Gobblers win top honors

Gobblers win top honors

Jan. 23, 2001

Jim Woody, president, 4-Corners Gobblers, Charles Stockstill, National Wild Turkey Federation regional director; Mike Storey, Colorado State NWTF president; Jerry Finley, 4-Corners Jakes coordinator, Dennis Newby, 4-Corners Gobblers Vice President; Norman Tribett, 4-Corners Gobblers Committee Member, and Greg Fink, Colorado State NWTF Secretary.

The 4-Corners Gobblers of Cortez, came home from the Colorado State National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Conference with top honors and funds for local projects.

The 4-Corners Gobblers received first place honors for having the highest number of JAKES members. (133) in the State of Colorado, and first place for highest net to gross funds from a super fund banquet.

Local members were also notified that they will be receiving $5,000 to help fund local wildlife conservation projects, law enforcement aids, and educational materials used for the JAKES program.

The state conference was held at Buena Vista on Jan. 13, where Colorado NWTF chapter representative and board members met to discuss plans for conservation programs and goals of the Colorado NWTF. Mike Storey, Colorado president of the NWTF announced a goal of having a 100,000 wild turkeys in Colorado in 10 years. Storey said the goal may sound unrealistic to some, "but together with the cooperation of landowners, and state and federal agencies, we can make it happen."

Local members have been working hard to join forces with, the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the State and National Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service, in an effort to transfer birds to areas where bird populations are low, to improve wildlife habitat, and to educate local young people about the importance of conservation.

The 4-Corners Gobblers will be hosting its annual JAKES Day at the Montezuma County fairgrounds east of Cortez, on Saturday, Jan. 27. starting at 10 am to 4 pm. Parents are encouraged to bring their children, (17 years old and under) out for a fun day of hands on activities, prizes, free hotdogs and soda, and a great learning experience. For more information contact: Jerry Finley, 562-4617, Dennis Newby, 882-7063, or Jim Woody, 565-3927

The 4-Corners Gobblers thank all of the local businesses, sponsors, presenters, and community members for their continued support.