Just got back from the Nationals....

[pappy]

Well, we survived.....walked away with a fifth on our tube caller (in the locator division). lol.... and everything else must have made the judges cringe as we didn't see any ribbons laying around them....but, I met a huge group of Old Gobbler friends, we ate at the Cracker Barrel with Vaturkey and his wife, stayed just next to Cooter's Museum from the Duke of Hazzards show, listened to the General Lee playing its horn most of the nite, met so many great call makers, and may even have a lead on some titanium for some pot callers.
 
Those of us who got to gather outside the convention for our pic I just wanted to say a big thanks for showing up, we had some confusion on where we were going to meet, as I was as lost as a Goose in a Snow storm, but from now on, we'll meet in-front of the Convention doors where you walk into the vendor's area, out by the water fountain.

My legs gave out on me twice, but man oh man, what a huge place full of people, the economy wasn't down inside there for sure, as most every callmaker I talked to was doing better then last year at sales.

The calls were all laid out with their silent auction sheets below them, most all were receiving bids, and those increased as they were coming to a close, as there was a huge crowd following the "auctioneer" at each table counting down the final seconds, so many hands were writing new bids it looked like a group of octopuses. It was cold, but it was well worth the effort to get in there, there were scalpers out front of the convention, trying to buy folk's tickets at half price when they were leaving, CHEAP-SAKES for sure, they tried to buy mine, I told the guy to go jump in the lake....hope to see more post about their experiences...pappy
Oh..........ALMOST FORGOT VATURKEY AND MYSELF WERE INTERVIEWED BY HUNTFISHTALK RADIO WHILE WE WERE STANDING OUT THERE GETTING OUR PIC MADE FOR THE BANNER, RICKY ENDED UP BEING A GREAT SPOKESPERSON FOR OLD GOBBLER.....I THINK HE HAS A HUGE TALENT OF TALKING TURKEY...LOL

[h2obil]

It was great meeting all you guys!!            Pappy thanks for the banner!!

[mossy835]

Congratulations and thanks for the information and pictures.

[turkey slayer]

Glad everyone had a good time, Just wish I could have made it!

[BigHooks]

It was GREAT meeting the OG members that was there I'm sure I didn't meet all that was there but the ones I did you all are down to earth people. Pappy a big thanks for getting this to happen. Next year it will be even better.... Hope everybody had a safe trip home.

[Old Gobbler]

Glad you guys had a good time -- I have never been to the nationals , its just too far from S Florida to drive - Ill try and go one year --Shannon

[Gobblerstopper]

Pappy, it was great to finally meet you. Also had a great time hanging out with a couple of old gobbler guys Friday night too. 

[neal]

Wasn't able to make it for the pic we were swamped at the Hooks booth but Pappy was nice enough to stop by and let me sign it and it was great to meet him and many others that stopped by and said hello.

[TRKYHTR]

We had a lot of fun and a lot of laughs.

TRKYHTR

[jyoung]

I was so busy between working the booth and prior engagements to other events going on that I could not make it for the picture.  Great looking group of OG turkey slayers right there!! I'll have to make sure that I do not have anything scheduled for the picture next year!! Happy hunting and God bless...

Jonathan