Covey Blast

Hello to all!!! I would like to thank everyone who attended our meetings in Albany. We had the opportunity to ask and answer questions. We shared ideas, and we talked about the future of Quail Unlimited, a future that continues to look more promising with every passing day. The Board of Directors, Regional Directors, State Chairmen and chapter delegates who were in attendance will certainly be able to share the content of the meetings with those of you who were unable to attend. I will also forward an accurate overview of the minutes of the meeting in the next Covey Blast. I should receive the minutes from the stenographer by the first of next week. She has been very busy, but should have them prepared by next Monday. I understand that the entire minutes are quite lengthy; however, I will be happy to share them with you. A special thanks to Clay Sisson from the Tall Timbers Research Study and Reggie Thackston of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, Game Management Section, who is Private Lands Program Manager and the state's bobwhite quail project leader. Both Clay and Reggie spoke to our entire group at lunch and shared some very valuable information and updates.

In regard to the Celebrity Conservation Event itself, I have one very accurate word to describe the even... WOW!!!!!! Thursday evening's Landowners' Appreciation Reception was attended by over 360 guests. The evening was made possible by Purina. The setting and the food at Stonebridge Golf and Country Club were awesome. Thank you Stonebridge!! The evening was attended by local commissioners, the Mayor of Albany and the Governor of Georgia, Sonny Perdue. Mayor Willie Adams and Governor Perdue were also the guest speakers. The invocation was given by Dr. Rick Lanford of the Methodist Children's Home in Macon, Georgia. A very special presentation was made to Ralph and Robert Bruner on Thursday evening as well. They were in attendance with their families, and the Thursday evening Landowners' Appreciation Reception was renamed "The Bruner Landowners' Appreciation Reception." This is a special long-time family in the plantation community of the Albany, Georgia area. The Bruners have been an integral part of Quail Unlimited during this great event for the past 24 years.

The Friday quail hunts were awesome; beautiful weather, great dog work, beautiful plantations, wonderful fellowship and great food. The Friday evening Winchester Conservation Dinner was sold out! Bob Whitaker and I introduced our celebrities and VIP guests to everyone. The special guest speaker was Governor Sonny Perdue, who also gave the invocation. The food was great. The silent and live auctions were filled with "first-time ever" offerings during a QU event.

The Saturday quail hunts started off with light rain, but the skies cleared and we had wonderful hunting weather in the afternoon. The Saturday evening Anheuser Busch event was sold out as well! The band was Relapse and they were incredible. The food was great. There was a special presentation that brought everyone to their feet, and some had tears coming down their faces. The program began with the Marines' presentation of the Colors, followed by a solo trumpet playing our "Star Spangled Banner." The invocation was given by me. After dinner, the band immediately had the dance floor full. When the second set began, so did the special presentation. During the third song, Kenny Chesney's "Freedom," a Harley-Davidson entered the auditorium, followed by 30 Marines, seven Albany firefighters, two Albany EMC paramedics, three Dougherty County police officers, two City of Albany police officers and six Dougherty County sheriffs deputies. They were all recognized and stood shoulder to shoulder as Bob Whitaker asked Jett Williams and Jimmy Fortune to join the band on stage as everyone in the audience stood and sang "God Bless the USA!" Words cannot adequately describe this moment.

Recognition of the incredible men and women from Quail Unlimited and Albany, Georgia, who serve in uniform everyday to protect the citizens of our great country was given. A special letter of recognition from U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss was read by Steven Meeks from U.S. Senator Chambliss’ office. This was one of the most special evenings that I have ever been a part of. Thank you very much to everyone who attended!

In summary...
The event was a success.
The event produced a very respectable and needed "net."
The chapter event insurance is in place.
The road to recovery is up and running.
Special thanks to the awesome local Albany Hunt Committee. This event would not have happened without these great people. Special thanks to every participating property.
Special thanks to Purina, Winchester, Anheuser Busch, Kubota and Redwood Creek Wines.