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Avid Deer Hunter is All About Community

Roger Getz has checked in more deer than any other hunter in Indiana since the online check-in system began. In 2023, the Valparaiso resident checked in his 100^th harvest.

But that’s not all that makes him noteworthy.

No one taught Getz how to hunt. He learned largely on his own, by attending seminars and through trial and error. He shot his first deer in 1980 and has evolved into a mentor.

Despite being mostly self-taught, he credits his achievements to the community that surrounds him—whether it’s landowners, his wife, his fellow parishioners, fellow hunters, or the DNR.

Hunting mostly on private property, Getz collaborates with landowners on projects and helps them manage their wildlife habitat, which includes using some techniques he learned years ago, when he bought his own property.

He called his district wildlife biologist back then and asked what he could do to create habitat for deer, songbirds, and small game.

“The biologist came out and looked at the property and came back with a plan,” Getz says. “We planted 1,850 trees in the first year and continued planting more most years after. Forty years later, I have 60 varieties of trees, including 80-foot-tall spruces, oak trees, walnut trees, and crabapple trees—all for the animals and us to enjoy.”

Getz often gives most of the venison from his hunts to family, friends, and people from his church. His favorite memories from his hunting adventures involve other community members.

“I really enjoy getting together with other people and experiencing the camaraderie of working together—getting on stands together, hunting properties, shooting together, and eating lunch after hunting when we visit and share stories,” he says.

Getz believes in supporting other hunters with his own skills, serving as a mentor for many younger hunters.

“I teach them the basics and help them learn from their mistakes,” he says. “I help them appreciate the animal, the provisions, the landowners, the whole experience.”

Looking to follow in his footsteps and find your next best hunt? View our Where to Hunt map for hunting locations across the state at on.IN.gov/where2hunt.

Photo by Roger Getz