A Heroic Dove Hunt

The Federation’s outreach programs have partnered with Hunting with A Hero (www.huntingwithahero.com), a non-profit organization founded by U.S. Army Lt. Ron Gooding, who wanted to reward active duty soldiers with a hunt of a lifetime in recognition of their service. HWAH also generates funds for Family Readiness Groups that support the soldier’s families.

Last September, 14 women participated in a Women in the Outdoors/Hunting with a Hero dove hunt sponsored by the Edgefield (S.C.) Chapter and the South Carolina Forestry Commission with cooperation from Southern States Cooperative, Inc., and Ridge Farmers Mutual. Four of the participants traveled from Fort Bragg, N.C., where they serve on active duty with the United States Army.

The civilian hunters were thrilled to spend time with the soldiers. And all but a couple of the women were first-time dove hunters. After the hunt, everyone gathered at the NWTF’s headquarters for a lesson in field dressing doves, a great meal and silent auction.

For more fun photos from this hunt, visit www.nwtf.org/photoalbum.

Third annual fall turkey hunt

NWTF members Randy and Mary Phelps of the Kentucky Twin Lakes Chapter hosted the thirdannual Women in the Outdoors fall turkey hunt.

Over a dozen lady turkey hunters gathered for a weekend of fun, food, laughter and fall turkey hunting. Participants came from Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, and each hunter was provided an NWTF volunteer as a guide.

The attendees represented a broad range of age and cultural backgrounds, but all became the same in the predawn scurry of pulling on camo and boots while checking shotguns and gear.

Thanks to the Phelps and their large group of support staff for their dedication to conservation and their generous donation of time, energy and facilities.

Get the full story and more photos of the Women in the Outdoors fall turkey hunt on Brenda Valentine’s Web site (www.brendavalentine.com). Click on Field Notes.

In case of an emergency … or just in case

Buying a kit of emergency supplies, creating an emergency preparedness plan, and staying aware create the winning formula for optimal emergency preparedness for you and your family, ensuring your comfort and survival in any disaster. Let Ice-Qube help with all three.

Ice-Qube offers a line of emergency kits that range from a $20 starter kit to a nearly 100-pound Luxe Kit ($950). There are kits for parents, pet owners and folks on the go, as well as stuff to customize your own.
One reviewer on the Web site (www.ice-qube.com) says it’s great for traveling: “We keep this by the door of our RV. It is very comforting to know we have it in case of an emergency. All to often things happen and you never have time to get everything together.”

Another reviewer said: “It is great that you can add what you need along the way instead of having to replace your kit and start over.”

Check out the site’s other resources:

Talk emergency preparedness on the blog. Join the discussion dedicated to getting you prepared and creating a safer community.
Create free ICE (In Case of Emergency) plans. They make it easy by letting you choose which plans are right for you, and you can customize them right on the site.
Sign up for a free Emergency Preparedness Annual Reminder. They’ll e-mail you when it’s time to refresh and replenish your emergency supplies.
Check out their list of resources useful when preparing yourself and your family for survival.

Like mom always said, “Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”

Going to the NWTF Convention and Sport Show in Nashville this year? Don’t miss the Ladies’ Pink Champagne Brunch and Auction on Saturday.