Margaret Kunisch (left), assistant D.A. for Dodge County, took the top prize at the Dodge County Bar Association’s 22nd annual Schuetzenfest. Judge Christine Snow (right) presented an award to Judge Joseph Sciascia (center), recognizing his many years promoting Schuetzenfest. Photo credit: Tatiana Shirasaki, Tati Photography.

On Sept. 4, 2024, the Dodge County Bar Association celebrated its 22nd Annual Schuetzenfest and Golf Outing. The event started as an alternative event for bar members who did not want to golf at the annual golf outing. Attendance is open to bar members from Dodge and other counties, court personnel, trial and appellate judges, supreme court justices, and State Bar of Wisconsin staff. Attendees can schedule shooting in the morning and golf in the afternoon to be able to attend both events, although we do have shooting participation all day from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Columbus Sportsman’s Club. This year we had a record number of 44 people registered to shoot and 52 total participants.

Golf and shooting awards are presented at an evening dinner, including the most prestigious award of all bar-related shooting events, the King Trophy. The King match is a traditional Schuetzenfest event, consisting of one shot from the standing position. The winner receives a medal, a travelling trophy with his or her name engraved on it, and the original target. It is a Schuetzenfest tradition that all shooters sign the target where their bullet hole is as a souvenir for the winner.

No previous shooting experience is required, and first-time shooters are encouraged to attend. Each shooting position has an experienced volunteer coach who provides basic firearms safety instruction and guidance on the operation of the rifle or pistol. The bar provides eye and ear protection, firearms, ammunition, targets, and lunch on the premises. Awards are handed out for the following events: William Tell, offhand rifle at 50 yards; King match, offhand rifle at 50 yards; Annie Oakley, benchrest at 100 yards, scoped rifle; Sgt. York, benchrest rifle at 100 yards, iron sights; Billy Dixon, benchrest Buffalo rifle at 200 yards; and Wild Bill Hickock, offhand pistol. Most firearms are .22 rimfire to reduce cost, noise, and recoil, but some events feature centerfire rifles. In addition to the events with awards, other events are held depending on the availability of volunteer coaches.

The Dodge County Bar Association Schuetzenfest is the oldest bar-related shooting event in the world (that I know of). While I will be stepping down as Dodge County Circuit Court Branch 3 judge in July 2025, I plan to continue to participate in this popular event for years to come. It is a great opportunity to see other lawyers and judges outside the courtroom and enjoy some light-hearted competition. Winners include experienced hunters or target shooters, first-time shooters, and those who only shoot each year at Schuetzenfest. Hopefully, with the continued support of the Dodge County Bar, we can continue to exercise our Second Amendment right for many years to come.