2023 5-State Game Wardens Association Meeting
May 16th-18th Kenton, Oklahoma
It is time to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of 5-State in the heart of America! We are looking forward to seeing all our 5-State Family!
The Destination – Kenton, Oklahoma
The History
The town originated with Carizzo, later called Florence, just over the line in New Mexico. It was, along with a place called Mineral, one of only two significant settlements in the area of the pre-statehood Oklahoma Panhandle. When a nephew of P.T. Barnum by the name of Fairchild B. Drew became postmaster of the place, he moved the post office a bit to the east and changed the name to Kenton in 1893.
The Heist
At the time Oklahoma became a state (on November 16, 1907), it served as the temporary county seat for Cimarron County. The building now known as “The Merc” served as the temporary courthouse and held the county records. The citizens of the county voted to move the seat on June 11, 1908, to Boise City soon after statehood. Kentonites did not want to give up the records, so a group of people from Boise City confiscated the documents before the end of a 30-day waiting period. This started a local legend that Boise City stole the courthouse
The Big Lizard
Located near Black Mesa, these famous dinosaur tracks have been preserved in a sandstone strata next to Carrizo Creek. This dinosaur trackway was originally discovered in the 1980s and contained 47 footprints. Due to erosion, only a third of those tracks are visible today.
Scientists were intrigued by two tracks in particular that were much deeper than the others and had a ridge. They believe that the dinosaur was walking on a mudflat area and slipped, leaving a telltale sign that has lasted for millions of years.
Although the exact species is not known, scientists have stated that the tracks came from a theropod, which is a scientific classification for bipedal carnivorous dinosaurs including Tyrannosaurus rex. Be sure to walk down into the creek bed to see the two sets of prehistoric tracks. The dinosaur tracks are located on private property, but viewing is allowed during daylight hours.
Host Facility - Camp Billy Joe
Home to our meeting and home to the darkest skies in the entire southwestern United States is Camp Billy Joe. This location is an astronomical extravaganza that draws stargazers from all over the world who travel to this remote corner of Oklahoma for awe-inspiring views of the night sky. Although the views are pretty awesome during the day as well! Since the Black Mesa State Park is under renovation we had to choose the next best spot while still being true to our host roots.
Check out the beauty of this area.
Accommodations
The campgrounds have 8 cabins with electricity and 8 bunk beds in each. There is 12 shower stalls and 12 stall toilets. There are also 15 RV hookups with 30amp and 110 services and there is unlimited primitive camping as far as the eye can see! Please note that we are having to pay for using this facility which means there is an additional use fee everyone will be asked to pay of $15 a person for the event (automatically added to your membership dues at registration).
Pistol Competition
Have the luck of the draw? We will see who is the fastest and most accurate as we hold the pistol competition. What’s the coarse? Well, wouldn’t you like to know? Sign Up and find out! Be sure and bring 50 rounds of pistol ammo with you.
Rifle Competition
Who’s the real Rifleman? We will find out on the rifle course. Will it be long-range, short-range, or a little of both? No problem for gunslingers like you all! Don’t worry about bringing rifle ammo… we’ve got you covered! 😉
3D Archery Tournament
Calling all archers! There will be a 3D Archery Tournament. There will be a compound category (for all you sissies) and a traditional category ( for real men). This will be a great course in true Oklahoma fashion where shooters should have nerves of steal and no reservations to “let her fly”! You better have a quiver full of arrows or be one hell of a shot to shoot this course (both wouldn’t hurt).
Shotgun Competition
Ahhh the age-old tradition of shotgun wing shooting. Will this be a fine gentlemen’s game or something else entirely? You will have to bring your trusty shotgun and find out for yourself. Be sure and have 25 rounds of birdshot… or maybe more to do some extra shooting.
Muzzleloader Competition
Are you feeling lucky pilgrim? You better break out your best smoke pole rifle if you want to compete in this competition! If you don’t have one maybe you could borrow one from Hatchet Jack… if you could find him. Whichever you decide be sure and have enough powder and lead for 5 shots!
Golf
Why yes, there will be golf. The golf outing will be Tuesday morning May 16th. Please complete your registration as soon as possible so that we can get a head count for the course.
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We are looking forward to seeing you at this year’s 5-State Meeting. Remember you must register if you are attending the week’s events. We ask that you register before April 20th so that we can better plan this fun-filled event. We encourage everyone to bring items to be used for door prizes. We appreciate your support in this effort!