the importance of land management and habitat features for certain birds. You will leave with a deeper understanding of their significance in the interconnected web of life. Audience participation will be welcomed and encouraged!

@ Christie Mountain, Bruce
Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Forest Fungal Secrets
with Tavis Lynch, Mycologist
Embark on an enlightening journey through the fungal diversity of Northern Wisconsin with mycologist and author, Tavis Lynch! Explore the intricate relationships between mushrooms and trees and uncover the intricate web of connections that sustain forests. From mycorrhizal partnerships to decomposition, we will highlight their profound impact on the health and resilience of this biodiverse region.

*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 1, 2024

Courting Feathers
with Lauren Thomas, DNR
Spring songs mean bird calls! Join us for an enchanting exploration of the vibrant world of bird mating behavior with WI DNR Naturalist Resource Educator, Lauren Thomas. Dive into the mesmerizing displays and intricate courtship rituals exhibited by various birds this season. Discover the fascinating ways in which birds attract mates and establish territories, as we shed light on the beauty and importance of these natural phenomena in the avian world.

@ Badger Brew, Rice Lake
Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Creating a Backyard Buffet
with Megan Giefer, Naturalist
Butterflies add so much beauty and color to our backyards! Join Beaver Creek Reserve’s Naturalist, Megan Giefer as we learn how to attract butterflies and other pollinator species to your backyard by creating the perfect habitat. We will also learn how to identify some of your local backyard butterflies, while recognizing efforts we can make to save this pollinator species.

@ Perlick Distillery, Sarona
Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Into the Vernal Pool
with Alexander Streitz, DNR
Vernal pools are unique wetlands found in historically glaciated areas. Many animals who call vernal pools home live nowhere else. Join WI DNR Conservation Biologist Alexander Streitz, as he focuses on the herpetofauna and organisms they depend on in this explosive & seasonal environment.

@ Buck ‘n Beams, Cameron
Wednesday, August 7, 2024

History of Frances Andrews
with Marjorie Savage & Mya Coursey
Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary would not exist, had it not been for Frances Andrews. But who was she, and what did Hunt Hill mean to her? History researchers Marjorie Savage and Mya Coursey tell us more about who Frances Andrews was and the impact she made on the Northwoods.

@ Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary, Sarona
Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Wisconsin Whitetails
with Eddie Bruntvedt, DNR
Join WI DNR Wildlife Biologist, Eddie Bruntvedt, and learn the art of aging deer through their teeth. Get ready for an interactive quiz to test your skills! Discover what Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is, a serious illness affecting deer populations, and understand why it’s crucial to monitor and manage this disease for the health and balance of our wildlife ecosystems.

@ Fire Away Roadhouse & Rest Camp, Cameron
Wednesday, October 2, 2024

TBD!

@ Back 40, Bloomer
Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Wolves in Wisconsin
with Adrian Wydeven, Timber Wolf Alliance
In 1987, only eighteen wolves were estimated to live in Wisconsin and fewer in Upper Michigan. Since then, the Timber Wolf Alliance was formed to investigate the facts and dispel myths and fears associated with wolves. Join us as Adrian Wydeven, chair Advisory Council of the Timber Wolf Alliance, uncovers the intricacies of wolf behavior, conservation efforts and challenges, and success stories.

@ Round Man Brewing Co., Spooner

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

  • 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.
  • 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.

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.

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.