Ellen Benitz, regional director of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), has a special night planned for Valentine’s Day. She, along with other members of the Platte Purchase Chapter, will host their 12th annual Hunting Heritage Super Fund Banquet featuring some special activities just for the ladies.

“Of course when I first mention that our banquet is set for Valentine’s Day, most folks groan, but really, when I ask them ‘Do you go out on Valentines Day?’ most admit they do not,” Benitz said.

The chapter is giving guys the chance to take their honey out and also enjoy a great wildlife art auction, gun raffles and a fantastic meal, Benitz said. “If that’s not enough, we are planning on some special activities and/or raffles just for the ladies that evening, including a ‘Fire and Ice’ raffle, the ice being diamond jewelry.”

These banquets are the main source of funding for both Missouri and national projects, Benitz said. Since 1985, NWTF members and partners have raised and spent more than $279 million to continue the country’s hunting traditions and conserve more than 13.9 million acres of wildlife habitat.

Purchasing a banquet ticket not only gets you a great evening of fun, fellowship, auctions, raffles and other activities but it also gets you a membership in the NWTF for the year.

For those planning on attending the banquet, Benitz asks that both members and those wanting to join purchase their tickets for the banquet in advance. The reason is that it determines how much food will be needed for the night.

Benitz noted that of the 2,400 NWTF Banquets held nationally last year, over $300,000 was spent on food that was never eaten at the banquet. This is money that could have been used to fund some of the federation’s grass roots projects.

This year the NWTF has approved projects in Missouri which will cost $230,000. Unlike other states, Missouri Chapters budget the projects in advance then raise funds to pay for them at the banquets. These projects include things like increasing shooting sports participation, Future Farmers of America programs, scholarships and habitat improvement.

Missouri has taken top honors in the NWTF for the highest percentage of chapters giving out scholarships, Benitz said. This is determined by the number of chapters in the state in conjunction with the number of scholarships issued — none of which would be possible without successful banquets, she added.

In addition to the many raffles for gear, guns, collectibles and some amazing home or office décor, the local chapter will raffle off a numbered Winchester Super X3, 12-gauge autoloader with a beautiful checkered stock and fore-end in high-grade walnut.

The gun is also adorned with gold plates on either side with NWTF logos laser engraved. The gun is a limited edition collector’s item with only 2,600 being made.

The raffle for the gun will be done on the night of the banquet and raffle participants need not be present to win. The banquet itself will be held at the American Legion Hall on Frederick Ave. in St. Joseph. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

Contact Benitz at (816) 387-6606 or nwtfbenitz@socket.net for ticket or gun raffle information.