The Rockland House was packed to the gills on Sunday afternoon as sportsmen from all over the county and beyond gathered to support the Sullivan County Long Beards (SCLB) chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF).

The doors opened at 1 p.m., but the line around the building started growing just after 12:30. 

Inside, there were plenty of raffles and games to participate in. From the moment you checked in and got your table assignment, you were free to grab a drink at the bar and peruse the selection of items to bid on.

Carter Heath, the Regional Director for New England, which includes the SCLB and six other eastern New York Chapters, was on the stage announcing raffle winners throughout the afternoon.

“It’s wonderful how loud it is in here,” Heath said as he addressed the crowd. “We’re all positively impacting the mission of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and I’m happy to be here.”

Butch Kortright, the President of the SCLB, had one goal in mind during the event.

“I want people to come here for a good time, a great meal and leave happy whether they win or lose.”

This event draws so much interest that there was a waiting list to get tickets. The Sullivan County Long Beards have been going since 2003, and this event has been an annual staple since.

“We tried out a few different venues back then, but we wound up at the Rockland House and we’ve been here since,” Kortright said. “The prime rib is fantastic and everything here is five stars. From the food to the way they treat and take care of us.”

After dinner, Butch gave a brief presentation of awards as he went through the program and thanked everyone for another successful year.

The first award presented, along with a custom birdhouse, went to Gary Kline. Kline provides the lumber for the birdhouses each year at the JAKES event at the Roscoe-Rockland Fireman’s Field. The SCLB received two awards from the New York State Awards Banquet, one for being an Outstanding JAKES Chapter and the other for Highest Cumulative JAKES Membership.

Gary Muthig was presented with the other award from New York State for his dedication to the Long Beards.

“The things we’ve accomplished over the last two years are quite significant,” Butch said.

Another award that was presented at the New York State Awards Banquet was for the Volunteer of the Year. Though she wasn’t able to attend the state banquet in person, Donna Kortright was honored at the Rockland House on Sunday and was presented with the award.

Dan Peters received a Turkey Award from Butch for sharing his property for SCLB hunting events for the past six years.