> NWTF Awards Hunt to Youth Essay Winner

Blair has won a trip with her dad to El Dorado, Kan., this April to participate in the Kansas Governor's One-Shot Turkey Hunt.

LENOIR, N.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation has named 13-year-old Atlanta Blair of Lenoir, N.C., its 2009 JAKES program essay contest winner.

The NWTF's JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) program is dedicated to helping youth discover a new world of fun waiting for them in the outdoors. Hundreds of youth-only events are held across North America each year to help youth up to age 12 learn about hunting, fishing, camping, archery and more. The NWTF's Xtreme JAKES program provides advanced outdoor opportunities and challenges for teens between the ages of 13 and 17.

Blair's essay, titled "How Would My Life Be Different If Hunting Was Not A Part Of It?" was selected from many other well-written essays submitted by youth from across the United States and Canada. Blair, an A-honor roll student at Gamewell Middle School in Lenoir, will receive a Kansas hunting license and an all-expenses-paid trip to El Dorado, Kansas, for the 23rd annual Kansas Governor's One-Shot Turkey Hunt this April.

Blair's license will be awarded during a special ceremony at the NWTF's 33rd annual Convention and Sport Show, held Feb. 19 to Feb. 22 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.

"Choosing a winner from so many great essays was tough, but we felt that Atlanta's essay perfectly captured the responsibility, maturity and discipline that youth gain from hunting," said Mandy Harling, NWTF JAKES program coordinator. "We're looking forward to rewarding her with a hunt she'll always remember."

Blair immediately picked her father, Wesley, as her chaperone for the hunt. Wesley has been deployed to Iraq four times, and Blair has looked forward to hunting with him each time he's returned.

"My dad and I love to hunt together," Blair said. "Having him along is going to make this trip even more fun."

Former Kansas Governor Mike Hayden developed the hunt to bring key people from various professions to Kansas to experience the natural beauty and business opportunities available in the Sunflower State.

More than 650 volunteers donate their time during the event, including guides, landowners, sponsors and the many people who do the hands-on work. The Kansas Governor's Annual One-Shot Turkey Hunt has become a nationally recognized event.

Click Here to download a copy of Blair's essay.

The NWTF is accepting entries for the 2010 Kansas Governor's One-Shot Turkey Hunt Essay Contest. Click Here to enter.