NWTF Volunteer Completes Third Grand Slam, Reflects on Decades of Service to the Wild Turkey

Four years ago, Horn had surgery on his left shoulder which prevented him from using a shotgun, so his grandson, Trevor Duvall, convinced him to try hunting with a crossbow instead. 

“I was never a bow hunter, but I ended up buying one,” said Horn. “I put a blind up in the field I usually hunt in, and I shot a gobbler. I thought that was pretty cool, and decided I wanted to do something different. I thought, ‘I’m going to see if I can get a Grand Slam with my crossbow.”” 

Horn already had plans to go hunting in Florida the following year and was able to get an Osceola with his crossbow in 2023. 

In 2024, Duvall won a guided hunt in Texas. Horn set up in a blind during the last week of their hunting season and harvested a Rio Grande wild turkey with his crossbow.  

With only a Merriam’s left to accomplish a Grand Slam, Horn traveled to Nebraska this past spring. Horn was able to harvest two Merriam’s wild turkeys during his trip to the Cornhusker State, using his crossbow on the first day and his shotgun on the second day. This trip allowed him to complete his second and third Grand Slams in one trip.  

For anyone who is thinking about attempting a Grand Slam, Horn believes that it’s an experience worth having if you can make it work.  

“It's an experience you'll never forget,” he said.  

Horn has been hunting since he was 10 years old. He remembers shooting deer from his back porch and going out into the woods to hunt rabbits and squirrels. When Pennsylvania’s first spring gobbler season opened in 1968, Horn went out with his dad for his very first wild turkey hunt.  

"My dad loved to hunt turkeys, so I started hunting with him,” said Horn. “I remember back in the early 70s when we didn't have many turkeys around here in Pennsylvania, we went up north to hunt with a camper on the back of the truck. Turkeys started coming into our area more and more, and I’ve been hunting them every year. That's my passion. I love hunting wild turkey.” 

When it comes to being a part of NWTF, Horn joined his local Terrace Mountain Chapter 27 years ago and was voted in as president 14 years ago, a role he still holds today. Like many NWTF volunteers that span the country, Horn is driven by his love for the outdoors and the desire to pass it on. Horn wants to ensure that the next generation cares about the outdoors and our nation’s natural resources far into the future. 

“Denny is a shining example of what makes the NWTF community so special,” said Dan Rensel, NWTF regional director. “His unwavering dedication and countless hours of service to the NWTF and the Terrace Mountain Chapter have made a lasting impact on conservation and outreach efforts. I’m incredibly grateful to have a passionate and committed volunteer like him. I also want to extend a huge congratulations to Denny on achieving three wild turkey Grand Slams, one with a crossbow — a remarkable accomplishment that speaks to his skill, perseverance and deep respect for the wild turkey and conservation.” 

Terrace Mountain is now gearing up for their 25^th annual Wheelin’ Sportsmen event, which will be taking place on the last day of deer season at Raystown Lake Reservoir in Pennsylvania. Horn has been involved with this event for 24 of those years and loves being a part of it.