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The TFT flock in Brandenburg, Kentucky, celebrated a phenomenal turnout.
Denny Humphrey, president of the Kentucky Longspurs Flock in Brandenburg, Kentucky, couldn’t have been more pleased with the success of their 2025 conservation dinner. The event delivered an incredible turnout, and it all started with a desire to give back to the outdoors.
You see, Humphrey loves the wild turkey. His decision to start a TFT flock in Kentucky was born of his desire to prioritize true wild turkey conservation, and everything that entails. He saw that TFT was filling a void and providing opportunities for others to join in that effort. Thus, he put his passion into action.
“I knew TFT was putting the money where it was supposed to be placed, and that's why I started a TFT flock,” Humphrey said.
This year marked the Kentucky Longspurs Flock’s second annual event. In 2024, the dinner was 100% sold out within days. The turnout was incredible, and tens of thousands of dollars were raised for true conservation efforts.
This year, the 2025 event was another grand success, and even bigger. “We had another huge banquet,” Humphrey said. “We sold out again. We pre-sold everything before the banquet. We had roughly 360 people and almost 70 kids there.”
Of course, the event always boasts incredible food. Each year, it’s catered by a top-tier local restaurant.
“We're lucky, as we have several caterers around our area,” Humphrey said. “This year, we went with a little country store — Stull’s Country Stores. Everybody loved the food. The caterer was awesome. They got everyone — 370 people — through the meal line in 20 minutes.”
In addition to great grub, the raffles and prizes were exceptional. These items included apparel, guns, hunting gear, and more. The highlight — raffling off an ATV.
“We raffle off an ATV every year,” Humphrey said. “We pre-sell raffle tickets in a general raffle.”
The night also delivered great entertainment. Some of this included games and other activities.
“We set up activities, and we played games around the room,” Humphrey said. “We had a turkey table game. We do a varmint table with a gun, calls, and other gear. Winner takes all, and the winners get those packages. Plus, every game we play has a gun on the table.
“I do another game that’s really a big hit,” Humphrey continued. “I get a gun safe. I put a pistol, rifle, and shotgun inside of it. The winner gets the safe and all three guns.”
This year, the conservation dinner added another activity for children in attendance, and it was a huge hit. A local non-profit organization, called TeePee Rentals, delivered a unique experience.
“It's for kids,” Humphrey said. “She'll set up these little teepees and smokeless fire pits. All the kids had a place to go. It was basically a kid zone. They made s'mores and enjoyed activities.
“I'm telling you; it was one of the best things we've ever done,” Humphrey continued. Generally, around 8:30 P.M., you'll start hearing kids whining and crying, because they're tired and wanting to go home. This year, we never heard one kid cry. They all had entertainment. Plus, this lady donates all of her profits to the Angel Tree ministry in our county to help underprivileged kids have Christmas.”
Without question, Humphrey and company with the Kentucky Longspurs flock in Brandenburg, Kentucky, plan to carry forward their passion for wild turkey conservation.
“I've had all the fun I need,” Humphrey said. “It's time to make sure that my grandkids, great grandkids, and everybody else can have the same fun that I've had.”
What does Humphreys, and others like him, love about TFT? Why do they invest their personal time and resources to further conservation?
“They do the research, and they're putting the money where we need it to be to figure out what's going on with our turkey decline,” Humphrey said. “They aren’t spending it on butterfly restoration, or this or that. The boots are on the ground and moving. They’re trying to make a difference with our wild turkeys.
“I live in Kentucky,” Humphrey continued. “I hunt all North American big game. But when I started turkey hunting, I quickly became an avid turkey hunter. If there was only one thing I could ever hunt — it would definitely be the wild turkey. I love the challenge of trying to call them to me, instead of just sitting there waiting for something to walk by. I love to hear him, call him, and I pursue turkeys for these reasons.”
If you’re the same way, consider starting a TFT flock near you. You can be the catalyst that moves the needle for wild turkey conservation.
Support TFT
Wild turkey populations are on the decline throughout the nation. Established in 2021, TFT is new to the landscape, but it’s driven by highly trained professionals with decades of conservation experience. To support TFT, and the complete body of wild turkey research and conservation it’s leading, become a member today. An adult annual membership is $50, annual team turkey member is $250, and life membership is $2,500. Every dollar counts in the fight for wild turkey preservation.