Rocky Mountain Region News
July/August 2008
Scott Hampel , MDF Regional Director
After a “rip roaring” first quarter, who could image that the second quarter would be just as incredible.
On April 3, I found myself traveling to Osage Beach, Mo., to work with the Ha Ha Tonka Chapter committee of Matt Bentz, Dick Ebling, Doug Smentkowski, Dennis Neier, Diana Neier, Kathy Etling, Bob Etling, Betty Bentz, David Bentz, Jeff Ward, Jeffrey Fielder, Wes Hampel, Brenda Hampel and Kathrine Hampel in preparation of the annual banquet held on April 5. Although attendance was consistent with the 2007 event, overall net revenues were down. (However, we must also remember that 2007 was a banner year in which the generosity of Bruce Ferri of Canyon Creek Outfitters was seen as two Wyoming mule deer hunts were fully donated and purchased. In this particular part of the country, this may also be a sign of a slower economy with increasing fuel costs.) A special thanks goes to Dick and Kym Ebling for their hospitality. Thank you!
Upon my return from Missouri, I soon traveled to Kemmerer, Wyo., on April 15 to attend a committee meeting for the newest Wyoming chapter. This was done to prepare for the first annual Kemmerer Chapter event (which was held on April 26). On April 16, I found myself in Casper, along with Brandon Mason, to attend the annual Wyoming Governor’s Big Game License Coalition meeting. Over $60,000 was allocated to Wyoming mule deer projects. This was money raised by MDF chapters, which auctioned or raffled Wyoming Governor’s Licenses.
On April 24, I returned to Kemmerer, Wyo., to work with this energetic and enthusiastic group of volunteers. When the event was completed, the chapter had raised over $40,000 with 87 new or renewing members, $8,000 in conservation partnerships, and a banquet efficiency rating exceeding 71%. Two words to describe this event with 160 people are “simply impressive!” Congratulations to Christa Whitmore, Shawn Whitmore, Brett Dovey, Mandie Dovey, Shauna Ridgeway, Shawn Ridgeway, Dave Brewer, Vince Hinshaw, Tommie Hinshaw, Dan Christensen, Robyn Christensen, Nate Eisenbarth, Courtney Eisenbarth, Perry Fagnant, Paula Fagnant, Ed Vining, Tina Vining, Fred Baldwin, Perry Baldwin, Pauline Schuette and Jim Olson for a truly outstanding event!
A week later, on May 3, the Buckhorn Chapter of Eagle, Colo., hosted its annual banquet with a completely different format in a new location. In past years, the event was held at a local “dude” ranch, but space was limited. As a result, the chapter decided to move to the Eagle County Fairgrounds Building, which had lots and lots of space … and then even more space. As a result, the crowd size increased from 238 people to nearly 400 people in 2008. The arena was set up with a “good ole fashioned” auction pit with bleacher seating. As usual, the live auction was entertaining as Auctioneer Randy Lewis had some fun with this crowd. One of the many highlights during the auction was when committee member Ed Oyler brought two different horses into the auction arena. Each was sold, helping to increase the chapter’s net revenue. An excellent prime rib dinner was served, and a live band, “Too Young To Know,” played during dinner. Following dinner, “Calcutta” live auction continued in which the crowd was able to bid on 11 different archers who had qualified earlier in the evening. My compliments to this chapter for some creative thinking and pulling off an “unconventional” fundraising event. When done, the Buckhorn chapter should be proud for setting a new Colorado record by raising nearly $54,000. In addition, it’s appropriate to mention here that the Buckhorn Chapter had over 1,000 volunteer hours to assist the Colorado Division of Wildlife with mule deer feeding efforts in February and March. A special thanks to all of the many volunteers from this chapter, as well as other Colorado chapters who “jumped in” to help make this event a success.
Additional travel to visit chapters in Laramie, Wyo., and McCook, Neb., also took place in May as the chapters are beginning preparations for their 2008 events.
On a final note, please remember that a Regional Workshop/Work Weekend will be held July 19-20 near Radium, Colo. This will be a “get-your-hands-dirty” weekend in which MDF volunteers will assist the Colorado Division of Wildlife with tree cutting. For information, please contact Scott Hampel at 303-659-2088 or shampel@muledeer.org.