Wisconsin Hero Outdoors Big Bass Battle

Sunday, August 9, 2026

EXCITING FORMAT CHANGE FOR 2026!

The Big Bass Battle supporting Wisconsin Hero Outdoors (WHO) is back again for the 13th year.

For 2026, the format will change to a true BIG BASS event, inviting more anglers and more fun.

IMPORTANT CHANGE:

Every angler will register individually, rather than as a traditional 2-person team.

Please Note: Must make arrangements to be in a motorized boat with functioning live well for the tournament if you’re signing up as a non-boater, the Big Bass Battle will not provide a boat for the day of the tournament.

Boats will be allowed to have a maximum of 4 anglers total.
The tournament fee is $125 per angler 13 or older, $100 per angler 12 and under.
Each angler can weigh one bass per weigh-in period. An angler is ONLY allowed to weigh a fish they personally caught.
For more details on this exciting new format, please refer to this list of FAQs
The goal of this change is to allow families or friends to fish together without the constraints of a 2-person team. This means more FUN and hopefully more money in the prize pool and more money raised for WHO.

Donate

Last Year

We raised around **$35,000** to help combat-wounded veterans and first responders and gave 10 heroes an amazing on-the-water experience. To date, we have raised nearly **$400,000** for charities that benefit people right here in our community. This year, our goal is over **$50,000** to help Wisconsin Hero Outdoors as they continue to work against their mission.

The Charity

Wisconsin Hero Outdoors began in 2016 when a small group of Veterans and First Responders got together to use outdoor activities to help address both physical and mental health challenges along with restoring a sense of comradery. The organization is part of the Waukesha County Community Foundation 501c(3) and recently expanded state-wide with the partnership and support of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law and Entrepreneur Clinic.

The mission of Wisconsin Hero Outdoors is to help connect Veterans, First Responders and their families to outdoor activities in Wisconsin., conducting outdoor events and supporting existing 501c3 organizations with a focus on outdoor activities that serve the veteran, military and first responder community. Our goal is to help bolster effective programs and encourage new opportunities.

The group’s founders and advisors operate Wisconsin Hero Outdoors as a 100% volunteer team and ALL donations directly serve Wisconsin Heroes.

To learn more visit: https://wiherooutdoors.org/

In-Kind Sponsorship: Cash or Product Donation

We are holding a silent auction and bucket raffle held at our event on Okauchee Lake. We typically have 4-5 silent auction items and 8-10 bucket raffles with prizes ranging from gift certificates, sporting goods items, tickets to concerts and sporting events, autographed items and more.

Any cash donations will go directly to Wisconsin Hero Outdoors.

All in-kind or cash sponsors will get placement on event banners and in PA announcements on the event. Any prizes on season-long raffle ticket will also credit the donor. We literally sell thousands of tickets every year.

If you are willing to donate cash or prizes, please either contact Ryan Chuckel at 414-698-7132 or ryanc@gunpowderinc.com or send prizes directly to:

Wisconsin Hero Outdoors
W329 S690, Kettle Moraine Dr, Delafield, WI 53018

Please make checks out to Wisconsin Hero Outdoors.