Ringneck Reunion set for this weekend

Plans are in place for this weekend’s Rock County Ringneck Reunion, which builds on the 2018 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener in Luverne.
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.’”
Peterson’s column on the Opinion Page offers more details, but a recent update to plans is that the Veterans Hunt Saturday has now been opened to first responders, firefighters and law enforcement personnel.
“All they need is a small game license and pheasant stamp and they’re good to go,” Peterson said.
The weekend kicks off with the annual Rock County Pheasants Forever Banquet at Take 16. 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.
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.
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 expanded
A special hunt for veterans has been expanded to include law enforcement, first responders and firefighters. The 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 group, providing land that’s rich with roosters.
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.