December 11, 2025

By Lane Kimble

The sound of pheasant wings flapping drew Mike Hahn’s attention, pivoting to his left as he stood along the eastern edge of the Wisconsin Field.

The next sound was the thump of a shotgun blast.

Feathers floated down as Nate Skarda’s dog raced to retrieve the bird, which had fallen across a fence line border into his team’s Benelli Field.

“That one’s ours!” Hahn shouted with glee.

The shot marked a great start to a fun-filled and competitive WTBA PAC Pheasant Hunt at Milford Hills late last week.

Seven teams, mainly filled with WTBA members and their buddies, competed for bragging rights, Milford Hills’ famous pheasant pot pies, and gas cards from new WTBA member Kwik Trip.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE HUNT

In the end, Dick Palecek, Brad Stehno, Chad Johnson and Eric Haefs easily won, scoring an incredible 77 points.

Skarda’s team (including Josh Smith, Ben Holz, and Adam Schultz) finished in third place with 50 points, while Hahn’s team of Aaron Mills, Patrick George, and Andy Brocker faded down the stretch, finishing with 29.

“The way we started, I thought we had a pretty good shot at winning,” Hahn said. “Honestly, though, what really is important is supporting a cause that helps everyone in our industry win, so I feel great about that.”

The event, now in its third year, raises money to support WTBA’s ongoing legislative efforts, helping Director of Government Affairs Elise Nelson better connect with lawmakers in the Capitol and their home districts and keep transportation funding top of mind.

A WTBA-hosted reception included food, drinks, and the chance to swap stories.

Sound like a blast? You have a chance to join WTBA for its next PAC event coming up in January. Slots are still available for the inaugural Ice Fishing Excursion in Oneida County.

Click HERE for more info.