The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) will be busy in the Oklahoma City metro area during August as it holds four events over three weekends. These events will help raise money for habitat and wildlife conservation projects across Oklahoma, as well as put dollars into the State Chapter's Outreach Program Fund.
If you are an outdoors fan of any type, whether you hunt or not, NWTF benefits your passion, said Regional Director T.J. Goodpasture said.
Aug. 5: Feathered Friends Chapter Hunting Heritage Banquet
The Feathered Friends Chapter will hold its Hunting Heritage Banquet at Sooner Legends Inn and Suites in Norman at 6 p.m. to raise money for projects that conserve wildlife and preserve Oklahoma's hunting heritage. A social hour filled with fun, games and music will precede the dinner at 7 p.m. Families can play games and enter raffles to win several guns. Silent and live auctions will also be held.
Aug. 12: Oklahoma State Turkey Calling Contest
For the first time since 2014, NWTF will crown a state turkey-calling champion! The State Chapter of NWTF, in conjunction with Cabela's, will present the sanctioned contest. Michael Waddell from the outdoor TV show "Bone Collector" will be the host. Helping to judge the event will be "Outdoor Oklahoma" TV show host Todd Craighead from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Event sponsors include NWTF-Oklahoma, Cabela's, Bob Moore Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Avian-X Decoys and Zink Calls.
Contests will be held in Open Division, Friction Division, Owl Hooting, Amateur and Youth. Prize money, up to $1,000 for first place, and Cabela's prize packages will be awarded. The champions of the Friction, State and Open divisions will qualify to attend the 2018 Grand National Calling Contest in Nashville in February.
Contestants must be NWTF members (or buy membership on site) and pay entry fees during registration from 9 to 10 a.m. Following a mandatory contestant meeting, calling will start about 11 a.m. with the Youth Division.
Aug. 12: Oklahoma Wheelin' Gun Bash
The fun continues after the calling contest! NWTF's annual Wheelin' Gun Bash will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2945 Northwest Expressway in Oklahoma City. More than 50 premium firearms will be available in the drawing. Only 200 gun-drawing tickets will be sold, at $250 each, on a first-come, first-served basis. The ticket includes adult beverages and a steak dinner. Each full-price ticket holder may bring one guest for a meal-only price of $30. Other activities will include a silent auction, chances to win premium firearms, vacation trips, hunting trips and much more! Those unable to attend may buy a drawing ticket only for $230. Waddell from "Bone Collector" is scheduled to attend. Please reserve tickets in advance by calling Regional Director T.J. Goodpasture at (903) 253-1593 or e-mail tgoodpasture@nwtf.net.
Aug. 26: Oklahoma County Chapter Hunting Heritage Banquet
The Oklahoma County Chapter of NWTF will hold its Hunting Heritage Banquet at Remington Park at 5:30 p.m. to raise money for projects that conserve wildlife and preserve Oklahoma's hunting heritage. Dinner starts about 7 p.m., preceded by a social hour with fun, games and music. Live and silent auctions will be held.