1000 x 90

Fourth Annual High Country Anglers Social & Auction Friday, Sept. 7 at Appalachian Ski Mtn.

By Sherrie Norris

A fun time is on tap for those who love the outdoors — and especially those who love to hunt and fish — during the fourth annual High Country Hunters and Anglers Social & Auction, Friday night, Sept. 7.

Always drawing a large crowd, this event is sponsored by the High Country Hunters & Anglers, which is the Boone chapter of The National Wild Turkey Federation, and will take place at Appalachian Ski Mountain Lodge in Blowing Rock.

According to Michael Turbyfill, chapter president, this event is more than just a fundraiser. “It’s a chance for outdoor enthusiasts to gather for a fun night out and enjoy each other’s company, with good food and good times to be had by all.”

Those attending will have chances to win guns, hunting and fishing gear, wildlife art, home decor and more through raffles, as well as both a live and silent auction.

Among the auction items available will be several works of art by special guest and nationally renowned wildlife artist and Boone resident, Ryan Kirby.

Kirby and his wife Kim, who attend each year, are event sponsors who also volunteer with the local committee.

Kirby’s award-winning artwork has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for wildlife conservation through groups like the National Wild Turkey Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and The Quality Deer Management Association.

His art has been featured multiple times on the cover of Outdoor Life magazine, and each year he joins the nation’s top artists at the invitation-only Southeastern Wildlife Exposition in Charleston, South Carolina. 

“My wife and I are proud to support the High Country Hunters & Anglers Social and Auction,” said Kirby. “We have a good time helping the other volunteers plan the event, but most of all, we enjoy attending and spending time with other locals who enjoy hunting and fishing. Both activities are a big part of Watauga County’s outdoor recreation and heritage. This is something we look forward to each year.”

All proceeds from the social and auction go directly to wildlife conservation and the habitat enhancement of our land, lakes and streams through the efforts of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Turbyfill explained that the NWTF is a nationwide nonprofit organization with more than 250,000 members. Its mission is the conservation of the wild turkey, wildlife habitat and the preservation of our hunting heritage. Since 1985, the NWTF has raised and spent more than $488 million across the U.S. toward its mission.

“Hunting and fishing are two of North Carolina’s most popular and economically impactful outdoor activities,” Turbyfill added. “In the most recent report published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, North Carolinians reportedly spend over $2 billion annually on hunting and fishing related activities.”

On behalf of the High Country Hunters and Anglers, Turbyfill invites any area residents who enjoy the great outdoors to come out for this special time of fellowship.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner following at 7 p.m.

Appalachian Ski Mountain lodge is located at 940 Ski Mountain Road, Blowing Rock.

Event sponsors, to date, include the following Boone area businesses: Ryan Kirby Art, Xtreme Gun and Pawn, Wildlife Unlimited and First National Bank in Boone.

Tickets include dinner, all drinks and a membership to the NWTF. Tickets are $75 for a couple or $50 for a single.

To reserve tickets or to inquire about sponsorship, call Turbyfill at (803) 761-2670 or email HighCountryHuntFish@gmail.com.