Entries for February 22, 2007

It's almost turkey season, and 2008 GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee knows what that means–it's time to hunt for votes. No, no, not in the woods. The former Arkansas guv is heading to Nashville this weekend to woo the 40,000 or so attendees at the annual National Wild Turkey Federation convention.

Huck's a big hunter (that's the guv with his lab, Jet, in the picture) and belongs to most of the groups that promote conservation and hunting like NWTF, Ducks Unlimited, and BASS.

"NWTF, DU, BASS, and similar organizations of which I'm a part are vital in providing funds for improved habitat for wildlife and to enhance the resources and protect and improve the environment," he told our Suzi Parker. "The money raised from these organizations go directly to enhance God-given natural resources. They also provide opportunities for practical assistance and advice for hunters and anglers."

If you're going to the event at Opryland, expect lots of bragging: Huckabee plans to talk about how he, NWTF Executive Director Rob Keck, and Ranger Boats founder Forrest Wood won this year's "One Shot Antelope Hunt" in Wyoming.

Photo credit: Huckabee Exploratory Committee

—Steve Breen, San Diego Union-Tribune

Distributed by Copley News Service