The 66th annual Nebraska One Box Pheasant Hunt will bring hunters to Broken Bow Nov. 5-7, continuing a tradition that supports youth shooting sports, wildlife habitat projects and local scholarships.
During a recent KBEAR interview, Josey Evans and Nole Chapin encouraged area residents to get involved, particularly with Friday’s activities at the One Box Gun Club. Volunteers can contact organizers to learn where help is needed.
“We take all hands on deck for Friday at the shooting range,” Chapin said.
The competition centers on a limited supply of ammunition: Each five-member team receives one box of 25 shotgun shells to divide among its hunters. Teams are accompanied by guides, a judge and a dog handler. Hunting begins at sunrise and ends no later than 4 p.m., with teams finishing earlier if they reach their daily bag limit or fire their final shell.
Beyond the competition, a charity auction supports youth shooting sports, habitat work, the gun club and scholarships. Teams contribute auction items that can include firearms, artwork and guided hunting trips.
According to the organization’s website, One Box has awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships to local students since 1981. The program helps area high school seniors pursue education after graduation.
The One Box Ladies Board also plans activities Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6-7, for spouses and special guests, including a Saturday ladies luncheon. Proceeds from the ladies activities, raffles and silent auction help fund local scholarships. The board assists with organizing and promoting the annual hunt while providing activities for visiting guests.
Evans and Chapin also highlighted the One Box Gun Club as a community resource whose role extends beyond the annual hunt. They described the range as a memorable part of the experience for visiting participants and credited the crew that maintains the facility.
The club is open to the public and offers sporting clays, trap and skeet shooting. Built through the hunt’s fundraising efforts, it hosts leagues and recreational shoots, with private group events available by appointment.
Residents interested in volunteering or learning more about the hunt, ladies activities and shooting facilities can visit nebraskaonebox.com.
