"Come down and enjoy Wyoming hospitality," says Plains Complex owner Charlie Hegglund to out-of-state hunters.
For over three decades Charlie, with the help of a few key volunteers and donors, has been hosting the Hunters BBQs. The events, free to out-of-state hunters, are held each year on Oct. 2 and Oct. 16. The dates coincide with opening day for area hunting seasons and kick off around 6 p.m. both evenings.
"We serve wild game," says Charlie noting that Roby Shipley ensures the year's offering is properly prepared. In addition to the more traditional cuisines, Charlie says, "We've served alligator, rattlesnake, hog and many different types of wild game." Area processors help provide the meat for the event.
Charlie says that multiple generations of the same family have been attending. Helga Bull of the Converse County Visitors Information Center, has long been helping with the gatherings. She also touts the event as a tradition among families. She's seen two generations of the same family win the annual gun raffle. It's an event she says that visiting hunters look forward to attending.
"There will be door prizes from local businesses," says Helga. "Every year there are prizes for whoever wears the most camo, the most miles traveled, the oldest hunter, the youngest hunter and more. Dennis Switzer from the local radio station emcees the event." There's also a prize for the hunter who tells the best hunting tale!
This year's rifles for the gun raffle, says Helga, were donated by Wind River Casino. They also contributed some of this year's door prizes.
Charlie says the Forest Service, as well as others with information of value to visiting hunters, often attend the event. He says it's a great opportunity for sportsmen and women to ask questions and gather the information they may need.
For more information on this year's gatherings, or to donate a door prize, contact Helga at 307-358-2950.
The Oct. 2 event was held as this edition of The Enterprise Newsletter was going to press. Based on the photographs that Helga Bull of the local visitors center took, attendance was strong. There was a lot of bright orange and camouflage in the room! We would like to extend a special thank you to Charlie at the Plains and all who make this event possible!