By Brenda Valentine
First Lady of Hunting®
April, 2011

Tim Samples of Gaylord Entertainment, and Charlie Tollett, NWTF Regional Director, are passionate about what has become a spring treat for many of us: the Gaylord, "Once In A Lifetime" Hunt.

In previous years, wounded veterans have been honored by Gaylord, Bass Pro Shop, and the National Wild Turkey Federation with an indescribably fantastic turkey hunt package. This year, young Daniel Norrod, who suffers from a very rare health disorder, was chosen as the Hunt of a Lifetime recipient. Friends and neighbors in the area have also gotten onboard to take part and support this project. The NWTF video team was there to capture it all for an upcoming Turkey Call TV show on the Pursuit Channel.

Time in the blind was spent talking with Daniel and teaching him how to use  various turkey calls.  This one is the double-sided "Sweet Talk" which was ultimately the undoing of a fine old gobbler.

This event is a team effort and Jamie Hutcheson, NWTF videographer, was a huge part of the team.

There was no shortage of turkeys on the farm we hunted and these jakes were close targets but we were holding out for an old longbeard.

Sometimes a cool drink and a bag of Cracker Jacks is the best way to pass the hours in a blind.  Daniel was such a trooper! Although it took a good part of two days for us to get the bird he never once complained or became discouraged. 

 
Daniel made a perfect one-shot kill on this really large gobbler with his .20 ga shotgun. There are no words to describe the excitement of Daniel, me, or the rest of the group.

Tears were rolling from all of us when it finally came together for Daniel. Max Norrod, Daniel's father, is tireless in his work of helping other young people and disabled hunters enjoy the outdoors. His NWTF Chapter near Crossville, Tenn., has won numerous awards for their Jakes and Wheelin' Sportsmen Events.

Charlie Tollett and Illana Burckhardt, NWTF Wheelin' Sportsman Coordinator, helped plan and work to make this event happen and now share the excitement of a perfect "Once In a Lifetime" hunt.

After spending so many hours together in the blind, Daniel and I got to be buddies. It was nice to have a minute of quiet time with the turkey we had tried so hard to get.

Everyone had an opportunity to get their photo snapped with this special kid and his big gobbler. This hunt is a special project for Tim Samples, who has worked for Gaylord all of his adult life. He is so passionate about helping others less fortunate enjoy the outdoors.

 
Daniel's turkey had a full 10-inch beard, very long-sharp spurs and weighed so much that he could barely pick it up.
 

Thanks to Gaylord Entertainment and Tim Samples for so much the list is long to print.
 
Thanks to Nashville Bass Pro Shop, Greg Cole, Jarron Ritchie, and every associate for the products and support.
 
Thanks to Illana Burkhardt, Charlie Tollett, Jamie Hutcheson, and the NWTF for supporting outreach projects that include everyone.

Read all of Brenda's Field Notes