Butch's Fowl Flushers come out on top at 2026 Nebraska One Box Pheasant Hunt

The 66th annual Nebraska One Box Pheasant Hunt brought hunters and supporters to Broken Bow November 5-7, with Butch’s Fowl Flushers taking the championship in the 2026 team competition.

Captained by Butch Lehmkuhler, the winning team included Rand Petersen, Terry Warth, Craig Bradshaw and Paul Kenney. The team finished the hunt with 15 pheasants and four quail to claim first place. Mark Schmidt and Kent Leibhart were guides, Bert Kirkpatrick was dog handler, and Riley Weems was scorekeeper.

Burning Daylight, led by captain Jeff Marlatt, finished as the runner-up with 15 rooster pheasants and one quail. Team 66 placed third after finishing with 14 rooster pheasants.

The Nebraska One Box Pheasant Hunt brings hunters together for a team competition built around the challenge of hunting with one box of shells. The annual event also supports the One Box Gun Club, youth shooting, scholarships and wildlife habitat programs in the region.

View full results from this year’s event at the end of this story

Awards recognize years of service and support

Several individual awards recognized people who have contributed to the Nebraska One Box organization and its activities over the years.

A Golden Pheasant was presented to Riley Weems, a local resident who has dedicated countless hours to the organization. Weems has served as a scorekeeper for the hunt for a number of years and also helps maintain the One Box Gun Club, ensuring the facility runs smoothly and remains in good condition.

Dave McCulley received the Outstanding Past Shooter award. Although McCulley lives in Georgia, he has been attending One Box activities in Broken Bow for 30 years. The Georgia Boys have supported area youth through donations over the years while continuing to contribute to the local economy.

Jeff Evans received the Hall of Fame award for his continued service to the organization. Evans helps oversee its finances, works hands-on at the gun club and has served as a guide for past shooters for several years. He is a regular presence at One Box events and remains available to help address problems as they arise.

Ladies board hosts two successful weekend events

The Nebraska One Box Ladies Board also organized two events during the weekend.

The first took place Friday at Kinkaider Brewing Company, where attendees learned how to make homemade cleaning products from Cottage Naturals, a local company focused on natural alternatives for cleaning homes without harmful chemicals.

On Saturday, the ladies luncheon was held at the One Box Convention Center with Colleen Williams as a special guest along with music bingo and food from Jubilee Catering.

2026 One Box Pheasant Hunt results

First Place — Butch’s Fowl Flushers

Captain: Butch Lehmkuhler
Team members: Rand Petersen, Terry Warth, Craig Bradshaw and Paul Kenney
Guides: Mark Schmidt and Kent Leibhart
Dog handler: Bert Kirkpatrick
Scorekeeper: Riley Weems
Harvest: 15 pheasants, 4 quail

Second Place — Burning Daylight

Captain: Jeff Marlatt
Team members: Nick Carter, Justin Smith, Josh Martin and Josh Ketels
Guides: Nole Chapin and Cade Chapin
Dog handler: Tehl Keslar
Scorekeeper: Levi French
Harvest: 15 rooster pheasants, 1 quail

Third Place — Team 66

Captain: Eric Scott
Team members: Senator Tanya Storer, Eric Storer, Emmett Storer and Braxton Green
Guides: Jack Lindstrom and Stephen Rush
Dog handler: Ed Ford
Scorekeeper: Jake McCormick
Harvest: 14 rooster pheasants

Fourth Place — Team Hornady