Weatherford, OK – The 6th annual Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Charitable Hunt was held on September 12 in Devol, Oklahoma. The event raised over $44,000 for the benefit of the SWOSU Department of Parks & Recreation Management (SWOSU PRM).

“The SWOSU Charitable Hunt has become one of the most beloved activities SWOSU organizes for our alumni and friends," said SWOSU Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Mr. Garrett King, '08 & '18. "We are deeply grateful to all who continue to participate and generously contribute to the success of our SWOSU PRM students, faculty, and programs."

Proceeds from the Hunt will be allocated to the Dr. Ken Rose Memorial Fund, which exists to help SWOSU PRM produce the next generation of conservationists, wildlife law enforcement officials, park rangers, and other outdoor and wildlife career professionals.

MA+ Architecture generously provided underwriting support for the popular philanthropic event which has raised over $330,000 since its inception in 2020.

Gift Sponsors for the event were Bank of Western Oklahoma, Halestorm Aesthetics (Clarke Hale, ’08 & ’10, & Kayla Hale, ’12), and UglyMugz (Brian Aneshansley, ’98).

Hunt hosts who generously provided support included:

• Brian Aneshansley, '98

• Michael Hart, '06

• Carl Hook, '67

• Great Plains Bank/Cody Parker, '07

• Thomas Mapel, '02

• Jim Mitschke, '64

• Homer Ryan, '63

• Gary VanDuyne, '71

The Hunt was facilitated by BlackOak Farms, a full-service hunting operation founded by John and Monica Collison that is integrated with traditional agriculture practices of farming and ranching.

The event kicked off with a skeet shooting competition sponsored by Mike North, '80, and Ronnie Oldfield, '80/Regeneration Ranch Resort. The competition was followed by a late afternoon dove hunt.

After hunting, participants and guests were treated to cocktails and dinner as well as an auction sponsored by United Country Hunting Properties (Corky Heard, ’87, & Missy Heard, ’87 & ’92) and a Liquor Ring Toss sponsored by Marty Wandrie of Clinton Liquor and Jim Butcher of Butchers Wine & Spirits.

The 6th Annual SWOSU Charitable Hunt was organized by the SWOSU Foundation, Inc., which was established in 1977 to promote philanthropy and distribute funds to support the activities and programs of SWOSU. For more information, please call 580-774-3267 or visit www.SWOSUFoundation.com.