Shofner's Whitetail Challenge

06/07/2026

There’s still time to get signed up for the full concealed carry class at the end of this month!

Illinois Concealed Carry class taught by Aron Shofner at 303 Main St. Henry, IL on Sat, Jun. 27, 2026

04/27/2026

For those looking to get an initial Concealed Carry permit, here is your chance.

This is a Conceal Carry class for new CCL Applicants.

04/27/2026

And here we go. This will be the first renewal class offered. More to come. Seats limited. Get signed up now.

This is a Concealed Carry renewal course for those with a current/expiring CCL.

04/23/2026

If anyone is interested, let me know and I will put you in contact.

04/16/2026

Following up on my last post regarding Concealed Carry classes… I AM NOW A CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR!!! A few finishing touches and classes will be scheduled. Worth the wait! Like I say, a few finishing details and we will be scheduling classes, both renewals and new.
Stay tuned.
Aron

04/01/2026

I previously asked about interest in a Concealed Carry class with a potential instructor lined up. That did not pan out. Steps have been taken since then to offer the ease of a class like we had offered in the past. I assure you that there will be renewal as well as new classes offered in the near future. Please be patient while we continue with planning and details.
Stay tuned for more information!

03/07/2026

The SWC committee meets after the banquet every year to discuss pros and cons. One thing that came up was the subject of door prizes. Traditionally every entrant that attends the banquet has received a door prize. I feel that is a "staple" of the banquet/contest and we agree that it should continue. THE QUESTION THAT WE HAVE FOR CONTEST ENTRANTS........ Would you rather have a dedicated door prize meaning everyone gets the same thing (more room on the banquet floor) or would you rather have the multiple item selection like we had this year? PLEASE, ENTRANTS AND POTENTIAL ENTRANTS PROVIDE YOUR HONEST FEEDBACK.

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03/02/2026

Shofner’s Whitetail Challenge

Rules for the 2026 contests are as follows:
1. Entry will be $40 for each contest (Firearm/Archery). Notify me of entry request(s) and we will align for cash payment or Paypal Friends & Family only to [email protected] or Venmo -Whitetail-Challenge
2. Open to free range Illinois deer. Any legal weapon can be used. All state and federal laws must be followed.
3. Firearm and Archery contest are separate entries but those entering both contests will get a guest into the banquet on their second contest entry. Entrants that do not attend the banquet cannot be substituted with another person.
4. Rules will be simple. If you get a deer, send a pic (preferably a clean, posing pic) to me via messenger or text (309-339-8266). A SUBMITTED PIC IS REQUIRED TO BE ENTERED INTO THE LUCKY HUNTER PORTION.
5. Pic (or at least notification) to be sent the day of harvest. Entries no later than 2 days after “shot”. Deer found beyond the 2 day limit cannot be entered (no dead heads).
6. Deer needing scored - entrant will align a time for scoring with me (Aron). No limit on time to be scored, just need notified upon harvest (pic) and scoring done prior to banquet.
7. If you are entered into both contests and harvest a deer with archery during the firearm season, you will have the option of which contest you want it entered into. Not both. Decision must be made at the time of check in.
8. Any deer can be replaced with a bigger one- no penalty for submitting your deer. Only one deer per contest will count in the end.
9. Doe pics will only be posted upon approval/request from the hunter.
10. Payouts will be determined by number of entrants. Lucky hunter feature will be applied as well so any deer could win something.
11. Archery entries after the start of Archery season (October 1st) will be allowed but no submission can be made for deer harvested within two days of the late entry.

Lucky Hunter – Any legally harvested deer that does not place in the top three of the contests goes in for a drawing of $100. Number of Lucky Hunters drawings determined by entries. Harvest pic does not need to be posted for eligibility, just submitted. Must be present at banquet for Lucky Hunter entry. One Lucky Hunter entry per contest.

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03/02/2026

A few of the pics from last night.
Thank you again to Sherry Klein for taking pics for us, it was and is greatly appreciated.

03/02/2026

Oh, what a wonderful banquet night it was. We had some hiccups but that just means "room for improvement". Let us know any positives or negatives so we can continue to improve.
Our official winner list is as follows;
Archery -
1st- Mason Shirley 14pt scoring 186 5/8" Overall SWC champion 2 years in a row.
2nd- Ken Baker 10pt scoring 158 5/8"
3rd- Adam Balenseifen 9pt scoring 157 2/8"
Lucky hunter 1- Dustin Krafft
Lucky hunter 2- Kevin Burdette
Lucky hunter 3- Will Dalrymple
Firearm -
1st- Tom Krafft 15pt scoring 177 6/8"
2nd- Katie Webster 10pt scoring 170 1/8"
3rd- Eric Ransom 10pt scoring 168 7/8"
Lucky hunter 1-Ava Courtway
Lucky hunter 2- John Bouxsein
Lucky hunter 3- Dustin Krafft
Lucky hunter 4- Brian Kapusta
Lucky hunter 5- Stevie Richetta
Average buck (score divided by # of points)
Aron Shofner 8pt scoring 148 5/8" average score of 18.578.

Remember, all winners are entered into the respective contest that they won in for the 2026 season.

Congrats to all of the winners and THANK YOU to our sponsors, donors and supporters.
We do still have calendars left if anyone is interested. We are going to offer these at a loss. They are priced to move at $10.
Pics will be coming. WE want to express our gratitude to everyone again. As mentioned last night, we will be doing a drawing next year before the banquet for everyone that is entered into both contests. That being said, entries are open for next year.
Thank you to everyone again!

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