Fan Mail
Su-spur fly
On the final day of the spring 2009 season, I was fortunate to harvest a beautiful 18-pound gobbler with a 9½-inch beard and 1½-inch spurs.
I honored the gobbler by joining the spurs and creating what I call the Spur Streamer Trout Fly.
It’s recycling at its best and will help create memories in the field and on the water that will last forever.
Patrick Domico, Curwensville, Pa.
Trail cams aren’t “First Strike Strategies.”
Regarding networking trail cams as mentioned in “First Strike Strategies” in the March/April issue, why would you do that?
That’s a true sportsman, but it sure isn’t being a woodsman, using electronics to replace turkey sense.
The ultimate challenge is to harvest a hard-hunted, battle-worn gobbler one on one.
Charlie Hewes
Vermont
A Wheelin’ fan
There are many groups that claim to help the disabled, but the NWTF puts its action where its mouth is. I hope you will continue to have nice events, such as the Savannah River Site turkey hunt, and thanks to all who helped put it on. Both times I have attended the event have been nothing but great experiences.
Jon Boland
via e-mail
Not Tom Kelly Fans
I read the article by Tom Kelly [“Shapes,” May/June 2010] and hope all the wildlife artists who have given their time, painting, artwork, expertise, donations and talent read it, too.
Mr. Kelly, who must be a best-selling writer, has decided he is THE turkey art critic. I take exception with Mr. Kelly. The millions of dollars raised by the artists who have been a large part of the success of the NWTF art program do not know the shape of a wild turkey, according to Mr. Kelly. According to him, only two people who ever lived know the shape of a turkey.
I cannot believe Turkey Country would allow Mr. Kelly to trash all the artists that have made the NWTF art program so successful. I have supported the NWTF for many years, have had two Grand Slams, taken more than 70 gobblers with at least 10-inch beards, and made many donations to NWTF. I will continue to make donations. I believe in your mission. I believe I know the shape of a wild turkey! Ask Mr. Kelly to pick up a brush and paint one. Anyone can write.
All the artists deserve a salute, not the words of some guy who thinks he knows shapes of wild turkeys better than anyone. He’s a writer, not an artist!
Phillip Crowe
via e-mail
Where does Tom Kelly’s art degree come from? This guy shamed a lot of great artists, and I am disappointed that your editor allowed such talk to be published. The artists who provide their artwork to the NWTF have worked hard to establish their careers, then this person comes along and destroys all they have worked so hard for.
People read your publication and want to know who is hot, and this guy is saying everyone sucks. Mark Twain Noe is a phenomenal artist when it comes to turkeys and his work is throughout the NWTF. I simply can’t say how disappointed I am in the NWTF for letting Tom Kelly trash talk these fantastic artists.
Crystal Peffer
via e-mail
On page 3, we run the same disclaimer in every issue: The articles and advertising appearing in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the NWTF.
Mr. Kelly’s words are not the NWTF’s official stance on wildlife artists. We appreciate our partnership with them and understand the value they bring to the Federation’s fundraising efforts. — Eds.
OOPS!
Our apologies to Larry Potterfield, founder and CEO of Midway USA, for running his name incorrectly in the last issue. We appreciate his company’s support of our national convention. — Eds.