Turkey Hunt another success for Duncan

Apr. 24—A warm and breezy evening on the Kochendorfer patio last Thursday brought laughter from tales told of those who participated in the 35th annual Lt. Governor Turkey Hunt last week during the closing and traditionally hosted Turkey Tales dinner.

The dinner is the ritual closing to the hunt in Duncan. The Lt. Gov's hunt has statewide events with guests from all over to help build relationships to further economic development throughout the state. Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation (DAEDF) has led Duncan's hunt for many years, pairing guests with local hunting guides.

DAEDF President and CEO Lyle Roggow welcomed everyone to the hunt's closing event and recognized several elected officials, city and county representatives and DAEDF's Board of Directors and staff.

Throughout the hunting week, Roggow said they take the opportunity to showcase the community and engage participants in several activities, from skeet shooting to pistol shooting. The overall goal is to further economic development in the city by attracting site selectors to the area.

At Thursday's dinner, duos stepped up to the podium to share their experiences of the hunt.

First, four teams who had no bird told their story with their guides, all of which included both good times and not so good times. Duos included: Thane Hutcheson, hunter and Dr. Lance Minson, guide; Steve Kozarits, hunter and Jay Watkins, guide; Paul Krause, hunter and Darin Ingram, guide; and Evan Stair, hunter and Trey Anderson, guide.

Then, Roggow introduced those who placed, from sixth to first.

Coming in first, Tom Dubel, a national site consultant from Maryland, said he's been fortunate to work with people in Oklahoma and Duncan, as well as Roggow.

"Coming back to this event a second time, it is one of the premiere economic development events I have the good fortune to attend over the years," he said. "It really showcases Duncan and the surrounding counties and all they have to offer."

According to Dubel, he's had a unique perspective to get to see this event grow.

"I was here 10 years ago and I'm here today," he said. "Duncan has really expanded on the industrial side and the developments they've done — unbelievable. It's been a lot of fun."

Dubel said going to a turkey hunt is hard to beat.

According to Dubel, he's visited Duncan multiple times for a variety of projects.

"I always like coming here," he said.

Roggow said he's been part of this event for 17 years and they've hosted this for around 30 years. By hosting the event, the city, through DAEDF, receives a great opportunity to build relationships with people and learn about what Duncan has to offer, as well as promote business opportunities.

Roggow said they enjoy taking people on a tour of the community so they have a good understanding of what they can offer and how they operate.

According to Roggow, it's an opportunity to showcase Duncan and have a little fun at the same time.

He said participants come back with stories and experiences in the community to share with others and that's why they do what they do here, because of the positive feedback given.

Bonus: The winner wins a shotgun.

As the event wrapped up, awards were distributed to the first place team with the biggest bird. The award went to Dubel and guide Tony High.

Next, the award was presented to trap shoot winners, which saw a tie between Steve Hahn and Kevin Pendell.

Then, the indoor shooting range winner was Paul Krause.

Roggow said the event always brings a lot of fun and positive experiences.

"It's always a success, it always is," he said. "I think we as a team of DAEDF feel pretty accomplished when we know we've put something together that's very successful that everybody likes."

Award recipients:

—First place: Tom Dubel, hunter and Tony High, guide

—Second place: TSgt. Kevin Pendell, hunter and Matt and Hal Labyer, guides

—Third place: Kyle Coulter, hunter and Richard Anderson, guide

—Fourth place: Charlie Staats, hunter and Matt Byerly, guide

—Fifth place: Steve Hahn, hunter and Chuck Siess, guide

—Sixth place: Gen. Randall West, hunter and Jerry Williams, guide

No birds:

—Thane Hutcheson, hunter and Dr. Lance Minson, guide

—Steve Kozarits, hunter and Jay Watkins, guide

—Paul Krause, hunter and Darin Ingram, guide

—Evan Stair, hunter and Trey Anderson, guide