Turkey Federation hosts annual banquet

Event sees change in location

Brant and Don Masek will be taking one local youth out to hunt during the youth turkey season March 31-April 1 as part of a contest sponsored by the local National Wild Turkey Federation.
Brant and Don Masek will be taking one local youth out to hunt during the youth turkey season March 31-April 1 as part of a contest sponsored by the local National Wild Turkey Federation.

The Kingdom of Callaway Limbhangers chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will host its 19th Annual Hunting Heritage Banquet on Feb. 24, and group leaders said they are hoping for a good turnout.

John Burk, regional biologist for Missouri for the National Wild Turkey Federation, said he is hoping to set a fundraising record - which he noted would take $25,000 - while Limbhangers president Pete Ripley said he is hoping for an increase in membership (which is included in the ticket price of $50 per person or $70 per couple).

"We've been getting about 125 people, and we'd like to see a few more than that," Ripley said.

Usually held at St. Peter Catholic Church in Fulton, a booking mix-up has led to a venue change for this year's event to Sir Winston's. Doors will open at 6 p.m., with dinner slated to start at 7:30 p.m. As usual, the banquet will include both a live and a silent auction.

Burk said the funds raised during the banquet will be used for further promotion of the sport of hunting through activities for youth, women and the physically disabled, as well as for conservation work.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.