Roseau County Historical Society and Museum -

This article was presented by Irene Olson on the historical society’s KJ 102 radio program “A Look Back in Time” in September. With hunting season in full swing it seemed appropriate.
“The Happy Hunting Grounds-Early Hunting in Roseau County” was written by Ray Geroy for “Remembrances” (1979) compiled by Hazel Wahlberg. Ray lived most of his life in the River and Pencer communities. Ray was an avid hunter with and interested in the history of the sport. His son, Mark, lives on the home place and continues his father’s love of hunting.

“In an attempt to establish a picture of the hunter of long ago in Roseau County, one can only try to fire the imagination of the reader to the extent that he will read, talk and dream about hunting as it was when our county was first established. One could hardly expect to become a historian in expounding briefly on hunting in our small area. Since much time has elapsed between the early days and now, one has to delve into the records of the past, talk to some old timers, and recall from personal experience some of the fascinating aspects of early hunting in our happy hunting ground.
“A hundred years ago, it would seem that Roseau county was a solid hunting land that walked, and swam, and flew, with much the same kinds of game as we have today. However, there were two exceptions, the caribou and elk. There was once an elk range north of the present Middle River district called “Elk Valley.”
Deer, moose, bear, rabbits, and grouse abounded everywhere. Ducks were more plentiful than today, due to the fact that water was so abundant that it was almost a scourge to the early settler. Fox, lynx, and bobcat, plus other fur bearers - mink, weasels, otter, marten, fisher, muskrats and beaver, made the county a trapping paradise for both the white and the red man.
“The hunter of this long ago period was an important man, for often his success in this field was a matter of life or death for himself and family. It appears there were few bows and arrows around then, guns being in sufficient quantities, although a new one cost “a bundle of furs five feet high.”
In talks with Ingvard Sunset, the former curator of the Roseau County Museum who was 88 years old (at the time in 1979), we talked about the elk herd and the caribou disappearing from Roseau county. We decided that the loss of its natural habitat and depredation seemed to be the cause. Ingvard told this story: “About 60 years ago, a certain man, residing in the town of Roseau shot and butchered 20 caribou out of a herd of 40. He hauled the meat to Minneapolis and sold it. The next year, he shot the remaining 20.” In a lighter vein Ingvard said, “He also shot his own horse which he had mistaken for a moose,” we could only add “Good!” he deserved that for he had decimated a whole herd of wild animals, not for feed for himself, but for profit.” (To be continued)
RCHS Footnotes
With the passing of Veterans Day this week we would like to remind our former and present service people that their military history is a very important part of Roseau County heritage. As our next generation looks to the past those stories will bring meaning and understanding. Freedom is a precious commodity and we hope you are all willing to share your experiences so future generations can benefit. Forms are available at the museum, the Greenbush Library or any of the local service clubs. You can also request a form be sent to you from the historical society.
Cookbooks are still available for sale as well as other county history books.

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