On March 21, Nashville’s biggest stars joined the outdoor industry’s most popular personalities for the ninth-annual Country Goes Huntin’ event. The brainchild of childhood buddies, Sam Klement and Rhett Akins, Country Goes Huntin’ brings together two Southern passions — country music and hunting — to make a difference in people’s lives.
Held in the Wiregrass region of Alabama, Florida and Georgia, this year’s event was a huge success. Thanks to the generosity of local landowners, outfitters and countless volunteers, 27 turkeys were harvested during the three-day event, topping the previous record of 16.
The purpose of this year’s event was to raise funds and awareness for the Sportsmen’s Legacy Foundation. The mission of the Sportsmen’s Legacy Foundation is to provide lasting, quality outdoor mentorship to children who have lost a parent or have a parent who has become physically challenged as a result of public service.
On the final day of the event, former U.S. Army Golden Knight and double amputee, Dana Bowman, parachuted into the camp with laser-like precision and delivered a 1,000-square-foot American flag.
As Dana exited the Tallahassee Helicopters Robinson R-44 from 3,000 feet, Commander Dean Castillo, Chairman and Founder of the Sportsmen’s Legacy Foundation, led 21 singers, songwriters, professional athletes and outdoor celebrities in a 21-gun salute to honor America’s military heroes. During Dana’s descent, country-music star Daryle Singletary performed the National Anthem.
“Seeing Dana jump into camp with the flag was truly an awe-inspiring sight,” remarked singer/songwriter Dallas Davidson.
After the sun set on the final day, participants were treated to a five-hour marathon jam session by Nashville’s finest. Artists included Bobby Pinson, Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, Ira Dean, Daryle Singletary, Tyler Farr, Colt Ford, Aaron Tippin, John Michael Montgomery, Andy Griggs, Josh Thompson and Lorrie Morgan just to name a few.
When the last note faded into the pines, legendary turkey caller and hunter Eddie Salter remarked, “Between the huntin’ and the music, this year’s event was truly world class. We put the hammer down on a bunch of birds and raised support for a very worthy cause. As a proud National Advisory Board member of the Sportsmen’s Legacy Foundation, I can’t wait for next year!”
The event marked the launch of a strategic campaign. Individuals can text the letters “cgh” to 38066 for the opportunity to purchase and download a custom Michael Waddell turkey call ringtone. A portion of each purchased download will be donated to the Sportsmen’s Legacy Foundation. When a ringtone is purchased, the buyer is automatically entered into a sweepstakes to win one of many exciting prizes, including a Bad Boy Buggy, a CAT-5 Cabin, a two-year free lease on a Stevenson Chevrolet truck and other prizes from Bushnell, Thompson/Center Arms and many other manufacturers.
A no-purchase option will also be available by visiting <www.country goeshuntin.com> or <www.sports menslegacyfoundation.org>. The campaign will conclude on June 25, 2010.
Professional hunter, Sportsmen’s Legacy Foundation National Advisory Board member and co-founder of CGH Sam Klement had this to say: “As a father, I can think of nothing more important than embracing these kids and building relationships with them in the woods and on the water. On behalf of both Rhett and I, it’s been a pleasure to raise awareness and dollars for the Sportsmen’s Legacy Foundation.”
Country Goes Huntin' 2010 is featured in the latest issue of Country Weekly in stores now!
