PRESS RELEASE
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ENID, OK – The Grand National Quail Club will be hosting the organization’s 50th hunt in Enid, beginning Monday, November 14. The club’s 150 local members will host over sixty hunters from across the United States and beyond at ranches within about an 80-mile radius of Enid. Invitations to the 50th hunt focus on Past Shooters of the hunt, as the group celebrates this milestone year.The 2016 hunt, which runs Monday, November 14 and concludes Thursday, November 17, will be a unique blend of nostalgia, culinary delight, entertainment and of course fabulous quail hunting and shotgun sports. Since 1967, the Grand National Quail Club has put on an invitational celebrity quail hunting event focused on fostering business relationships and showcasing Enid and northwest Oklahoma.
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“The Grand National Quail Hunt is a community effort, organized by literally hundreds of individuals, businesses and corporations that contribute to this great Oklahoma tradition,” said 2016 Grand National Quail Club President, Jason Turnbow. “As an Enid-native, I know our citizens take pride in hosting this national event on an annual basis. Fifty consecutive years of anything is quite a feat. Dating back to 1967, directors of the hunt have worked with local ranchers and community members who share our passion for this American pastime because we see the benefit and positive impact it has to our area.”
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“I often get asked about the celebrities we host and we certainly have our share of athletes, entertainers, actors and politicians who spend a week in Enid each mid-November,” said Turnbow. “If you ask our hunters, most will tell you the stars of the show are the bird dogs. Watching the dogs gracefully work together to find and point the quail is a thing of beauty. Dog handlers from across the state work year-long to have their dogs in shape to showcase at the Grand National.”
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This year’s quail population brings optimism for hunt organizers. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation closely monitors bird populations around the state and for over 25 years,
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has conducted roadside surveys to provide hunters an annual Quail Season Outlook. There is no doubt 2008 through 2013 were down years for quail, mainly due to the draught and extreme heat during nesting season. However, in 2014, quail numbers began to increase. Turnbow stated, “Last year was a great year for quail hunting. According to the 2016 season outlook, quail numbers in northwest Oklahoma have rebounded exponentially the last three years and another very good season is on the horizon.”
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Grand National Quail Club To Host 50th Hunt
