by Cub Reporter, Rich Bahr
On the morning of December 3rd reports of an animal body on the ice near the main lake’s West Boat Landing were reported. The “renowned” Tower Lakes informal network leapt into action and anyone with a contact was asking who should deal with this? Calls were placed to Illinois DNR, Cuba Township… “It’s not our job to get it off the ice on your lake” was the response. By the time this reporter arrived to check out the situation it was 11am, and TL “newbie” Steve Schommer was already there in his wet suit, ice chipper in hand, with a selection of ropes. Along with him was veteran “TL guide” Jack Johnson, and the set out to attack our latest problem.
In very short order Steve assessed the ice thickness risks, walked out, chipped around what turned out to be a sizeable deer buck to free it from the ice and secured tow ropes to it. All while asking “how deep is it here?” and being reassured it was not over his head (3-4 feet). Ropes secured and all on shore, we attempted our first mighty heave, only to find Jack missed out on getting his knot badge in Boy Scouts! Steve retied the lines out on the ice, but the beast would not budge.
Thinking we would need a tow vehicle, Steve positioned his truck, but as we took up slack to attach the rope the carcass broke free and slid easily to shore. Once again Steve was prepared with a plastic tarp to sadly help haul a beautiful but very heavy creature to the roadside for pick-up. This guy is prepared!
While this type of participation happens quietly in Tower Lakes all the time, it was nice to engage with our newest action oriented problem solver! Please, thank Steve Schommer when you meet him and if you think you can teach an old dog new tricks, show Jack some basic connecting knots.;-) Oh, and while I left the scene at 12:02 pm. Cuba Township rapidly responded to remove the remains. We appreciate the coordination they provided in their jurisdiction.