Newsletter of the Maryland State Chapter

Fall2009

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Turkey Droppings is a newsletter for the Maryland State Chapter, National Wild Turkey Federation, published in February, July and November. Deadline for material to be published in the newsletter is February 2, June 2, and October 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

Another summer has come and gone as has another edition of the Maryland State Turkey Droppings. I would like to say thank you to all that have contributed to the Droppings. I would still like to see more articles from other chapters along with pictures. It only takes a couple of minutes to jot down something that your chapter has accomplished.

With the beginning of the hunting season, I hope everybody has somewhere to go to get their big buck that slipped past last year. Good luck and have a safe hunting season.

Hopefully everybody has gotten their 30 day gun raffle tickets from their local chapter representative. I know I have mine and hopefully will have the same luck that I had last year.

Since the next edition won’t come out until February, let me be the first to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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Boss Gobbler Sounds Offby Billy Moore, Maryland State Chapter President

Hello again fellow Hunters, Conservationists, and Outdoor Enthusiasts,

The long hot summer is finally over and the cool crisp air of fall is here. We should all be outside enjoy-ing our favorite activities regardless if it is hunting, fishing or just walk-ing in the woods. We can all escape the pressures of life by experiencing a breathtaking golden sunrise, the sights and sounds of the woods com-ing alive with the whistling sounds of wood ducks dipping through the trees, the honking sounds of migrat-ing geese seeking open corn fields, the deep woods thunder of those late season gobblers, silently weav-ing through the thickets—checking those secret hot spots for scrapes and rubs or for western enthusiasts like myself—the heart thumping sounds of a bugling rutting elk. What a great time to be alive and surely we all have one thing in common—“this is the best time of the year.” Hello from your Maryland NWTF State Board—We have lots of good

progress to report to you and I thank each of you for the opportunity to serve you for a couple more years as your State President—A great orga-nization with great people.

A few updates from the MD NWTF Board of Directors Septem-ber 2009 Board meeting: • Ted Caple, Mid-Shore Chapter

President, was elected as your new MD NWTF Vice President. We also added two Directors for the 2010-2012 term—Tim Houch and Randy King have accepted these new positions. Lynn Saun-ders and Susan Boarman were re-elected and will continue as Secretary and Treasure respec-tively. Thanks to each of you for accepting these positions and we look forward to another great year.

• The 2010 MD NWTF State Awards banquet has been sched-uled for Saturday, January 23, 2010, at the American Legion Hall on Kent Island. Mark your calendars now as this will be our 10th annual Awards Ban-quet and your chance to see the 2010 CORE package. We also have some special new surprises planned for the banquet so don’t miss this one.

• The 34th Annual NWTF Na-tional Convention & Sports Show is scheduled for February

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18-21, 2010, in Nashville, Tenn. This is a wonderful event for everyone and if you have never been to the Gaylord Opryland & Resort Center you are in for a spe-cial treat. Check the NWTF web page for details. www.NWTF.org.

• We are getting lots of positive feedback and many hits on our new MD NWTF web page www.MarylandNWTF.org. Thanks again to Fred Richards and many others for making this com-munication tool such a success. The web page is loaded with information and is yours to use and to stay in contact with the MD NWTF. Always remember to send us your hunting story including pictures and they may be included on the web page. See contact info on the web page.In closing I want to challenge

each of you on a few very important topics. Unless you are a hermit you are fully aware of the challenges fac-ing our hunting privileges. Please take time to contact your elected representatives to share your posi-

tion on hunting and firearms laws that are being develop almost daily. Unless we express our freedom of speech openly and honestly—our silence will result in continued eroding of our freedoms, including hunting rights. Organizations such as the National Sportsman’s Alli-ance, your own NWTF, the NRA, locally the Maryland Sportsmen’s Foundation and others are leaders in protecting and preserving these rights. I urge each of you to support such conservation organizations. By joining together we will have a much greater impact since numbers equal power through influencing political issues. And lastly but most impor-tantly—pass along your wisdom to the next generation. Don’t forget to thank the Veteran, pray for those who are fighting for our Freedom and introduce a child to the Great Outdoors.

Until Next Time—Happy Hunting and Be Safe

Don’t forget to go to www.MarylandNWTF.org.

Regional Director’s Reportby Priscilla Page Garvin

’Tis the season. For those of you with a permanent case of the hunt-ing bug, when I mention “season” you probably think about those days spent out in the elements with your trusty gun and maybe a few good friends, chasing your harvest dreams.

Yes, that “season” is upon us, and hopefully you will have an op-portunity to head for the western counties for Fall Turkey. Or maybe you’re geared up on the Eastern Shore for those “other” birds. And come Thanksgiving weekend, you’ll be sitting in a tree waiting for that

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state record deer to stroll by.While all this holds true, cooler

weather and falling leaves also mark the onset of our holiday season, which for many represents fam-ily traditions, good food and fond memories. For a growing number of Marylanders being laid off every day, though, this year might be more stress than joy as they struggle to make do.

For those of you who don’t know, the NWTF has a wonder-ful program called Turkey Hunters Care (THC). Designed to reach out to families in their darkest times, THC is about brightening the holidays for others. NWTF chapters across the country provide frozen domestic turkeys to less fortunate families in their communities. In fact, THC has provided more than 545,000 meals to needy families across the United State since 2001.

Last year, Southern Maryland and Central Maryland Chapters donated hundreds of turkeys to their local neighborhoods in November and December. Monocacy Valley Chapter distributed frozen birds in their region for Easter. While this is a fantastic effort on the part of these volunteers, we still have a lot of room to grow here in the state.

If you are a Chapter president, THC is a great way to say “thank you” to the communities who sup-port your annual Hunting Heritage banquet. If you are reading this as an NWTF member and you’re not cur-

rently affiliated with a local chapter, this is your calling to get involved.

So now that you know about the program, how do you and your committee get started? Here are some ideas:

1. Ask your local grocer for help with supply and discount pricing (i.e., wholesale prices, discount prices or buy one get one free).

2. Consider asking for dona-tions from local businesses.

3. Work with homeless shelters, churches, food pantries, school clubs and other civic service organizations to identify the correct recipients.

4. Involve local media—let them know the NWTF is doing this good deed in their community. Custom news releases are available on our website at www.nwtf.org/volunteers. Go to the "Custom News Release" section then click on the "Promote Turkey Hunters Care Programs" and "Follow Up a Turkey Hunters Care Event" links.

5. Enclose a certificate recog-nizing your chapter's commitment to this program with each turkey. Certificates are available on our Web site at www.nwtf.org/volunteers. Go to the "Chapter Forms" section then click on the "Turkey Hunters Care" link.

6. White plastic logo bags in which to place each turkey before distribution to an organization will be provided to all participating local chapters at no cost. To order bags contact Kim Saxon via e-mail at

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ksaxon@nwtf.net or complete the bag order form and fax (803-637-9180) or mail to Kim Saxon. Please give her your name, chapter name, shipping address, phone number and email address along with the quantity of bags needed for this program. NOTE: Please allow at least one week for delivery.

Some chapters also include stuffing mix, potatoes, bread and dessert to complete the holiday meals. Another neat idea I’ve seen is to ask a local Scout or youth group to participate by decorating the delivery boxes. This is an especially nice gesture if you are giving the meals to specific individuals or fami-lies, plus it gets the kids involved.

The gratefulness of families

receiving this gift is seen in their eyes and felt in the heart. Become a part of this community service and you'll also help ensure the future of conservation, hunting and the wild turkey.

Best wishes this holiday season!

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

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MD DNR Wild Turkey Program UpdateBob Long, Wild Turkey Biologist

2009 Brood Survey Results—Since 1997, the Department of Natural Resources has conducted a summer wild turkey observation survey. The primary purpose of this survey is to monitor and estimate turkey reproductive success, so the survey is often simply called the “brood survey.” In the summer of 2009, 102 individuals or groups participated in the survey and re-corded the sightings of nearly 5,000 wild turkeys. Thanks to those of you that participated! And for those that didn’t…we are always looking for more volunteers. From the data, an estimate, or index, of poult produc-tion can be obtained by looking at the number of poults for each adult hen. In 2009, the statewide reproduction index was 2.2 poults per hen, below the average of 2.8. Widespread rains during the peak of hatching are likely to blame for the poor production this past sum-mer. Reproduction has been below average 4 out of the last 5 summers in Maryland, resulting in declining turkey populations in many areas. Regionally, Southern MD was the only part of the state that reported good production at 3 poults per hen. Western Maryland and the Upper Eastern Shore were slightly below average with about 2.5 poults observed per hen. Central Maryland and the Lower Eastern Shore only

reported about 1.5 poults per hen. Final results of the brood survey will be available in mid-October and posted on the DNR website: www.dnr.state.md.us

2009 Fall Turkey Season Out-look—The fall turkey season will open on October 31 and close on November 7. Fall turkey hunting is only permitted in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington Counties with a season bag limit of 1 turkey of ei-ther sex. Turkey populations in the western region are holding steady or declining slightly following 2 consecutive years of below-average reproduction. However, plenty of birds are still available if hunters put in some time scouting and locat-ing feeding areas. DNR personnel recorded poor acorn production on this year’s mast survey so hunters may want to focus on any other available food sources for the best chance for success. Washington and Allegany counties continue to hold the highest densities of turkeys in the region.

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Should I Take that Jake?by Bob Eriksen, NWTF Regional Biologist

The spring season was more than three weeks old. The hunter had spent a good deal of time in the woods but had not filled his tag. Twice longbeards had presented opportunities to him, but things weren’t quite right. In the second week, two longbeards sneaked in quietly behind four hens. The hens came in close, well within effective range of his shotgun, but the gob-blers held back. They drew a line in the sand and stood, necks stretched tall at 40 to 45 yards. Was his gun capable of making that shot in open woods? Maybe,, but he simply wasn’t willing to take a chance at that range.

A couple of days later, he moved in on a bird thundering on the roost. He got as close as he dared. The woods were open, and moving around any more with the increas-ing light was out of the question. He scratched out a tree call on his slate and the bird gobbled back. A few minutes later he saw the bird fly down. It gobbled and then went quiet. Suddenly the gobbler ap-peared at about 40 yards. He wasn’t displaying. Instead, he was walking, searching for the hen. The hunter mustered a cluck in an attempt to stop the bird for a second. The gobbler kept walking and began to turn away. It was now or never. The hunter decided it was a risky shot

and let the bird walk.Here he was on a cool, clear

and calm morning in the last week. He breathed in the spring air and waited to hear the first gobble. Three birds opened up as the eastern sky brightened. Two gobbled sporadi-cally from a distance away. A closer bird gobbled time after time. He sounded as ready as a gobbler can be. The hunter walked quickly across the hay field and entered the woods. He was thankful that the leaves were fully developed because the gobbler was only 70 or 80 yards into the woods. Earlier in the season this set-up would have been impossible. He tip-toed to a large red oak just 10 yards into the woods, placed his stool on the ground and set up. Off to his right was the hayfield and a few yards behind him was a downed tree providing shadow to help break up his silhouette.

His tree call was answered. The bird continued to gobble regularly as daylight increased. The hunter used his mouth call to cluck a few times and those clucks were cut off by the roosted bird. His fly-down cackle produced another string of gobbles. Once again he was close enough to see the bird fly down. The gobbler flew downhill and then proceeded to walk back up. The hunter fig-ured that bird would come straight for him, but he was wrong. The

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gobbler flanked him and entered the hayfield. The tall grass was wet with dew and the hunter had not figured on the gobbler taking that route. The bird gobbled twice from the field but there was just enough hill in the field that the bird was not visible. The next time he gobbled he was to the hunter’s hard right— behind the fallen tree, but still in the field. The hunter took a chance and shifted his position so he could cover the field. He yelped on the mouth call and the bird responded with a thundering gobble from less than 25 yards.

In a minute the gobbler ap-peared right at the end of his gun barrel and in perfect range. His neck was stretched out and he was looking for the hen. But instead of being a wary old longbeard, the bird that had made his heart race and almost given him the slip was a jake with a four inch beard. The hunter hesitated. His safety was off, he had the shot. Still he hesitated. What would his friends say if he shot a jake? Several of them had taken good longbeards. The landowner had not set any rules about the age of gobblers to be taken. Was it fair to shoot a jake? Was it even ethical to shoot a jake? Thoughts raced through his head. He had made the ethical choice to pass on two adult gobblers already. Now he had an ideal shot. He had called the bird up fair and square and the bird had performed admirably. His gobble

was loud and deep like a big tom. There were only a few days left in the season. Should he take the shot? Should he let the bird walk?

All these thoughts went through his mind in the few seconds that the jake stood still. He made his deci-sion, sighted carefully and squeezed the trigger. His tag was filled and his season was over.

The questions this hunter had as he made his decision are discussed around the campfire, across the dinner table and at the coffee shop. I can’t tell you how many times people have asked me, “Is it ethical to shoot a jake in the spring?” My response is that taking a jake in the spring is a personal decision. Some hunting clubs and some landown-ers have rules permitting hunters to take only adult gobblers. Only one state, Mississippi, limits hunters to gobblers with at least a six inch beard. The objective is to allow more jakes to survive to be two year olds. The question no one can really an-swer is, “Does that work?”

In most years and in most states adult gobblers compose the bulk of the harvest. Most of the north-eastern states that operate checking stations consistently report that the harvest ranges from 60-70 percent adult toms and 30-40 percent jakes. Gobbler survival studies and research on spring harvest rates have generally shown that adult gobblers are harvested at higher rates than their younger counterparts. No one

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can say definitively what the reason is for that. It could be that hunters select older gobblers, or it could be that juvenile gobblers are less vulner-able to hunters in the spring than the adults. When it comes to survival, jakes do have a better chance of making it to the next spring than adult toms. Annual survival of jakes ranges from 60-80 percent. Annual survival of adult gobblers ranges from 20-40 percent in general.

So if you look at the odds, a jake has a 3:1 chance of living to be a two year old, but an older gobbler has less than 50:50 odds of making it to his next birthday. Will that jake you pass up in the spring be there next year? The answer is: maybe with a capital “M.” Some old gobblers make it through four, five and even six spring seasons. Some jakes make it through that first spring to grow old. Others make it through that first spring only to become dinner

for a coyote or break the windshield on a Lexus.

Is it ethical to take a jake in the spring? In 48 of 49 states with spring seasons, jakes are legal game. From a biological perspective, taking a jake is not an issue; that is why they are not protected by regulation. A major part of ethics is obeying regu-lations—whether or not someone is watching. Shooting a young gobbler is not a question of ethics. It is a personal choice made by the hunter when he asks himself (or herself ) a series of questions. A hunter who chooses to take a jake he calls up in an exciting scenario should not be subject to criticism by his peers. If that bird came to call, approached within range and presented a good shot, it is legal game. Certainly most of us would prefer to take a grizzled old longbeard with sharp spurs, but there is little biological justification for frowning on harvesting jakes.

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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MARYLAND NWTF CONSERVATION SEED PROGRAM

Spring Conservation Seed Orders Due by November 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 CORN, SOYBEAN, or SORGHUM seed for Spring 2010 planting, please contact your local chapter president (listed in the back of the newsletter)

no later than NOVEMBER 15, 2009.

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.

MARYLAND HUNTING HERITAGE SUPER FUND PROGRAM

The Maryland State and local chapters work very hard to raise money for wild turkey conservation —The Hunting Heritage Super Fund Program is the way to put your money to work to help wild turkeys and preserve our hunting heritage in Maryland. The Super Fund annually funds many projects

including educational efforts, habitat development, research, and law enforcement efforts.This is your chance to obtain money to do something for your local turkeys and hunters! If you have an idea for a Super Fund project, please contact your local chapter president (listed in the back of this newsletter) in advance of the deadline for help in completing a project proposal form.

DEADLINE—PROPOSALS DUE BY DECEMBER 1, 2009

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by Harry Rhule Jakes Coordinator

Once again its time to return to the woods and the fields, wish-ing everyone a safe and successful season. If you have an opportunity take a youngster hunting with you, it will be a rewarding experience.

School is back in session—time to get to work on scholarship ap-plications. The complete informa-tion package can be downloaded from the National Wild Turkey Federation web site. Hope everyone is able to get at least one completed application; if you have additional students interested, please send the applications in. All applications should be at the local chapter by

January 1; if you received more than one. Please summit the additional one, we will judge all applications submitted. Please forward com-pleted application to me as soon as possible. Looking forward to receiving your entries for this year’s scholarship.

Attention all chapter Jakes coor-dinators, please go on line and re-view the following forms, Outreach Program Occurrence Report and the Certificate of Insurance Request form. These forms should be com-pleted prior to your next Jakes Day.

Again, have a safe and successful hunting season.

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The Maryland State Chapter of the

National Wild Turkey Federationpresents:

Annual Awards Banquet

Saturday, January 23, 2010

6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the

American Legion Post 278 800 Romancoke Road

Stevensville, MD

The Maryland State Chapter Annual Awards Banquet

Saturday January 23, 2010

REGISTRATION FORM

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

Name: _______________________________

Address: _____________________________

City: ________________________________

State: ____________ Zip: ______________

Phone: ______________________________

Meal ticket $30 ________________

Total Enclosed: _____________

Please send this form with check, payable to: Maryland State Chapter – NWTF

Billy Moore 10060 Penns Hill Road La Plata, MD 21646

Pre-registration is required, cutoff date is 1/15/2010

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The Maryland State Chapter of the

National Wild Turkey Federationpresents:

Annual Awards Banquet

Saturday, January 23, 2010

6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the

American Legion Post 278 800 Romancoke Road

Stevensville, MD

The Maryland State Chapter Annual Awards Banquet

Saturday January 23, 2010

REGISTRATION FORM

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

Name: _______________________________

Address: _____________________________

City: ________________________________

State: ____________ Zip: ______________

Phone: ______________________________

Meal ticket $30 ________________

Total Enclosed: _____________

Please send this form with check, payable to: Maryland State Chapter – NWTF

Billy Moore 10060 Penns Hill Road La Plata, MD 21646

Pre-registration is required, cutoff date is 1/15/2010

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The Tri-County Longbeards Chapter of the

National Wild Turkey Federationwould like you to join us at our

ANNUAL

Hunting Heritage Banquet Saturday, February 6, 2010

6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the

American Legion Rt 50 & Fred Malkus Bridge

Cambridge, MD

For more information call Conrad Arnold at 410-330-5967 or

George Corey at 410-820-7977

The Free State Chapter of the

National Wild Turkey Federationwould like you to join us at our

ANNUAL

Hunting Heritage Banquet Saturday, February 6, 2010

6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the

Bayou Restaurant Pulaski Highway (Route 40)

For more information please call Tom Maliszewski at 410-638-5843

Havre de Grace, MD

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The Tri-County Longbeards Chapter of the

National Wild Turkey Federationwould like you to join us at our

ANNUAL

Hunting Heritage Banquet Saturday, February 6, 2010

6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the

American Legion Rt 50 & Fred Malkus Bridge

Cambridge, MD

For more information call Conrad Arnold at 410-330-5967 or

George Corey at 410-820-7977

The Free State Chapter of the

National Wild Turkey Federationwould like you to join us at our

ANNUAL

Hunting Heritage Banquet Saturday, February 6, 2010

6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the

Bayou Restaurant Pulaski Highway (Route 40)

For more information please call Tom Maliszewski at 410-638-5843

Havre de Grace, MD

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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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LocalChapterNewsState Line Strutters Delmar, MD ChapterFIN: 57-0564993

The State Line Strutters held their 4th annual Hunting Heri-tage Banquet on September 12 at the Delmar VFW. As always, the evening was exciting and fun for everyone that attended. Dinner was provided by the Delmar VFW and consisted of Crab Cakes, Fried Chicken, and all the trimmings. We all agreed that in these tight economic times, a turnout like this just goes to show how much the area is still involved in the continuing conservation and educational efforts of the NWTF with over $21,000.00 raised.

In addition to the 2009 Core Package, there were many donated items up for auction, too many to list in this article, but included a deer blind, tower, and half acre food plot, installed / planted in the location of your choice (donated by Wildlife

Property Management);three origi-nal prints from Barbara Beaucham, Robert Barnes, and Susan Boarman; a turkey hunt, and a one day Sika Deer hunt in Dorchester County.

Before the banquet that night the Strutters installed a fish feeder and 300#s of feed on the VFW’s pond as a thank-you for everything that the VFW does for us as a chap-ter, the NWTF; as well as the com-munity. The feeder will go a long way in making the fish more active and healthier when we hold our next JAKES day event as well.

On December 13, 2010 the Delmar VFW will be holding an all you can eat beef & dumpling din-ner from 1 - 5 p.m. to benefit Ernie and Bonnie Ennis. There will be live and silent auctions and raffles. Please contact Dave Johnson for more information at 302-846-2688.

Western Maryland ChapterThe Chapter would like to

announce and welcome our new President and cheer leader, Mrs. Bonnie Friend. Her enthusiasm and good humor are most appreciated and we would like to extend her our

warmest welcome. The Western Md. Chapter held

its annual Kids Fishing Rodeo in May this Spring and as always it was a huge success with about 65 kids attending. This annual event

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is held in conjunction with the Ac-cident Community Planning Group at the Accident Community Pond in Accident MD. No accidents were noted! We also held a Spring Hunt-ing Heritage Banquet in May at the Oakland Elks Club.

We are looking forward to our Fall Hunting Heritage Banquet to be held Nov. 7 at the Finzel Fire Hall. This is a great way to close out the fall Turkey season each year and give something back. Not to men-tion it is a great time and place to get started on some early Christmas

gifts for all those outdoor enthusiasts on your lists. The doors open at 5:30 pm with dinner at 7:00 pm. For tickets, please contact Bonnie Friend at (e-mail: meadowmountain@wildblue.net), or address: P.O. Box 38, McHenry, MD 21541-0038 to send a check. We appreciate your support and would like to especially thank all those from chapters East that have so graciously supported our Fall banquets over the years. We look forward to seeing you all in November!

Free State Chapter by Tom Maliszewski

With this publication, hunting season is in full swing. Many of us will be out in the field enjoying the great outdoors. Maryland offers some unique opportunities, liberal bag limits and many days afield with many areas open to public hunting.

This year try some of Maryland’s finest areas from east to west. The state offers some of the best hunt-ing available. In addition, try some of the lottery programs, Black Bear hunting, Blackwater National Ref-uge, and many local jurisdictions

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offer local hunts within minutes of all our metropolitan areas.

The Free State Chapter (New Board) held its banquet. Overall, it was a success; many were wondering if the chapter will succeed or falter and wittle away. The overall paid at-tendance was 128. This is 4 less than the previous year. With the economy being as it is, we almost made last year numbers. Our average per per-son was 122.00. In previous years it was anywhere from 97-147.00 per person depending which year you compare. We still have a long way to go! We also learned as we went along. Place this date on your calendar: Feb 6, 2010, at the Bayou in Havre de Grace for the Freestate/NWTF banquet. We will strive to make the Golden Gobbler award. My hat is off to the new board. Job well done! Thank you.

This past July we held our 1st annual WITO float trip. The scenic Susquehanna River was the location. 7:00 am launch. We had 14 kayak and fishing participants. The trip was about 5 hours, with multiple stops along the way. We saw eagles fighting over breakfast, beavers, ducks, deer, countless other wildlife on our trip; we even caught a few large and smallmouth bass along the way. For those who missed it please mark your calendar next July 4.

We also did 2 clinics, one with Autumn Sky Outfitters during the Big Fall Hunting Expo in August. We met many and were greeted

with open arms. We also did Mason Dixon Outfitters youth day. We had the great privilege of working with the future generation of hunters. We covered everything from turkey calling to safety in the outdoors. 37 new Jake hunters and 4 new members were signed up. This is the area where I feel we need to go out and find the new hunter who didn’t even know about the National Wild Turkey Federation.

In closing, please be safe this year while out hunting; for those who climb trees to deer hunt please wear your safety harness. Enjoy what the state of Maryland has to offer. If you don’t you’ll be missing a great time. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at tmaliszewski@acosta.com or cell 443-677-6110

Reminder our meetings are held at the Bayou restaurant in Havre de Grace, Md., the third Wednesday of the month.

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Wye Oak Longspursby Joe Welch

Hope everyone is doing well and has had an enjoyable summer. Although summer is coming to and end I am looking forward to the fall hunting season. I hope everyone bags a big one this year but most im-portantly hunt safe and hunt smart.

On July 18 we held our annual Jakes Day Event. Representatives from the Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources, Maryland Bow Hunters Association, Maryland Trappers Association and our hardworking committee helped to educate all of the kids on the joys of the outdoors. Thank you to all who attended and helped make this year a success. Special thanks go out to Joe & Diane Piazza for graciously hosting our event.

On August 15 the Wye Oak Longspurs donated several items for a silent auction as well as a live auction for the Corporal Jason D.

Mileo Schoarship Fund. Jason was a local boy who lost his life while serving in Iraq. The scholarship helps support Comfort Zone Camp (CZC) a camp that helps kids who have lost a parent, sibling, caregiver or anyone special in their lives. The camp is free for kids, and is solely based on donations. The event held by Phil and Leah Hall was a huge success again this year and congrats to them for doing a job well done for a great cause.

Looking to the future, plans are already under way for our next ban-quet which will be help on Saturday, March 6, 2010, at the American Legion hall in Stevensville. Get your tickets early as this event sells out fast.

If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a commit-tee member feel free to call Joe at 443-786-1495

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Western MarylandJoe Mills11812 Kemp DriveFrostburg, MD 21532Home: 301-689-0204Work: 301-689-1457Cell: 301-268-2436

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 LongspursJoe Welch23048 Tuckahoe Springs DriveDenton, MD 21629Hm: 410-820-2223Cell: 443-786-1495Wk: 410-770-8337

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 DirectorChris Karinja23 Spruce StreetRockaway, New Jersey 07866Wk: 973-627-2165Cell: 973-769-9371Fax: 973-627-2166E-mail: ckarinjanwtf@optonline.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

NWTF VA, DE, MD, NJ Women’s Regional DirectorPriscilla Page1008 Doctor Jack Rd.Conowingo, MD 21918Hm: 410-378-2064priscillanwtf@zoominternet.net

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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

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Maryland State ChapterNATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION

2010 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, 2009

Maryland State ChapterNATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION2010 J.A.K.E.S. “Hunt of A Lifetime”Application

Applications for the 2010 Maryland State Chapter’s JAKES “Hunt of A Lifetime” are now available and will be accepted through December 31, 2009. 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:

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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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