This week and into the weekend, October 30 – November 1, marks the 65th year of a Nebraska tradition – the One Box Pheasant Hunt.
Hunters from across the country are drawn to Custer County’s unique terrain and hospitality to challenge themselves in this annual hunting event.
Events surrounding the hunt were kicked off on Wednesday with the Elaine Bayer Fish Fry at the Broken Bow Golf Club, followed by a full day of registration and introduction activities on Thursday. Events on Friday included a trap shooting competition and a “Pints & Paint” ladies activity at Kinkaider Brewing Company.
Friday evening will feature some of the premier social events on the calendar in Broken Bow, starting with hosted cocktail parties spread across town, followed by a formal dinner and auction at the Nebraska One Box Convention Center.
After an early morning breakfast, the pheasant hunt finally begins 30 minutes before sunrise on Saturday morning. Each hunting team will go to the field with five members, along with two guides, a judge, and a dog handler assigned by drawing on Thursday. Each team is limited to one box of 25 shotgun shells. The hunt is over when a team’s bag limit is reached, at 4:00 PM, or they run out of ammunition – whichever is first.
In the meantime on Saturday, the Nebraska One Box Ladies Luncheon – a “Roost and Rave Bingo” party starts at 11:00 AM at the One Box Convention Center.
Though the weekend wraps up with a final banquet and award presentation Saturday evening, the effects of the One Box Hunt and Organization are felt in the community much longer. Every year, the One Box Foundation awards multiple scholarships, totaling around $12,500. Since its establishment in 2003, the One Box Habitat Committee has been involved in restoration of over 3000 acres of game bird habitat in Central Nebraska.
More information on the Nebraska One Box Foundation, this year’s hunt, and hunt’s past can be found at www.nebraskaonebox.com.
