In 1987, former Governor Mike Hayden and former Executive Vice President of the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce Marv McCown founded a turkey hunt to invite key people from different professions as celebrities to hunt wild turkeys. The purpose was to elevate awareness of local business opportunities, Kansas outdoor resources, and wild turkey conservation. The event brought hunters from all over the world.

 

The Kansas One Shot Turkey Hunt held its first hunt in 2023, honoring Mike and Marv's vision that started so many years ago. In partnership with the Pass It On Outdoor Mentors and Kansas Wildscape Foundation, five youth hunters were chosen from over 90 applications from around Kansas. In collaboration with NWTF's Youth Calling Contest, one contestant was drawn from the participants to attend the hunt. With a great community, industry, and state response, the Kansas One Shot Turkey Hunt is looking forward to more years to come.