PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Turkey season is just around the corner, and what better way to kick off the upcoming season than by attending the 2014 National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) banquet hosted by the Crown of Maine chapter.
SCOTT CYR, of Fort Fairfield, a registered Maine guide, demonstrates a variety of turkey calls during a March 26 meeting in Presque Isle. 
“People ask ‘What exactly is the Crown Chapter of NWTF?’ It is a local chapter of national nonprofit conservation organizations founded in 1973 which has worked hand-in-hand with local Inland Fisheries and Wildlife personnel to maintain and establish wild turkey populations in our area, which for the first time will allow hunters additional hunting opportunities with the opening of the season this spring. Funds raised by the NWTF help to improve critical wildlife habitat, increase access to public hunting lands and introduce new people to the great outdoors and hunting,” said Scott Cyr, one of the event organizers.
The banquets, according to Cyr, raise funds for wild turkey conservation, wildlife habitat improvement and organize various programs and events, while combining a great meal with a chance to share stories with other outdoor enthusiasts.
“This is a family-oriented event and will have something for folks of all ages. There will be opportunities to win valuable prizes by bidding or giveaway games. Lucky winners will win prizes such as sporting art, unique hunting firearms, knives, wildlife calls and other outdoor equipment,” Cyr said.
One of the main events of the evening will be the random drawing of a lucky youth to participate in a free guided 2014 turkey hunt, complete with lodging at the Point Sebago Resort in southern Maine. All current Crown Chapter Jakes (junior acquiring knowledge ethics) members that are in attendance will be entered into this free raffle that will be funded by the chapter.
“This year’s banquet is Saturday, April 12, at the Northeastland Hotel in Presque Isle. Doors will open at 5 p.m. for social activity and viewing of banquet items, with dinner served at 6 p.m. A live and silent auction will be held as well as various raffles throughout the evening. A list of auction items — being added to daily — is on the Crown of Maine NWTF Facebook page,” he said.
Tickets are currently available. For more information or to purchase a ticket, call Cyr at 551-5593, Ben LeBlanc at Ben’s Trading Post at 768-3181 or Robin Doody at the Northeastland at 768-5321.
