Meet Marshfield's ‘Grandpa Bear’: From badge to bear den

MARSHFIELD – When a person dedicates much of their life to helping both people and animals, it often leaves a lasting impact on their community.

David Schmitt, an 82-year-old originally from Colby and now living in Marshfield, has spent decades doing just that.

Schmitt began his career as a police officer in Marshfield in the 1960s.

However, he soon realized the position would not pay the bills, leading him to take a job with Nelson-Jameson, where he spent 38 years selling laboratory equipment on the road.

Despite the career shift, Schmitt continued his involvement in law enforcement, serving as a volunteer auxiliary officer for 27 years.

Auxiliary officers support law enforcement but do not carry weapons.

They assist with traffic and crowd control at community events such as Dairy Fest and holiday parades and patrol neighborhoods during Halloween, helping keep trick-or-treaters safe.

Schmitt was also part of the group that established the auxiliary program in 1977.

In addition to his work with the police department, Schmitt has spent about 50 years assisting game wardens, supporting investigations and helping with wildlife-related calls.

He recalled receiving a call about an injured bald eagle while a warden was unavailable.

Working with an Eau Claire warden, Schmitt helped capture the bird, which was later found to have a broken wing and transported to a rehabilitation center.

He also frequently received calls from residents and relayed important information to wardens when necessary.

Schmitt also operated a rustic hunting camp known as “Camp David,” located near Rock Dam Lake, along the eastern edge of the Clark County Forest.

He purchased the land in 1984 and used it as a base camp for Hay Creek Outfitters, a no-cost program designed to introduce youth and adults — including individuals with disabilities — to hunting.

Schmitt ran the camp for 30 years, providing opportunities for those who otherwise may not have had access to land or the knowledge needed to get started.

While Schmitt particularly enjoyed teaching bear hunting, he made it clear his focus was on beginners.

“Hunters who have already landed two or three bears and just wanted help with baiting and waiting for a big one were told to go to a licensed guide. That’s not what I was about. We were trying to introduce people that didn’t have a chance (otherwise),” Schmitt said.

Through Hay Creek Outfitters, Schmitt helped connect people from across the country with hunting experiences.

In 2006, he hosted John Paul Montgomery of Alabama, who was paralyzed from the neck down following a high school football injury.

Using a specially designed firearm mounted to his wheelchair — one Schmitt helped create — and operated by blowing into a straw, Montgomery successfully harvested a 200-pound bear.

“You never saw somebody so excited in your entire life,” Schmitt said.

Schmitt’s interest in bears extended beyond hunting.

After meeting University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point researcher, Ray Anderson, he became involved in bear research, assisting the Department of Natural Resources with fieldwork, including entering bear dens.

“You give the mama some joy juice before going down in the den,” Schmitt said. “Females aren’t totally hibernating — they’re aware enough to protect their cubs.”

After completing their work, the bears were returned to their dens, with an added step to reduce human scent, by using Vicks.

“By the time the smell wears off, the human scent is gone,” Schmitt said.

Over time, Schmitt became known as “Grandpa Bear,” a nickname that reflects both his experience and passion for the species.

Drawing from more than 50 years of fieldwork and research, he has shared his knowledge through educational programs, primarily for children ages five to nine.

His presentations include information about bear development and behavior, along with hands-on materials such as skulls, teeth, wildlife photography and a stuffed bear named Geraldine.

Although he teaches less frequently today, Schmitt continues to share his knowledge and is scheduled to lead a bear education class for residents in his apartment building on April 16.

In addition to his work with wildlife and law enforcement, Schmitt has coached basketball and taught hunter safety courses.

He also continues to serve his community through a volunteer transportation service called “Wheels for Widows LLC,” which operates out of his apartment building.

Residents can sign up for rides to appointments, shopping trips, the airport and other needs.

“Helping others is what makes you a good person,” Schmitt said.