March 1 is the magical date of my all-time favorite fundraiser

By Don Quilici

If you are new to this general area or have not lived here very long, that headline means that it's almost time for the highly-popular, fun-filled, Carson Valley Chukar Club fundraiser.

That annual event will be held on Saturday night, March 1 and this will be its 22nd version. As usual, the fundraiser will be held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

Here is some information to whet your appetite:

Chukar

Nevada's most popular hunted upland game bird, bar none.

If you are unfamiliar with a Chukar, it is physically larger than a quail and smaller than a pheasant. A Chukar has very unique markings around its eyes that make it look like it is wearing a bandit's mask. It also has dark bar markings across its chest. And, most importantly, if you are successful in your hunt, it makes a delicious wild game dinner.

However, be advised Don Q does not hunt Chukar. No way!

It would be an absolute total waste of my time to try to hunt something that can run, can fly and is smarter than me! Geez, I might be ugly but I'm not dumb!

Hmmm, I wonder if Norm Budden, Jack Cooke and Bob "Slick" McCulloch hunt Chukar?

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 and the location of the fundraiser. Just look for all the parked cars and trucks in the large parking area. You can't miss it!

Go Early

If you are attending for the first time: Go early, if you want to sit anywhere near the front of the huge crowd (an estimated 650-700 people!) that will be attending.

If you're late, you could end up sitting in the bleacher section along the far wall or standing in the back of the room. Don't say that you weren't forewarned.

The doors open at 5 p.m. and the evening's program begins at 7 p.m.

As a special hint: I recommend being in line to enter the building, before 5 p.m.

What To Do

Once inside, you can visit with old friends, make new friends, wander around, look at all of the raffle prizes, drool over the many auction items, buy your raffle tickets, have a cocktail (or two or three).

Then, enjoy the fund raiser's traditional, barbecued Tri-Tip steak sandwiches on hard rolls, complete with very tasty homemade beans and tossed salad.

Be advised that in order to conform with Nevada law, which restricts smoking in eating locations, smoking will not be allowed anywhere inside the building.

The cost to attend is $30 per person, which includes a one year membership in he Chukar Club.

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 helped fund many different activities such as:

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

Helicopter water survey in the Pine Nut Mountain Range.

Hunter's Sportsman Journal for the Department of Wildlife.

Purchase needed equipment for NDOW biologists.

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

Nevada anti-poaching program which is known as Operation Game Thief (OGT).

Annual Kids' Fishing Derby at Lampe Park in Gardnerville.

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

And, much, much more!

Words of Advice

Mark March 1 on your calendar, reserve that date, purchase your ticket in advance, dress casual, arrive early and plan to have a "Ton of Fun" for the evening.

Finally

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

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

Then, when you do attend the fundraiser, be sure to visit with Ron (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!

See ya there!

• Bet Your Favorite Pigeon

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

If he grins and says, "Don has attended every one of the 21 previous fundraisers, except for the year that he was in Southeast Asia, and in all those years he still has to win his very first raffle prize," he could be one of the many guys seated at my table, and who laugh at my miserable lack of luck.

Heck, who know: This could be the year that I finally break my jinx!

Keep your fingers crossed.

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