By Brenda Valentine
First Lady of Hunting®
March 22, 2010

The Maumee Valley Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, in Toledo, Ohio, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a record attendance banquet. Regional Director Skip Markland and his extensive team of  tireless volunteers work throughout the year on a variety of NWTF projects. These continued efforts have not only won this chapter many national awards but restored wild turkey populations in NW Ohio.

The Maumee Valley Chapter hosts one of the most successful "Wheelin' Sportsmen" events of any place in the country.  Several of special sportsmen with disabilities joined the banquet fun.

Blake Walters may have a different means of mobility but that doesn't slow him down very much. Blake is quite the big game hunter. Check out his trophy mule deer picture in the "photo gallery" section of this site.

Special recognition was given to all veterans present and to these five hunters who took their first wild turkey during the 2009 season.

It's always nice to talk turkey hunting strategies with experienced hunters like this Commando Call pro-staffer.

NWTF events are family oriented affairs where kids are always welcome.

The banquet facility was packed and spirits were high at this Eve of Spring event.

Jeff Wright, Ohio State Chapter President and Del Ghia, (in the cap) Ohio State Chapter Treasurer, stopped their officer duties long enough for a quick photo snap.

A special thanks was given to the local airport facility that generously allows special NWTF projects to be held on undeveloped airport property.

For information about attending any of the Maumee Valley NWTF events contact; Skip Markland, NW Ohio RD @ wmarkland@nwtf.net or  Rachelle Raymer-Gilbert, Publicist  Rachelle@PhotogenicChoices.com 

Read all of Brenda's Field Notes