Fought A Vicious Buck
Eau Claire Man’s Terrible Struggle, Which May Result Fatally
– Eau Claire Weekly Leader | Dec. 1, 1898

Rice Lake – Fred St. Clair, of Eau Claire, fought for his life in the deer pen of Greenwood Park the other day, with a vicious buck. A barn in being built in the park for the deer quartered there, and St. Clair was sent to the park to measure some lumber.  After being once knocked down by the animal St. Clair grabbed the buck by its horns and for several minutes the struggle went on. At times St. Clair would be under and at times the buck, but the animal had the best of the struggle until help arrived, and the buck was killed. St. Clair was gored several times and may die.

Chad's Take: Happy Hunting

With deer hunting fever finally over the Chippewa Valley I thought I would share an inspiring story for all of you hunters that made it back to safety with your kill. Unfortunately former Eau Claire resident Fred St. Clair wasn’t quite as lucky as you were, because when Fred came face to face with a giant buck he wasn’t armed and ready. Actually Fred wasn’t even hunting. Fred simply made the mistake of trying to grab some lumber from the deer pen and was attacked by a large unprovoked buck. 

Sadly I was not able to discover the fate of Mr. St. Clair, but every person who goes out deer hunting in the Chippewa Valley should try to even the score for Fred. As for Greenwood Park, it is still located right off Highway 8 outside of Ladysmith, but if you decide to visit make sure you take Fred’s advice and watch out for the deer.    

Keep an eye out ...