3/19/2007

Sixth Annual Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt Kicks off Today in Montgomery

More than 100 business leaders from major corporations are scheduled to attend the Sixth Annual Alabama Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt March 19-21, 2007, in Montgomery. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is coordinating the event, which is hosted by Alabama Gov. Bob Riley.

The invitation-only event will be held at approximately 80 different hunting properties within a 75-mile radius of Montgomery. Executives from Academy Sports and Outdoors, EADS North America, Leatherman, Lockheed Martin, Panalpina and Teledyne Brown Engineering are among those scheduled to attend. Media representatives from CNBC, ESPN, Jimmy Houston Outdoors and The Outdoor Channel are also planning to participate along with Alabama outdoor writers.  Country recording artist Aaron Tippin is also scheduled to hunt. 

Each guest hunter is teamed with a landowner host and guide for a full day of hunting on Tuesday and a half-day of hunting on Wednesday. The Grand Champion trophy goes to the hunter harvesting the largest gobbler. In addition, the landowner hosting the Grand Champion will also receive a trophy.

A Recruitment Tool for the State

The hunt is used by state officials as an industry recruiting tool. “The Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt allows us to showcase Alabama as a destination for business and recreational opportunities like hunting,” says Alabama Conservation Department Commissioner Barnett Lawley.  “Expanding businesses certainly consider quality of life when choosing a new site.”

Hundreds of business executives throughout North America have participated in the Governor’s Turkey Hunt over the past five years. The Alabama Development Office, which is charged with industrial recruitment, selects the business and industry participants.  

“Eighty percent of industrial development comes from expansion of existing businesses in Alabama,” says ADO Senior Project Manager, John Mosley. “The Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt strengthens relationships with existing corporations such as Academy Sports and Outdoors, and serves as a catalyst to build relationships with new prospects.” 

Described as the premier event of its kind nationwide, the Alabama Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt pumps more than $1 million into the local economy during the three days.

“The One-Shot Turkey Hunt also showcases Alabama’s abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation.  Hunting, fishing and other nature-based tourism is a $4.3 billion industry in this state. Alabama ranks fifth in the nation in hunting-related retail sales,” says Lawley.

Hunt Raises Money for Foundation

The Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt also raises funds to benefit the Alabama Conservation and Natural Resources Foundation. The Foundation funds many worthy projects such as the Lynn Boykin Wildlife Scholarship for wildlife science majors at Auburn University.

The Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt also funds other Conservation and Natural Resources Foundation projects including: “Step Outside,” a mentor-based program that introduces newcomers to hunting, fishing and wildlife watching; and “Hunters Helping the Hungry,” which provides processed venison to food banks across the state.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. 

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