ROSCOE – Not only was it the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the National Wild Turkey Federation, but it was also the Sullivan County Long Beard’s Annual Hunting Heritage Banquet on Sunday, March 26 at The Rockland House.

The local chapter, which is inspired by the work of President Butch Kortright and countless volunteers and supporters, filled the banquet hall with 193 men, women and children, all there to support the worthwhile cause.

“We were sold out in four days [from when tickets went on sale],” an elated Kortright told the crowd. “Please, if ever someone can’t make it and has a ticket let us know, we can sure use it.”

The anxious crowd walked into The Rockland House at exactly 1 p.m., and the frenzy of activity began immediately.

From gun drawings, to outdoor supplies raffles to a silent auction to National Wild Turkey Federation memorabilia, there were more than 100 prizes to pick from as everyone tore off their tickets and dropped them in the various drawing buckets.

Kortright was sure to introduce many of the local residents who have helped make the Long Beards one of the top chapters in all of New York State.

And one of Butch’s right hand volunteers, his wife, Donna, said, “We did very well. We are very happy with the turnout and the funds raised for the National Wild Turkey Federation.”

She said each chapter has to host a banquet each year to support the NWTF’s programs.

“The money goes into a superfund, some of which comes back to Sullivan County,” she said. “But by having a banquet, the Long Beards also get a blanket insurance policy for all of our events.”

One of those events, the Youth Pheasant Hunt, had a very good turnout this year.

“We sponsored that event along with the Sullivan County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs,” she said.

As the day progressed, Butch also let many in attendance know the importantance of all the supporters in the crowd.

“Without all of you, we could not do what we do.”

Kortright also thanked all the Veterans in attendance with a special drawing, all the youth in attendance with a special drawing, all the table captains who helped sign up people for the event, and all the people behind the scenes.

Special Honor

National Wild Turkey Federation Northeastern Regional Director, Carter Heath, was the MC for the afternoon, keeping the program moving and announcing all the winners.

But it was one honor he kept a suprise until midway through the day.

“I just want to let everyone know that your chapter president, Butch Kortright, has been nominated for the New York State Sportsmen Hall of Fame.”

Heath said there were 19 letters of recommendation written for Butch.

It would be a deserving honor indeed.