Friday’s 18th annual Ranching & Wildlife Auction generated more than $600,000 for Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarships, setting a new record through its live and silent auctions.
A Ranch Cast and Blast Hunt donated by King Ranch Inc. had the top bid of $55,000. Other standout items included a guided waterfowl and upland game hunt in Montana, donated by Sage County Outfitters, which sold for $45,000, and two John Deere XUV 845M open utility vehicles, donated by Shoppa’s Farm Supply, valued at $39,000 each.
Among the big board auction highlights, a Beretta A400 Upland 28-gauge shotgun, donated by Ducks Unlimited, sold for $5,500. A Rizzini 12-gauge shotgun with a 29-inch barrel, donated by Johnny Braniff and a set of Akkar USA High Noon Elite 20- and 28-gauge shotguns, donated by Ducks Unlimited, sold to the highest bidders for $4,500.
“The auction contributes to the youth of Texas,” said Vincent J. Montalbano, auctioneer and member of the board of directors. “It supports agriculture and wildlife management, which go hand in hand.”
The Ranching & Wildlife Committee invests in the next generation of Texas land stewards by supporting youth involved in 4-H and FFA programs. Through events like its annual auction, the committee generates funds that benefit youth contestants.
Proceeds from the auction help support youth competitions such as Young Guns Shooting Sports, Archery, and the Poster Board and Video contests. The committee also hosts educational seminars covering ranching, wildlife and conservation topics.
Live auction lot results:
Lot 1: King Ranch Hunt — $55,000
Lot 2: Guided Waterfowl and Upland Game Hunt — $45,000
Lot 3: Santa Fe Vacation and Samsville Shopping Spree — $25,000
Lot 4: Guerini 28-Gauge Shotguns — $25,000
Lot 5: Seco Ranch Axis Deer Hunt — $20,000
Lot 6: Casa Del Secreto Vacation Rental, Playa del Carmen — $19,000
Lot 7: Kansas Hunting Trip and Custom Oil Paintings — $20,000
Lot 8: Trophy Hunt at Ox Ranch — $10,000
Lot 9: Sleeping Beauty and Navajo Pearl Squash Blossom Necklace — $17,000
Lot 10: Paloma Pachanga Dove Hunt — $22,000
Lot 11: Two John Deere XUV 845M — $39,000
Lot 12: Fully Guided Elk and Deer Hunt in Montana — $22,000
Lot 13: Brennan’s Kitchen Table Dinner — $20,000
Lot 14: Komatsu D61-D65 Dozer or PC200-240 Excavator Rental — $20,000
Lot 15: Argentina Dove Hunt — $13,000
Lot 16: Offshore Fishing Trip — $12,000
Lot 17: Lake Guerrero, Mexico, Dove Hunt Trip — $5,000
Lot 18: Rizzini 2201-1229 Over/Under 20-Gauge — $13,000