NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION

KENTUCKY STATE CHAPTER

2007-2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

SUNDAY – MAY 17, 2009

NOLIN RECC BUILDING

ELIZABETHTOWN, KY

 

Present:  Bobby Spencer, Bryan Hartsell, Jim Williams, Pat Williams, Marlene Lanhan, Keith Lanham, Alex Lea, Matthew Lea, Schuyler Olt, Jonathan Davis, Brad Haydon, Steven Dobey, Randall Phelps, Mary Free-Phelps, Donald Kitts, David Gibson, Perry Johnston, Ricky Hardin, Sonny McClanahan, Billy Mudd, Eddie Orozco, Tim Lile, Lucas Hammons, Jarrod bishop, Mike Fawbush, Jadd Campbell, Pat Cardin and Kim Passeretti.

Not Present:  Bob Passeretti, Donnie McDonald, and Anita Hardin (reasons given)

 

President Spencer called the meeting to order at 12:45 pm.  The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Ricky Hardin, invocation was given by Jim Williams and roll call was taken by the secretary (14 board members in attendance; 3 not present/excuses given).  President Spencer welcomed all board members to the meeting.

 

Approval of Minutes – President Spencer asked if there were any corrections/changes to be made to the Minutes from the January 10, 2009 Board of Directors Meeting.  No corrections/changes were required.  President Spencer asked for a motion to approve the Minutes.  Motion to approve the January 10, 2009 Minutes was made by Jim Williams, seconded by Eddie Orozco.  Motion carried by Board.

 

Approval of Treasurer’s Report – State Treasurer Bryan Hartsell handed out the Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning balance: $9,224.58; total deposits (covering January 13, 2009 through May 1, 2009) totaled $23,535.31; total disbursements (covering January 9, 2009 through April 30, 2009) totaled $24,370.02; ending balance of $8,389.87.  President Spencer asked for a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report.  Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report was made by Ricky Hardin, seconded by Schuyler Olt.  Motion carried by Board.

 

Technical Representative’s Report – Tech Rep Steven Dobey reported on the 2009 Spring Hunting Season.  Steven reported that last summer’s brood survey documented the highest poult per hen ration since 2000, and recorded the most poults ever seen in the 25-year history of the survey.  Now, in 2009, hunters are the ones reaping the benefits of last year’s reproductive success.  This year’s spring turkey season resulted in the harvest of 29,007 birds over the 23-day period; this is up 7.1% from the 2008 harvest of 27,073.  In addition, hunters, this year, sent a new record for the spring harvest, surpassing the previous record of 8,834 set in 2006.  This year’s youth-only harvest of 1,797 birds was up 32.5% from the previous year’s season of 1,356.  Statewide, juvenile gobblers accounted for 24.3% of this year’s spring harvest.  That was due in large part, again, to the dramatic reproductive success that was observed in 2008.  This spring, 75.9% of successful hunters checked a single bird.  Collectively, all indications are that Kentucky’s turkey flock appears to be in exceptional condition.  While the 2009 season set a new harvest record, it is important to keep in mind that birds hatched from last year’s reproductive boom will be vocal 2-year olds next spring.  With another good year of reproduction, and with favorable weather, we should be in for an even more exciting spring turkey season of 1010.

 

KY Regional Wildlife Biologist’s Report – Wildlife Biologist Jadd Campbell reported since the recent ice storm, he was instructed to spend the past several months and/or the majority of his time working on LBL with recovery clean-up efforts.  The NWTF played a critical role in assistance of these efforts by utilizing the Stewardship Agreement and Stimulus Fund.  Due to the tremendous amount of tree and limb debris damage, access to any fields involving the open lands program was denied.  Jadd hired 4 logging crews and developed NWTF contracts with them to assist with clearing roads and reopening access to open lands, row crop, hay fields, and food plots.  Hired logging crews began work in February and Jadd administered these contracts through the end of April.  Over 200 miles of roads were cleared and all open lands were reopened in time for spring planting.  So far, it is estimated that over 1.5 million board feet of timer was put into log decks, just from the road clearing work alone.

 

Other LBL Work:

Contracted spring fertilization of Elk and Bison Prairie and the South Bison Range; hired a new permitted farmer through an Open Competitive Bid process via the NWTF to aid with hay management of approximately 100 acres on the Elk and Bison Prairie; will be managing approximately 150 acres of native warm season grasses that were recently burned and will be treated with herbicides by the end of the month of May; had NWTF film crew scheduled to shoot a “Get in the Game” episode on May 9-12, highlighting the LBL/NWTF partnership, but had to cancel due to all the recent rains.  Will probably rescheduled for this fall; helped with prescribed burning of 1,500 acre unit on LBL, and will be assisting with burning an additional 300 acres at the end of the month; worked Turkey Quota Hunt Check-In Station.

 

Other Items:

Operation Oak was a success.  Over 17,000 trees were handed out to private landowners on March 7, 2009; helped prescribed burn efforts on an additional 120 acres with KDFWR and The Nature Conservancy on both public and private lands; KDFWR/NWTF contract was recently revised and a large emphasis of duties will be place on Peabody WMA; in the process of contracting out the aerial herbicide spraying of 300 acres of invasive species on Clear Creek KWM to be done this August; and participated as a calling judge in the Kentucky Calling Contest held by Sportsman’s Warehouse, and helped out and attended Rough River Ridge Runners Chapter and Lexington Longspurs Chapter banquets.

 

KY Women’s Volunteer State Coordinator – Coordinator Mary Free-Phelps reported that she mailed out 560 registration forms for the upcoming Kentucky State WITO event scheduled for June 19 -21, 2009, at the 4-H Leadership Conference Center in Jabez, KY.  Mary still needs instructors for 2 classes.

 

President’s Report (Bobby Spencer)

  1. American Chestnut Foundation Proposal – President Spencer reported that he received a phone call from the president of the American Chestnut Foundation concerning a proposal that they would like NWTF to fund.  Bobby informed them that the State would not be able to fund their proposal at this time.
  2. Letters of Intent for Upcoming Officer Positions – President Spencer requested that any new board member interested in running for office for the 2009-2011 Board of Directors make their intentions known by sending out letters of intent.  He asked that interested board members contact the state secretary for a complete 2009-2011 mailing list.

 

Regional Directors’ Reports

  1. Presentation to State Chapter President (RDs) – The Regional Directors presented President Spencer, and the State Chapter, with the 2008 L. A. Dixon, Jr. Memorial Outstanding Chapter Award for third place - 10,000 to 19,999 members.  Jim Williams also presented President Spencer, and the State Chapter, a certificate of appreciation from the Warrior Transition Battalion (Fort Campbell, KY) for our support of the Wounded Warrior NWTF Turkey Hunt.  The NWTF and Regional Directors also presented President Spencer with an NWTF Stamp Print thanking Bobby for his years of dedicated service as state president.  Pat Cardin reported that the Heartland Chapter received an award, during the National Convention, for the #1 Wheelin’ Sportsmen fishing event in the nation.
  2. New DFO Bob Marshall (Pat Cardin) – Pat reported that the Director of Field Operations (DFO) Terry LeCroy has turned in his resignation.  He will remain on part time to assist in the training of Bob Marshall, who is now the new DFO over our region.  Bob graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in political science.  Before joining the NWTF Team, he was a senior account executive at Hargray Communications/Data Publishing Corporation.  Bob has a wife, Erika, and 3 children.
  3. Kentucky State Board of Directors 2009-2011 (Pat Cardin) – Pat reported that there were 18 nominations for state board of directors so no general membership votes were required. 
  4. 2009 Kentucky State Awards Banquet Summary (Pat Cardin) – Grossed $15,181 ($15,390 in 2008); Expenses totaled $14,725 ($13,488 in 2008); Meals totaled $4,175 ($1,952 in 2008); after taxes and credit card fees, VAN netted $354.00.
  5. 2010 Proposed Kentucky State Awards (Pat Cardin) – The proposed date for the 2010 Kentucky State Awards Banquet will be Saturday – January 9, 2010.  The proposed location for 2010 VAN will be St. Aloysius Church in Shepherdsville, KY.   Billy Mudd will check into the availability of the church for January 9, 2010, and will report to Pat Cardin.
  6. 2009 Banquet Summary Super Fund (Pat Cardin) – Pat reported on the 2009 Super Fund activity from January up to April 30, 2009:  Withdrawals = $42,749.80; Deposits from banquets = $34,295.66; banquets not finalized in Kentucky = 28.
  7. NWTF Mandate for All 2010 Banquets (Pat Cardin) – Pat reported that NWTF has a new mandate out for all 2010 banquets -- there must be an NWTF Regional Director at every banquet in 2010, and will be booked according to the availability of your RD.  District Directors will no longer be necessary to work banquets.  Pat stated that other states book their banquets on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.  The Board discussed the effects of this mandate on our chapter and banquet system, and agreed the State Chapter write an official letter, addressing our concerns to Nationals, and requesting an explanation for this mandate.
  8. NASP Tournament May 8-9, 2009 Report (Pat Cardin) – Pat thanked Ken Dozer, Brad Haydon, Alex and Matthew Lea (who pulling double shifts) for volunteering their time working the NWTF booth (that NTWF had secured for the State Chapter) at the National Archery in the Schools National Convention & Tournament held on May 8-9, 2009.  The Heartland Chapter and Southwest Spurs Chapter had several volunteers to step up and work this also.  There were approximately 4,000 youths that participated in the tournament.  Alex Lea asked if he and Matthew Lea could be in charge of running next year’s booth.  A motion was made by Kim Passeretti that Alex and Matthew Lea be put in charge of handling the NWTF booth for the 2010 NASP Tournament, seconded by Eddie Orozco.  Motion carried by Board. 
  9. 2009 Core Package Raffle (Pat Cardin) – Pat reported that the 2009 Core Package Raffle is a Wheelin’ Sportsmen Benefit with 80% coming back to the Super Fund, 15% to the hosting chapter (Kentucky State) and 5% to the state chapter which will total 20% of the net coming back to the State Chapter.  To date, $5,000 worth of tickets have been sold; the core package cost is $5,300.  Need each board member to sell 10 tickets.
  10. Cabela’s Revised Package (Pat Cardin) – Pat showed overhead slides showing which items replace what knives in this package.
  11. Regional Directors’ Summer Meeting (Pat Cardin) – Pat reported that the NWTF Summer Meeting for Regional Directors will take place June 15-19, 2009.  RDs will review the 2010 core package and make projections for the 2010 banquet season.  Pat also reported that starting Monday, RD’s new email addressed will be the first initial followed by their last name @nwtf.net.
  12. Regional Directors Trucks (Pat Cardin) – Pat reported that he and Mike Fawbush have received their new NWTF Colorado Trucks.  Jarrod and Lucas will get theirs next year.
  13. Outreach Event Registration Form (Pat Cardin) – Pat reported that all outreach events must have a completed registration form submitted through their RD.  This includes all JAKES, WITO and Wheelin’ Sportsmen events. 
  14. Outreach Event Evaluation Form (Pat Cardin) - Event valuations are due after each event and do not have to be given to your RD.  You can mail these evaluation forms to Mandy or fax it in to her at 803-637-9960.
  15. Regional RD Meeting (Pat Cardin) – Pat reported that a regional meeting for KY and TN Regional Directors will be held on May 27-28, 2009.  Main topics will be to review chapter banquet performance and their past 3-year history to determine if we re-ticket them in 2010.  Some realignment of chapter assignments could also take place.  We’ll have a report at the July meeting on the results.  Reminder for any banquets that have not taken place yet: chapters must submit a receipt for every expense listed on your final report.  Nationals will not finalize any report until chapters have submitted one.  NWTF will contact your RD to get a receipt.  Also, please complete section 8 - - - if chapters don’t fill it out, the RD will get a call have to contact the chapter in question or the chapter treasurer to fill it out.
  16. Kentucky State Chapter Shoot (Lucas Hammons) – Lucas reported that he will be doing the Kentucky State Shoot on August 1, 2009, at the Elk Creek Hunt Club & Winery and will be a Wheelin’ Sportsmen Benefit.  Flyers will be mailed out and all Board members will receive a flyer.  Lucas has set a goal of having 50 sponsors for this event.
  17. Diamond Life Dinner (Lucas Hammons) – Lucas will be hosting his first Diamond Life Dinner on May 21, 2009, at the Elk Creek Hunt Club & Winery.  He still has 6 seats available
  18. Green River Chapter’s Kids Outdoor Day (Lucas Hammons) – Lucas reported that the Green River Chapter will be hosting their annual JAKES event on June 6, 2009, at the Green River State Park.
  19. Taylor County Xtreme JAKES Banquet (Lucas Hammons) – Lucas reported that the Taylor County Extreme JAKES Banquet will be coming up on June 12, 2009.  This is our JAKES-only chapter and Lucas would like to see state board members attend and support this new chapter.
  20. Safari Trips/Hunts (Lucas Hammons) – Lucas informed the Board on 3 African safari trips/hunts that were donated to the State Chapter.  Valued at $17,500/each trip.  Nationals will check on these hunts and will let Lucas know if KY/NWTF these hunts can be used as State Chapter fundraisers.

 

Committee Reports

  1. State Seed (Chairman Donnie McDonald) – No action/no report
  2. State Wheelin’ Sportsmen Coordinator (Chairman Billy Mudd) – Billy congratulated the Heartland Chapter on their Wheelin’ Sportsmen Award from Nationals.  He reported that the Bernheim Chapter will be hosting their third annual Wheelin’ Sportsmen Trap Shoot/Fish Fry on June 13, 2009, at the Jefferson County Sportsman Club.  The Bernheim Chapter’s Wheelin’ Sportsmen Ultimate Team-Up Deer hunt is scheduled for October 9, 10 and 11, 2009.  David Gibson asked the Board to support this great event by attending and helping out.
  3. Communications & PR (Chairman Bob Passeretti) – The state secretary read the Communications & PR report submitted by Bob Passeretti.  State website activity is normal for this time of year, with the Newsroom and Banquet Schedule pages being the most visited.  Since no articles have been submitted by local chapters, no KY articles appeared in the last Turkey Call magazine.  As for the State Newsletter, since we had only 18 nominees running for the 2009-2011 State Board of Directors, no spring newsletter will be needed for a general election.
  4. State Super Fund (Chairman Bobby Spencer) – President Spencer reported that there was only one approved Super Fund request from the Bernheim Chapter for $250.00 for habitat work at Bernheim Forest.

 

 

Old Business

  1. State Chapter/Shelley Nickell “Wounded Warrior” WS Event (Jim Williams) – Jim reported that 10 “Wounded Warriors” from the Transition Battalion (Fort Campbell) attended/participated in the Kentucky State Chapter/Shelley Nickell Chapter’s Wheelin’ Sportsmen “Wounded Warriors” turkey hunt; also had 12 guides and 10 camera men.  At lunch, over 100 people were present and had 51 donors.  30 people had sponsored memberships for this event.  Jim reported that the Shelley Nickell Chapter is planning on hosting this event next year, and would like to do something for the Viet Nam veterans too.
  2. “Kentucky Proud” Project Report (Jim Williams) – Jim reported that the “Kentucky Proud” project raised $3,750.00.

 

New Business

  1. Recognition of Out-going Board Members – President Spencer and Vice President Jim Williams presented plaques to all the 2007-2009 out-going Board members, thanking them for their commitment, time and dedication to the NWTF and the Kentucky State Chapter and local chapters.
  2. LKS Renewal – Treasurer Bryan Hartsell reported that he has received a membership renewal for the League of Kentucky Sportsmen.  A motion to renew the annual membership of $100.00 was made by Kim Passeretti, seconded by Ricky Hardin.  Motion carried by Board.  Alex Lea reported that the LKS was holding their annual convention the second week of June and suggested that the State Chapter send a representative to attend.  A motion to have Alex Lea represent the Kentucky State Chapter at LKS’s annual convention was made by Kim Passeretti, seconded by Ricky Hardin.  Motion carried by Board. 
  3. Sportsmen’s Warehouse Calling Contest– President Spencer reported that the Sportsmen’s Warehouse calling contest was very successful and had a great turnout.

 

Open Discussion

  1. Upgrading Sponsor Gifts (David Gibson) – David asked if there was any way the NWTF would consider upgrading the Sponsor gifts.  Discussions were held by the Board 

 

Adjournment

With no further business to discuss, President Spencer announced that the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting will be on Sunday – July 19, 2009, at the Nolin RECC Building in Elizabethtown, KY.  He reminded all members that the new 2009-2011 Board of Directors will be seated at that meeting and encouraged directors to make plans on attending that meeting.  President Spencer asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.  A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Jim Williams, seconded by Ricky Hardin.  Motion carried by Board.  Meeting was adjourned at 3:50 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted by:

Kimberley S. Passeretti, State Secretary

Kentucky State Chapter

June, 2009