Hunters, guides and volunteers came together Oct. 3 and 4 for the annual Stony Mountain Goose Shoot — a long-standing local tradition that combines sport, camaraderie and community fundraising.
The two-day event drew teams from across Manitoba, including several local competitors, all vying for top honours in both the youth and adult divisions. Proceeds from the shoot support four community organizations: the Stony Mountain Community Association, Stony Mountain Community Centre, Stony Mountain Minor Hockey and Skate Stony Mountain.
Chair Lisa Deprez said the Goose Shoot has become much more than a hunting competition.
“To me, the Stony Mountain Goose Shoot is all about community,” she said. “It’s a tradition that’s brought people together for generations — friends, families, neighbours — all coming out to enjoy the weekend, share some laughs, and keep a great local event alive. It’s more than a shoot; it’s a celebration of who we are as a community and what makes Stony Mountain feel like home.”
Deprez noted that the event’s fundraising impact is felt long after the last bird is weighed.
“The money raised from the Goose Shoot goes right back into our community,” she explained. “It helps support local groups like our community association, minor hockey, Skate Stony Mountain and the community centre — keeping programs affordable and facilities in great shape. It’s amazing to see how one weekend of fun can have such a big impact all year long.”
In the Angele Deprez Youth Division, first place went to Team E. Stewart of Stony Mountain, who harvested four birds weighing a combined 32.9 pounds. The team won a Winchester SXP 12-gauge Black Shadow. Their guide was Taylor Shymko, and Gerald Grandmont purchased the team in the Calcutta.
Second place was claimed by Team R. Dew of Stony Mountain, with one bird at 7.6 lbs, earning a Stony Mountain Goose Shoot shotgun case. Doug Bellingham served as guide and Randy Moody was the Calcutta buyer.
Third place went to Team Paupanekis from Cross Lake with one bird weighing 4.4 lbs, winning a 20-litre field bag. The team was guided by Corey Bruel and purchased by Tim Kostaniuk in the Calcutta.
In the Adult Division, top honours went to Team K. Byle of Stony Mountain, who harvested 12 birds weighing 116.2 lbs, winning a Winchester SX4 12-gauge Hybrid Hunter. Shawn Bellin guided the team, and Neil VanDorp was the Calcutta buyer.
Team C. Thiessen, also of Stony Mountain, took second place with 12 birds at 116 lbs, winning a Winchester SXP 12-gauge Hybrid Hunter. Their guide was Lisa Deprez, and Austen Ewanek was the Calcutta buyer.
Third place went to Team K. Roy of Stony Mountain with 12 birds weighing 115.3 lbs, taking home a Winchester SXP Black Shadow. Tessa Dew guided the team, and Greg Campbell was the Calcutta buyer.
In addition to competition prizes, a silent auction supported by dozens of local businesses helped raise additional funds for community initiatives. Organizers extended their thanks to all donors for their generosity, including long-time supporters who contribute year after year.
Deprez said the success of this year’s shoot was a testament to the dedication of volunteers and the enthusiasm of participants.
“What stood out most this year was the incredible sense of community spirit,” she said. “From the volunteers who dedicated countless hours to the participants who showed up with enthusiasm, it truly showcased what can be accomplished when everyone works together. The turnout and teamwork were outstanding, and the level of support we received reminded us why this event continues to thrive year after year.”
Donations were also made on behalf of Ed Vande to the Christ Church Cemetery and the Stony Mountain Fire Department.
The 2025 Goose Shoot Committee includes Tony Hoess, Chris Sawka, Dawne Smithson, Meigan Howes, Shannon Roy, Keith Roy, Lisa Deprez and Kenton Byle — each representing one of the benefiting community groups.
Organizers say they are already looking ahead to next year’s event, set for Oct. 2 and 3, 2026. Teams can pre-register by emailing smgooseshoot@gmail.com or messaging the committee on Facebook.
“Every year, it’s about more than just the hunt,” Deprez added. “It’s about neighbours coming together to give back.”
