Seven Guardsmen from the Kansas Army and Air National Guard spent Dec. 10, 2021, hiking through fields hoping to get a bird at the annual TAG Pheasant Hunt at Muddy Creek Game Preserve in Meriden, Kansas.
Participants for the annual hunt are chosen by the Army command sergeant majors and Air Guard chiefs. Retired Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, former adjutant general, started this traditional hunt six years ago as a way for senior leaders to interact with Soldiers and Airmen while enjoying the outdoors.

As the hunters were getting prepared to hit the fields, Maj. Gen. David Weishaar, Kansas adjutant general, stopped by to wish them luck and relay how much he appreciated what they do every day for the state and nation.
The hunters were split into two parties and were able to harvest 12 birds. The birds were cleaned and divided among the hunters at the end of the hunt.
Soldiers and Airmen that participated in the hunt were Brig. Gen. Michael Venerdi, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Smith, Chief Warrant Officer 4 David Lockhart, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shawn Crabb, Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Hamlett, Master Sgt. Jeremy Williams, Tech. Sgt. Brandon Singleton and Senior Airman Braydon Antal.

“I enjoyed this unique opportunity!” said Lockhart. “Having the chance to get to know the Airmen that serve in the Kansas Guard was a great aspect of the event. As we walked the fields watching the hunting dogs work, we shared stories on our experiences while serving in the Guard.”

“Having the chance to meet Guard members from around the state is a rare and welcomed opportunity,” said Williams. “Sharing the field with new people, swapping stories and sharing laughs was the highlight of the day. Harvesting a few pheasants was just the icing on the cake for a unique opportunity I will not forget.”

It was a productive hunt and a beautiful day to be out and enjoy the great Kansas weather.