Shawano Country has a sizeable population of deer hunters and we can’t ignore that “the season” is upon us!
It’s that time of year when Wisconsin hunters plan life around heading out into the woods and bringing home a freezer full of venison. For those not from this part of the country, let us tell you that deer hunting season has an almost holiday-like feel. Days are taken off work, blaze orange gear is aired out from last year’s hunt, bags are packed, and a sizeable stockpile of beer and snacks are purchased and ready to bring along.
Charlie’s County Market
521 South Main Street, Shawano, WI 54166
Ph: (715) 524-2523
Shawano’s grocery store of choice for the area’s best selection of beer and liquor, plus a nicely-curated selection of Wisconsin cheeses, a sugar-binge-worthy wall of candy, and a super-stocked meat department. Run in and grab a case of Busch Light or a mix-your-sixer sixpack of microbrews – whatever’s your style, some bulk gummies, toilet paper, and you NEED those Doritos…now head to the cabin!
Stubborn Brothers Brewery
220 South Main Street, Shawano, WI 54166
Ph: (715) 201-0859
Grab a growler, a few crowlers, or just stop in for a pint of one of Stubborn Brothers’ amazing brews. Based on today’s offerings, we recommend Wild Child Honey Wheat, DC Cherry Tart, Shawano Club Pilsner, or Geisha IPA. Frankly, they craft everything from porters to sours and fruity wheats; a lil’ something for every beer-drinking deer hunter.
The menu at Stubborn Brothers offers toasty-warm food that any woods-chilled hunter would crave: classic flatbread pizza with pepperoni and sausage, hearty beer cheese soup, big soft pub pretzels, steak nachos… you get the idea.
Twig’s Tattoos
528A South Main Street, Shawano, WI 54166
Ph: (715) 201-0859
Been awhile since you got yourself some fresh ink? Never gotten a tattoo before? Why not get something to remember this season at Twig’s Tattoos in Shawano. Our town is lucky to have such a professional, talented tattoo artist. The work that comes out of Twig’s is simply outstanding, whether it’s a completely new design or a cover-up job.
Note: Generally, you’ll need to book ahead because appointments fill up fast – their work is THAT good!
Pingel Processing LLC
W9248 County Road A, Shawano, WI 54166
Ph: (715) 851-8281
Pingel’s is located just outside of Red River and is a relatively new addition to the area meat market scene, but is really a re-introduction. The Pingel family ran a beloved butcher shop in the city of Shawano for decades and now the next generation has taken on the business, with Dallas Pingel opening his own establishment and creating knock-out sausages (think Philly Cheesesteak Brats), gorgeous hand-trimmed steaks, and (we think you’ll appreciate this one) they handle wild game processing.
Wild game processing includes whole deer and whole bear, in season, and they also take scraps – plus, you are guaranteed to get your own meat back. Pingel’s makes great sausage, so trust them to make you an awesome batch!
Please go check out this clean, new meat market and bring them that buck you bag! Get yourself a fat ribeye for the grill while you’re there – you deserve it.
Pigeon River Brewing Company
1103 North Main Street #9182, Marion, WI 54950
Ph: (715) 256-7721
The little town of Marion has a hidden gem in the Pigeon River Brewing Company, so if you’re in that neck of the woods, stop in for a pint of “Buxom Lass” Scottish Ale or the self-explanatory “Hop Offer”, enjoyed in a jovial setting.
A full menu is offered and you can get yourself a meaty 1/3-pound Angus burger with that pint or select a prime rib sandwich, flatbread pizza, or choose from a variety of creative sandwiches, wraps, and appetizers. Why not get another pint of that Buxom Lass before you go?
Mike’s Country Meats
800 County Road M, Tigerton, WI 54486
Ph: (715) 535-4741
The writer of this blog would like to stop right here and tell you something: as a self-proclaimed connoisseur of beef jerky, the jerky made at Mike’s is right on target. None of that overly-squishy, greasy stuff comes from Mike’s; this jerky is firm, well-seasoned, and has just the right amount of chew. Just as their website says, this may just be the #1 Jerky in Wisconsin.
Located in Tigerton but available at several local convenience stores (Arby’s 22 Shell in Shawano carries it), you can find bags of Mike’s mean Teriyaki, zesty Black Pepper, sweet and mellow Honey Barbeque, and screaming Carolina Reaper, to name a few. This is a locally-made snack not to be missed.
Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats
1390 East Grand Avenue, Wittenberg, WI 54499
Ph: (715) 253-4059
Famous for their Applewood Smoked Bacon clear across the fifty states, this 3rd generation family-owned smokehouse in the village of Wittenberg is the real deal. Make sure to get enough bacon for breakfasts at the cabin all week or you may find yourself making a second trip.
Of course you’ll want that Applewood Smoked Bacon, but if you want to change up your meals while you’re in the woods with the guys, get yourself some of their corned beef hash, smoky ham steaks, pancake mix and maple syrup, beef sticks, cheese curds, and anything your smoked meat lovin’ heart desires.
Twig’s Beverage
920 South Franklin Street, Shawano, WI 54166
Ph: (715) 526-5031
Listen, we all know you’ll be having some beers, but what’s “as refreshing as a cup of coffee” in the morning? You got it: SUNDROP. Shawanoites (Shawanoans?) drink this sparkling stuff like it’s a cure-all. For all we know, it might be.
Whether you’re on Team Can (so crisp!) or Team Glass Bottle (you can see the pulp!), this caffeinated citrus soda was really this first of its kind, classified as a “golden cola” way back when. Made right here in Shawano, Wisconsin, you shouldn’t think of going out to deer camp without a case of those good old returnable glass bottles filled with the locals’ drink of choice. Or get those crisp, cold cans…you decide!
Brother’s Market
N5858 Lake Drive, Shawano, WI 54166
Ph: (715) 201-0755
Located at the “gate to The Mooseyards”, this souped-up C-store has everything a local – or a guest – could need. With a variety of wine and beer at the ready, plus locally-sourced Wisconsin staples like fresh squeaky cheese curds, creamy fudge, smoked fish, and golden maple syrup. They’ll have what you’re looking for, plus a few new favorites, we’re willing to bet. Oh, and while you’re there, check out Brother’s Pub just across the street. They’ve got a huge menu and friendly staff just waiting to make you an Old Fashioned or a stiff Windsor and Coke.
Brother’s has everything you need for the cabin, too: firewood, LP, ice – all the Northwoods staples!
Qualhiem’s True Value
1345 East Green Bay Street, Shawano, WI 54166
Ph: (715) 526-6108
Real Talk: This place is part of the backbone of Shawano life. Qualheim’s is an institution in this town. Go there for pretty much anything. You
know you’ll get to the cabin and find out you need to fix something. Go there for buck calls and doe pee. Go there for dog food. Go there and rent pretty much anything, including a dunk tank (hey, it’s more fun than you think) or a live trap for the possum under your porch. You get the idea.
GOOD LUCK & HAPPY HUNTING!
Other Shawano Country Seasonal Info for Hunters & Friends:
CASINOS
RESTAURANTS & BARS
TAVERNS
LODGING