Happy Hunting, BOCKERS

Bock Hunt Area

WELCOME TO 2023 – THE 37TH ANNUAL GREAT BOCK HUNT!

No – wait – we didn’t have a Bockfest in 2021, but we did think about it. So, it is still the 37th Annual – we just didn’t have a 35th Annual!

You are reading this because:

  1. You actually want to go on the Hunt
  2. You want exercise
  3. You ran out of beer money
  4. Your significant other dumped you
  5. You want to find a Bock and become one of less than 200 people in THE WORLD (how many people are in the world anyway?) to find one

We advise rookie hunters to read this in its entirety as it contains serious information. There is a map included with the Hunt area. You can ignore and hunt wherever you want, but you will have better luck if you stay within the Hunt area. When we used to utilize the entire Flandrau State Park, the Bocks (goats) were instructed to stay along or near the trails. However, with the smaller area we are utilizing this year, the Bocks aren’t necessarily on the trails. They could be along walking trails, (some snowmobile), deer trails, squirrel trails or no trails at all. The Bocks could be anywhere!

The Hunt begins down below at Jaeger’s Ruh, which means in German: Hunter’s Rest. How appropriate: beer – a fire – music and porta potties.

So, what are you looking for? On display on the bar across from the museum is an example of a wooden Bock (goat head). You may also have to search for a ceramic medallion enclosed in a plastic bag. There are seven clues to find the Bocks: each clues represents a location of a Bock or a medallion. Many hunters don’t use them, as their chances are about the same if you use them or not. Your choice.

Why seven clues? There is a King, a Queen, and 5 Bocks of Winter: November, December, January, February and March. Folklore has it that if all Bocks are found, there will be a swift end to winter. Each one has a prize associated with it – if you find one, go to see the Huntmaster in or near the Bier Halle to claim your prize. People will call to find him in case he is out having a beer…

Some other pointers:

  • The Bocks may have a little snow on them. Definitely NOT three feet down in the snow, and not in the trees. Remember who’s hiding them!
  • DON’T GO ON THE RIVER! They are not on the edge of the river either.
  • The trails may be slippery. If you fall, lose the beer and save your head!

Finally, you may run into a couple of St. Beernard dogs, dressed up like humans. One has a backpack with beer on it, and the other guy just carries the cups and talks a lot! They are legit and are there to supply nourishment for the hunters.

“May the Sun kiss your cheeks,

May your Cup never go dry

& MAY THE BOCK BE WITH YOU!”

Good Luck on the Hunt –

~ the HUNTMASTER ~

PS – KEEP THE TRAILS CLEAN — NO GARBAGE!

CLUES

1).    SHEDS WATER BUT NOT SNOW

2).    OUT OF PLACE  –  OUT OF LIFE

3).    NEW LIFE SPRNGS UP

4).    HEAVY  –  PECULIAR

5).    OUT OF THE WAY  –  AT THE BOTTOM

6).    SEVERE EROSION  –  LATHE

7).    WAS IT ICE OR TEETH?