Memorable Hunts in Brown County: Celebrating Passion and Community
In Brown County, Ohio, two hunters recently experienced hunts they will never forget, achieving individual milestones highlighting how the National Wild Turkey Federation is dedicated to supporting communities and fostering passions for turkey hunting.
Chris Munn's Milestone Hunt
Chris Munn, a supporter of the NWTF and a member of the Brown County Longbeards chapter, experienced a hunt to remember after winning the NWTF gun of the year at the Brown County Longbeards banquet. In early May armed with the Gun of the Year, Munn set out on a hunt that would become a milestone in his hunting career.
During this hunt, Munn harvested his biggest bird to date. The impressive tom featured 1 1/2-inch spurs, an 11 1/4-inch beard and weighed 24 pounds. This bird was also the first kill with his new gun, making the experience even more special.
"Having been involved with the NWTF for quite some time, I've witnessed firsthand the support they provide not just to me, but to countless other hunters,” Munn said. “It's clear to me that there would be no future turkey hunting opportunities without the efforts of the NWTF in conserving wild turkey populations."
Peyton McAlister's First Turkey
Peyton McAlister, also from Brown County, Ohio, was introduced to turkey hunting last year after NWTF Regional Director for Ohio, Zane Cordrey, took him out for a mentored turkey hunt. Despite many close calls, they were ultimately unsuccessful. However, that trip sparked Peyton's passion for turkey hunting, and they awaited another chance the following season.
As spring turkey season returned, McAlister and Cordrey set out on the morning of May 16, hoping for better luck. The day started with promise as they heard many birds and saw several jakes, but couldn't get a tom to show. Moving to a new location, they spotted a gobbler strutting on a wood line. After sneaking in and calling for 45 minutes, the bird finally responded. At 35 yards, the tom strutted and gobbled one last time before McAlister squeezed the trigger and dropped the bird.
“We both turned and look at each other and I'll never forget this, his eyes as big around as baseballs as we high-fived each other and him yelling, ‘I just killed a turkey,’” Cordrey said. “We took our hats off, knelt down next to the bird and thanked the good lord for what he allowed us to accomplish. I did express to Peyton how important it is to support the NWTF, explaining that without the NWTF he wouldn't have had the experience he just had.”
McAlister’s first bird featured 1 3/8-inch spurs, an 11-inch beard and weighed in at 23 pounds.
“That right there is why we do what we do,” Cordrey said. “Kids are the future of our industry and without them, hunting will go away. It goes back to the old saying, ‘Why take a kid hunting?’ Because I was once that kid.”
These two stories from Brown County highlight the deep-rooted passion for turkey hunting that binds this community together. Whether it’s a seasoned hunter achieving a new milestone or a young hunter taking down his first bird, the spirit of camaraderie and shared excitement is palpable. In the end, it's not just about the size of the bird or the length of the spurs. It's about the stories, the memories, and the bonds formed over a shared love of turkey hunting. Both the veteran hunter and young McAlister exemplify what it means to be part of this vibrant community, where every hunt is a new adventure and every success is celebrated together.