10-01-22 NCNWTF Board Meeting

Members present: Tim Draughon, Brent Phillips, Henry Smith, Robert Smith, Richard Plattenburger, Ken Moore, Bill Collart, Perry Bryant, Roger Reynolds, Luke Gibson, Jessi Sackett, Kenneth Shields, John Edmondson, Greg Cook

Guests: Mike, Cully, Trey, Bobby, Zac, Vicki, Hannah, Dixie

Tim welcomed everyone at 8:00am and we held brief discussion on the prior nights shindig.

Ken led everyone in the morning invocation.

Henry presented the financial report. Ken made a motion to accept. 2nd by Robert. Motion passed.

Robert asked about where funding for the wild turkey study was coming from, should super fund dollars be used? Cully made mention it must be completely by February. Answer to be given at next board meeting in January.

Hannah our biologist presented her report. The 3 years of field work had ended. They are gathering all data now and the end report is being worked on. Preliminary reports on 2022 brood survey look to fall right in line with 10-year average in NC. She then made proposals for the use of our superfund dollars and presented in order 1 to 3 based on need. Cully joined and spoke in detail about each project. The match in dollars would be 7 to 1. With Cully’s endorsement on all projects, Ken made a motion to fund all with a 2nd from Richard. A amendment to motion was then made by Ken to include the funding for the NCWRC drone project. Bill made a motion to fund all with a 2nd from Luke. Motion passed. Cully will email details on the signage he researched in VA.

Tim presented updated info on the land purchase on the Bay River project talked about in the previous meeting. Luke again spoke on his knowledge on what his local thoughts were. Roger made a motion to fund the 50K to fund the project for the wildlife management land acquisition. Ken with a 2nd, and motion passed.

Guest from SC, Mike Waters and Cully spoke on several topics pertaining to membership recruitment and retention along with the upcoming 50th anniversary. Discussion on how we get info in front of non-members so they understand better who we are as an organization. Going forward, Cully has committed to research any superfund project and present his findings with his recommendations to the board when asked. The next wild turkey synopsis will be held in 2025 in Kansas City. All goals in the NWTF Save the Hunt project have been surpassed as of the fall of 2022. New lofty goals will be announced at 50th anniversary kickoff at 2023 convention.

Trey and Bobby made the RD report. Trey reported 8,000 adult members in NC which ranks 6th nationally. Bobby gave updates on preferred vendors and an update on ticket ordering directly. Both talked on fundraising. Online raffles are a huge success. Mike Waters piggybacked off this to again talk about the 50th anniversary. Plans for a BIG state commitment was asked for from National with any funds over commitment going to each state.

We then discussed bourbon bottles and at cost of 68.00 per bottle with glasses. Chapters get 1 bottle with chance to buy #2.

Brent and Zac brought to board a possible dedication to Larry Smith tied in with a 50th anniversary event to be held in the Fall. Committee of Brent, Tim, Henry, Zac, Trey, Bobby, Cully, Jessi, Kenneth, and John will explore.

November 1 scholarship portal will open. Deadlines February 1 to state March 1 to National.

Any chapters wanting to purchase the state logo 50th sign, reach out to John.

Backup for seed coordinator was asked for, no volunteers yet.

December raffle had 50K tickets out of 10-2-23.

Jessi talked about the website. All phone numbers removed for cyber safety reasons. Discussed a page on site for superfund allocation. Local request goes first to Tim, then to Cully for approval, Cully stated the way to originate request and the quickest way to get to Tim is by using NCsuperfund@nwtf.net

Ted sent in report on Call Makers asking to use room again on Friday at Dixie Deer Classic. All monies are in from 2022 contest. Facebook worked well Ted said.

The NC Tarheel open will be moved back to the Sat of Dixie Deer.

Discussion was made on finding a NC WITO chairperson.

After discussion on leadership/awards banquet to be held in January. Brent made a motion to pursue with date to be made later with funding for chapter leaders provided. Ken 2nd, motion passed. Bill made a motion for State to pay for one room and meal per chapter. Roger 2nd, motion passed.

Need for new name tags and shirts with new logos was discussed.

Ken made motion to adjourn. 2nd by Bill; motion passed.