The Greene County Gobblers chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation hosted its annual hunting heritage banquet Saturday night at Clover Hall on the Greene County Fairgrounds in Jefferson. The successful evening of fun and games marked the ninth year the chapter has promoted the national organization and wildlife in Greene County.
Kraig Tweed held the matching one-half card and won this gun. Photo|Scranton Journal
Susan Cort served as president with Fred Long, treasurer. Kevin Devilbiss was merchandise chairman assisted by Aaron Sloan, FFL. Committee members were Jeff Gorsuch, Kraig Tweed, Steve Cort, Jason Sands, Dean Dozier and Brian Tweed.
Several games, including darts, tested the skills of the attendees while other events relied on luck by picking lucky shot gun shell casings. Reverse bingo had people on their feet until their numbers were called. Playing cards were sold and then torn in half. The holder of the selected card was Kraig Tweed who won a nice gun.
The silent auction featured a selection of merchandise where buyers battled for the last bid. A meal catered by Lidderdale Country Store was served to roughly 90 people.
Dean Pudenz won a 410/22 rifle in one of the games at the Greene County Turkey banquet Saturday. Photo|Scranton Journal
Auctioneer Kevin Lentz cried the sale of 39 items featuring framed wildlife prints, jewelry, bronze sculptures, chairs and ottomans, a child’s wagon, knives, and more. Close to $5,000 was generated by bidders. A new addition to the live auction was an African safari, valued at $8,000, with a minimum bid of $1,000. There were no takers.
Twelve hats were sold, 10 on the live auction and two on the silent auction, for an average of about $100. Heidi Kipp of Yale was the top winner, taking home a Winchester Super X gun. Other hat buyers received gift cards and miscellaneous prizes.
All youngsters present were awarded prizes. The Jakes program of the NWTF (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) is dedicated to informing, educating and involving youth in wildlife conservation and the wise stewardship of natural resources.
While the funds are still being totaled, last year the group raised about $15,000 at their banquet. A portion of those funds were used to host a fall Fun Day for youth where youngsters learn hunting, fishing and trapping techniques. That event is already in the planning stages for September.
Many local businesses supported the banquet through sponsorships and donations of prizes and money. A large number of door prizes were awarded as the evening concluded. ~The Scranton JournalDennis Conger (left), regional director of the National Wild Turkey Federation, holds a bucket containing the numbers 1-12 while Jordan Teeples reaches to draw the winning number. Heidi Kipp of Yale won the Winchester Super X gun while all the other hat buyers received consolation prizes. Photo|Scranton Journal
