Whitetail Night and Christmas Party 2017
Whitetail Night a Success!
The annual SCI Lansing Chapter Whitetail Night and Christmas party was a lot of fun!! If you missed it this year, we missed you but be sure to come next year!
The event was held at the Eagle Eye Banquet Center with a hearty prime rib dinner with all the fixings, a cash bar, and cheesecake for dessert.
Antler Scoring and Awards
The night started with antler measuring and scoring. We had several experts on hand to figure out who had the biggest rack.
And the Winners Are…
Ron Lanford, out of state – scoring 156 2/8ths, rifle and overall winner – 162 7/8ths Jim Munk, largest Bow – scoring 129 Barry Oleksyk, largest crossbow, scoring – 110 Dr. Terry Braden, largest Estate deer, scoring – 225 1/8th (harvested at Cedar Hollow Lodge)
Glenn Belyea, largest muzzleloader (harvested 15 minutes before Maryanne’s!).
Youth Hunters Recognized
There were several youth hunters in attendance including Laila Knevel, 8 years old, who shot her first deer this year. It was a 9 pt., 202 pounds, and 2 1/2 years old. Laila got this beauty in Jackson County, Michigan. Click here to read more about this amazing story.
Iyla Weeks, 98 2/8ths
Representing the Women!
We only had one female adult hunter make an entry this year, Maryanne Belyea, with her successful hunt of the season. A special note – Maryanne harvested her buck with the Ruger .450 Bushmaster that she won at last year’s Whitetail Night and Christmas party – Congratulations!
Drawings and Door Prizes
Each successful Deer hunter in attendance received one entry into a drawing for a Yeti Cooler. This year the coveted prize was won by Bruce Caltrider! Woohoo!
There was also a raffle for $20 per ticket and the winner got to choose between a Ruger AR556 rifle or a 1911 style Kimber Desert Warrior .45 ACP handgun. The raffle was won by Dr. Brian Metcalf, our Vice President! Many thanks to Schupbach’s Sporting Goods for coordinating and processing the gun transfers.
The remaining gun was awarded as another door prize and was won by Mike Hoskins, our president!
Guest Speakers
The first guest speaker for the evening was Anna M. Seidman, Director of Government Affairs and Director of Litigation for Safari Club International. Anna flew in straight from Washington DC and reported to us from the front lines about the latest threats to our hunting rights and the successes SCI is having in protecting those rights. She also entertained us with stories of her unique courtroom shoes!
The second speaker was the lively and highly entertaining Kelly Straka, Wildlife Health Section Supervisor for the MI DNR. Kelly talked about the latest developments with the Whitetail deer herd, focusing mainly on newly discovered cases of CWD in Montcalm County and what that means for Michigan deer as a whole.
Sponsors and Donors
Numzaan Safaris was on hand to answer any questions and book trips. Numzaan Safaris as one of South Africa’s premier outfitters. Today, this family-run enterprise offers excellent rates and booking conditions, ensuring that our valued clients receive the most comfort, peace of mind, and excitement for their money.
A representative from Crooked Foot Hunt Club was also in attendance. This club graciously hosts our Annual Veterans Hunt.
Nature’s Pride Taxidermy came and made it a family night out! They also generously donated a Taxidermy Gift Certificate for a door prize–Thank you!!
Become a Member Today!
If you aren’t already a member of SCI Lansing, visit our website for more information on member benefits and activities.