The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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November 6, 2009

Grand National Quail Hunt opens Nov. 17

By Joe Malan, Staff Writer

November is only one week old, which means the annual Grand National Quail Hunt in Enid is nearly one week away.

Jon Blankenship, president and CEO of the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce, said the event leaves a significant economic impact on the city.

“It’s a great exposure for our city,” he said.

The Grand National Quail Hunt is an annual hunting tournament hosted every year in Enid.

Every person involved contributes $125 to $150 to the local economy daily, he said.

It’s unknown exactly how many shooters participate each year, but according to the Grand National Quail Club Web site, more than 400 people have participated in the hunt in the past. Around 25 new shooters are invited to participate each year.

Blankenship said the hunt does a good job at filling up hotels and restaurants in Enid, which benefit from the extra money.

This year, registration for the hunt is 11 a.m. Nov. 17 at the Best Western Inn.

Brent Kisling, executive director of Enid/Garfield County Development Alli-ance, said he is participating this year as a new member of the club. Though he won’t be doing any shooting, he’s excited for the opportunity to be involved.

“Back in the ’90s, I used to attend a couple of (club) events when I worked for Sen. (James) Inhofe,” Kisling said. “I’m anxious to see how (the hunt) works.”

Kisling also touted the national recognition the Grand National Quail Hunt brings to Enid.

“It will be important that, as a community, we make them feel welcome and show them the hospitality we’re known for,” he said.

“(As far as) selling our community, if we can bring people here firsthand, that’s where we can make the (economic) impact.”

The Grand National Quail Hunt runs from 11 a.m. Nov. 17 through 7 p.m. Nov. 20, when an awards reception at the Cherokee Strip Confer-ence Center will end the 2009 hunt.

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