Lads and Lassies 45th annual hunt held despite restrictions

LITCHFIELD – New and past hunters were welcomed to the 45th annual Dads, Lads and Lassies Upland Game Hunt the last weekend in October despite COVID-19 restrictions.

“Thank you to everyone who continues doing what they can to help make this happen year after year,”Mike Beck, Dads, Lads and Lassie Upland Game Hunt President, said.

The social distancing that was encouraged and the hand sanitizer made available to participants of the annual youth hunt were minimal additions to the event that draws in a sizable crowd of area hunting enthusiasts year after year. Temperatures enabled five teams from in and around Litchfield’s community to enjoy opening weekend of Nebraska Game and Park’s Pheasant Season.

Prior to the event, hunters requested access to Nebraska’s publicly accessible lands and acres of prime habitat. While Nebraska’s regular pheasant season runs from Oct. 31, 2020 to Jan. 31, 2021 the youth season began on Oct. 24.

Past and new hunters were encouraged to start the event by meeting at Beanies Sports Bar and Café Thursday, Oct. 29. Registration was Friday at the Dads, Lads and Lassies Trap House. Once registered, teams gathered inside for a Hunter Safety Review led by Nebraska Game and Parks Hunter Education Instructor, of 26 years, Bryce Luth.

There was a potluck dinner Friday evening at Zoerb Farms. New teams were introduced before drawing for guides and dog handlers. The hunt started 30 minutes before sunrise Saturday, Oct 31. Birds. Birds were checked in at 5 p.m. with a victory banquet at Zoerb Farms.

The banquet was served by Litchfield FFA Advisor Brian Johnson and four FFA members - Faith Heapy, Sydnee Sweley, Brandi Slocum and Rebecca Mostek. There was an auction led by Kim Woodward of Broken Now and a gun raffle.

First Place Trap and Hunt was awarded to Jim Janda, Shannon Mackey, Mason Janda and Cole Mackey of the “Centura Slayers.” Their dog handler was Matt Lance and their guide was Barry Sweley.

Second Place Trap and Fourth Place Hunt was awarded to Matthew Putnam, Lester Putnam, Casey Sheets and Miles Putnam of “The Wolf Pack.” Their dog handler was Scott Skrdla and their guide was Rastus Snow.

Third Place Trap and Hunt was awarded to Brad Rasmussen, Joey Schirmer, Grady Rasmussen and Keaton Schirmer of “Rasmussen Construction.” Their dog handler was Matt Ritchie and their guide was Simon Ritchie.

Fourth Place Trap and Second Place Hunt was awarded to Kim Woodward, Taylor Woodward, Drake Doss and Carter Wood of the “Rooster Busters.” Their dog handler was Tyler Varney and their guide was Scott Kuehl.

Fifth Place Trap was awarded to Kevin Racicky, Riley Racicky, Kylee Racicky and Cyrus Wells. Their dog handler was Jeff Varney and their guide was Chad Slocum.

Top Dog was awarded to Scott Skrdla while the Manitoba (Past Shooter Award) and Dead Eye were awarded to Mason Janda. Founders Team Award was given to the “Centura Slayers” and the Hall of Fame was provided to Kendra Johnson. Five $800 scholarships were handed out and Parker LeFever was recognized as the Past Scholarship Recipient.

At right: First Place Trap and Hunt “Centura Slayers” Jim Janda, Mason Janda, Cole Mackey and Shannon Mackey with guide Barry Sweley and dog handler Matt Lance.

At left, top: 4th Place Trap and 2nd Place Hunt “Rooster Busters” Taylor Woodward, Drake Doss and Kim Woodward with guide Scott Kuehl and dog handler Tyler Varney.

Lisa Fischer At left, lower: 2nd Place Trap and 4th Place Hunt “The Wolf Pack” Matthew Putnam, Casey Sheets, Miles Putnam and Lester Putnam with guide Rastus Snow and dog handler - Scott Skrdla.