World's Toughest Job

It's a tough job, but someone has to do it!!  We just got back from Nashville, TN working the 2011 National NWTF Convention and had a great time!  The convention's expo featured hundreds of booths from nearly every company which sells/produces hunting gear.  From huge companies like Mossy Oak & Realtree to "mom & pop" turkey call manufactures-there was something for everyone.

It was so cool that a Kansas Boy won the essay competition! 

The purpose for the trip was to promote the Kansas Governor's One-Shot Turkey Hunt and represent the state of Kansas by sharing all of the amazing eco-tourism opportunities our state has to offer outdoor folks.


We were also able to present the National Jake's award to Chandler Nusz of Augusta, KS! Chandler won the national essay competition sponsored by the NWTF and will be joining us at the Turkey Hunt this April.  It was real special running into Miss Addy York, my good friend and last years winner from Cookville, TN.

Working the convention was a lot of work, but believe it or not, fun somehow managed to find us.  We spent some time unwinding each evening with our traveling companions Becky Wolfe and the Pat & Janet Post! We made tons of new contacts and friends like the Jones's & Oglesby's from Alabama, not to mention reconnecting with good friend Adrien Hansen of Cambridge, Maryland (looking forward to Maryland waterfowl hunt with Adrien this fall). Even good buddy Danny Armstrong stopped by for a visit, he was in town visiting family.  

We got to sit on stage with Trace Atkins!!

We got to sit on the front row for The Band Perry

The Opryland Hotel is truly an amazing place to spend a few days.  In May of 2010, the hotel flooded with nearly 8' of water in some areas.  With workers working around-the-clock, the hotel restoration was completed in 195 days!    

Brother Derek sharing a cold one with Michael Waddell

The grand re-opening of the Jack Daniels Restaurant in the Opryland Hotel with Mark Drury from Drury Outdoors!