By Brenda Valentine
First Lady of Hunting®
September 8, 2009

Townspeople of historic Edgefield, SC turned out in full force for the Grand Opening of the Turkey Shoppe on Main, September 4 & 5. Edgefield is home to the National Wild Turkey Federation and the obvious location to offer NWTF licensed products and more.

Among those shopping and enjoying the local flavor were David Olender of Gaylord Entertainment, Brenda Valentine, NWTF National Spokesperson, Marsha Olender, and Burt Carey, NWTF Media Director.

Nothing livens things up like good music. The father-son team of Trent and Allan Harrelson put out some of the best bluegrass every played.

Everyone found something interesting at the Turkey Shoppe. Men checked out the guns, ladies swarmed around the many decorator items while the youngsters pretended to shoot strutting gobblers and big bucks from the groundblind.

September 5 was both the opening of dove season and the Turkey Shoppe on Main. Dove hunting is a celebrated southern tradition that is equal parts shotgunning, socializing, and sharing culinary delights. Dr. James Earl Kennamer, NWTF Head Biologist, is a master of putting on a first class dove shoot. Pictured are three generations of Kennamers, including son Lee and 4-year old Roselee, after a warm afternoon in the dove field.

Dressed for the occasion, Roselee thought wearing ear protection was way cool.

Dove fields are a perfect place to introduce kids to hunting.

Good food and good friends are what it's all about.

Highlights of Dr Kennamer's dove hunt followed by a dove feast will air in the future on the NWTF conservation program Get In The Game on the Pursuit Channel, hosted by Brenda Valentine.

Read all of Brenda's Field Notes