Courtesy of KDWP News

El Dorado couple has been a force behind event since its inception
EL DORADO — The Kansas Governor’s Annual One Shot Turkey Hunt board of directors has announced the retirement of event coordinator and president, Marv McCown, and treasurer Judy McCown. Marv has served in the capacity of coordinator since the inception of this event in 1986. He has helped the El Dorado celebration of turkey hunting gain nationwide attention by bringing business leaders and recognized celebrities into collaboration with conservation organizations.

Judy’s contributions include administrative support for the hunt and all associated groups and programs, including the Past Shooters and Guides Association, the Willis Scholarship Foundation, the JAKES program, and the Youth Celebrity Program.

In 2001, the couple retired from the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce and have devoted their time to the Governor’s One-Shot event since. The board has recognized their dedication and has placed them into the Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt Hall of Fame.

“Marv and Judy McCown have been the reason the Kansas Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt has lasted 22 years and through the tenure of four governors,” said former Governor Mike Hayden. “Their retirement will leave huge shoes to fill in the Governor’s Hunt. We are glad they have agreed to stay involved for one more hunt to be held next April, and we wish them good health and a great retirement.”

The McCown’s have worked with former governors Hayden, Joan Finney, and Bill Graves, as well as current Governor Kathleen Sebelius. Each governor has participated in the event.

“Marv and Judy have done an amazing job over the past 22 years making the Governor’s Hunt a remarkable event for all those involved,” said Governor Sebelius. “As just one of the governors who has benefited from the McCowns’ dedication and expertise over the years, I offer my warm thanks and best wishes to them both. We’ll miss them greatly.”

The Board of Directors will be working on the organizational structure of the Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt and will continue to hold the event in El Dorado, with assistance from volunteers. For more information, contact Darrell Whitney at 316-320-2265.