“Giving Back” is catching on

Brandrup Timber is first home for portable hunting blind

By Robert E. Oliver

In 2012, Mike and Pat Brandrup did something extraordinary. They looked at the farm bought by Mike's grandparents in the thirties, the place they called home, and made a big decision. They gave part of it away. Not all of it, just what they called "the most unique, fragile and diverse part." Title passed to Hamilton County Conservation, who would manage it "in perpetuity," as lawyers say. To the rest of us, that means forever.

The 112 acre plot, today known officially as Brandrup's Timber, is "a very unique property," according to Brian Lammers, Executive Director, Hamilton County Conservation Board.

In all likelihood, he's referring to the rare combination of native timber, restored prairie grassland, and wetlands. Part of it is located directly along the east bank of the Boone River.

Mike Brandrup sounds almost philosophical about the gift, in a short, revealing letter he wrote, describing how he and Pat reached their decision.

"As my wife Pat and I began to look to the future, we realized we had the opportunity to do something that maybe hadn't happened, since the time of settlement, or the time the ownership of the land was granted to one person. We had the opportunity to "give back," to ensure the land could be used by everyone again, and would be managed in a sustainable manner, forever."

Last Wednesday, a group of 10 people gathered at Brandrup Timber for a first look at a mobile hunting blind, designed for handicapped hunters. They represented Pheasants Forever, White Tails Unlimited, the Douglas "Jake" Jacobson Legacy Fund, and Enhance Hamilton County Foundation, and all were involved in raising money to buy the mobile blind. For these folks "giving back" is second nature.

The blind will be owned and operated by Hamilton County Conservation. It's mobile, so expect to see it in other locations in the future. For now, though, its first placement is at Brandrup Timber, where it will stay through this fall's deer and wild turkey seasons. This year's hunting licenses went on sale at the DNR on August 15.

Lamers said registration and reservation procedures for use of the mobile blind are on the agenda, for the Conservation Board's regularly-scheduled September 24 meeting. He added, "The blind is designed first and foremost for wounded veterans with physical mobility issues and persons with physical disabilities. There will be no fee for them to use this blind. Our goal is to help them get outdoors and enjoy hunting or wildlife viewing."

Is giving back catching on at Brandrup's Timber? It's starting to look that way.