That special time of year for my all-time favorite fund raiser

If you have lived in this area for any length of time and have been a regular reader of the "Outdoors" page, you know exactly what I mean regarding that headline. If you are a stranger or have just moved to this area, that headline means:

It's time for the highly-popular, fun-filled, Carson Valley Chukar Club fund raiser, which will be held on Saturday night, March 3.

This will be the 21st version of a very special event in our local outdoor world, which will be held, as usual, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

Mark that date, Saturday, March 3, on your calendar, and if you don't attend, you will have missed out on my all-time favorite and this area's most popular outdoor fund raiser.

Here is some information to help whet your appetite:

Chukar

For those unfamiliar with a Chukar, it is Nevada's most popular upland game bird.

A Chukar is larger than a quail and smaller than a pheasant.

It has very unique markings around its eyes that make it look like it is wearing a bandit's mask. It also has bar markings on its chest.

And, be advised that Don Q does not hunt Chukar.

I firmly believe that it would be absolutely futile to try to hunt something that can run, fly and is smarter than me!

the Fairgrounds

Drive south on U.S. 395, out of Gardnerville, to the traffic signal light at the 7-11 Store.

At that intersection, turn left onto Pinenut Road. Take Pinenut Road for about three miles to the large metal building, located on your right. That's the main building for the Douglas County Fairgrounds. Heck, just look for all the parked cars and trucks.

GO EARLY

If you are attending for the first time: Go early, go early, go early, if you want to sit anywhere near the front of the huge crowd that will be attending. If you're late, you could end up sitting in the bleacher section along the far wall or standing way in the back of the room. Don't say that you weren't warned. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the evening's program begins at 7 p.m.

NEW RULE THIS YEAR

To conform with Nevada law, which restricts smoking in eating locations, smoking will not be allowed inside the building.

what to do

Once there, you can visit with old friends and/or make a whole bunch of new friends, wander around, look at the raffle prizes, drool over the auction items, buy your raffle tickets and have a cocktail (or two!). Then, enjoy the fund raiser's traditional, barbecued Tri-tip steak sandwiches on hard rolls, with tasty homemade beans and tossed salad.

While you're wandering around, be sure to visit with Ron Pierini (the Master of Ceremonies), Dennis Hudson (the Auctioneer) and all the gang working at the sign-in table, bar and food areas.

Tell them "Thanks" for a job well done for a worthy cause! Especially the cooks!

All of that for $25 per person or $15 for anyone under 18.

Note: Youngsters under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. There is a minimum age of 16 to attend.

Where the money goes

Through the years, the Chukar Club has supported many worthwhile activities such as:

Construction of "guzzlers" which are used as a water source by small animals and birds.

Rearing and releasing of ruffed grouse into various areas of the state.

Support of the Nevada Hunter Education Program (including paying the registration fees for youths under 18 who are enrolling in the program).

Contributions to the Nevada anti-poaching program known as Operation Game Thief (OGT).

Support of the annual Kids' Fishing Derby at Lampe Park.

U.S.F.S. Summer Wilderness Workshop for youths.

Finally

The Chukar Club is still seeking additional items for its raffle and auctions.

If you would like to donate, call Pierini at 782-9903.

-- Bet Your Favorite Pigeon

Bet your favorite pigeon that he can't tell you how many total raffle prizes that I have won at this fundraiser.

If he grins and says, "Don has attended every one of the 20 previous fund raisers, except for the one year that he was in Southeast Asia, and in all those years he still has to win his first raffle prize," he could be one of the guys seated at my table and laughing at my miserable lack of luck.

Hey, who knows, this could be the magical year that I finally break my jinx. I sure hope so!

-- Don Quilici is the Outdoors editor for the Nevada Appeal.