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MY BIG TURKEY HUNT
By Elijah Lowe
Have you ever gotten a turkey with a bow? I got my first turkey on October 10, 2009 and it was the best day of my life. I was on private property, hunting with my Grandpa. When we got there we waited a little bit before heading to our blind. While we were on the way to the blind, we became lost. My grandpa and I sat on a log that was soggy and cold while trying to remember our way. That’s when we put our masks on. He put his on first and then he held my bow as I put mine on. Then as it got a
little lighter out we searched for the blind. We finally found it.
When we got in the blind we opened the windows. We figured out that they had magnets on them they were a lot quieter than Velcro. We decided we needed to have one really bad. They were very quiet. We sat down. I got a little chair that was like a triangle, my grandpa had a chair that was like a lawn chair.
We saw two doe’s, I thought they were about twenty yards away but Grandpa said they were about thirty yards away. They walked off and we did not see them again. Then we saw a buck he was a big one too. He walked off too, it was kind of disappointing that they walked off but my Grandpa was pretty sure we were going to see another deer. About ten more minutes after we saw that buck we saw another deer and it was a doe. We thought this would be the one we were going to get. Then some tom turkeys scared her off. Then we saw an eight point buck lying down so we watched it for quite awhile. The same doe came up again. Some more turkeys came and scared her off again.
So far it’s been really exciting. After the first doe left, about six does came and scared that buck away that was lying down. Two more does came in view but they really never came close enough to have a shot at. After that we started to get into the turkeys, four toms passed us at first. They never stopped. My grandpa said, “Don’t try to take a shot unless they stop.” They never did. Then we saw another deer, but something scared her.
Now here comes the best part. My grandpa saw a flock of turkeys. That’s when my grandpa said, “Get your arrow nocked.” So I did. He said, "when he is in full view of you, take aim, take your time, use your sights, and when ready release your arrow.” That is what I did, as I saw that arrow fling through the windless invisible air. I heard the bird gobble and the wings flutter through the air. I hugged my grandpa in amazement, as I saw it fly into the arms of the tree. Then it fell over motionless falling to the ground with a thud. With out a word, my grandpa and I left the blind to go retrieve my turkey, in shock that I really got him. I became the first one in our family to get a turkey with a bow and arrow.
Elijah Lowe (age 12) and ‘Grandpa’ Jim Mahoney went on this hunt together!
October 10, 2009
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WOMEN IN THE OUTDOORS OF SOUTHERN INDIANA SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
On may 29, 2009 at North Harrison High School Awards night, Miss Alishia Adamson was awarded a $2000.00 Scholarship as the recipient of the Women In The Outdoors of Southern Indiana's First Annual Scholarship. She was also the recipient of an additional $300.00 Scholarship awarded through the Indiana State Chapter Scholarship Fund.
Alishia will be attending Indiana University Southeast, where she plans on continuing her education and ultimately becoming a teacher.
Alishia started hunting with her dad at age five and has continued the legacy of the outdoors with her family!
Tina Tucker, WTIO of Southern Indiana Event Coordinator, presented her with both checks!
Congratulations to Alishia!
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Turkey Hunting Youth Seminar
On April 4, 2009, the Sugar Ridge FWA hosted and assisted in a Turkey Hunting Youth Seminar JAKES event. The event was coordinated by the Patoka Valley Limbhangers chapter of the NWTF. The seminar was held both indoors and out. The day began early as the kids arrived at their pre-assigned listening locations at 6:30 AM where they listened and noted the locations of gobbling turkeys. Gobbling activity was very good and listening conditions were great as low winds and clear skies greeted the day. All of the youngsters heard at least one gobbler sounding off. One young man on Area I heard 15 different gobblers, several heard 9 and most heard 3 or 4 birds.
The gobble count concluded at 7:30 AM and the kids made their way to the office to report their findings. Back at the meeting room, everyone was treated to donuts, milk, chocolate milk and coffee. The donuts were donated by Little Debbie.
After snacks and drinks, the class had a discussion on turkey biology. The class learned about turkey life cycle, how to tell the sexes apart, and turkey behavior during the spring breeding/hunting season.
Turkey hunting tools was the next topic covered. Renowned turkey slayers Carl and Ryan Benner, taught the kids about the firearms used for turkey hunting, their chokes, ammunition and patterning. They also learned about the importance of camouflage while turkey hunting and the safe use of blinds and decoys. Many other important tools were discussed such as; binoculars, flashlights, pruning shears, bug spray, Thermacell and TP, just to name a few.
Hunting techniques came next, the class learned from another famous turkey-a- holic, John Toy, about turkey scouting, reading sign, and hunting “styles.” The class learned how to locate roosting, strutting, feeding and dusting areas. They also learned how to differentiate male vs. female turkey tracks and droppings. The class learned about hunting styles like; “run & gun,” spot & stalk, team hunting and stand hunting. They also learned about the two most important aspects of turkey hunting; patience and perseverance.
Turkey Hunting Ethics and Safety was the next seminar topic. Conservation Officer Trent Stinson talked with the group about the safest ways to: set-up, use decoys & calls, and what to do if someone walks in on your hunting position. The group had a lot of questions and discussions with officer Stinson as he explained what it means to be a safe and ethical turkey hunter. Trent did an excellent job of explaining how our actions as individuals represent the entire hunting community.
Calls and Calling was the next topic. The kids learned about all the different kinds of turkey calls and locator calls. They also learned about the all the different turkey vocalizations and how they are made on different types of calls.
Next, the whole gang traveled over to the shotgun range to practice patterning a turkey gun. Several more District 7 conservation officers (both retired and active) joined Trent Stinson to provide instructions on proper, safe gun handling techniques. Each child got the chance to practice patterning a shotgun in preparation for turkey hunting. All the kids shot at least twice; one shot at a shoot-n-see style turkey head target and a second shot at a milk-jug and red balloon simulated turkey. Special thanks go to Keith Thomas and Earl Griswold for designing and setting up the shooting portion of the event.
The kids came back in and enjoyed a lunch of grilled turkey breast, baked beans, chips, pretzels, and hotdogs. Jerry Ebert and Ron Hoffman with the NWTF were the grill-masters and did a terrific job cookin’ up some delicious bird.
NWTF volunteers Sheri Veach, Bill Veatch, Eric Jellison, Dave Jellison and Scott Mundy assembled gift bags for the young sportsmen and women. A bag was given to each youth. These bags included a diaphragm call, a gun lock, a HS Strut push/pull call, an orange turkey carry bag, an event tee shirt, and a copy of the JAKES magazine. Some of the items in the bags were donated by sponsors listed below, while others were purchased with generous monetary donations by the Dubois County Sportsman Club and the IP&L Conservation Club.
A raffle was held just before the days’ events concluded. Door prizes raffled off included several turkey calls and turkey locator calls as well as a camouflage face mask. The two grand prizes were a turkey vest donated by The Great Outdoors in Jasper, and a hunting blind donated by Ameristep Inc.
With their bellies full and their new turkey calls yelpin’ the kids headed home. April 18 & 19 is Indiana’s third annual youth turkey hunting season…here’s hoping these youngsters put those new calls to some good use and carry home a few longbeards.
Instructors & Volunteers:
Dave Jellison Sherri Veatch Eric Jellison, Jerry Ebert
Scott Mundy Ron Hoffman
Carl Benner Ryan Benner
John Toy Bill Veatch
Phil Bruner Mike Kellner
Nate Levitte Dave Parker
Roy “Kenney” Tincer Trent Stinson Mike Lamar Jonathan Watkins
Keith Thomas Earl Griswold
Mary Hayes Angie Tilton
Sponsors & Assisting Organizations
Patoka Valley Limbhangers Chapter of NWTFDubois County Sportsman’s Club
Indiana Hunter Education
Pike County Bow Hunters Assoc.
IP&L Conservation Club
German American Bancorp
McDonalds
Ameristep
Great Outdoors
Dave’s Gun Shop
Wal-Mart
Little Debbie
Reflections
Jeff’s Bait and Guns
Buehler’s Buy Low
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PAT HENDRIXSON COMPLETES WORLD SLAM
Pat with her beautiful bird to complete her World Slam!
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Congratulations to Pat Hendrixson, President of Delaney Creek Longbeards Chapter in Washington County! Pat just completed her World Slam Quest with a beautiful Ocellated turkey on April 28, 2009. She completed this achievement in the Yucatan, Mexico and has received all of her documentation from the National for completing this quest!
Again, congratulations, Pat!
Posted 5/25/09tt
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2009 Indiana State Scholarship Program Results
This year, with Indiana State NWTF Superfund Dollars, the State Scholarship Fund is awarding $11,100 in Academic Scholarships.
The State Winner for Indiana is: Jessica Peters, of Brownstown, Indiana and was sponsored by Muscatautuk River Longbeards Chapter.
The State-Runnerup is: Samuel White, of Santa Claus, Indiana and was sponsored by Lincoln Longbeards Chapter.
Demographics for this year:
Male Applicants: 15
Female Applicants: 18
In State College Selections: 29
Out of State College Selections: 4
Number of Academic Scholarship entries: 33
Scholarship dollars awarded from state: 33 X$300 = $9,900.
Scholarship runnerup additional dollars: $200 (for a total of $500)
State Scholarship Winner: $1,000
Total Dollars Awarded: $11,100
Sponsoring Chapters:
Madison County
Daviess County Longbeards
Green County Longbeards
WEA Chapter
Elkhorn Longbeards
Southern Hoosier Hills
Delaney Creek Longbeards
Dogwood Drummers
WITO of Southern Indiana
Longwood Longbeards
West Central Indiana
Crossroads Gobblers
Covered Bridge
Pokagon Longbeards
Cass County Twin Rivers Strutters
Northeast Indiana Longbeards
Lincoln Longbeards
Tippecanoe River Drummers
Menominee Longbeards
Splinter Ridge Strutters
Ohio Valley Longbeards
Patoka River Longbeards
Flint Springs
Hemlock Cloiffs Longbeards
Three Rivers
Muscatatuck River Longbeards
Montgomery County Strutters
Pigeon River
Feather Creek
If a Chapter entered more than one scholarship applicant, the best scholarship winner was chosen for the home chapter. The other's were made available for a chapter without an applicant. That way, other chapter's are encouraged to pursue the Five Star Program.
Thank you to all the Chapter's who have supported this year's program.
If you have a story or other information you would like published about your Chapter's applicant, please let us know. We will gladly tell all of our "Winners" stories! We consider all of our youth winners!
Remember, it's never to early to start reminding everyone when the applications are due for 2010:
January 1, 2010 - Due to the Local Chapter
February 1, 2010 - Due to the State Chapter via the local chapter submission.
March 1, 2010 - Due to the National via State submission.
One thing that makes it easier for review and look professional, please submit your scholarship application ina a folder or portfolio cover. Make sure you read all the requirements, and support your youth!
Posted 5/25/2009tt
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NEW STATE RECORD - LOYD "EBBIE" ROBERTS
Loyd "Ebbie" Roberts with his 5 bearded gobbler!
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On April 24, Loyd "Ebbie" Roberts successfully harvested his turkey weighing 25 lbs with spurs 1.375inches on each side. The beards (and yes that is plural) measured 10-4/16,10,9-3/16,9-5/16, and 9 inches for a total length of 47 and 12/16" . In Loyd's own words: "I was hunting last Saturday evening as it was my first time to get a chance to get out and went to a place were I'd took a couple of other birds over the years,set up around 6:15 pm,gave a couple of calls with my call and just laid back not expecting to see anything right away,as time passed it got to be about 7:20 pm and very windy,but I thought I'd heard something from my left rear and I didn't bother to have a look but a few minutes later I heard the noise again,this time I slowly turned my head to the left and saw two hens come out into the corner of the field I was watching,I slowly reached to my right and picked up my gun and just laid there watching these two hens,as they started to move off to my left I caught a glimpse of another bird move back in the woods a little bit and slowly it came into view but I could only see that it was a tom but couldn't tell how big it was or if it had any type of beard.As I laid there it moved down toward the hens but never once gave me a look at it's beard but then at exactly 62 yards it stopped and turned to the left and then I saw it was a shooter but couldn't tell that it had such a beard.I raised my gun and fired one shot and it fell dead at that spot and I swear it never moved over a foot from where it was standing.I was using 31/2" 12 ga. Federal # 5 shot and a Mossberg Turkey Gun."
Loyd's bird is now listed as the number one bird ever taken in the state of Indiana and 52 of all time killed in the United States! He has been sent a certificate and lapel pin from the National! Congratulations, Loyd!
Updated 5/14/09tt
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WEB SITE ADDRESSES OF INTEREST
Below are listed web site addresses of interest. We will add to this list periodically, so please check often. Once this site is updated, we will try to have direct links to these sites. Until then, you can simply type in the web address to get to them.
Indiana Department of Natural Resouces (for everything from hunting dates, regulations, license fees, etc):
www.INDNR.gov
Indiana Nationl Archery in the School Program (NASP):
www.indiananasp.com
Indiana Hunter Education:
www.inhea.com
Indiana Conservation Officers Organization:
www.icoo.com
Have a Chapter Web Site you would like listed? Know of others? Just send an email to lowlom@aol.com and we'll update the list to include it.
Posted 3/29/09tt
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LOOKING FOR A BANQUET TO ATTEND?
If you are looking for the lists of Hunting Heritage Banquets, please check the National Site at www.nwtf.org. Banquet dates sometimes change, so please verify with the chapter contact prior to going. Better yet, why not get your tickets in advance, so you will have your seat at your favorite banquet? How about trying a new banquet? Bring the whole family and make it a family night out!
Remember, the proceeds from the banquet are what build good Superfunds, which in turn gives back money to the community! Many worthwhile projects including scholarships, JAKES, Women In The Outdoors, Wheelin' Sportmen, land conservation, wildlife habitat, and lots more! This all starts because you choose to attend an NWTF Hunting Heritage Banquet!
Thanks for your continued support of the National Wild Turkey Federation and all of its programs!
Revised 3/14/2009tt
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GET THE NEWS OUT!
How to make your events more succcessful:
The instructors are lined up, the food is planned and everything is ready for this weekend's outreach event.
It feels great to be introducing the outdoors to others, but are you doing everything you can to get the word out? NWTF publications aren't the only avenue for recognizing your chapter for their great work.
In fact, with just a little bit of work and media understanding, you can let your entire community know your chapter's good work.
Here are some hints to make your event shine with media.
Download a pre-event Custom News Release from the NWTF's Web site and fill out the information.
Send the release to your local newspaper or television station at least two weeks before the event. Follow up with a phone call to see if they received it and to invite them to your event. Explain there will be photo and interviewing opportunities at the event.
Have someone prepared to show them around the event. Have a cart or Bad Boy Buggy to help get them and their equipment around easily. Choose a few participants beforehand that would make good interviews. If the media does not show up, download a post-event Custom News Release, fill out the information and send it to the media with a photo from the event. Local media is always looking for area stories to cover, but often don't know about your event. Even if they can't attend, be sure to send them a Custom News Release from the NWTF's Web site. Many papers love local stories they can run easily to fill space in the paper. The easier it is for them, the more likely you'll get some ink.
All forms can be downloaded at www.nwtf.org
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NWTF Indiana Board of Directors Statement of Support
To: George Thornton, Chief Executive Officer, NWTF
NWTF National Board Members
Chapter Leaders and Members of NWTF Indiana
All NWTF Staff
All NWTF State Chapter Presidents
From: NWTF Indiana Board of Directors
July 14, 2008
NWTF Indiana Board of Directors Statement of Support
With the recent events and changes within the NWTF, we, the Indiana Board of Directors, by unanimous vote, issue the following statement of support:
We, the Indiana State Chapter Board, acknowledge and applaud the tremendous job that the former management and staff have done in making the National Wild Turkey Federation one of the most recognized conservation groups in the world. However, we also understand that change is sometimes necessary and beneficial in the continued growth of an organization.
With the goal being to fulfill and sustain the mission of our great organization, the Indiana State Chapter will continue to support the NWTF, its Board of Directors, management and staff as we have done in the past. We will also offer our full support to the new CEO, Mr. George Thornton, and will assist him and his management team in any way that we may as a State Chapter.
Respectfully,
Steven Gage
President
Indiana State Board of Directors
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INDIANA STATE BOARD COMMITTEE CONTACTS FOR 2009
This list is currently being updated. Some contacts will be added and some deleted. Please check back for the current list in the next few weeks. Below are the Indiana State Chapter Standing Committees for 2009. You may contact any committee member for areas you are interested in or need any information on.(Revised July 2009)
SCHOLARSHIP (DEADLINES FOR 2008-2009) Local Jan.1, State Feb 1, Nat’l Mar 1)
Kevin Lawrence, Chair;
kevinl284@aol.com
818 S. 10th St., W. Terre Haute, IN 47885
812-533-2289
Bill Rollins; rollinswd@comcast.net,,
949 Seminary St, Bloomfield, IN 47424
812-384-9254
Earl Griswold; griznwtf@insightbb.com,
1019E. Taftown Rd, Princeton, IN 47670
812-385-2939
Bill Holloway; fhst10@aol.com,
P. O. Box 5243,Terre Haute, IN 47805
812-239-6405
Tina Tucker; lowlom@aol.com,
3613 Gray Fox Drive, New Albany, IN 47150
812-948-0156
Jim Tucker; longbeard105@aol.com,
3613 Gray Fox Drive, New Albany, IN 47150
812-948-0156
Steve Nevius; snevius@onlyinternet.net,
502 W. Markle Road Huntington, IN 46750
260-356-9341
Jim Warren; jimandmjw@aol.com,
1032 Thompson St., Charlestown, IN 47111
812-256-6881
Kevin Anderson; kevin.anderson2@comcast.net,
821 Stewert Rd., Anderson, IN 46012
765-643-8443
MARKETING (Assists Calling Contest and Outreach Committees)
Tina Tucker, Chair
lowlom@aol.com
3613 Gray Fox Drive New Albany, IN 47150
812-948-0156
Earl Griswold; griznwtf@insightbb.com
1019E. Taftown Rd. Princeton, IN 47670
812-385-2939
Brad Shaffer; tshaff6789@tds.net
403 N. Main, Waldron, IN 46182
765-525-9082
Jayne Galyen; jaynegalyen@wildblue.net
4462 S. Silver Island Rd., Kingmain, IN 47952
217-304-3205
NOMINATING
Bob Harris, Chair
Bobharris64@hotmail.com
1427 N. 700 E Fremont, IN 46737
260-495-1821
SUPERFUND
Steve Nevius, Chair
snevius@onlyinternet.net
502 W. Markle Rd. Huntington, IN 46750
260-356-9341
Kevin Lawrence; kevinl284@aol.com
818 S. 10th St., W. Terre Haute, IN 47885
812-533-2289
Bud Dennemann; bldennemann@insightbb.com
3991 S. Heritage, New Palestine, IN 46163
317-861-0614
Earl Griswold; griznwtf@insightbb.com
1019E. Taftown Rd. Princeton, IN 47670
812-385-2939
Bill Rollins; rollinswd@comcast.net,
949 Seminary St, Bloomfield, IN 47424
812-384-9254
Steve Gage; sgage@sturgisbank.com
0775W 600N, Howe, IN 46746
260-562-1003
Bob Harris; Bobharris64@hotmail.com
1427 N. 700 E, Fremont, IN 46737
260-495-1821
CHAPTER VISITATION – OUTREACH (Plus Marketing Committee)
Reece Booher, Chair
14horses@sbcglobal.net
R1 Box 302, Linton, IN 47441
812-384-5475
Earl Griswold; griznwtf@insightbb.com
1019E. Taftown Rd., Princeton, IN 47670
812-385-2939
Jim Tucker; longbeard105@aol.com
3616 Gray Fox Drive New Albany, IN 47150
812-948-0156
Rich Rennick; wallacelawrlr@hotmail.com,
P. O. Box 129, Covington, IN 47932
765-585-2887
Bill Rollins; rollinswd@comcast.net,
949 Seminary St, Bloomfield, IN 47424
812-384-9254
Tina Tucker; lowlom@aol.com
3613 Gray Fox Drive New Albany, IN 47150
812-948-0156
Brad Shaffer; tshaff6789@tds.net
403 N. Main, Waldron, IN 46182
765-525-9082
Jayne Galyen; jaynegalyen@wildblue.net
4462 S. Silver Island Rd., Kingmain, IN 47952
217-304-3205
RAFFLE
All State Board Members when needed
NWTF & STATE SPONSORED AWARDS
Kevin Lawrence, Chair
kevinl284@aol.com
818 S. 10th St., W. Terre Haute, IN 47885
812-533-2289
Bill Holloway; fhst10@aol.com
P. O. Box 5243, Terre Haute, IN 47805
812-239-6405
Reece Booher; 14horses@sbcglobal.net
R1 Box 302, Linton, IN 47441
812-384-5475
Steve Gage; sgage@sturgisbank.com
0775W 600N, Howe, IN 46746
260-562-1003
BANQUET
RD’s stated will request help as needed All State Board Members when needed.
STATE CALLING CONTEST (Plus Marketing Committee)
Jim Tucker, Chair;
longbeard105@aol.com
3613 Gray Fox Drive , New Albany, IN 47150
812-948-0156
Brad Shaffer; tshaff6789@tds.net
403 N. Main, Waldron, IN 46182
765-525-9082
Jim Warren; jimandmjw@aol.com
1032 Thompson St., Charlestown, IN 47111
812-256-6881
Tina Tucker; lowlom@aol.com
3613 Gray Fox Drive New Albany, IN 47150
812-948-0156
Earl Griswold; griznwtf@insightbb.com
1019E. Taftown Rd. Princeton, IN 47670
812-385-2939
Jayne Galyen; jaynegalyen@wildblue.net
4462 S. Silver Island Rd., Kingmain, IN 47952
217-304-3205
JAKES STATE CHAPTER
Earl Griswold, Chair
griznwtf@insightbb.com
1019E. Taftown Rd. Princeton, IN 47670
812-385-2939
Mary Beth Griswold; griznwtf@insightbb.com
1019E. Taftown Rd., Princeton, IN 47670
812-385-2939
Jim Tucker; longbeard105@aol.com
3613 Gray Fox Drive , New Albany, IN 47150
812-948-0156
Tina Tucker; lowlom@aol.com
3613 Gray Fox Drive New Albany, IN 47150
812-948-0156
Reece Booher; 14horses@sbcglobal.net
R1 Box 302, Linton, IN 47441
812-384-5475
Bob Harris; Bobharris64@hotmail.com
1427 N. 700 E, Fremont, IN 46737
260-495-1821
Updating July /2009tt
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INDIANA STATE CHAPTER BOARD AND IT'S WEBSITE
Do you sometimes wonder what the State Board is all about? The Indiana Chapter State Board is here to help you! We are here to keep you informed of changes, events, news, fun and what is happening in the world of the NWTF nationally and locally.
The State Chapter Website is for you, the members, our big family. It is a place for you to brag, to have your picture, to share a community interest, some event that has perhaps changed your life.
Remember, this is for you! Has your Chapter done something good? If you have a JAKES Event, WITO Event, Wheelin' Event, Hunting Heritage Banquet, any of these items, just contact Tina Tucker at lowlom@aol.com or call 812-948-0156. In order for pictures to be posted, they must be submitted in .jpg format. You can email them, with a brief description or small story and we will gladly post it on this site.
A little bit about the Indiana State Board: We meet 4 times a year. We have an Annual Banquet each year in January. Current Officers are: President - Steve Gage; Vice-President - Jim Tucker; Secretary - Tina Tucker; and Treasurer - Kevin Lawrence. There are three regions, and each region has six seats on the Board. Our three Regional Directors are: North - Grant Schimmele, Central - Travis Goodwin, and South - Neal Kirby. The Regional Biologist is Randy Showalter. All of these people can be contacted through the links on the Website.
CHANGE IS COMING!
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