April 9th-10th 2009
El Dorado, Kansas
How It Started
The hunt was developed by former Kansas Governor Mike Hayden. Hayden thought the hunt would be a good idea to bring key people from different professions in life to Kansas to experience the tremendous resources the state has to offer. Marv McCown, now retired, executive vice president of the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, agreed with Hayden that the city of El Dorado should host the event. The hunt was established with the objectives to promote the turkey-hunting concept, promote the many outdoor resources available in the Midwest and Kansas and to inform people coming into Kansas about the many business opportunities that are available in this area. April 1987, the first Kansas Governor's Annual One-Shot Turkey Hunt was born. It drew 22 hunters, 22 guides and 50 landowners. About 200 area folks attended the banquet.What Its Become
The One-Shot Turkey Hunt has been a huge success in obtaining its objectives. Today the event is recognized as one of the premier events of its kind. The event has brought celebrities from all over the world and many that have close ties to Kansas. There are now approximately 85 celebrities invited each year from around the U.S. and worldwide. Of those, 20 never attended the event, 6 are Youth Celebrity Hunters that have never attended the event and the other 59 are members who have attended at least one of the previous hunts and a member of the Past Shooters & Guides Association.Why Its Successful
There are over 600 volunteers that work in putting this hunt together. These volunteers include guides, landowners, money and merchandise sponsors and the many people who do the hands-on work. The event involves 24 committees, 252 landowners, 85 guides and a public banquet that now draws more than 700 folks each year. Celebrities like to come to the hunt because of the hospitality they receive while they are here. The Kansas Governor's Annual One-Shot Turkey Hunt has become a nationally-recognized event because of the many people who have contributed to making it a success.
 Last Updated 02/03/2006 P.O. Box 32 El Dorado, KS 67042 (316)321-3835
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