NWTF's Jerry Zimmerman banquet set for March 9

If you're an avid turkey hunter, you owe it to the gobblers to attend the upcoming NWTF banquet. Contributed photo

If you’re an avid turkey hunter, then you owe it to the gobblers to attend the Jerry Zimmerman Memorial Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 20th Annual Hunting Heritage Superfund Membership Banquet. 

The banquet will be held Friday, March 9, 2018 at the Econo Lodge Conference Center, Allentown. (Routes 22 & 309 North) This is the federation’s 20th Year Anniversary. All attendees will receive a free gift in honor of this achievement. 

Preview of raffle and auction items along with a social hour that begins at 5:00 pm and will feature drafts and soft drinks that will be provided at no extra charge. All-you-can-eat buffet dinner along with many of Econo Lodge’s delicious side dishes will begin at 7:00pm. 

A live auction filled with spectacular wildlife prints, sculptures, home furnishings, jewelry and collectibles will follow at 8:00pm. Highlighting the banquet for is a print by the nationally known local artist, Dan Christ who has donated his works over the past 16 years. Also, for the 15th consecutive year, Bob Danenhower of Bob’s Wildlife Taxidermy will donate a custom made wingbone call, a one-of-a-kind collectors item. 

Single tickets are $55; $110 for a couple; $20 for Jakes (17 and under). Sponsor Memberships range from $300-$500, each with a host of free gifts and of course membership.  

Attendance and support of the auctions and raffles enables the organization to do valuable habitat work in the state,  contribute to land acquisitions, give disabled hunters an opportunity to be afield through the “Wheelin’ Sportsman” program; sponsorship of “JAKES Youth Field Days,” and sponsorship of the Women in the Outdoors events in Pennsylvania. 
Raffle items this year are as follows: 

1st Prize: Kimber 1911 .45 Auto, or, Ruger AR-15/5.56mm, or, $500 cash. 
2nd Prize: Ruger American Predator 22.250, or, $300 cash
3rd Prize: Remington 870E, 12 gauge, or, $200 cash
4th Prize: Leupold 3x9 rifle scope, or, $125 cash
5th Prize: $100 Cabela’s Gift Card
Tickets are $5 per ticket; three for $10; and seven for $20. 

For more information, contact Bruce Dietrich, Banquet Chairman (610-298-2424) or Scott Richards (610-393-9761). You may register online by going to: www.nwtf.org/events. 

JERRY ZIMMERMAN CHAPTER RECEIVES AWARD

During NWTF’s 42nd annual convention and sports show in Nashville, The Jerry Zimmerman Chapter was one of four chapters recognized for their outstanding achievements in the recruitment, retention and reactivation of hunters. 

The NWTF gives R3 awards to chapters whose hunting heritage events focus on recruitment, retention and reactivation of hunters. Hunter numbers across the U.S. have been in an alarming decline for the past 30 years, a trend that could jeopardize the conservation of our natural resources, since hunters foot the bill for the majority of conservation efforts in North America.

The NWTF determined this year's award winners based on how their work strengthens the organization's Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative.

Jerry Zimmerman Memorial Pennsylvania chapter received the award in recognition of their event, that partnered with Camp Compass Academy to host a JAKES pheasant hunt. This was a unified effort to introduce urban, middle and high school students to various outdoor pursuits. The recruited hunters have since participated in additional hunts and are now licensed hunters.
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