Whitetails Unlimited Inc is a national nonprofit conservation organization headquartered in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Founded in 1982, the organization holds 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status (ruling year 1986) and operates as a public charity dedicated to wildlife conservation and the preservation of hunting traditions. The organization maintains a network of approximately 474 chapters across the United States with over 115,000 members, chapter volunteers, and corporate sponsors.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$22.3M
+10.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.6M
-1.1% YoY
Grant Count
133
-1.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$12K
+0.4% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization's mission is to raise funds in support of:
- Educational programs related to wildlife conservation
- Wildlife habitat enhancement and acquisition
- Preservation of the hunting tradition and shooting sports for future generations
Primary Program Areas:
DEER Program (Developing Educational & Environmental Resources) — A top priority focused on introducing youth and their families to outdoor activities. This includes family events, activities, and educational elements that expose participants to conservation issues, fishing, hunting, shooting sports, wildlife management, and environmental education.
Hunter Education & Safety — Whitetails Unlimited provides support to hunter education instructors and shooting instructors, serving as an advocate for hunter safety and hands-on instruction.
Shooting Sports Preservation — The organization supports public archery and firearm ranges to build the next generation of shooting sports enthusiasts.
Grantmaking
Whitetails Unlimited functions as both a grantmaker and grant recipient. The organization has distributed significant grant funding across multiple states:
Ready to take the next step with Whitetails Unlimited Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Whitetails Unlimited's grantmaking focuses primarily on Michigan, Iowa, and Ohio, though recent grant activity demonstrates funding across multiple states including Mississippi, Illinois, and Minnesota.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Most Recent Financial Data (2024):
- Total Revenue: $13,166,135
- Total Expenses: $11,735,693
- Total Assets: $20,275,515
- Total Liabilities: $2,740,000
- Number of Employees: 46
Organization Rating: The organization holds a Three-Star rating with an 81% score based on Accountability & Finance metrics.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $22,300,626 | $20,275,515 | $18,160,533 |
| Revenue | $14,337,122 | $13,166,135 | $12,852,789 |
| Expenses | $12,750,188 | $11,735,693 | $11,482,822 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $636,812 | $3,776 | $48,665 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
249 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Jeffrey Schinkten — Principal Officer
- Jonathan Meacham — Vice President, Field Operations
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| PETER GERL | BOARD MEMBER | 5 | $47,955 |
| WILLIAM GERL JR | BOARD MEMBER | 5 | $47,780 |
| JEFFREY SCHINKTEN | PRESIDENT | 15 | $61,297 |
| DAVID HAWKEY | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 45 | $204,946 |
| CYNTHIA TOURMO | VP FINANCE & TREASURER | 45 | $139,491 |
| CHRISTOPHER KONOP | VP - FIELD OPERATIONS / SECRETARY | 45 | $113,057 |
| RUSSELL AUSTAD | VP - FIELD OPERATIONS / EXECUTIVE VP | 45 | $132,963 |
| DANIEL VOGT | FIELD DIRECTOR | 45 | $165,762 |
| DENNIS MALLOY | FIELD DIRECTOR | 45 | $136,342 |
| JASON MARASKINE | FIELD DIRECTOR | 45 | $127,460 |
| JOEL REYNOLDS | FIELD DIRECTOR | 45 | $173,308 |
| DAREL MARTIN | FIELD DIRECTOR | 45 | $126,535 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
Whitetails Unlimited has announced multiple significant grant distributions in 2026:
Whitetails Unlimited Grants More Than $180,000 in Mississippi - The OutdoorFebruary 2026: Granted more than $180,000 in Mississippi
Whitetails Unlimited Grants More Than $180,000 in Mississippi - The OutdoorFebruary 2026: Granted more than $120,000 in Minnesota
Whitetails Unlimited Grants More Than $120,000 in Minnesota - The OutdoorMarch 2026: Granted more than $300,000 through the HOPE for Wildlife Program
Whitetails Unlimited Grants More Than $300,000 Through HOPE for WildlifeMarch 2026: Granted more than $250,000 in Illinois
Whitetails Unlimited Grants More Than $250,000 in Illinois - The OutdoorThe organization has expended more than $94 million on program services and activities to date in support of its conservation mission.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Otto Weisse Tr-sheb Falls
MILWAUKEE, WI
Assets
—
Grants
1
Total Given
$9K
Hematologyoncology Pharmacy Association
MILWAUKEE, WI
Assets
$10.0M
Grants
3
Total Given
$108K
Grafton Medical Foundation
GRAFTON, WI
Assets
$86K
Grants
6
Total Given
$9K
Farview Foundation
MILWAUKEE, WI
Assets
$2.1M
Grants
32
Total Given
$218K
Isaiah Goodall Trust Nect
MILWAUKEE, WI
Assets
$141K
Grants
1
Total Given
$7K
Moraine Park Foundation Inc
FOND DU LAC, WI
Assets
$6.0M
Grants
1
Total Given
$350
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Whitetails Unlimited Inc on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities