National Wild Turkey Federation active in Mat-Su

Although there aren't wild turkeys in Alaska, the National Wild Turkey Federation's Mat-Su chapter is alive and well.

The chapter is hosting its annual fund-raising dinner Aug. 28 at Evangelo's. Last year, approximately 70 people attended the dinner and this year, organizers are hoping for much of the same.

The group focuses on outdoor activities for those of all ages -- a big emphasis is on Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship (JAKES) and Women in the Outdoors (WITO) events.

"In the Lower 48 there is a lot of transfer of birds and the organization is involved in a lot of habitat protection and conservation," said Steve Trickett, an organizer. "Up here, we do a little habitation work. We really try to bring new folks into outdoor activities."

One event designed to give people exposure to the outdoors is the annual WITO overnight event, scheduled this year for Aug. 20-22 at Centennial Campground in Soldotna. There, women get together to learn many outdoor topics.

"They do fly thing, fishing, camping, Dutch oven cooking, some wilderness survival and things like that," Trickett said. "The women always have a good time."

The cost for the event is $100 per woman, which includes membership into the Women in the Outdoors, all of the outdoor instruction and food for Saturday and Sunday. Participants must provide their own transportation, fishing licenses, sleeping bags and clothing and raingear. They are encouraged to bring their own fishing gear and tents.

Another way the Mat-Su chapter and the Anchorage chapter -- the Tundra Toms -- get involved with the community is through turkey donations. Last year, the two groups donated 120 turkeys around Thanksgiving and Christmas to Bean's Cafe in Anchorage, the Knik Tribal Council and a Valley church, all of which used the turkeys to provide food baskets to those in need.

"That's a national event that we all participate in," Trickett said.

For more information about the National Wild Turkey Foundation Mat-Su chapter, interested people can call Trickett at 745-8900. For more information about the Women in the Outdoors overnight event, interested people can call Dean Hughes at (907) 333-5653 or Maggie Lindsey at (907) 267-2196.