Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri – The National Wild Turkey Federation recently honored the Dexter’s chapter of the NWTF with the 2012 Show Me Award, Wheelin’ Membership, 3rd place.
The Crowley’s Ridge Limbhangers are proud they placed 3rd in the state of Missouri. "With 125 banquets total throughout the state they place within the top three. That is a big accomplishment for such a small chapter," stated Kyle Ouzts, Chapter President and local veterinarian.
The award is based on the number of memberships the chapter acquires during their annual banquet. This year the Annual National Wild Turkey Federation Banquet and Auction will be held on Saturday, January 19th at the Elks Lodge beginning at 6:30 pm.
One goal for this year’s banquet is to sign-up 100 students under the age of 17 into the JAKE’s Program. JAKES, which stands for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship, is dedicated to educating and involving youth in wildlife conservation. Each student will receive the JAKES Country Magazine at no cost. If you are 17 years or younger and you like hunting, fishing, hiking, camping or just being outside with your family, JAKES is the program for you. There are JAKES and Xtreme JAKES. JAKES are 12 years and younger and Xtreme JAKES are 13 – 17 years of age.
The Crowley’s Ridge Limbhangers who sponsor the banquet utilize proceeds to hold a JAKE’s Day, which is held east of Bloomfield in the Holly Ridge Conservation Area. Other monies from the event will go to enhance habitat for wild turkeys and other wildlife in Southeast Missouri as well as other outdoor activities and wildlife education.
Along with the banquet, the Limbhangers host an auction that offers a variety of sculptures, artwork, home furnishing, luggage, collectibles, a generator, backstrap ground blind, various NWTF shirts and several knives.
The NWTF banquet auction would not be complete without the many raffles throughout the evening. The “Rifle of the Year” raffle is limited to 200 raffle tickets and is a Browning A-Bolt Medallion, .30-06. There will be two other weapons, one being a 9 mm pistol to raffle during the banquet.
A silent auction of many items including collectibles, knives, and other items donated by businesses will be held as well as the live auction.
Don’t despair ladies, there will be plenty of prizes for the women as well. Each year there is a special “Ladies” table with lots of items chosen especially for you. Of course you can always play the many raffles during the banquet and bid at the auctions as well.
Business or individual sponsorships are available, you may also choose to sponsor a table for eight. Special advertising spots can be purchased by businesses or individuals prior to the event.
Tickets can be obtained in advance or at the door.
If you are interested in volunteering at the banquet or helping set-up prior to the event, have further questions about the banquet or auction, or would like to sponsor this awesome event, please contact Dr. Kyle Ouzts, Stoddard County Animal Clinic, 573-258-0770 or Dee Loflin, 573-380-3318 or Dale Kemp, 573-624-1283. You may also go online to www.nwtf.org/special_events/CoreItems.php to view some of the items that will be available for auction.
