I’m searching for upland bird hunters to help at a unique event near Topeka, Kansas, this fall. My Wingshooting USA TV fans have asked for a chance to “do good,” so I got to work. The result is the inaugural “Fur Feathers Friends” event, scheduled for Nov. 11-12, 2016, at Ravenwood Lodge near Topeka.
Hunters and fans of the show—and their dogs—will travel from across the country to host retired and active-duty military for two days of bird hunting, target shooting, and camaraderie, with dogs as the bond. And because every civilian hunter (and dog) will be paired with a military guest, we need a large number of civilians to ensure every military guest can go hunting.
Upland hunters know how important their four-footed companions are to them. And now we can share their magic with those who have – or are – defending our country.
Hunters can come for a couple hours, or the entire weekend. Field hunts, a European-style driven hunt, sporting clays, and fellowship opportunities are scheduled throughout the weekend. Registration and more information are available here.
Ravenwood owner and State Rep. Ken Corbet has hosted military groups for several years, and I’ve been making episodes for my show at the hunting club for almost a decade—including an episode last year with the military group Heroes Among Us. It was well-received by fans and participants, and became the impetus for the bigger event.
Discussion began in social media where I conducted a survey, and Wingshooting USA fans overwhelmingly voted for the military as the beneficiary of the event, Kansas as the location, and early November for the date. In a bit of serendipity, the event takes place on Veterans’ Day weekend, which is also opening weekend of Kansas pheasant season. I will also produce an episode of his show from the event, to air in mid-2017.
So mark your calendars now, and come out for a weekend of upland hunting with the men and women who have kept and continue to keep us safe.