Kansas Outdoor Classic

The Kansas Wildscape Foundation’s Outdoor Classic Fundraiser highlights popular outdoor activities in the heart of Kansas on the state’s largest reservoir. Milford Reservoir, Acorns Resort and Geary County, are home to this annual September event pitting 4-person teams against one another for the ultimate battle in golf, shotgun target shooting and fishing with points awarded for each activity.

Ultimately a winning team is crowned, and the traveling trophy is theirs to display until the following year’s event. The weekend features an auction with all proceeds going to outdoor projects that benefit Kansans.

Up to 15, 4-person teams compete in a friendly competition that tests golf skill levels at Rolling Meadows, fishing with guides from Grandpa Boone’s Cabins and Outfitters, and shotgun shooting 5-stand targets at Sportsman’s Acres. Winners are crowned at an awards dinner on Saturday evening.

The event is popular and a wonderful opportunity to get away for a relaxing and fun-filled weekend. Entry fees are $500 per individual and include Friday’s lunch and dinner, Saturday’s breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus lodging and all fees for golf, fishing and shooting.

So, grab three of your friends and sign up as a team for a fun-tastic weekend!!! Register early as participation is limited to the first 15 teams to sign-up!

For more information on the event, contact Wildscape’s Executive Director, Marc Murrell, at marcmurrell@wildscape.org.

September 15-17, 2023

Update on the 2023 Outdoor Classic

The Kansas Wildscape Foundation’s annual fundraiser, the Outdoor Classic, is held each September and features several of Kansas’ favorite outdoor activities.  Four-person teams gathered recently at Acorns Lodge on scenic Milford Reservoir in Geary County for a fun-filled weekend. 

A total of 12 teams competed for the coveted 2023 title of Outdoor Classic Champions.  Team members came from all over Kansas and even some outside the state as one team finds this annual event a great way to get friends together from the “good ol’ days” of high school and college.   

The weekend kicks off with a catered lunch at Rolling Meadows Golf Course and a 4-person golf scramble.  Competition is keen and a handful of Mulligans for each golfer finds scores low and optimism high heading into the weekend’s competition.  A delicious dinner that evening is followed by a fundraising auction with popular items donated by generous folks like Flint Hills National Golf Course, TriStar Arms, Lyons Creek Outfitters, Johnson County Pheasants Forever, Boy Scouts of America Quivira Council, and Rolling Meadows Golf Course.  The auction typically nets $16,000-$18,000 with a dozen items offered.  Additional financial consideration is received from Geary County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and Hodgdon, Inc.   

Saturday’s events include guided fishing trips with Grandpa Boones Outfitters for walleye, wipers, white bass, and anything else that bites as the competition allows 20 fish to be measured and released for the scoring.  Additionally, a shooting competition at the Gary County Fish & Game Association’s Shooting Range (25 shots trap and 25 shots 5-stand) is offered with Top Gun awards for the best shooter.  Dinner that evening is followed by the awards ceremony where a champion is crowned.

This year’s event was a great success and the weather cooperated nicely.  When the dust settled, Team Jab Zouy and the Playmates with Captain Brock Beran took the 2023 title as they finished well in golf, shooting and fishing. 

“It’s a wonderful event for a great cause and nearly everything is included in the entry fee,” said Ward Svarvari, who assembled two teams from Commerce Bank in Kansas City.  “It showcases some of Kansas’ finest outdoor activities in an area that’s really scenic and beautiful.”

Next year’s event will be held September 20-22, 2024, at Acorns Resort.  It could fill up fast as the maximum number of teams is 16 and most of this year’s teams indicated they plan to return.  For more information, or to reserve your spot in this fun weekend, contact Wildscape’s Executive Director, Marc Murrell, at (316) 391-0807, or marcmurrell@wildscape.org.

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