All Funds Benefit Nebraska With 100% Remaining in State
The Big Game Conservation Association just finished up another successful banquet season thanks to our donors, sponsors, volunteers and generous people such as yourself. All of the BGCA banquets are non-profit fundraising events held to generate revenue to help us reach our goals and fund our projects. Not to mention, all funds benefit Nebraska as 100% remains in the state.
Our Lincoln Branch held their 4th Annual Lincoln Sportsmen’s Night on Saturday, January 13th, 2018 at the Firefighter’s Reception Hall. This branch once again put on a fine banquet and would appreciate any additional volunteers and support as they continue to grow. If you are available and willing to join the BGCA cause, their next meeting will be held April 11th. Please follow them on Facebook for updated time and location.
Newest Branch in Northeast Nebraska Hosts First Banquet
The newest branch, Northeast Branch, held their 1st Annual Northeast Nebraska Sportsmen’s Night on Saturday, February 17th, 2018 in Hubbard. Their first banquet was a big success and we’re looking forward to an even larger venue and bigger banquet in 2019. If you’re interested in joining or helping out this branch, their next meeting is at 6 pm on Thursday, April 26th at the Lariat in Jackson, NE. As always, please see their Facebook page for the latest news and meeting information.
The Association held their 6th Annual Spring Sportsmen’s Night on Saturday, March 24th, 2018 in Howells. While setting up, a brief snow shower attempted to chill the mood. However, it failed because nothing would be able to cool the atmosphere that was burning inside the Howells Ballroom. It was a sold out event with over 450 people in attendance and featured guest speaker David Holder and his wife Karin of Raised Hunting. Our banquet featured a dinner, both live & silent auctions, various raffles and of course, our famous gun wall.
Attendees Took Home 70 Guns in Howells
As a matter of fact, 70 pistols, rifles, & shotguns were able to go home with their excited winners thanks to Great Plains Rifle Works. Owner Mark Bohaty & his family were on-hand to verify purchase permits and process the necessary paperwork. They were kept extremely busy and we really appreciate their participation and hard work.
Thank you to everyone that made it out to one or several of our banquets this year. We are proud to say that we hold family-friendly events. Above all, we appreciate all of you who brought your children. They are the next generation of the sport. It takes all of us to make a difference. If you haven’t already done so, review the pictures of the winners from this year’s various banquets. You’ll probably see someone that you know!
BGCA Provides Scholarship Opportunity
Ruby Rolland – 2017 Scholarship Recipient.
The Big Game Conservation Association has created a scholarship to provide financial assistance. Specifically, it is available to current college students or high school graduates pursuing a degree in the areas of fisheries & wildlife. They must demonstrate scholastic achievement, leadership ability and dedication to wildlife conservation. Applicants must be Nebraska residents and attend a Nebraska institute of higher education.
Unfortunately, we didn’t receive any qualified applications for our scholarship this year. So the money that had been ear-marked for it will roll over for future scholarships. If you know of anyone that meets our scholarship criteria, please tell them about it. Most importantly have them submit an application. Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Please refer to our website for projects that we have completed and future plans that we are looking forward to doing with your help. If you have any suggestions for projects, ideas or concerns, please contact us with that information. All branches depend on our volunteers and each could benefit from any extra help that you might be able to provide. With your help, we will be able to continue to grow and make a larger impact in Nebraska.
Volunteers Help Nebraska Game & Parks at the Omaha Boat, Sports & Travel Show With Their Free Archery Range
Some of our members recently helped Nebraska Game and Parks with their archery range at the Omaha Boats, Sports & Travel Show. This event took place at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha. I personally had the pleasure to be on hand to help out and once again enjoyed every minute of it. The morning started with bad weather and poor road conditions, which definitely delayed guest attendance. However, it wasn’t long before there was a steady stream of guests bursting through the doors. Of course, their thoughts were of sunshine and enjoying everything the show has to offer. Some came to view the latest boats and campers as well as get information on their next outdoors travel experience.
The free archery range soon had a steady stream of excited participants. In fact they were very eager to take aim at the numerous targets that had been set up. No scientific research was done on this but if I were to guess, I would say that the most popular target was the turkey. I suspect that’s likely because spring turkey season is quickly approaching and the little hunters had the “fever”. Most participants were youth but we also had quite a few adults at the range.
It was great to see that some were completely new to archery. While others just hadn’t done it in awhile for one reason or another. Some wanted to introduce their children or grandchildren to the sport. Then realized it would be a good way to spend quality time with them if they were to re-engage. Either way, our volunteer instructors were on hand to answer any archery-related questions and to help educate them on proper form and safety. Thank you to Nebraska Game and Parks for supplying the platform for continual public education.
Article by:
Thomas Bouche
Board Member – Big Game Conservation Association