The 2025 Bishop’s Hunt for Seminarians was one for the record books. Hunters, clergy, and supporters from across the Diocese of Rapid City gathered at St. Hubert’s Hideaway in Dallas, South Dakota, for a weekend filled with fellowship, faith, family and a shared commitment to supporting our seminarians.
Each year, the Bishop’s Hunt raises funds to help educate and form the future priests who will serve our parishes. This year’s event was our most successful yet, raising about $45,000 through registrations, sponsorships, and raffles — all to support our seminarians and strengthen the future of the Church in western South Dakota.
The weekend began Thursday evening with a dinner and program, where newly ordained Fr. Max Vetch of Spearfish shared reflections on his journey to the priesthood. His words reminded everyone why the hunt matters so deeply — because every vocation is a story of faith, prayer, and community support.
During the program, Bishop Scott Bullock drew the winners for our annual gun raffle. Congratulations to our top prize winners:
- Benelli Montefeltro Silver 12 Gauge 28” – Holly Waddell (Grand Prize – $1,530 value)
- Weatherby Vanguard Badlands .308 Winchester – Lyle Steffen of Nemo, SD ($779 value)
- Ruger American Gen II .223 Remington – Greg Forstner of Rapid City, SD ($585 value)
- One hunter’s ticket for the 2026 Bishop’s Hunt – Jim Stevens of Lemmon, SD ($1,000 value)
- Scheels Gift Card – Dan Flynn of Rapid City, SD ($100 value)
All gun winners will be able to pick up their prizes at First Stop Guns in Rapid City. A special thank-you to Mike Blote and First Stop Guns for their generous $1,000 donation toward this year’s raffle.
We also held a series of raffle baskets during the event, thanks to the generosity of many families and businesses from the Gregory area who donated items to make these baskets a huge hit. In addition, the Gassen Family Fund presented a scholarship to a student from Mount Marty University who is pursuing a degree in child education.
Friday morning began in prayer as Bishop Scott Bullock led hunters and guests in a rosary before celebrating Mass. Then it was time to head outdoors for a round of clay pigeon shooting before hunters split into two fields for the main hunt. The day was blessed with beautiful weather, plenty of camaraderie, and many full game bags.
After a successful hunt, participants returned to St. Hubert’s Hideaway for a hearty, home-cooked meal — the perfect way to wrap up a weekend filled with laughter, prayer, and purpose.
This year’s event also featured drone footage and video highlights capturing the excitement and beauty of the weekend. Check back soon at www.wsdcf.org/bishops-hunt to watch the video recap once it’s released.
The Bishop’s Hunt continues to grow every year, uniting sportsmen and supporters in faith and fellowship for a great cause. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or have never attended before, we invite you to mark your calendar and join us next year for the 2026 Bishop’s Hunt, scheduled for October 1–2, 2026.
It’s more than a hunt — it’s a mission to help bring forth the next generation of priests who will serve the people of God in western South Dakota.
View the 2025 Hunt Gallery
