By Brenda Valentine
First Lady of Hunting®
May 20, 2009

The Western Jakes Hunt of a Lifetime is one of the most popular items on the auction block at the NWTF National Convention. This years' auction winners, Kate-Lee and Daniele, hunted with Brenda and Michael and were filmed by the NWTF video dept. for a segment of Turkey Call TV. This is the 4th year for the Roberts of Western Gateway Outfitters to host this event.

Devils Tower stands as a stark yet magnificent sentinel near the Hulett, WY where 2 lucky teens (Jakes) and their chaperones were to join NWTF National Spokespersons, Brenda Valentine & Michael Waddell for the annual Jakes Hunt of a Lifetime with Russ and Wanda Roberts, owners of Western Gateway Outfitters.

The Black Hills of NE Wyoming are a haven for the Merriam's turkey and therefore a favorite destination for those who love turkey hunting.

Brenda and her young hunter, Kate-Lee McDonnell, share some girl talk and turkey strategies during a midday lull.

Everyone is quick to congratulate this fine young Mississippi turkey hunter on her first Merriam's gobbler. L-R Barney Valentine, Dennis (NGO guide) Kate-Lee, Brenda, Tom McDonnell (father), Cody (NGO guide).

I suppose you could call this Junkyard Camo. Counting guides, hunter, parent, videographer, etc. there were 8 people along on this hunt so everyone made us of the best available cover — even a junked car.

Daniele, from Toronto, Canada was also a Jakes Hunt of a Lifetime participant. She is pictured here proudly claiming her first Merriam's turkey with her sister/chaperone, Desire', Michael Waddell, and Russ Roberts, owner of Western Gateway Outfitters.

Both lovely girls, Daniele and Kate-Lee took their beautiful Merriam's turkeys on the first day and each agreed this was indeed a Hunt of a Lifetime.

          
After all youth hunters tags were filled they were invited to tag along while the adults in camp enjoyed some Black Hills hunting. Pictured is Barney Valentine with his first Merriam's turkey.

The Canadian girls accompanied Brenda on her successful hunt with WGO owner, Russ Roberts.

Western Gateway Outfitters have excellent hunting operations in the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming. They have run an amazing 99.99% success rate for spring turkey for the past 10 years. The Roberts prefer to host small groups and strive to make sure each hunter has a successful and enjoyable experience. Russ is one of the most experienced and diverse guides to be found anywhere while Wanda serves up some of the best home cooked meals imaginable. Other hunting opportunities available at WGO is; pronghorn, elk, mule deer and whitetail deer. The nearby region of South Dakota is also home to other attractions such as Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse monument project as well as the historic towns of Deadwood and Sturgis.

Third Stop: Western Gateway Outfitters in Hulett, Wy for the Western Jakes Hunt of a Lifetime.

Second Stop: Keyah Grande Ranch, Pagosa Springs, Colorado

First Stop:  Tulloch Creek Ranch near Big Horn, Montana

Read all of Brenda's Field Notes