J.A.K.E.S. (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge Ethics and Sportsmanship) is a very important program ran by the NWTF and Middle Island Longbeards.

The Middle Island Longbeards chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will host their 15th annual Hunting Heritage Banquet on March 9 at the Momentive Park Training Facility on Rt. 2 Bens Run.

Doors will open at 5 p.m. with dinner scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. There will be a live and silent auction, games, raffles and door prizes.

For tickets to the event call ticket chairman Bob Leasure: 1-304-758-4374 or email wildwvjakes@hotmail.com and ask about the early bird special which is good until March 2.

This is the 15th anniversary for the Middle Island Longbeards, as well as the 40th anniversary of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the premier conservation organization.

All wildlife has benefitted from the conservation efforts of the NWTF, both game and non-game species. If you have killed a turkey in West Virginia, it is because of cooperation of the WVDNR with the NWTF. Also, the Outreach programs – the J.A.K.E.S. (Juniors. Acquiring. Knowledge. Ethics. and Sportsmanship.), which benefits boys and girls ages 17 and under, with the JAKES events and scholarship program; the WITO (Women In The Outdoors) for women ages 14 and up helps women to enjoy the outdoors safely and more fully; as well as, Wheelin’ Sportsmen/NWTF which enables people with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors, too.

Now is the time to “do something wild”, join the NWTF.

To join the NWTF and support the Middle Island Longbeards’ chapter, to make a donation, attend the event or be a sponsor call: -304-758-4374 today.

The Middle Island Longbeards chapter was formed in 1998 and became a chartered chapter of the national Wild Turkey Federation on Feb. 18, 1999. Since that time, the chapter has realized many goals and accomplished much for the wild turkey. The chapter has grown steadily over the years and were successful with many conservation projects in that time.

The Middle Island Longbeards works with several other organizations and to local community to accomplish the mission of the NWTF.

Contact Bob Leasure at1-304-758-4374 or email wildwvjakes@hotmail.com.