NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION

KENTUCKY STATE CHAPTER

2009-2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

SUNDAY – SEPTEMBER 20, 2009

NOLAN RECC BUILDING

ELIZABETHTOWN, KY

MINUTES OF MEETING

 

Present: Matthew Lea, Alex Lea, Eddie Orozco, Bobby Spencer, Perry Johnston, Ricky Hardin, Anita Hardin, Brad Haydon, David Gibson, Ken Dozer, Kim Passeretti, Lucas Hammons, Pat Cardin, Jadd Campbell, Mary Free-Phelps, Keith Lanham, Marlene Lanham, Pat Williams, Jim Williams, Bill Haycraft (LKS), Billy Joe Hume and Greg Snyder

Not Present: Schuyler Olt, Randall Phelps, and Tech Rep. Steven Dobey – excuses given

 

President Dozer called the meeting to order at 12:02 pm.  Invocation was given by Jim Williams, the Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Brad Haydon, and roll call was taken by the secretary.  President Dozer welcomed all and acknowledged all guests.

 

Approval of Minutes – President Dozer asked if there were any additions/corrections to be made to the Minutes from the July 20, 2009 Board of Directors outgoing/incoming meetings. No additions/corrections were necessary.  President Dozer asked for a motion to approve the Minutes.  Motion to approve the Minutes from the July 19, 2009 Board of Directors outgoing/incoming meetings was made by Bobby Spencer, seconded by Anita Hardin.  Jim Williams made a motion to amend the Minutes to reflect that the Shelley Nickel Award Committee consists of three committee members, not four; seconded by Anita Hardin.  Motion carried by Board.

 

Election to Fill Vacant Vice President Position – President Dozer announced that there were two candidates for the Vice President position – Alex Lea and Anita Hardin.  Both candidates were given a few minutes to speak to the Board before elections were held.  Ballots were handed out and counted by the Regional Directors Pat Cardin and Lucas Hammons.  Alex Lea carried the most votes and was installed as the new Vice President.

 

Approval of Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Pat Williams handed out and read the Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Balance: $ 0.00; total deposits (covering 07/24/09 through 09/14/09) totaled $11,457.22; total disbursements (covering 08/26/09 through 09/17/09) totaled $2,791.35; ending balance of $8.665.87.  Pat reported that during the financial transition from Bryan Hartsell to her, the State Chapter account ended up with a $110.00 discrepancy.  A personal check was written by Bryan to cover this discrepancy, but Pat asked the Board not to accept the check since Bryan had never taken anything for all his years of service as State Treasurer.  A motion to return the $110.00 check to Bryan was made by Kim Passeretti, seconded by Jim Williams.  Motion carried by Board.  Pat reported that out of the $8,665.87 balance, $6,821.00 was core raffle money, and still owes Nationals $5,300.00 of that money.  President Dozer asked for a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report.  Motion to approve the Treasurer’s report was made by Anita Hardin, seconded by Brad Haydon.

 

Technical Representative’s Report – KY Regional Wildlife Biologist Jadd Campbell handed out and read Tech Rep Steven Dobey’s 4-page report. On July 10, 2009, the Wildlife Committee of the KY Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources proposed an amendment to move the opening day of the spring turkey season from the Saturday closest to April 15 to the second Saturday in April.  On August 14, 2009, the Wildlife Commission approved the regulatory amendment that will do into effect for the 2010 spring season.  Analyses of harvest data clearly indicated that this change in the season opener would have no significant biological impacts on the health of the Commonwealth’s turkey flock.  To better explain the biological justifications, the most common arguments are addressed below.

Argument #1 – The spring turkey season should never open before April 15.

     This was the driving sentiment of most biologists throughout the U.S. when restoration efforts were ongoing. Since then, however, the dynamics of North American turkey populations have changed dramatically and management efforts have adjusted accordingly.  It is now estimated that Kentucky, in particular, has a turkey population of approximately 220,000 birds, which is more turkeys than at any time in modern history.  Consequently, management goals are no longer focused on conservation efforts, but population regulation and hunter opportunity.  In addition, most hunters fail to realize that since spring turkey hunting was offered statewide in Kentucky in 1996, the season opener has occurred prior to April 15 on 43% of years during the 14-year period.  This has obviously had little impact on population numbers or harvest levels as hunter returns continue to set annual spring records.

Argument #2 – Increasing hunter pressure early in the season will have negative effects on the turkey flock.

     A primary goal of the KDFWR Turkey Program is to design a spring harvest regime that will maximize hunter success while creating a sustainable hunting opportunity.  Analyses of Kentucky harvest data illustrate that the KDFWR is successfully accomplishing that goal.  Since Kentucky went to a 23-day spring season in 2006, harvest pressure has been incredibly consistent and shows little annual variation.  That consistency indicates that an opening date before or after April 15 has had little, if any, impacts on harvest levels.

Argument #3 – Hunter pressure on opening weekend will negatively influence harvest levels.

     Again, harvest data over the last 9 years reveal that hunter success over the youth weekend and the first 2 days of the statewide season is incredibly stable and shows little variation.  Under this relatively constant opening weekend pressure, harvest levels continue to set new spring harvest records.

Argument #4 – Hunters are going to kill too many birds with an earlier season opener.

     This is a sentiment among many turkey hunters across the U.S.  This sentiment, however, is often a simple misunderstanding based on the assumption that more gobbling activity results in more birds killed.  In early April, Kentucky gobblers are surrounded by hens with which they spend the great majority of their time.  As those hens begin nesting, however, those same gobblers are often abandoned during the day and are very receptive to the calls of hunters.  So it stands to reason that more gobblers are actually available for harvest after the initial stages of the spring turkey season.  In addition, the unpredictable weather patterns associated with early April in Kentucky are often not favorable to many turkey hunters.  The spring season of 2007 is a prime example as Kentucky was subjected to unseasonably cold temperatures with rain, sleet, and snow over both the youth weekend and opening weekend of the statewide season.  The harvest over the opening period of the season was down considerably and the statewide harvest was the lowest since 2000.  In short, while the opportunity to hunt turkeys earlier in the year will likely increase our ability to hear gobblers, their breeding biology and unpredictable weather patterns certainly do not guarantee this.

 

The State Chapter allowed several NWTF members to address the Board with their concerns on the proposed turkey season opening day change.  After addressing their concerns, these members asked the State Chapter to support their concerns and influence the State Legislators against this change. Given that no scientific information or hard facts were submitted to validate these members’ personal concerns and claims, the State Chapter unanimously decided there was no issue to consider.  The state secretary informed the Board, that under the NWTF Constitution, in Article 3, “The chapter shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign on the behalf of any candidate for public office.  The carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation shall be limited to the extent permitted under the Internal Revenue code and the regulations of the Internal Revenue Service applicable to organizations enjoying the federal tax-exempt status.”  And, in addition to the NWTF Constitution, in Article 3 of the Bylaws, Limitations of Powers, it states, “No substantial part of the activities of this State Chapter shall consist of attempting to influence legislation.”  The Board of Directors unanimously voted to remain loyal to the NWTF Constitution for State & Provincial Chapters.  A motion to remain neutral on this issue and to follow the NWTF Constitution was made by David Gibson, seconded by Bobby Spencer.  Motion carried by Board.  

 

KY Regional Wildlife Biologist’s Report – Jadd Campbell updated the Board on the following projects:

KDFWR – Things are progressing with the Quail Focus Area on Peabody WMA.  Still working on site planning and mapping for areas to treat with habitat practices, and implementation has begun.  Over 7 miles of permanent fire breaks have been installed for burning.  Plans to begin burning in the next couple of weeks and have (approximately) 200 acres already prepared for this fall.  Also as a component for this Quail Focus Area, we have met with researchers with the University of Tennessee, who have started a research project with KDFWR.  Two research technicians were hired to keep track and monitor the before and after effects of management practices on quail populations; have assisted them in getting started.  Procedures for trapping, banding, and putting radio transmitters on birds have already begun.  The 300acre aerial spraying of Phragmites on Clear Creek WMA has been completed, and is, so far, proving to be successful. Worked with Edgefield staff on uploading the awarded Commissioners Buck Tag to the website and national online auction.  Still working on ideas for the Turkey and Elk tags.

LBL – Had to develop an entirely different agreement known as a “Supplemental Project Agreement” with the Forest Service in order for NWTF to be able to sell timber on LBL.  It took longer than expected to get approved, and NWTF cannot bid out the timber until it is approved and signed.  Hopefully, the timber still has some value and NWTF will be able to receive some bids.  Projects with the monies generated have been identified and NWTF is planning to do “Timber Stand Improvement” treatments on 200 acres on the forest.  Have contracted out another 140 acres of non-native invasive species treatment with herbicide which brings the total up to 210 acres treated this year.  Have a contractor working on clearing trees and limb debris from food plots so that these areas will be ready to prepare for fall and spring wildlife plantings. Have another contractor currently working on disking 112 acres of these food plots in preparation for wildlife plantings.  Have been inspecting crop damage on the permitted farmers’ row crops to determine how much crop should be left for the winter months.  Although some crop damage is always expected, the crops do not seem to be as impacted as last years.

Other Items –

Operation Oak Monitoring - was required to meet on site with 10% of the landowners who obtained trees from the program and monitor the planting to measure its success. Every landowner that I visited had excellent looking trees and commended the program. Have been working on my local chapter committee, this summer, in preparation for our banquet and worked with Pat Cardin at our McLean County Banquet at the end of August.  

 

President’s Report

  1. 2009 Membership Rebate – President Dozer reported that he had received a letter from Nationals giving us the opportunity to receive our 2009 Membership Rebate from our State Wild Turkey Super Fund of $1.00 per regular, sponsor, WITO and Wheelin’ Sportsmen members, to help us continue to conduct important business and assist in chapter development. This rebate totaled $5,047.00.  The Executive Committee approved the transfer of $2,000 to be deposited into the State Chapter account and the remaining $3,047.00 deposited into the State Super Fund.
  2. Letter from CEO George Thornton – President Dozer asked if all Board members had received, and reviewed, the copy of George Thornton’s letter regarding Cass Sunstein, who is an advocate for the animal rights movement and an ardent anti-hunter, and Obama’s choice for a powerful regulatory position in the White House. 
  3. Extra RD Trailer – President Dozer asked the Board if the State Chapter should retain this trailer for transporting State Chapter items to and from events, and for storing extra PA system, WS/Wito hunting blinds, etc. A motion was made that the State Chapter should retain this trailer by Bobby Spencer, seconded by Brad Haydon.  Motion carried by Board.
  4. National Board Nomination – President Dozer read a letter from Nationals on the nomination selection of Schuyler Olt for the National Board; ballots will appear in the upcoming Turkey Country magazine.

 

Regional Directors Reports

  1. Upcoming Events (Lucas Hammons) – Lucas reported that the Little Sandy Chapter’s Wheelin’ Sports Deer Hunt is scheduled for October 3, 2009, and Robin Gassett’s hunt is scheduled during the Thanksgiving holiday.
  2. Update on Fawbush Trailer (Lucas Hammons) – See President’s Report, Section C.
  3. Ideas for State Chapter Fundraiser (Lucas Hammons) – Lucas handed out an informational brochure on Safaris hunts and informed the Board that 3 hunts have been donated; one for the National Convention, one to a local chapter, and one to the State Chapter.  Lucas suggested that the State Chapter could use this hunt by listing it on eBay. Lucas will receive complete information on this hunt before the next meeting.  Lucas also discussed holding a 30 Gun Raffle by the State Chapter as another fundraiser and explained how this raffle should work.  President Dozer asked for a motion to approve listing the safaris hunt on eBay.  Motion to approve listing the safaris hunt on eBay was made by Jim Williams, seconded by David Gibson.  Motion carried by Board.  President Dozer asked for a motion to approve the 30 Gun Raffle; motion to approve the 30 Gun Raffle was made by Bobby Spencer, seconded by Jim Williams.  Motion carried by Board.
  4. 2010 Core Books (Lucas Hammons) – Lucas handed out the 2010 Core Books to the Board.
  5. 2010 State Shoot (Lucas Hammons) – Lucas reported that the 2010 State Shoot is scheduled to be held at the Elk Creek Hunt Club on August 6 and 7th, and are working with Charles Daly and Red Simmons, at Nationals, to turn it into a national sanctioned shoot.
  6. Diamond Life Dinners (Pat Cardin) – Pat reported that there are two Diamond Life Dinners scheduled: Paducah – September 29th (sending out over 150 invitations) and Louisville – October 1st (tentative).
  7. New Chapter (Pat Cardin) – Pat reported that Kentucky now has a new chapter called Stateline Strutters Chapter (Calloway County).  Their banquet is scheduled for Friday, January 22, 2010. 
  8. Education Boxes Status (Pat Cardin) – Pat reported that all Education Boxes will be shipped out the last week of September.
  9. Super Fund Outreach for Hosting a Benefit Split Clarification (Pat Cardin) – Pat explained the benefit splits = 5% back to the State Chapter, 25% to the local chapter, 50% to NWTF, and 20% to the State Outreach Super Fund. The Core Pack Raffle will be given away at the Awards Banquet and the old split applies: 80%-15%-5%.
  10. Nwtf.org (Pat Cardin) – January 1, 2010 is the deadline for scholarships for local chapters.  February 1st is the deadline for the State Scholarship consideration.
  11. Tentative Dates for 2010 State Chapter Meetings at Nolin (Pat Cardin) – Dates for the 2010 State Chapter Board of Directors meetings: May 16, 2010, July 18, 2010 and September 19, 2010.
  12. St. Aloysius Church Availability (Pat Cardin) – Volunteer Appreciation Night is set for January 9, 2010 at the St. Aloysius Church in Shepherdsville, KY.  Slept Inn is the official VAN motel - $65.00/room.  For reservations, call Connie or Holly at 502-921-1001.
  13. Wheelin’ Sports Blind Sponsorship Idea (Pat Cardin) – Bernheim Chapter is offering a Blind Sponsorship.  The idea is to offer businesses and individuals the opportunity to sponsor a blind, which every disabled hunter hunts out of.  The sponsorship cost is $50, and with that, individual’s name(s) or business names will be on the inside of the blind for that handicapped person to see.  The chapter will have a banner made to hang, at the gathering point, with the names of each individual and business, which sponsored a blind, for all the participants, guides and visitors to see.

Pat told the Board that he had received a call from Nationals stating that the Wounded Warrior Hunt has received a grant for $500.00.

 

New Business

  1. National Hunting & Fishing Day – President Dozer reported that KDFWR will be hosting National Hunting & Fishing Day at the Salato Center on Saturday - September 26th.  This event helps celebrate hunters, anglers and boaters of all ages.  Archery, air rifles, bow fishing, gun simulators and tasty samples of wild game dishes will be offered to all attending.  Wildlife biologists will demonstrate working traps, radio collars and other gear they use to study, track and monitor Kentucky’s wildlife.  Kids can learn how to track an animal or get weighed, measured and tagged like a bear or participate in pointer dog demonstrations.  Several other wildlife organizations will be in attendance and have booths.  Ken and Alex Lea will be working this event for Kentucky NWTF.
  2. 2010 Super Fund Budget for Review/Approval – President Dozer handed out the projected 2010 Super Fund Budged for the Board to review/approve.  Ken explained the projected budget allocations.  A motion to approve the 2010 Super Fund budget was made by Jim Williams, seconded by Brad Haydon.  Motion carried by Board.
  3. 2010 National Convention Registration – Jim Williams will be handling the registration for the Kentucky delegation and will need all registrations no later than October 15, 2009.

 

Open Discussion

  1. Trailblazer Adventure Day – State Board members Alex and Matt Lea, and First Class Scout Daniel Keairns volunteered to work a NWTF display booth for this event scheduled September 12, 2009 at the Old Cardinal Stadium at the KY Fair & Expo Center.  Outdoor activities offered were shooting (BB, .22 and shotgun), Archery (bow hunters or target), Angling (casting, hook baiting), Fly Fishing (fly tying, fly casting), Trapper Education (traps, pelts, furs, scents, trapping history & techniques, and tools of the trade), and Outdoor skills (game calling, hunting dogs, retriever dogs, coon dogs, pointer dogs, boating, hunter education, etc). Two thousand scouts were present as we demonstrated the different calling techniques.  We also introduced many youth to the wild turkey and the National Wild Turkey Federation.  NWTF magazines were given away and most of the ancillary literature, as well as leg bands.  Bird banding was explained and by the end of the day, over 800 bands were handed out.  The biggest hits were the owl and coyote calls.  President Dozer thanked Alex and Matt for their efforts and time.
  2. Chapter Start-Up Funds – Pat Cardin asked if the chapter start-up funds could be raised to $200.00 from the current $100.00.  Pat Williams asked if money could be taken out of the surrendered funds received from dissolved chapters (Super Fund).  Kim Passeretti volunteered to look into this as she was not sure this could be done and would inform the Board.  A motion was made by Jim Williams that, if money could be super funded from the surrendered money received from dissolved chapters, the start-up funds should be raised from $100.00 to $200.00, seconded by Pat Williams.  Motion carried by Board   
  3. Business Cards for State Chapter Board Members – Pat Williams handed out quote copies and read the quote received from Lake Printers on printing business cards for 18 state board members.  It would be a single card without the membership application (like the old cards had).  For 200 cards: $8.50 X 18 = $153.00; on 250 cards: $10.15 X 18 = $182.70.  This would be a single business card not the folded one like we have now.  There will be nothing on the back side and the email address and 3 walking turkey logo can be added for no additional charge.  President Dozer reminded the Board that state funds were very low and shared his opinion that he would pay for his cards.  Anita Hardin made a motion that Pat Williams go ahead and order these cards and everyone who orders cards should pay the State Chapter back, seconded by Brad Haydon.  Motion carried by Board.  Pat Williams amended the motion stating that the State Chapter reimburses on other expenses and that she didn’t think board members should be asked to pay any more expense.  No second was made on the amended motion.  Original motion stands.

 

Adjournment – With no further business to discuss, President Dozer announced that the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting will be held on Saturday – January 9, 2010, at the St. Aloysius Church in Elizabethtown, KY.  President Dozer asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.  A meeting to adjourn the meeting was made by Kim Passeretti, seconded by Ricky Hardin.  Motion carried by Board.  Meeting was adjourned at 4:10 pm.

 

 

Respectfully submitted by:

Kimberley S. Passeretti, State Secretary

Kentucky State Chapter

December 2009