15th OWITS Continues To Attract Hunters, Raises Funds For Valued Cause
Jared Harkles, Forest Products Distributors, Rapid City, SD; and Terry Miller, The Softwood Forest Products Buyer, Memphis, TN
Each spring, the Old West Invitational Turkey Shoot (OWITS) is held in Hulett, WY, with Devils Tower National Monument as the backdrop. The event benefits the Greater Hulett Community Center (GHCC). In addition, GHCC uses their funds to maintain the community center and provide community services and support for the town that 383 people call home.
GHCC and the Wyldlife Fund host the event, including the 15th edition that was recently held.
The OWITS is an exclusive event, based on a one-shot turkey hunting competition. Nearly 100 hunters, including youth hunters participate each year and enjoy a guided turkey hunt. OWITS has welcomed celebrities, NFL and MLB players, Olympians and multiple outdoor television personalities in past years.
During the day hunters can partake in a little friendly competition down at the fairgrounds with the Annie Oakley shooting competition or relax with a round of golf at the Golf Club at Devils Tower. Also, participants can take part in exciting evening events, including a calcutta, raffles, and bid on great items at the fundraiser auction.
Jason Taylor, guide, Alva, WY; Kathi Driskill, awards presenter, Hulett, WY; Jim Roberts, Roberts Ranch, Hulett, WY. The largest bird, which came off Roberts Ranch, weighed 22.8 lbs.; spurs were both 1-inch; and beard was 9-1/2 inches.
Special guests this year included Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and Kristy Titus, who produces and hosts Pursue the Wild, a lifestyle hunting series that takes viewers to Kristy’s Wyoming ranch as she prepares for backcountry adventures, hunts and more. Singer/songwriter Jared Rogerson was also among the special guests at OWITS as well as tv personality Mike Waddell, founder and CEO of Hook & Barrel John J. Radzwilla, former Ma rine, Rob Cann and veterans Colonel (retired) Pat Moffett, Chief Warrant Officer III Benjamin V. Glenn Jr. and Vietnam War Air Force veteran Grieg Schroeder.
Erik Dellenback served as the Master of Ceremonies at OWITS. For the past five years, he has served as the executive director of Hope Florida and as the Governor’s Liaison for Faith and Community in the Executive Office of Governor Ron DeSantis for the State of Florida.
Alfred Cowles, Bluff City Electronics, Memphis, TN; Terry Miller, The Softwood Forest Products Buyer, Memphis, TN; Jim and Christy Neiman, Neiman Enterprises, Hulett, WY; and Matt Lesko and John Beckwith, Landing Strip Calls, Salem, OH
The following were among this year’s sponsors: Neiman Enterprises Inc., The Softwood Forest Products Buyer, RDO Equipment Co., Forest Products Distributors and Bass Pro Shops, among others.
Learn more at oldwestturkeyshoot.org.
