Annual Hunt

About the Annual Event

In 2011 Governor Sam Brownback set out to fulfill his 2010 campaign commitment to help promote northwest Kansas and hunting tourism.  In November of 2011, the inaugural Kansas Governor’s Ringneck Classic was held in Oakley.  We thank Governor Brownback for his passion and vision.  The Ringneck Classic acknowledges the tremendous support we receive each year from our sponsors and partners.  The continued success of our hunt and our mission could not be possible without the commitment of these businesses and individuals.  Please take a moment to go our Sponsors and Partners pages and visit their websites. These companies offer products and services we are proud to share.

Each year the Classic distributes the net proceeds received from raffles and auctions.   From these proceeds, a $1,000 Scholarship is awarded each year to a college student majoring in a related field.  In addition, a Kansas Lifetime Hunting License & Pheasant Forever Lifetime Membership is awarded to four youth hunters selected to participate in the event.

The Inaugural event was held in Oakley, Kansas in 2011.  From 2011 to 2016 the hunt rotated among several NW Kansas communities and auction proceeds were awarded to beneficiaries selected by the host community.  Since 2016, the Board of Directors elected to award 100% of the net proceeds to the Northwest Kansas Conservation Foundation to support habitat improvement and wildlife conservation in Northwest Kansas.  These funds are distributed through our Grant Program.  

In 2017 the event was held in Colby, Kansas and has been in Colby every year since.  The Colby area is centrally located, providing great pheasant hunting access throughout NW Kansas.

Event Beneficiaries - 2011 - 2015

2015 – Goodland/Sherman County
Boy Scouts of America / Tristan Cooper Eagle Scout Project
Sherman County Community Service:
Home Owned Carnival & Northwest District Free Fair
Goodland Activities Center
Goodland Gun Club

2014 – Scott City & Healy
Friends of Lake Scott State Park
Scott County Historical Society
Scott County Veterans Memorial
Healy Community Health Center
Scott County Pheasants Forever – Youth Hunt

2013 – Norton & Graham County
Norton County Hospital
Friends of the Prairie Dog State Park
Graham County Medical Scholarships
Graham County Wellness Center
Norton County Community Foundation

2012 – Oakley
Logan County Healthcare Foundation
Buffalo Bill Cultural Center

2011 – Oakley
Logan County Healthcare Foundation
Western Vistas Historic Byway
2 Local Chapters / Pheasants Forever