You Won’t Believe What Happened to Cooper at the Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt—Shocking Twist Revealed!

Luke Cooper's journey to success at the Alabama Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt is a testament to the thrill of the chase and the deep-rooted traditions of southern hunting culture. After two years filled with anticipation and preparation, Cooper finally claimed victory at the 2024 event, which is held biennially to showcase Alabama’s rich outdoors and warm hospitality. This unique gathering brings together landowners from across the state and hunters from various corporate backgrounds, all aimed at fostering appreciation for Alabama’s natural resources.

In 2024, Cooper, an investment banker from Baltimore, Maryland, teamed up with Justin Rock of Riverview Farms located near Tuscaloosa. After an unfortunate miss during their previous outing in 2022, where Cooper’s shot went awry, he returned this year poised for redemption. His efforts paid off as he successfully bagged a stunning gobbler weighing 24.2 pounds, earning him the title of Grand Champion.

Cooper’s impressive bird featured spurs measuring 1 1/4 inches and 7/8 inches, along with a beard length of 10 7/8 inches. The National Wild Turkey Federation scoring system calculated Cooper’s score at 67.2 points, factoring in total weight, spur length, and beard length. “It was an amazing hunt,” Cooper reflected. “I had great guides in Justin and the Hudsons. We pulled through in the end. It was the fourth quarter, and we put up a good shot. This was only my second time hunting, but the first time I killed one.”

After the hunt, Cooper expressed his gratitude for the experience, sharing, “I went through a range of emotions. After we killed it, we weighed him, and then I just sat there and admired the bird. It was an incredible bird with a lot of charisma. I think the key emotion was gratitude.” This connection to nature and the acknowledgment of the bird’s life reflects the core values of many hunters, emphasizing respect for wildlife and the environment.

Rock, who guided Cooper, noted the extra effort put into preparing him for this year’s hunt. “We chased them hard two years ago, drew it up perfect and he missed one,” Rock said. “He got the bug and requested that he come back and hunt with us again. He’s a great guy, and he was much better prepared this year.” The duo had a turkey scoped out and successfully brought it into range, resulting in a classic moment that every turkey hunter dreams of.

Competition was fierce, with Benton Blain claiming the runner-up spot. Unfortunately, he had to depart for a flight back to Charlotte, North Carolina, and missed the trophy presentation. Hunting at the Moss Hammock Hunting Preserve in Montgomery County, Blain’s bird weighed 20.54 pounds and earned him a total score of 64.665 points. His guide, Jared Lowe, described the thrilling moment when Blain’s turkey strutted into view after an engaging morning of calls and movement.

Third place was snagged by Eddie Gran, an assistant coach with former SEC football coach Tommy Tuberville, who bagged a bird weighing 19.75 pounds. Guided by Dan Moultrie in Chambers County, Gran shared the excitement of the hunt: “It was a phenomenal mid-morning hunt. We heard him gobble and cut the distance about 100 yards, which was awesome because I never would have gone that far.” Gran’s experience highlights how hunting often parallels sports—requiring strategy, teamwork, and a bit of luck.

Max Vaughn rounded out the top four with a bird weighing 20.5 pounds, totaling 62.625 points. His successful hunt was marked by quick action as they navigated the terrain, ultimately resulting in an early morning victory.

The event attracts an eclectic mix of participants, including corporate CEOs, outdoor celebrities, and media representatives. Recommendations for hunters largely come from Alabama’s Governor Kay Ivey, the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), and the Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

Not only does the One-Shot Turkey Hunt serve as a competition, but it also raises crucial funds for various conservation initiatives in Alabama, such as scholarship programs at state universities, the Hunters Helping the Hungry program, and youth outdoor activities. Chris Blankenship, the ADCNR Commissioner, praised the event's revival since Governor Ivey took office in 2018, emphasizing its importance in promoting Alabama’s outdoor heritage.

“I want to thank all the hunters and especially the landowners who donated so much of their time and resources to be able to put this on,” Commissioner Blankenship expressed during the awards presentation. “It has been a fantastic event.” With the success of this year’s hunt, Blankenship noted that each iteration is improving, promising exciting prospects for the future of Alabama’s outdoor community.

The camaraderie shared among hunters and landowners highlights the significance of relationships fostered through shared experiences in nature. “One of the things that is so great about hunting, fishing and the outdoors is the camaraderie and the relationships that are built,” the Commissioner added. This sentiment reflects the heart of the One-Shot Turkey Hunt—a celebration not just of individual achievements, but of community and connection to the land.