After a successful inaugural event last fall, the Mater Dei Marching Knights will once again host their “A Knight in the Woods” Shotgun Deer Contest during the first weekend of Illinois shotgun deer season.
The second annual contest will take place Nov. 20-22 and will feature two-person teams competing for the largest combined total weight.
Registration is $100 per team, with proceeds benefiting the Mater Dei Marching Knights. The winning team will receive 50 percent of the proceeds, up to $2,000.
Each team member may enter one deer. All deer must be field dressed and tagged with a valid Illinois firearm permit. Individuals may sign up for more than one team.
The weigh-in station will once again be located behind Mater Dei High School, with weigh-ins held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday (Nov. 20) and Saturday (Nov. 21), and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday (Nov. 22).
Last year’s inaugural event drew 56 teams and featured a close competition throughout the weekend.
Brothers Evan and Jake Mahlandt of Breese were the winners of the inaugural Mater Dei Marching Knights "A Knight in the Woods" shotgun deer contest last year. Their combined total weight for their deer was 304.4 pounds. Pictured are Mater Dei Marching Knights Band Director Doug Schaffer, handing a check to winners Evan Mahlandt and Jake Mahlandt. At the end of the first day, the leading combined weight stood at 147 pounds. By Sunday afternoon, Avery Becker and Tom Richter had moved into first place with a combined weight of 298.8 pounds.
Their lead was eventually overtaken by brothers Evan and Jake Mahlandt of Breese, who brought in two 8-point bucks weighing a combined 304.4 pounds.
Evan’s buck weighed 160.8 pounds, while Jake’s weighed 143.6 pounds. The combined weight secured the brothers the championship and a $2,000 prize.
The Mahlandt brothers are expected to return this year to defend their title as the contest enters its second year.
Following last year's contest, event chair Steve Heiligenstein said organizers were pleased with the turnout and support for the new fundraiser.
“We were very happy with the fundraiser and greatly appreciate the support. We hope it can be successful moving forward for the Mater Dei Marching Knights,” Heiligenstein said.
Entry forms for this year’s contest are due by Nov. 14 and may be returned to Mater Dei High School, 900 Mater Dei Dr., Breese, IL 62230. Checks may be made payable to Mater Dei Marching Knights or venmo payment and information to @Susan-Hstein.
Standings will be updated on the Mater Dei Marching Knights Facebook page. Winners will be notified by a phone call and posted on the Mater Dei Marching Knights Facebook page as well.
This year's entry forms can be found in this week's Breese Journal (see below). Good luck to all participants!
