Richfield, Wisconsin – A Washington County Sheriff’s deputy responded Saturday evening at approximately 6 p.m. to a report of a helicopter landing in the Cabela’s parking lot.

The deputy contacted the pilot, a 69-year-old Rosendale man, who said he flew to Cabela’s because “the drive was too long.”

The pilot was properly licensed, landed safely, complied with all applicable FAA regulations and answered the deputy’s questions about helicopter landing requirements.

The unusual shopping trip resulted in no violations and no arrests. The pilot had used the helicopter to avoid all the roundabouts in front of Cabela’s.

Bodycam footage recorded on August 1, 2026, at approximately 18:18 shows the deputy walking across a large, cracked asphalt parking lot toward a silver Robinson helicopter parked in an open area.

Trees and light poles surround the lot under partly cloudy skies. The officer’s hand and shadow are briefly visible as he approaches the aircraft.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download