WTU Banquet Time Is Here
The basic way that sporting organizations raise funds for their programs is the scheduling of annual fundraising banquets to benefit the organization.
This coming Thursday, July 30, the Lincoln Parish Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited will host its annual get-together at the Ruston Civic Center and if what has happened each year with this banquet is any indication, you can look for one of the largest crowds this area has to support the organization’s fund raising efforts.
I have been privileged to attend the annual banquet each year since the first one was held 11 years ago, and I have been impressed with not only the number of people in attendance but also the level of enthusiasm I have noted each year.
There are two basic reasons why this banquet is so popular. One, it features one of this area’s favorite sporting activities, deer hunting. Also, Whitetails Unlimited offers a unique way in which funds are distributed. Half of the money raised goes to the national organization to improve the lot of whitetail deer, but the kicker is that half the money stays right here at home to assist reputable organizations.
As a non-profit organization, the event will include dinner, auction, and prizes with a wide array of firearms, hunting gear, and other unique items.
Funds are distributed locally to assist 4-H club shooting sports activities; the archery range located at Lincoln Parish Park is one of the recipients of funds, as well as funds to assist organizations that focus efforts on assisting kids with handicaps.
Starting last year, funds were made available to a new organization, Cross Trail Outfitters, a group that targets disadvantaged youngsters in not only allowing them the opportunity to be involved in hunting and fishing but also introducing them to Christianity.
According to the brochure Whitetails Unlimited makes available, attendees to the annual banquet can sponsor tables. For example, for groups that purchase a platinum table receive eight banquet tickets, a three-piece Browning knife set, entry into a sponsor-only drawing along with the recipient of a rifle and thermal scope.
Participants are invited to become a youth sponsor of a gun to be given away to a youngster at the banquet.
The family-oriented banquet kicks off when the doors open at 5:30 with a catered meal served around 7:30 pm.
Tickets, $50 single and $25 for spouse or child, are available at the door. Also they can be purchased from committee members or by mailing check and ticket order to McKinney Honda, 715 North Service Road, Ruston, LA 71270.
This is your invitation to offer your support to this outstanding organization that keeps half of the money raised right here at home.
Even if you aren’t a deer hunter, this is one event you will enjoy with everything being offered. Make plans now to attend the banquet this Thursday, July 30 at the Ruston Civic Center. I’m betting you will come home feeling good about all this group does. You might also come home with one of the outstanding products that will be given away that night.
FISHING REPORT
CANEY LAKE – Bass are around the grass early and hitting topwaters. Later they’re around deep drops and channels. Soft plastics and crank baits are working best. Crappie are around the deeper tops and are hitting jigs and shiners. Bream are slow to fair. For information, contact Caney Lake Landing at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Crappie are deep and are fair on shiners or jigs. Some bass are being caught early on topwaters and later by flipping the trees and lily pads with oversized soft plastics. The bream bite has slowed. For the latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – Bass fishing is best up the river where there is more clear water. Crank baits and soft plastics are picking up some. Crappie are fair in the river lakes. For the latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass are best on topwaters early and crank baits and soft plastics later on secondary points. Crappie are in their summer patterns in deep water in the channel and channel edges and hitting jigs and shiners. The bream have slowed now that the water and air temperature have warmed. Lots of catfish are being caught on red wigglers and night crawlers just off the banks. For the latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie are around deep brush with jigs and shiners working best. Bass are in the shallows early, hitting topwaters, and in deeper water around the channel edges later. Soft plastics and crank baits are picking up some. Night fishing is best now that the weather is turning hot. Bream are slow. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water level is falling. Barfish are being caught on Bandit crank baits. Catfish are being caught on trotlines, and buffalo are being caught in nets. Crappie and bass have not started to hit. For info, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.