Loren Voss: The Resilient Story of Wisconsin’s “Turkey Commander”

A resilient person is someone who can adapt well and bounce back quickly from stress, adversity, trauma, or significant life challenges, maintaining emotional strength and continuing to move forward, often growing stronger from the experience. They possess traits like flexibility, optimism, and good coping skills, allowing them to handle setbacks without being overwhelmed, and see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. Loren Voss fits the definition of resilient.

In the world of wild turkey hunting, few names are as well-known or as beloved in Wisconsin as Loren Voss, affectionately nicknamed the “Turkey Commander.” Hailing from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Voss has spent decades pursuing his passion for chasing the wily wild turkey — and helping others do the same — earning statewide recognition and making a lasting impact on the outdoor community.

The moniker Turkey Commander didn’t result from any formal title or official appointment — it grew organically out of Voss’s infectious enthusiasm for turkey hunting and his willingness to teach others. Friends and fellow hunters began calling him that nearly thirty years ago after a Ducks Unlimited event in Oshkosh, and the name has stuck ever since.

Voss’s turkey hunting career spans more than four decades, during which time he has harvested 175 wild turkeys across Wisconsin and other states. His experience ranges from using traditional shotgun and archery methods to mastering calls and decoy techniques — all skills he’s happy to share with hunters of all experience levels.

But turkey hunting for Voss is about much more than numbers. It’s about connection — to the land, to tradition, and to other people. He regularly participates in turkey hunting seminars and conservation events throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest, offering instruction on camouflage, decoys, calling, safety, and the subtleties of hunting strategies that only years in the woods can teach. In February 2024, for instance, he led a Turkey Hunting 101 seminar at the Horicon Education and Visitors Center, sharing insights with beginners and seasoned hunters alike.

Voss’s outdoor legacy also includes television appearances. On episodes of Outdoor Wisconsin, he demonstrated traditional skills like crafting turkey calls from wing bones, bringing the art and craft of turkey hunting to viewers across the region.

Yet perhaps the most compelling chapters of Loren Voss’s life aren’t just about birds and blinds — they’re about resilience and empathy. More than 30 years ago, Voss was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma and given as little six months to live. He also was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2025 which resulted in 44 radiation treatments plus multiple hormone shots. Loren even survived a heart attack 3 years ago. He survived, defying expectations and drawing strength from family, faith, and the rhythms of outdoor life. That experience inspired him to collaborate with his oncology nurse, Barb Kraft, on a memoir titled Living on Death Row, a story of survival, hope, and perseverance.

Even after facing a second cancer diagnosis later in life, Voss hasn’t slowed down. He uses his own journey to support others facing critical health challenges by taking them into the woods to experience turkey hunting firsthand. Through mentorship and camaraderie, he has introduced people battling illness and those with special needs to the serenity and excitement of time spent in nature.

At every turn, what defines Wisconsin’s Turkey Commander is his devotion to community — not just the hunting community, but anyone willing to take part in the rich outdoor traditions of the Badger State. Loren Voss’s story is one of passion, persistence, and the simple joy of hearing a gobble echo through an early spring morning.

Loren will be appearing at the Milwaukee Sports Show March 6 - 8 which is held at State Fair Park. Stop by his booth and say hello.

Loren considers hunting as his ministry. He enjoys sitting in God's creation which helps him focus on sharing his knowledge with others who are facing challenges.

Author: Jill Wilhelms