Well Folks,
The West Coast Bobcat Hunters Gathering, 2nd Edition is now in the History Books. If the first was GOOD and this one BETTER, then count me in on the 3rd Edition.
Friday evening we were astounded at the number of Folks who came in early. JC had anticipated this and had a FEAST lain out for Supper Friday night. Over 40 people enjoyed the food and fellowship till the weee hours Saturday morning……no UnRealTk did not put on much of a Show, even if he did tell JC that he wished he could run Treeing Walkers!
Folks visiting Friday evening!
People came in all night Friday and into the afternoon Saturday. In all over 150 Hunters, some Wives (or Hound Widows as they liked to be thought of), and several Hunters of the future were there for the Meal and program.
Folks signed in and were name tagged to aid in putting a “Handle” with a name and face.
Meme Clay form AR setting up the sign in area. Mike Martell, David Peightal and another Hunter in the back ground.
Mr. Al Baldwin and friend checking in.
Fellowship, Renewing old friendships, and making new ones was the order of the Day. Faces were finally put with Computer Handles. With folks coming from 9 States (yes Merlo wins the Contest and a copy of David’s Book) and as far away as North Dakota/Minnesota, Texas, and Florida/Arkansas it was definitely something to remember.
My Dad sharing Hound breeding thoughts with Mike Kemp, it appears a couple of the younger Houndsmen are soaking up what is being said!
A group enjoying the Gathering!
Visiting went on outside when the Stories became too deep inside.
A shot of part of the crowd queuing up to enjoy the Tri-tip, Chicken, Oysters with all the trimmings!
When scanning the Crowd gathered, it was SAFE to say what a Great Day this was to be a Bobcat along the West Coast.....they were sure to be SAFE as almost every Hunter was Present or Accounted for!
JC put together a nice program together with a couple of Raffles and an Auction to help defray the cost of the doings.
Lots of neat prizes were won by those in attendance.
Mr. Don Stuckey from Texas who makes those beautiful Blowing horns sent one for the Auction.
It went to Mark Armstrong with a winning bid of $350.00
CRA (Charlie Aston formerly from CA but now an Arky) made a custom Bobcat hide Stretcher which was autographed by each attendee.
It too was purchased by Mark Armstrong, who presented it to JC Padget as a token of appreciation for all he has done in Founding and facilitating the West Coast Bobcat Hunters Gathering!
Also pictured above are Prints of the Lynx harvested by Tred Barta on his TV Show last year. Mike Martell donated one to JC for the Auction and one to an Outdoor Organization in Oregon to aid in the fights to save Oregonian Hound Hunter rights. These too were signed by all attendees. They sold well, one print went to Texas with big N Blue the other stayed in the NW, both raising money for very worthwhile causes!
Now I come to the GREAT part of the Gathering. JC and his Board of Directors wanted to come up with a way to Honor the TRULY Great Houndsmen and Bobcat Hunters. It was decided to Grant the Title “Master Bobcat Hunter” to 22 Past and Present of the Best of the Best. They are:
Master Bobcat Hunters
California:
Bill Young
Sonny Turner
George Baker
Ralph Aston
Harlan Maxwell
Jerry King
Oregon:
Zip Fendrich
Tom Barnes
Al Baldwin
J. C. Freeman
Jerry Hatton
Lloyd Basey
George Justus
Butch Nelson
Tom Barnett
Bruce Ramburg
Sam Dotson
Elmer Blankenship
Francis Baker
Oakly Fowler
Harold Middelton
Washington:
Earl Davis
Florida/AR
E. Finney Clay
It was amazing to see some of these Tough, very Stoic Men get emotional at being Recognized by their Peers as MASTERS in the Sport of Bobcat Hunting. In the coming years JC and his crew hope to add 6 Houndsmen to the Master Bobcat Hunter list each year!
After the program visiting lasted into the night!
Here is four Aces and a KING…LtoR Kevin Blankenship, Mr. Tom Barnes, Shawn Parks, Mike Kemp, and Tim Cook.
More kibitzing.
Three Aces…Mr. George Baker, E. Finney Clay, Mr. Tom Barnes who seems to be trying to figure out Dad’s program.
JC could not have put this kind of a Gathering on without the HELP of his close friends and Family!
Again my Hat is tipped to JC Padgett, his Family, and Friends for putting together an unforgettable Weekend!
