TU at the "Pho! Games! and Hunters' Extravaganza"

By Jim Sauter

Recently MNTU and TCTU were invited to the "Pho! Games! and Hunters' Extravaganza" event on Wednesday, November 1, in Maplewood by MN State Senator and Assistant Majority Leader Foung Hawj, Chair of Environment, Climate, and Legacy Committee.  Senator Hawj also serves on the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.  This council was established by the legislature with the responsibility of providing annual funding recommendations to the legislature from the Outdoor Heritage Fund. Senator Hawj invited us to the event to share information about Trout Unlimited, fly fishing, and fly tying.  Several outdoor organizations, such as Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, the Wild Turkey Federation, and others were present.  

The annual event was held at the Unison Restaurant and Banquet Hall in Maplewood.  This was a great opportunity for TCTU and MNTU to connect with the Hmong Community.  They are doing some amazing things with conservation and outdoor recreation.  

Evan Griggs, Mike Hodgens, and I demonstrated fly tying during the evening.  As always, I got some excellent tips from these master fly tiers!!!  Amber Taylor dropped off some additional copies of newsletters, and TU President John Lenczewski brought some DNR fish posters and trout maps.  

The turnout was terrific.  All in all, this was a fun night!