Newsletter of the Maryland State Chapter

Winter2010

Photo by D. Toby

2

Turkey Droppings is a newsletter for the Maryland State Chapter, National Wild Turkey Federation, published in February and August. Deadline for material to be published in the newsletter is February 2 and August 2. Contents of this newsletter may be reprinted without permission.

Joe Welch—Editor

TurkeyDroppings

FlockTalkThe mailing address for the Turkey Droppings newsletter is:

MD State Chapter, N.W.T.F.Turkey Droppings Newsletter23048 Tuckahoe Springs Dr. Denton, MD 21629 All articles and photos for the newsletter can be e-mailed, mailed, or put on a CD or floppy disc and sent directly to the publisher at:Sincell Publishing Co., Inc.Attn: Richard HillP.O. Box 326Oakland, Maryland 21550

301-334-3963

rahill@therepublicannews.comorprinting@therepublicannews.com

Please send all revised or updated mailing lists or address changes to:

Doris BittingerAppalachian Parent Association, Inc.Appalachian Crossroads39 South Third StreetOakland, Maryland 21550

301-334-8449 Ext. 132dbittinger@appalachiancrossroads.com

News from the Editor

Hopefully by the time that everyone reads this we’ll all be dug out of the snow and looking forward to Spring. In an effort to encour-age everyone to use our new state website, www.marylandnwtf.org, we are revising the print schedule of the The Droppings to twice per year, one issue in the Spring and one in the Fall. Even though the publishing of the newsletter has been cut back, it is still important that you submit both updates and pictures of your chapter events and members to both myself at joe@ppande.com and to the website coordinator at frichard3@aol.com. This way we can make sure that important information gets out to everyone.

Keep up the good work. I hope everyone has an enjoyable and safe turkey hunt this Spring!

3

From the State Board of Directorsby Billy Moore, Maryland State Chapter President

B e f o r e you read on please take just a mo-m e n t t o r e f l e c t o n 2009—dur-ing the year

many of you were touched by the loss of a loved one and our NWTF family is no different. We all can surely share many memories about our friend Chuck Lewis who as a long-time supporter of NWTF was always full of energy until his last breath. Well done, Chuck, you were a faithful servant—you will be missed.

As your Board representative for each of you, please know that we are coming out of the starting gates ag-gressively in 2010 with a clearly de-fined unified focus including many new faces on the MD NWTF Team. The NWTF organization remains very strong, managing change ef-fectively and committed to our long-term success. I would personally like to introduce to you the new faces on our Leadership Team in Maryland. Patty Foster is our new Regional Director (RD). She is returning to MD after a few years working with NWTF in Florida.

Our new Chapter Presidents for 2010 are: Bonnie Friend, Western MD, Dale Leager, Wye Oak, Dan Zinkand, Central MD, Ted Capel,

Mid-Shore and Tom Maliszewski, Free State. I hope everyone takes time to seek out these new Chapter Presidents and support them as they take on new challenges. Welcome aboard!

Let’s not forget those long-time Chapter Presidents that continue to be outstanding leaders: Bobby Boar-man, So MD, Conrad Arnold, Tri-County, Mike Moore, State Line, Dean Ennis, Bay Shore and Gale Taylor, Monocacy Valley. Thanks to each of you for your long term commitment to NWTF!

Last year was a great year for MD NWTF and let’s provide you a few from our long list of accom-plishments—these were some of the highlights at our annual State Awards banquet on January 23, 2010. We also had the first look at the 2010 NWTF Core package at the banquet and everyone agreed that the items have improved and the Remington 1100 gun of the year is outstanding.

Congratulations again to each of the following:

2009 Volunteer of the Year—Lynn Saunders

2009 Conservation Officer of the Year—Dan Yankie

2009 First Annual Chuck Lewis Award—Gene Hyatt

2009 MVP (New award for MD) Bobby Boarman—over 17

4

years with NWTF2009 Best Overall Outreach

Event—Bay Shore Gobblers—Wheelin’ Sportsmen event—As-sateaque deer hunt

2009 Best WITO event—Monocacy Valley

Best JAKES event—Southern MD

Best Wheelin Sportsmen’s event—Bay Shore

Golden Gobblers for 2009—Wye Oak & Central MD

Financial Stewardship Award—Susan Boarman, State Treasurer

Leadership Award—Dave John-son

Most Innovat ive Pro jec t Award—Fred Richards—MD NWTF web page www.maryland-nwtf.org

There were many other projects and individuals mentioned at the State Awards Banquet but the most important thing to remember, we are a strong Team, we have fun, and we collectively support the NWTF through several fundraising events.

Also on behalf of the State Board of Directors, I would like to extend a sincere thanks to everyone who provided door prizes and items for the auctions, including a snow goose hunt donated by a friend of Ted Capel, a Nebraska Turkey Hunt, donated by a friend of Bobby Boarman, a custom made turkey call donated by Bruce Chaney and Dave Hohman (L.J.W. Custom Calls—ljwcustomcalls@verizon.net) and lastly a 2 day South Carolina wild hog hunt with Bobby Marshall

5

of NWTF. Thanks to each of you for your donations and good luck to winners!

I always close with something about our Core values and frankly I have been reminded many times during the past few months of what makes NWTF special and different from other conservation organiza-tions. We are not afraid to honor our veterans, thanking men and women who serve in the military; we are not afraid to thank our Creator and close our prayers in the name of Jesus Christ as our Savior; we take much pride and joy in providing challenges events for our Wheelin Sportsmen; we do feed the hungry without be-ing asked; we invest time ensuring programs are available through the

Women in the Outdoors Program; and lastly we protect our future by raising a generation of children that share our love for God, Country and Creation.

I challenge each of you to take time to thank that soldier for pro-tecting our continued freedom, en-joy the smiles on a child’s face when he hooks a lunker bass or hears the thunder of a gobbler, and thank our Lord each day for the opportuni-ties He has for each of us. That few minutes you spend will be returned many times—I guarantee!

Until next time—Keep updated with news on our web page at www.MarylandNWTF.org

Be Safe, Enjoy Life to the Fullest and Have Fun!

Coming EventsMarch 6 Wye Oak Longspurs 9th Annual Hunting Heritage

Banquet at American Legion on Kent Island.

March 13 MD State Board Meeting at Schrader’s Lodge

March 13 Tri County Longbeards Annual Hunting Heritage Banquet

March 27 Southern MD Annual Hunting Heritage Banquet at Middleton Hall; contact Bobby Boarman 301-259-2830

April 17 Bayshore Gobblers Annual Hunting Heritage Ban-quet at Pocomoke Elks Lodge

June 12 MD State Board Meeting at Schrader’s Lodge

Sept. 11 MD State Board Meeting at Schrader’s Lodge

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Charles J. Lewis, Sr.by Gene Hyatt

Born on Nov. 2, 1928, in Bal-timore, He passed away in his Pasadena home on Nov. 27, 2009. Mr. Chuck served in the U.S. Coast Guard, than graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Journalism (which may account for some of his long winded speeches). Mr. Chuck volunteered in many organizations but most of us will re-member him as a Hunter Safety In-structor with a zest for ethics and the use of hunter orange. He also wore many hats for The National Wild Turkey Federation. Mr. Chuck was one of the first editors of the state magazine “The Droppings” and was also a longtime coordinator for the state Jakes programs. In addition, Chuck also gave 17 years of service to the Central Maryland Chapter of the NWTF in a multitude of positions and responsibilities. Mr. Chuck loved to work with kids and introduced them to many outdoor activities. He influenced several generations of sportsmen with his wisdom of conservation for our great outdoors.

Mr. Chuck was also the corner stone of a wonderful family. His death was preceded by a grand-daughter, Megan. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Chela (nee Rica-lo), four children, Cathleen D. Thie-mens of Ohio, Charles J. Lewis Jr. of Pasadena, Thomas E. Lewis of Fla.,

Cynthia D. “Sally” Seen of Ellicott City, seven granddaugh-ters, two grandsons, and two great-grand children.

Mr. Chuck was ve r y pa s s iona t e about his family and their times together. I was privileged to hear many of the great stories. He often spoke of the great “Three Gen-eration” duck hunt at Sean Mann’s lodge in Canada. He told of a sky “Black with ducks” while he, Chuck Jr., Tom, Chucky (Chuck III) and Sean took their limits while only shooting drakes. He also told me stories of successful turkey hunts with Cathy that took place in Ohio and Florida. Cathy shared with me how she wasn’t sure if they where turkey hunting or hiking ( Mr. Chuck did this at 80 years young). Mr. Chuck hunted right up to the end; Dave Cole, one of his huntin’ Buddies, got him in the deer stand on Nov. 19, 2009.

I know Mr. Chuck will be missed by many and has influenced so very many with his wisdom of the outdoors, his tremendous ethical values as well as his strong Christian background.

Chuck certainly changed my life for the better!

7

Outdoors Activities List • Sporting Clays - 5-stand, wobble trap, 24 station course • Archery - 3D archery, Dart video shooting system • Deer Hunting - QDM trophy deer clubs • Sport Fishing - Fresh water/Bay sportfishing • Waterfowl Hunting - Canada & Snow geese, Puddle & Diving ducks • Upland Bird Hunting - Hungarian Partridge,Pheasant, Chukar, Quail • Turkey Hunting - Guided or Unguided hunts • Small Game Hunting - Rabbit, Squirrel • Dove Hunting - Sunflower patches & cut corn fields 410-778-1895 www.schradershunting.com 410-758-1824

16090 Oakland Rd. Henderson,MD 21640

MARYLAND NWTF CONSERVATION SEED PROGRAM

Fall Conservation Seed Orders Due by April 15

The Conservation Seed Program is a partnership between the NWTF and Resource Management, Inc. (RMI). RMI acts as a liaison between conservation organizations and several large seed companies to supply YEAR-OLD seed for

wildlife conservation plantings (not for harvest) at a reduced cost.

If you would like WINTER WHEAT seed for Fall 2010 planting, please contact your local chapter president (listed in the back of the newsletter) no later than

APRIL 15, 2010.

NOTE: Due to rising seed costs, a $2 per bag fee will be collected by local chapters. 10 bag per person maximum.

Note: Orders are not guaranteed and seed supply may dictate how many bags you receive, but reserving your bags early ensures the best chance for success.

8

MD DNR Wild Turkey Program UpdateBob Long, Wild Turkey Biologist

2009 Fall Turkey Season Har-vest—Fall turkey hunters reported harvesting 150 turkeys during the 1-week fall season that ended on November 7, a decrease of 30% from the 2008 harvest of 215. As in the past, Allegany County reported the highest harvest with 67 turkeys, followed by Garrett (53), and Wash-ington (30). The decrease is likely due to a below-average number of young turkeys and a significant decline in fall turkey hunters in recent years.

2010 Spring Turkey Season Outlook—Maryland’s 2010 regu-lar spring turkey season will begin April 19 and close May 24. A 1-day youth hunt day will be held on April 17, the Saturday before the regular season opener. This special hunt is a great way to introduce young hunt-ers to excitement of turkey hunting.

Typically, gobbling activity is higher and hunting pressure is minimal on the youth day. Hunters can expect turkey populations to be somewhat lower than in previous years. Brood surveys conducted by DNR staff and volunteers across the state sug-gest that reproduction has been sub-par in recent years, resulting in fewer turkeys in most locations. Turkeys can be found statewide, but Western Maryland and por-tions of the Southern Region and Eastern Shore continue to be the best regions of the state to look for gobblers. Although the population may be down in general, local con-ditions often greatly affect turkey numbers and hunting success. So you may be pleasantly surprised if you spend some time looking for a good area. Hunters should consult the Guide to Hunting and Trapping 2009-2010 or www.dnr.maryland.gov for more information on turkey seasons and bag limits. Have a safe and enjoyable spring season.

9

NWTF hunt in Missouri, Jan 4, 2010.

L.J.W. CUSTOM CALLS6904 Colonial Ave., Thurmont, Maryland 21788

“Let Jakes Walk”

Bruce Chaney—301-829-6802David Hohman—301-898-5256 E-mail: ljwcustomcalls@verizon.net

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2009 Maryland Hunting Heritage Super Fund Summary

In 2009, the Hunting Heritage Super Fund Program once again served a valuable role in conserving wildlife and our hunting heritage in Maryland. Here is how the Su-per Fund works: A portion of local chapter banquet proceeds are depos-ited into the Maryland Super Fund account. Twice a year, in January and June, projects are submitted by local chapters, state wildlife agen-cies, and other interested groups. The Super Fund committee is made up of regional representatives as well as the State Chapter president and Technical Committee representa-tive. The committee reviews and

approves projects that are in line with the NWTF’s goals, provided sufficient funds are available.

Nearly 60 projects were funded through the Super Fund in 2009 totaling over $37,000 (See the table attached). The dollars were spent wisely on a diverse array of projects, ranging from educational events to public land habitat improvements to seed subsidies for private land-owners. Without the hard work of the local chapters, volunteers, and supporters that raise money at ban-quets, these accomplishments would not have been possible. Thank you.

Maryland State Chapter NWTF 2009 Superfund Expense SummaryCATEGORY EXPENDITURESEducation

Funded numerous youth, women, and disabled hunter events, local and state scholarships, donations to the 4-H shooting sports, Becoming an Outdoor Woman Program, Hunting Heritage Fund, and other educational materials .......................................................$23,006

Public Lands Habitat ManagementFunded the maintenance and establishment and valuable wildlife openings, tree plantings, and food plots on public hunting areas in all regions of the state ............................................$2,450

Equipment for Land Management and ResearchProvided funding to purchase equipment used in public land habitat projects ..........................$2,500

NWTF Seed Subsidy ProgramProvided Buckwheat seed to members at a 60% discount .....................................................$1,950

NWTF Conservation Seed ProgramDistributed year-old seed to members that was used to plant over 1,300 acres of wildlife food and brood habitat plots in all regions of the state ................................................$2,678

Travel ExpensesContributed to the travel expenses of the State Chapter President, JAKES Coordinator, and Local Chapter presidents to attend important NWTF meetings and leadership training .......$3,258

Law Enforcement, Rewards, & Hunter Safety ..............................................................................$0Land Acquisition Fund

Annual contribution to dedicated fund that is reserved for future public hunting land purchase ....$500Management and Research ........................................................................................................$0

Miscellaneous Funds distributed back to local chapters for local projects .....................................................$1,330

TOTAL ...................................................................................................................................$37,672

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The Wye Oak Longspurs Chapter of the

National Wild Turkey Federationwould like you to join us at our

9th ANNUAL

Hunting Heritage Banquet Saturday

March 6, 2010

5:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the

American Legion Hall – Post 278 800 Romanchoke Road Stevensville, MD 21666

REGISTRATION FORM ON THE BACK OF THIS PAGE

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The Wye Oak Longspurs Chapter Hunting Heritage Banquet

Saturday March 6, 2010

REGISTRATION FORM

Please list name and address for each person attending. Attach separate page if necessary.

Name: _______________________________

Address: _____________________________

City: ________________________________

State: ____________ Zip: ______________

Phone: ______________________________

Single @ $60 ________________

Couple’s @ $80 ______________

Sponsor @ $280_____________

JAKES @ $25 ______________

Total Enclosed: _____________

Please send this form with check, payable to: Wye Oak Longspurs Chapter – NWTF

Joe Welch 23048 Tuckahoe Spring Drive

Denton, MD 21629 (410) 820-2223

Pre-registration is required, cutoff date is 2/28/10

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TheTri-County Longbeard Chapter

of the National Wild Turkey Federation

would like you to join us at our

12TH ANNUAL

HUNTING HERITAGE BANQUET AND ART AUCTION

RESCHEDULED FOR Saturday

March 13th, 2010

6:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the

Cambridge American Legion Hall Route 50 – Fred Malkus Bridge

Cambridge, MD 21613 DINNER CATERED BY OLD SALTY’S

REGISTRATION FORM ON THE BACK OF THIS PAGE

TheTri-County Longbeards Chapter

HUNTING HERITAGE BANQUET Saturday, March 13th, 2010

REGISTRATION FORM

Please list name and address for each person attending. Attach separate page if necessary.

Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Single @ $ 65 WITO @ $ 65 Couples @ $ 95 _____________ Sponsor @ $300 Corporate @ $700 JAKES @ $ 30

Please send this form with check, payable to: Tri-County Longbeards Chapter – NWTF

George Corey – Treasurer 216 Bay Street

Easton, MD 21601 (410) 820-7977

Pre-registration is required, Tickets Available

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TheTri-County Longbeard Chapter

of the National Wild Turkey Federation

would like you to join us at our

12TH ANNUAL

HUNTING HERITAGE BANQUET AND ART AUCTION

RESCHEDULED FOR Saturday

March 13th, 2010

6:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the

Cambridge American Legion Hall Route 50 – Fred Malkus Bridge

Cambridge, MD 21613 DINNER CATERED BY OLD SALTY’S

REGISTRATION FORM ON THE BACK OF THIS PAGE

TheTri-County Longbeards Chapter

HUNTING HERITAGE BANQUET Saturday, March 13th, 2010

REGISTRATION FORM

Please list name and address for each person attending. Attach separate page if necessary.

Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Single @ $ 65 WITO @ $ 65 Couples @ $ 95 _____________ Sponsor @ $300 Corporate @ $700 JAKES @ $ 30

Please send this form with check, payable to: Tri-County Longbeards Chapter – NWTF

George Corey – Treasurer 216 Bay Street

Easton, MD 21601 (410) 820-7977

Pre-registration is required, Tickets Available

Photo courtesy National Wild Turkey Federation

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January 2010

Dear M

aryland Mem

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The Maryland State C

hapter Board of D

irectors is pleased to offer its mem

bers the opportunity to purchase 100%

Buckw

heat at a subsidized price. The Maryland State H

unting Heritage Super Fund w

ill pay for 60 percent of the seed and shipping charges.

Mem

bers may purchase a totalofTw

o:

50-pound bags of 100% B

uckwheat for just $22.40 each, shipping included

***As an additional benefit, each m

ember can purchase additional bags of 100%

Buckw

heat for just $56.00 each, unsubsidized but at a reduced price, in unlim

ited quantities. How

ever, to take advantage of these savings, you m

ust submit the order w

ith this seed subsidy offer.

All orders are filled on a first-com

e, first-serve basis. Quantities are lim

ited on subsidized seed due to the dollars allocated to the program

. Seed will ship approxim

ately two w

eeks from date of order.

BU

CK

WH

EA

T is a very popular feed crop for w

ildlife, as well as an excellent cover crop. B

uckwheat

does well in alm

ost any soil and can grow from

two-to-five feet tall. This plant produces heavy seeds that

shatter easily making the seeds readily accessible to turkeys, ducks, quail and other gam

e and non-game

species.

STE

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Plant after the danger of frost and at the rate of 40-50 lb. Per acre

For best results, a weed-free, sm

ooth, well-prepared seedbed should be established before the crop is

seeded

Seed should be placed into moist soil to ensure quick germ

ination (can mature in 10 to 12 w

eeks with

good weather)

D

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Fertilize w

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Every bag purchased results in an acre of quality wild turkey brood habitat being established. This helps

the MD

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orth Am

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Turkey Managem

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embership and financial support at our banquets helps m

ake this program

possible and allows the chapter to address high priority habitat needs in our state. TH

AN

K

YO

U!

Sincerely,

Billy M

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National W

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January 2010

Dear M

aryland Mem

ber:

The Maryland State C

hapter Board of D

irectors is pleased to offer its mem

bers the opportunity to purchase 100%

Buckw

heat at a subsidized price. The Maryland State H

unting Heritage Super Fund w

ill pay for 60 percent of the seed and shipping charges.

Mem

bers may purchase a totalofTw

o:

50-pound bags of 100% B

uckwheat for just $22.40 each, shipping included

***As an additional benefit, each m

ember can purchase additional bags of 100%

Buckw

heat for just $56.00 each, unsubsidized but at a reduced price, in unlim

ited quantities. How

ever, to take advantage of these savings, you m

ust submit the order w

ith this seed subsidy offer.

All orders are filled on a first-com

e, first-serve basis. Quantities are lim

ited on subsidized seed due to the dollars allocated to the program

. Seed will ship approxim

ately two w

eeks from date of order.

BU

CK

WH

EA

T is a very popular feed crop for w

ildlife, as well as an excellent cover crop. B

uckwheat

does well in alm

ost any soil and can grow from

two-to-five feet tall. This plant produces heavy seeds that

shatter easily making the seeds readily accessible to turkeys, ducks, quail and other gam

e and non-game

species.

STE

PS TO

SUC

CE

SS

Plant after the danger of frost and at the rate of 40-50 lb. Per acre

For best results, a weed-free, sm

ooth, well-prepared seedbed should be established before the crop is

seeded

Seed should be placed into moist soil to ensure quick germ

ination (can mature in 10 to 12 w

eeks with

good weather)

D

o not seed more than 2 inches deep

Fertilize w

ith 5-10-10

Every bag purchased results in an acre of quality wild turkey brood habitat being established. This helps

the MD

State Chapter address a key issue identified in our state strategy of the N

orth Am

erican Wild

Turkey Managem

ent Plan. Your m

embership and financial support at our banquets helps m

ake this program

possible and allows the chapter to address high priority habitat needs in our state. TH

AN

K

YO

U!

Sincerely,

Billy M

ooreM

aryland State Chapter President

National W

ild Turkey Federation T

M

19

20

LocalChapterNewsState Line Strutters Delmar, MD, ChapterFIN: 57-0564993

The State Line Strutters chapter located in Delmar, MD, have been busy over the holidays with a ben-efit, turkey donation and planning for our annual JAKES day event.

On December 13 a benefit was held for Ernie and Bonnie Ennis who have been fighting cancer for over 3 years. On January 15 a check in the amount of $7,359.81 was presented to Ernie and Bonnie by Chapter President Mike Moore, members Dave Johnson, Ed Daugh-

erty, and Steve Harrison to help with their medical and day to day needs.

Prior to Christmas twenty-five frozen turkeys were donated to the Christian Shelter in Salisbury, MD, for the holidays. This is an annual event for our chapter where we pick an organization in the Salisbury/ Delmar area like the Christian Shel-ter and try to help the best we can.

Planning has begun for our an-nual JAKES day event with a tenta-tive date of June 19.

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Southern Maryland Chapterby Bobby Boarman

Well another year has come and gone. I trust that all had a great holiday season spending time with family and friends. Winter is coming to an end and like me I am sure everyone is looking forward to spring turkey season. Our spring ban-quet is March twenty-seventh at Middleton Hall. Call me for information or to order tickets. Chris Karinja is no longer with the NWTF and we have a new RD, Patty Foster. Patty joined us on the eighteenth of January. We welcome her and wish her well. Chris will truly be missed for he always made our banquets a lot of fun and was a good friend to many.

At our J.A.K.E.S. day we drew two jakes names for a youth day deer hunt and three names to go goose hunting. Both on the deer hunt had a great time and Jonathan took a

nice mature doe while Brent decided to pass on a deer in hope of a mature one. We would like to thank Joey Beuchert for donating his farm and taking one of the kids with him. I had the privilege of taking Jonathan and his dad with me. Thanks to Fred Richards and Billy Moore for help-ing me with the goose hunt. Fred did the calling while Billy and I helped the boys. It was quite a pleasure to

hunt with Eric Rob-ertson and Mitchell Mills; both of these young men did a great job of shoot-ing . Both took their limits as well as the three of us. Great job, boys. Also we want to thank Eddie Bowling for letting us use his farm for

22

Bay Shore Gobblers by Dean Ennis

the goose hunt. Again this past fall we attended

the Charles County fair and sup-ported the local 4-H by purchasing lambs and goats. This past thanks-giving our chapter donated one hundred and fifty turkeys to several churches to help the less fortunate. Thanks to Lynne Saunders for all her help in getting the turkeys and helping me pick up and deliver the birds. Also I want to congratulate Lynne for winning volunteer of the year at our state awards banquet—a well deserved award. Lynne has

been a big part of our chapter and the state for many years. I hope to see lots of you folks at the spring banquet; good luck this spring and remember to take a young one hunting.

Southern MD Chapter did well in several award categories such as Golden Gobbler and Total Gross, best Jakes event and others. Susan and I were touched to receive Ex-cellence in Fiscal Stewardship and MVP for 2009. Thanks, everyone, for your support. Our Chapter Team is the best.

Chapter President Dean En-nis reports that their 4th annual Wheelin’ Sportsmen event was, as expected, a successful highlight in their chapter’s year.

On January 4 and 5, 2010, fifteen hunters with disabilities and

numerous volunteers including park rangers gathered at Assateague National Park to hunt white tail and sika deer.

Mother Nature provided mul-tiple challenges with heavy winds, freezing temperatures, and even

23

Wye Oak Longspursby Tucker Coppage

some snow flurries, but everyone endured the elements. The hunt netted fourteen deer.

At the close of the day and a half of hunting, food, and friendship, all agreed it was an outstanding event. Dean extends heartfelt thanks to the hunters and the volunteers who par-ticipated in this meaningful event. He says everyone is looking forward

to next year’s hunt which is already being planned.

Note: The Bay Shore Gobblers annual fundraising dinner will be held April 17, 2010, at the Elks Lodge in Pocomoke City. Doors open at 5pm with dinner at 6:30. For tickets, more information, to volunteer, or to donate something, contact Dean at (410) 957-1272.

On Saturday, January 23, 2010, our chapter brought home several awards at the State Banquet. These awards included: First in top WTO memberships, First in membership, Second in Jake membership, First in highest gross over a hundred mem-bers. Third place in net net. At this time we are selling tickets for our Hunting Heritage Banquet. The

banquet will be held on Saturday, March 6. The venue for this year will again be the American Legion Hall on Kent Island. Doors open at 5pm and dinner begins at 6:30. Food, friends and fun will be had by all! Please contact Dale Leager 410-490-5116 or Tucker Coppage 410-310-5262 for tickets.

Western Maryland ChapterThe Western MD Chapter had

its annual Fall Banquet at the Finzel Fire Hall on November 7, 2009. We enjoyed a good turnout and a very enjoyable evening, and dinner was excellent as always. Some folks got away with some real steals on NWTF merchandise. Our Fall Ban-quet is always held the last day of fall turkey season in Western Maryland, so anyone hunting out this way should plan to attend. The banquet has been scheduled for the last day of fall season 2010 as well. We will

be changing venue this year to the Avilton Community Center on Avil-ton Lonaconing Road, not far from Finzel and only a short drive from I-68. Mark your calendars now!

We are also planning our annual JAKES day event and fishing rodeo at the Accident Community Pond. This is one of the best enjoyed events in Western Maryland. The fishing is great and there are always plenty of prizes and giveaways for the kids. No kid leaves unhappy! That is our goal and we continue to grow and

24

hear each year how much the kids enjoy this opportunity. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 22.

Again mark your calendars and don’t miss a great opportunity to get out and enjoy time with your kids!

Mid Shore Chapter by Ted Capel

After not having a Banquet in 2008, our chapter is once again in the rebuilding process. Our 2009 Banquet, held in October, was a moderate success, considering these tough economic times. We are now in the planning stages for the Eastern Neck Island Youth hunts; as of this writing, the dates will be

2 of the first 4 Saturdays in May. To receive further information, or to get an application, contact the following:

Eastern NeckNational Wildlife Refuge Office1730 Eastern Neck RoadRock Hall Md. 21661Ph. # 410-639-7056

Free State Chapter by Tom Maliszewski

What a Hunting season, hopefully everyone enjoyed. Last publication my final comment was to those who climbed tree stands “please be safe and wear your safety harness.” Well this past October yours truly fell 24 feet to the ground. Luckily I landed feet first and came away with only slight minor injuries. I blame myself. I left the stand up from last year and the straps broke down. It felt secure. I did have a safety belt. I connect when I’m in the stand. How many of us do that? Never climb up unless you’re tethered from the ground to the stand and the same on the way down. The climbing stick bent in

half when I was stepping in. Noth-ing like hitting the ground. Lying on the ground with pain in leg and back. With the reality I might not make it out of here racing through my head. In a panic mode, I had

25

no idea where my cell was, just couldn’t find it. I did make it out after a 2 mile hike from the swamps of Dorchester County. After 6 hours in the emergency room, bruised heel and sore body was the prognosis. You heard it before. Make sure you tell someone where you’re going. Trust me, down the road from Bill’s farm doesn’t cut it! You need to know the address especially when 911 has no idea where you are or who Bill is. Even if someone knew, it’s a vague description at best. Leave it with someone who knows where you will be and when you’re out. I hunt 6 farms and several public areas. Get the address, leave your vehicle description. Place a note in the window saying which area you are hunting. This helps when DNR arrives. If the outcome was worse I calculated it would be 24-36 hours

before anyone would have found me. Call as soon as you hit the ground and you’re safe. Hey I’m down and heading out. Knowing that you fell out before, your family is still wondering at 5:30 is he all right. Make the call.

The chapter this year worked with the Bel Air Moose lodge; we actually donated turkeys and the fixings. They served 137 meals and we delivered 12 meals to the elderly

who couldn’t get around anymore.

On December 19 mem-bers of the Freestate chapter donated time and money to help out the PVA (Paralyzed Veterans Administration) with a disabled hunt with our finest military war-riors. Howard County pro-vides the location and with 80 volunteers, 11 hunters killed 34 deer. In the morn-

26

ing I helped in the kitchen. 3:00 am rolls around real early. We served breakfast to all. 30 dozen eggs 12 loaves of bread, 15 lbs of sausage; talk about a mess hall operation.

The morning hunt was a success; I had the privilege in the afternoon to do some actual driving for the sol-diers. It was still bitter cold out, 20 degrees with a nice wind made it feel about 10 degrees. As we proceeded you could hear the shots ringing out. Boom, Boom then Boom, Boom and it went on for a while, boom here boom there. Then there was a string of shots that rang out. Well we came across to the end of the push and what a sight. We had a whole bunch of deer down. 6 does and 1 buck he shared with another soldier. Seven shots—seven deer down. He kept 2 and donated the rest to Feed the Hungry program.

Hats off to Howard County and 90 plus volunteers who helped.Upcoming events

April 17—2nd Annual Bill Rowan Jake Challenge

June 5—Fred Zellman Fishing Derby in Havre de Grace, MD.

July 4—Freestate 2nd Annual float trip down the Susquehanna River

Also, please visit the NWTF Website for scholarship applications for your graduating seniors. There

are opportunities on the lo-cal, state and national levels so please evaluate closely the guidelines.

In closing please join us on the third Wednesday of the month in Havre de Grace, Md. The Bayou restaurant at 7:00pm. We have some great meetings, and are always looking for volunteers. Good luck this turkey season!

27

Western MarylandBonnie FriendP.O. Box 38McHenry, MD 21541Hm: 301-387-0010E-mail: meadowmountain@wildblue.net

Central MarylandDan Zinkand1808 Summit Ave.Halethorp, MD 21227Cell: 443-506-6201Email: danznwtf@aol.com

Southern MarylandBobby Boarman11500 BB Farm PlaceNewburg, Maryland 20664Hm: 301-259-2830 Cell: 301-751-9649E-mail: sssparke@earthlink.net

Bay Shore GobblersDean Ennis1601 Market StreetPocomoke City, Maryland 21851Wk: 410-957-1272

Monocacy ValleyGale Taylor5 O’Brien AvenueTaneytown, MD 21787410-756-6738

Mid ShoreTed Capel 22260 Tolchester Beach Road Chestertown, MD 21620 Hm: 410-778-0433 E-mail: btcapel@hotmail.com

Wye Oak LongspursDale Leager280 Ferrick Rd.Centreville, Md. 21617Hm: 410-758-3544Cell: 410-490-5116Email: dkl96@verizon.net

Free StateTom Maliszewski2733 Ady RoadForest Hill, MD 21050Hm: 443-677-6110E-mail : tmaliszewski@acosta.com

Tri-County LongbeardsConrad N. ArnoldExtension Educator 4-H/CEDCounty Office Building Room 208501 Court LaneP. O. Box 299Cambridge, MD 21613Wk: 410-228-8800Fax: 410-228-3868E-mail: carnold@umd.edu

State Line Strutters Michael Moore4645 Pheasent DriveSalisbury, MD 21804410-548-4022

Local ChapterPresidents

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2009 Maryland State ChapterNational Wild Turkey Federation

Board Of Directors

Executive CommitteePresidentBilly Moore10060 Penns Hill Rd.LaPlata, MD 21646Hm: 301-934-4655Wk: 301-472-4209Cell: 301-751-6945 E-mail: billy.moore@mirant.com

Vice PresidentTed Capel 22260 Tolchester Beach Road Chestertown, MD 21620 Hm: 410-778-0433 E-mail: btcapel@hotmail.com

SecretaryLynne Saunders17800 At Last Farm Road Aquasco, Maryland 20608Hm: 301-274-0004Cell: 240-299-9509E-mail: jgsaunders@netzero.net

TreasurerSusan Boarman11500 BB Farm PlaceNewburg, Maryland 20664Hm: 301-259-2830E-mail: sssparke@earthlink.net

Immediate Past PresidentDavid JohnsonP.O. Box 441Delmar, Delaware 19940Hm: 302-846-3432Wk: 302-846-2688 E-mail: davesappl@aol.com

NWTF DE, MD, NJ & PA Regional Wildlife BiologistBob Ericson 27 Canterbury Road Phillipsburg, New Jersey 08865Phone: 908-454-1882Fax: 908-454-2007E-mail: boberiksen@juno.com

NWTF DE, MD & NJ Regional DirectorPatty FosterWork: 301-432-5228Cell: 904-210-1110E-mail: pfoster@nwtf.net

Md. DNR Upland Game Bird Project Manager/ NWTF Technical CommitteeBob LongMd. DNR–Wildlife & HeritageService828B Airpax Road, Suite 500 Cambridge, Maryland 21613Wk: 410-221-8838, ext. 106Cell: 443-521-6247E-mail: blong@dnr.state.md.us

29

Wheelin’ Sportsman CoordinatorMatt Baden17370 Blackwell Ct Hughesville, MD 20637 Hm: 301-274-9445baden@us.net

State Chapter Points Of ContactMd State Chapter J.A.K.E.S. CoordinatorHarry Rhule3818 Ponder DriveEdgewater, Md 21037Hm: 410-798-5668hrhule@dnr.state.md.us

Md State Chapter Shooting Sports CoordinatorJoe Squires2101 Shuresville Rd., Apt. #2Darlington, Maryland 21034Cell: 410-591-6341Wk: 410-734-4432E-mail: joesquires@erols.com

Md 4-H Youth Development Shooting Sports CoordinatorConrad ArnoldCounty Office Building Room 208501 Court Lane, P. 0. Box 299Cambridge, Maryland 21613-0299Wk: 410-228-8800Fax: 410-228-3868E-mail: carnold@umd.edu

Md State Chapter Turkey Droppings Newletter EditorJoe Welch23048 Tuckahoe Springs DriveDenton, MD 21629Hm: 410-820-2223Cell: 443-786-1495Wk: 410-770-8337

State Directors 2008/2010 Term

State Directors 2009/2011 Term

State Directors 2010/2012 TermTom Houck Randy King3702 Scotch Pine Drive Knoxville, MD 21758 Hm: 301-834-8035 Wk: 301-788-3719 E-mail: Sageblossom@erols.com

Gene Hyatt Dale Leager30 New Jersey Ave. NW 280 Ferrick RoadGlen Burnie, MD 21061 Centreville, MD 21617Hm: 410-760-8291 Hm: 410-758-3544Hyattfullfan@yahoo.com dkl96@verizon.net

Frank Hall Fred Richards611 Luther St. Baltimore, MD 21225 Hm: 410-789-8764 FJHAL816@AOL.com

30

Maryland State ChapterNATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION

2011 J.A.K.E.S. “Hunt of A Lifetime” ApplicationName________________________________________________ Age _______

Address ________________________________________ Birthdate _________

City/Town _____________________________State ______ Zip Code ________

Phone Number ___________________________________________________

Parents’ Names ___________________________________________________

NWTF J.A.K.E.S. Membership Number _______________________________

Maryland Hunter Education Card Number ______________________________

Mail this Form to:Billy Moore10060 Penns Hill Road, La Plata, MD 20646

NOTE: This form must be received by December 31, 2010

Maryland State ChapterNATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION2011 J.A.K.E.S. “Hunt of A Lifetime”Application

Applications for the 2011 Maryland State Chapter’s JAKES “Hunt of A Lifetime” are now available and will be accepted through December 31, 2010. Successfully drawn ap-plicants must be a current JAKES member, pass a Hunter Safety Education course, possess a valid Maryland hunting license and be willing to write a short story about their adventure. Selected applicants will be required to attend and pass the Turkey Hunting Clinic sponsored by the Central Maryland Local Chapter. After meet-ing all of these requirements, qualified applicants will be entered into a second drawing to determine the winner of the hunt. If interested, complete and mail the application below:

31

DedicatedtotheConservationoftheWildTurkeyandthePreservationofour

HuntingTraditionYou can help answer the call by joining

one of the nation’s most progressive conservation organizations

For more information call: 1-800-THE-NWTFor visit our web site at

www.nwtf.orgor write to:

Maryland State ChapterNational Wild Turkey Federation

10060 Penns Hill Rd., LaPlata, MD 21646

Yes, I would like to join the Maryland State Chapter of the NWTF, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the conserva-tion of the North American wild turkey and the preservation of the hunting tradition. Sign me up as (check one):µ Full voting member—$30.00 µ Women in the Outdoors—$30.00µ Sponsor member—$225.00 µ Wheelin’ Sportsmen member—$30.00µ Active Military—$10.00 µ Student (age 18-23)—$10.00µ J.A.K.E.S member (12 years and under)—$7.00µ EXTREME J.A.K.E.S. (13 - 17 years)—$10.00

Name _________________________________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________________________

City _________________________________________ State _____ Zip ___________________

Telephone No. ___________________________E-mail Address ___________________________

Charge to my: µ MasterCard µ VISA

Number __________________________________________________Exp. Date _____________

Signature ______________________________________________________________________

(Make checks payable to NWTF)Send to: Maryland State Chapter—NWTF

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