Building on the enthusiasm of the 2018 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener in Luverne, local planners are working on the 2019 Rock County Ringneck Reunion.
The two-day celebration Oct. 25 and 26 features pheasant hunting, a Rock County Pheasants Forever Banquet, live music at Take 16 and a first-ever poker run with side-by-side all-terrain vehicles.
“It’s a carry-over from last year’s Governor’s Opener that we’re turning into a pheasant hunting celebration to draw people back to Luverne and Rock County,” said Rick Peterson, one of the organizers.
“I want people to think about pheasant hunting and think, ‘Let’s go back to Luverne.’”
Rock County Pheasants Forever
Festivities begin Friday night with the regular Rock County Pheasants Forever Banquet at Take 16.
According to club president Darin Kindt, timing the banquet with the Ringneck Reunion weekend should be good exposure for the group.
“I’m hoping it will bring a few more people into the banquet and open a few more eyes to conservation efforts,” Kindt said.
“Because it’s not just about hunting; it’s about what we do for conservation and habitat protection.”
Social hour and silent auction bidding starts at 5:30 and dinner is at 7 with live auction, raffles and games to follow.
The banquet wraps up at 9 p.m. with live “electric country” music, “The Fattenin’ Frogs,” under the tent at Take 16.
Contact Kindt at 507-920-7544 for banquet tickets and membership information, or they can be purchased at the door at Take 16.
Ringneck Team Hunt
Saturday begins with pheasant hunting at 9 a.m., DNR regulation start time.
The Ringneck Team Hunt involves teams of up to four hunters per team who hunt their own preferred ground (not arranged through a local committee).
Registered teams ($100 per team) are eligible for cash prizes awarded for total weight, length of tail feather and length of right foot spur.
The first place $500 prize is sponsored by Security Savings Bank, the second-place $400 prize is sponsored by Loosbrock Electric, and the third-place $300 prize is donated by the Luverne Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Longest tail feather prize of $100 is sponsored by Take 16.
Team signup is Friday from 1 to 7 p.m. at Take 16 or by calling the Chamber, 283-4061.
Birds must be turned in at Take 16 no later than 5 p.m. Saturday.
Prizes will be awarded at the After Crow Party that night, which features food at 5:30 p.m. and live music, “Too Drunk to Fish,” from 6 to 9 p.m.
Ringneck Rally
Side-by-Side Poker Run
Saturday evening will also feature an announcement of the Pork Challenge winner and poker winners from Ringneck Rally Side-by-Side Poker Run.
Peterson said the side-by-side rally will broaden the scope of the Ringneck Reunion celebration.
“You don’t have to be a hunter to enjoy a side-by-side ride,” he said.
“It gives people a chance to ride before they put their machines away for the winter.”
Rally stops are at the Kenneth Bar in Kenneth, Green Lantern Bar in Hardwick, Up the Dam Creek (or the golf course) in Beaver Creek, Hidden Hills Café or Willy’s Bar in Hills, Eagles Club, Howling Dog (or Sterling’s or Bluestem.
Side-by-sides (no four-wheelers allowed) must be street legal, and they must be registered with the DNR.
Sign-up for Saturday’s Ringneck Team Hunt and Side-by-Side Rally is from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25.
Riders can travel the course at their own leisure in whichever order they prefer, but all cards must be turned in to Take 16 by 6 p.m. Saturday.
Veterans hunt
A special veterans hunt is planned in western Rock County, similar to the one at last year’s Governor’s Opener.
Stan and Karen Williamson and Wayne and Jo Williamson will again host the veterans, providing land that’s rich with roosters.
“I really respect the military guys,” said Stan Williamson. “And I’ve got plenty of roosters.”
He said his grandpa, Emil Reese, was in World War 1, and his dad, Elmo Williamson, was in World War II. Stan trained with the Army during the Vietnam era.
Two of Stan’s nephews, Jason Williams and Rusty Williams, are also in the military, serving as a pilot and nuclear engineer respectively.
“I hope we can get a few more Vietnam veterans this year,” Stan said about the veterans hunt.
Transportation and dogs will be supplied for veterans, who can sign up at the Chamber, 507-283-4061.
More information about the Ringneck Reunion weekend can be found on the Chamber’s website, www.luvernechamber.com. Or call the Chamber office (see above) or Peterson at 507-283-2333.