By Brenda Valentine
First Lady of Hunting®
August 15, 2009

The 14th annual NWTF Tennessee State "4-C The Future" Awards Banquet was held in Nashville on August 13.

Hosts for the event were NWTF State President Keith Hickman, past President Mark Jackson, and NWTF regional directors Charlie Tollett, Tim Yates and Mark Jackson. This event is well-know for the large array of exquisite custom turkey calls offered at the auction. Serious call collectors know this is "THE" place to find that one-of-a-kind handcrafted turkey call for their collection.

Since 1985, the Tennessee State Chapter has spent $743,964.00 improving habitat for wild turkeys and other native species on public lands open to hunting. These projects have benefited over 264,202 acres in Tennessee.

Awards were presented to the Sponsor of the Year and to the Volunteer of the Year.

Receiving the Sponsor of the Year Award is Bennett Westbrook, Senior Vice President of Gaylord Entertainment. Gaylord Entertainment believes in the NWTF mission and is a staunch supporter for helping achieve the Federation goals of furthering conservation and preserving the hunting tradition.

Mark Warmath,(center) gets a congratulatory hug from Mark Jackson for winning the Volunteer of the Year Award. Mark has unselfishly given his time and talents to support the NWTF for many years.

Works of art such as this 1 of 1 original, Dave Constantine hand carved box call were offered at the auction.

Song writer/recorder, Randall Haley & Barney Valentine intently watch the lively bidding.

Auctioneer, Joey Seals, knows his turkey calls and did a fine job.

Most successful operations have a strong female support crew. This group of gals are not only present at most every Tennessee NWTF function but they are hard-working, reliable volunteers who help Regional Directors and various Chapters execute successful events. PLUS... they are all accomplished turkey hunters.

Read all of Brenda's Field Notes