Gobblers galore
Phil Taunton
Friday, April 4, 2008
An estimated 185 veteran and novice turkey hunters, including sons, daughters, parents, grandmothers, and grandfathers alike, attended the Seventh Annual Spring Turkey Hunting Clinic held at Camp Alexander just northeast of Emporia on Saturday, March 29.
This event was hosted by the Flint Hills Gobblers of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and registered participants came from as far away as Lone Jack, Missouri and Plainville, Kansas.
An Outdoor Adventure “Tip of the Hat” to the many sponsors, instructors and volunteers who made this outstanding activity possible. Special thanks to Bruce Burenheide, Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply and to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Hunter Education Program for continuing to make this spring turkey season warm-up such a successful, educational activity.
This year, the Emporia Area Chapter of Quail Unlimited No. 20 joined with their turkey hunting and conservation-minded buddies and, through a grant from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), awarded Joseph Burgett of Carbondale a lifetime Kansas hunting license in a special drawing just for youth.
The turkey hunting clinic consisted of a series of interesting, informative, “hands on” seminars. Topics covered throughout the day were enjoyed by everyone interested in this fascinating sport.
Martin Eichelberger, a H.S Strutt Pro Staff presenter, was on hand to give tips and demonstrations on turkey and locator calling.
Trent Siegle provided interesting know-how concerning scouting and roosting of this magnificent bird while guiding groups along one of Camp Alexander’s numerous nature trails.
Mark Osmundson of Madison gave a wild turkey hunting safety presentation and worked with Bluestem Farm and Ranch to provide a display of the latest turkey hunting equipment for all to see, admire, envy, ask questions about and familiarize themselves with.
Other topics of discussion and demonstration were wild turkey biology and management presented by Brandon Houck, the regional biologist for the National Wild Turkey Federation. Bowhunting for wild turkey was presented by Kansas Wildlife and Parks bowhunting instructors Johnny Drake and Doug Wilson.
These guys are good!
A special “patterning your shotgun” live fire exercise and more firearm safety “hands-on” demonstrations, including the proper way to cross a fence while hunting, were presented by hunter education instructor Scott Newton and Emporia State University “wildlife biologist to be” student, Tyson Seirer.
Some of the kids were able to shoot a shotgun for the first time.
Free hats, T-Shirts, a grab bag full of turkey hunting-related goodies, plus lunch catered by Bad Ol’ Berns BBQ were provided to all the participants. What a day!
Turkeys were not the only thing gobbling at Camp last Saturday!
And to top it all off, for the sixth year in a row, the Flint Hills Gobblers, the Conrad Carlson Foundation and Bluestem Farm and Ranch Supply also sponsored a young hunter’s essay contest. This year’s contest was dedicated to the memory of Beau Arndt.
Young writers were asked, in 500 words or less, to explain why, as an individual, they choose to hunt with all of the other options they have for spending their time.
This year’s youth essay winner was Andy Blaylock of Emporia. Andy was awarded a new turkey gun, a turkey vest loaded with turkey hunting calls and other equipment, along with a mentored spring turkey hunt.
Andy related that hunting is a great activity and the tradition runs deep through his family and friends. “Even mom goes out with us occasionally,” he wrote.
Andy said he would rather hunt and enjoy Nature than hang out in the mall or play predictable video games. And above all, Andy, a supporter of wildlife conservation, understands that hunters ensure there will always be plenty of wildlife in the future to appreciate.
In all, 17 essays were received and two other young authors will be treated to a guided turkey hunt near Council Grove during this weekend’s youth hunt as part of Kansas Wildlife and Parks’ Pass it On programs. Eric McGregor was awarded another Mossberg Super Bantam 20 gauge shotgun in a special youth drawing.
A good time was truly enjoyed by all. Anyone interested in the Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and their special activities can contact Gib Rhodes at (620) 437-2012. Be sure to thank Gib and his committee for making this event possible.
Dare to step outside
Camp Alexander is a unique and special parcel of land with a very interesting history. The grounds were willed to the poor and indigent children of Lyon County and the state of Kansas in 1923 by E.J. Alexander, a freed slave and businessman who came to Kansas from North Carolina after the Civil War.
Alexander’s two most prized possessions were a gold clock and a shotgun he called “Old Tom.” He was fond of hunting and was well thought of by all the kids he took time out to interact with.
Records show on several occasions he would simply lay down his tools and accompany young hunters in their quest for game when they asked permission to hunt his property. He would not carry a firearm, but thrilled at watching the kids and sharing his knowledge of this great land and all God’s creatures.
Today, he would be thought of as an outdoor mentor, willing to help kids enrich their lives through quality outdoor experiences.
Thank you, Flint Hills Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, for once again working with the youth of our community and keeping Alexander’s legacy alive during a time when kids lead such active, challenging lives. Thank you for helping them keep in tune with their families, with Nature and helping them keep their feet on the ground.
Gib Rhodes can be contacted for more information concerning the Flint Hills Chapter of NWTF and its activities.
Please remember, the good Lord gave each and every one of us just so many brilliant and beautiful sunrises. Each one should be cherished. Sharing them with a child in the Great Outdoors, in the woods and on the waters makes each sunrise that much more special. Pass it On.
For more information about Camp Alexander, summer camps, after school programs and other related activities, please contact Sara Shaw by phone at 342-1386 at the office, or call the camp at 343-5595. You can also visit www.campalexander.org for more information.