The annual pheasant hunting season has long fueled the economic engine in Kansas. Over the weekend, the governor hoped to hit the gas.

Seventy pheasant hunters joined Gov. Sam Brownback and other state officials over the weekend for the second annual Governor’s Ringneck Classic in northwestern Kansas.

The city of Oakley hosted the event, with hunters taking to the fields near surrounding communities. Brownback began the hunt last year as a way to promote tourism and expand the Kansas economy.

Among those taking part were state Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Secretary Robin Jennison and former Kansas City Chiefs player Bill Maas.

Brownback’s office says hunting contributes some $400 million annually to the Kansas economy.

Proceeds from the hunt benefited the Northwest Kansas Classic Conservation Foundation, Logan County Health Care Foundation, the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center and the group Pheasants Forever.