Thursday, September 15th 2011
Flora, IL
The local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation – Clay County Cutters and Strutters, held their annual JAKES field day Sat. Sept. 10th at the Ray Winka Farm just north of Flora. After all 81 participants were registered they started off the day with a retriever demonstration put on by Jerry and Brenda Kling. The dogs put on quite a show and were enjoyed by all. The rest of the morning was spent in groups at various stations including archery, trap and still target shooting, a fishing simulator manned by I.D.N.R. Officer Mack Sitzes, a b.b. gun and air rifle range, and a trapping demo and display put on by Carrolll Williams, Vice Pres. of the Illinois Trappers Association. Everyone then got back together to watch a demonstration put on by Illinois State Police Canine Unit Officer Mark Flack and his dog Rhodee.
Before lunch, shirts were passed out to all participants and a group picture was taken. The shirts were made possible from the following sponsors. First Community Bank – Xenia-Flora, Richard Rudy and Lisa Cash from Country Financial in Flora, Luttrell Backhoe Inc. in Flora, Cole Duke / Edward Jones, Southwire in Flora and Wal-Mart DC6059 in Olney. After all attending had lunch, with the hot dogs being provided by Tyler Schroeder / plumbing and heating; National Wild Turkey Federation Regional Biologist Kent Adams gave a talk on the history of the wild turkey in Illinois as well as a calling demonstration and the explanation of decoys and equipment used in hunting turkeys.
The remainder of the day was spent in groups rotating through the various outdoor shooting stations. Door prizes were then given away with rods and reels being donated by Wabash Independent Networks, and 2 air rifles donated by Patsy and John Williams from Bear Creek Outpost.
The Chapter wishes to extend their thanks to all who attended as well as the various agencies and personnel that made the day a huge success, to all the sponsors for the shirts and Angie Borelli of State Farm Insurance for the donation of a new JAKES banner and to Meagher Sign and Graphics for the printing, to Mike Frost of Mikes Market in Louisville and Beards septic service.
JAKES Coordinator Mike Winka would also like to thank Ray and Irene Winka for use of the farm, and to Ray for cooking breakfast for the workers, and to committee members Mark Winka, Butch and Artie Erwin, Patsy Williams, Bill and Marcita Hinkle, Jesse Lewis, Karl and Shelia Connell, Charlie Peters and volunteers Brent Winka, Brent Erwin and Ray Barber for their help in preparation and working throughout the day.
A JAKES member enjoys the pellet gun range with volunteer and
Clay County committee member, Karl Connell
