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  • Local National Wild Turkey Federation members Heath Mauldin, left, and Gene Crutchfield pose with similar items to what will be auctioned and given away during Friday’s banquet at the Cullman Civic Center. Rob Ketcham

    National Wild Turkey Federation

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February 15, 2012

OUTDOORS: National Wild Turkey Federation banquet on Friday

Local chapter raising money to take Shaw on 3-day hunting trip

By Rob Ketcham The Cullman Times

CULLMAN — There’s a lot more to the National Wild Turkey Federation than simply hunting the bird that’s responsible for feeding so many during Thanksgiving feasts.

In fact, NWTF member Gene Crutchfield, of Cullman, was willing to guess that 90 percent of the nearly 250 people who attend the organization’s local banquet each year don’t even hunt. Instead, he said the majority of members participate because they believe in conservation, wildlife preservation and providing scholarships for local students, among a myriad of other common goals.

That certainly won’t change as the NWTF’s local chapter prepares to have its annual banquet Friday at the Cullman Civic Center. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served around 7 p.m.

The cost to attend is $60 for individuals and $70 for couples, which includes membership, a meal and a subscription to Turkey Country magazine.

Part of those proceeds also go toward worthwhile projects, which this year includes the local chapter’s first-time participation in the “Wheelin’ Sportsmen” program. According to the NWTF’s website, the program is the realization of their “commitment to creating a national effort to provide the disabled with opportunities to get out and enjoy outdoor activities.”

The local chapter will join in that commitment by providing a turkey hunt for Bruce Shaw, of Holly Pond, who suffered a spinal cord injury following an awkward tackle during football practice in Aug. 2006. Crutchfield said the 21-year-old is confined to a wheelchair now “but still loves to get out in the woods.”

Shaw, his mother, Lek, and Crutchfield will head to Chatokee Lodge in Fort Payne for a three-day hunt in March.

“Thanks to those that support programs like this through the NWTF, men and women like Bruce and many wounded soldiers from our military are provided chances to get out and enjoy the great outdoors,” Crutchfield said. “This will be the first time we’ve ever taken a guy out of our chapter. We’re going to try to do this every year. We think it’s a very important part of our organization.”

Those interested can become NWTF sponsor members by paying $250. Crutchfield said there used to be about 70 individuals and businesses in Cullman who were sponsors before that number dropped to around 50 last year due to the economy.

“Sponsors are the ones who really help us and support us,” Crutchfield said. “That’s what really makes up the bulk of our profits.”

In addition to the dinner portion of Friday night’s banquet, there will be an auction for items like wildlife-related art, as well as giveaways of guns and other door prizes.

Rob Ketcham can be reached at 256-734-2131, ext. 257 or at robk@cullmantimes.com.

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