~courtesy of The Scranton Journal
About 100 supporters of the Greene County Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation attended the annual banquet on Saturday, Feb. 2, at Clover Hall on the Greene County Fairgrounds in Jefferson. A catered meal opened the evening of fundraising activities including the silent and live auction.
Planning the evening were committee members Fred Long, Susan Cort, Kevin Devilbiss, Dean Dozier, Jeff Gorsuch, Mike Minnihan, Aaron Sloan and Scott Weber. Kevin Lentz cried the sale, urging bidders to raise their hands and open their billfolds.
Kaiden Burbank was the lucky winner of the youth drawing for a gun. Special recognition was given to military veterans, EMS, first responders, law enforcement and fire department volunteers and professionals.
Fred Long works diligently on legislative action affecting hunters and wildlife. He also serves on the State NWTF board. He provided legislative updates and urged everyone to contact their legislators to let their voices be heard.
Long also shared that since 1988, NWTF has assisted with the purchase of 138,000 acres for public hunting.
It was noted that the wild turkey population is down 15 percent nationwide; although it is generally believed that more wild turkeys are residing in Iowa. Habitat area the size of Yellowstone National Park is lost each year to development.
Almost $6,000 was generated through the live auction of wildlife artwork, knives, guns and other items. The high dollar items were Quigley rifle and shotgun / muzzleloader scopes that sold for $500 and $400 each.
Each year a series of identical items are auctioned for a number of prizes. This year, 12 flasks were sold, netting about $1,500. As the numbers were drawn, the buyer of each flask selected their prize which included guns, gift cards and hunting equipment.
A series of games also contributed to the success of the night. Darts, half cards and more brought in additional money.
A large number of door prizes donated by local businesses were awarded to lucky winners as the evening concluded.
Sponsors of the event included Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District, Fred and Sandy Long, Doc’s Stadium Bar and Grill, Home State Bank, Dr Steve and Julie Karber, Mike Heller, Countrywide Electric and Central Iowa Memorials.
Assisting as underwriters were Peoples Bank, Sommerfeld Outfitters, Jefferson Telecom, Muir Embroidery, Cobblestone Hotel and Suites, Jefferson Family Dentistry, Scheels All Sports and Sportsman’s Warehouse.
