The Heartland Gobblers chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is gearing up for its 27th annual Hunting Heritage Banquet, set for March 14 at the Brown-Mabry American Legion Post 153 in Poplar Bluff.
The doors to the event will open at 5 p.m., and it will kick off with a social hour and silent auction.
Various items of hunting gear, including knives, turkey calls and more, will be available, as will framed prints, a pellet grill and more.
A steak dinner, prepared by the Legion’s cook team, is on the bill, and it will be followed by a live auction conducted by volunteers Speedy Ketcherside, Haven Willis and Felix Baker.
As in recent years, a four-person African safari from Limcroma Safaris will be a big-ticket item on the auction.
According to chapter president Chuck Stewart, at least 20 guns will be given away over the course of the night.
Examples of some guns available include a Howa rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor caliber, a Tri-Star over/under shotgun, a pair of Henry rifles and several handguns.
The NWTF Gun of the Year, Stewart said, is a 20-gauge Benelli Montefeltro with walnut stocks and bronze cerakote action and barrel.
Tickets to the banquet must be purchased in advance and cost $50 for a single, $65 for a couple and JAKES tickets, for youths ages 17 and under, are $20.
Sponsorships are available at several levels. The base sponsorship costs $280, while gun table sponsorships range between $1,100 and $1,500.
Tickets can be picked up at Triggers Gun Shop in Poplar Bluff or by calling Stewart at 573-421-1257. They also can be purchased online at www.nwtf.org/events.