Hunters and their families gathered for a good cause last night at the 17th annual Hunting Heritage Banquet sponsored by the Surry Longspurs chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

The banquet was held at the Mount Airy Elks Lodge, and around 150 people attended the event.

Kevin Hudson, a coordinator for the banquet, said, “We were pleased. We understand with the economy the way it is that it’s hard for some people to get here. But we were pleased that our turnout was about average.”

Scott Martin, regional field supervisor for the NWTF, said, “The crowd is a little bit down from what we’ve been having, but it looks like they’ve all been having fun, and it’s going to support a good cause.”

In addition to food and fellowship, the banquet featured a live auction, silent auction, raffle games, and more. The money raised at the event will go to the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and to charity efforts in the county.

“It’s all about charity,” said Hudson. “The large majority of the money will stay here in Surry County.”

Tim Draughon, president of the local chapter, similarly said, “The money we do raise goes to support our charity work, conservation, and more.”

Money was raised through the purchase of banquet tickets, raffle tickets, and auction items. Hudson said, “This year we have the nicest prizes that we’ve had.”

A variety of items were for sale. Martin said there were around 40 items for sale in the live auction and 40 in the silent auction. The selection included guns, prints, hunting gear, and NWTF merchandise. Hudson said they try to make sure that almost everyone leaves with something.

“It is a family event,” he said. “It’s just a fun atmosphere.”

Also during the banquet, the Surry Longspurs presented East Surry High School senior Derek Moore with a $250 scholarship to be used for college.

Moore said, “It means a lot to me. I’ve always been into the outdoors, so this is great.”

The student plans to spend two years in the architecture program at Forsyth Technical Community College then transfer to Appalachian State University.

The Surry Longspurs hold various events throughout the year, many of them to help those in need. The group teamed up with a few local businesses to sponsor “Friends Feeding Friends” last Thanksgiving, which provided more than 1,300 meals to people in the community.

The group also sponsors events for children and the disabled throughout the year. Hunting and fishing outings for disabled sportsmen are popular events sponsored by the organization. Group members also plant trees throughout the year at public gameland areas to help the game and beautify the area.

“This chapter does things all year long,” said Martin.

He said the group has national award-winning Wheelin’ Sportsman events, such as the catfish roundup for disabled sportsmen they hold in June.

Sandra Swaim helped start the yearly “Women in the Outdoors” outing that takes place in August. She said a fair number of women are involved in hunting and participate in Surry Longspur events.

“This group sponsors so many activities,” said Swaim.

She said she enjoyed attending this year’s banquet. Swaim said, “It’s good, and I wish even more people would come.”

Surry Longspurs is a chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, a non-profit conservation and hunting organization dedicated to “the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage.” The NWTF was established in 1973 and has expanded to Mexico and Canada. When the organization began there were 1.3 million wild turkeys in North America, and now there are over 7 million.

Contact Meghann Evans at mevans@mtairynews.com or 719-1952.