Press Release

Wal-Mart Executive Wins Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt

March 17, 2005

Wal-Mart executive Mitch Jones won the fourth annual Alabama Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt, held March 14-16 in Montgomery.  Governor Bob Riley hosted the celebrity event, which assembled top corporate leaders, industry prospects, sports celebrities, and national outdoor media celebrities.  Sponsored by the Alabama Conservation and Natural Resources Foundation, the hunt is an exciting event filled with food, fellowship, and friendly competition against the background of Alabama’s great outdoors.

Jones was one of 76 hunters from 15 states to participate in this year’s event.  Finishing in second place was Patrick Murphy of the Hart Corporation, Marietta GA, and third was Larry Bailey of Maples Industries, Scottsboro AL.

Governor Riley touts it as an innovative mixture of business and recreation.  “The Alabama Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt accomplishes three things important to our state.  First, it enhances our state’s image by putting Alabama in the global spotlight.  Second, it helps strengthen relationships with existing Alabama industry leaders, and helps develop relationships with new industry prospects.  Finally, it showcases Alabama as a preferred destination for hunting, fishing and other nature-based tourism – which is already a nearly $4 billion industry in this state.” 

The Alabama Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt also contributes to the future of wildlife management, by funding a scholarship to benefit students majoring in wildlife management at Auburn University. 

Barnett Lawley, Foundation Chairman, announced the results. of this year’s auction.  “Through the generosity of sponsors and auction participants,  $64,785 was raised to benefit the Foundation which funds the Lynn Boykin Wildlife Scholarship.  This is an investment in education and an investment in the future of wildlife management.  It is encouraging to know that many of America’s top corporate and government leaders are hunters.”  

Hunting is big business in Alabama.  In fact, Alabama ranks 5^th in the nation in hunting-related retail sales.  Hunters also contribute significantly to state and local economies.  Estimates are that the Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt generated nearly $1 million to the local economy of Montgomery and surrounding counties. 

For a complete list of the final standings, click here.  

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