About Us
In 1958, Red Wade, head football coach at Truman State University, purchased 400 acres of land adjacent to Thousand Hills State Park. The Missouri Hall of Famer and star running back for the University of Missouri and Tulsa University was an avid deer hunter.
Charles "Skeeter" Lemley, Charlie Lemley, Ben Lemley, and Judy Wade Carlisle own and operate Red Wade's Whitetail and Turkey Camp. We are 'old school'. We were taught hunting methods and ethics by our parents and a group of 'old-timers'. They treated the outdoors as a "gift from God" and we were to be good stewards to the land and the game. We hope that they look down on us, and their grandchildren today knowing these lessons will never die. Skeeter has even named one of his lodges in memory of his father, Charles "Chick" Lemley who served our country in WWII.
Charles "Skeeter" Lemley hails from the Iowa Hawkeye State and enjoys football, hunting and fishing. He attended Truman State University in the 1960s, married and has 3 children. Skeeter purchased hunting land in the 1990s. His most recent endeavor is his partnership in Red Wade's Whitetail and Turkey Camp.
Skeeter has stayed in the Adair County area and continues to share his passion for deer hunting, fishing, etc. with others. He maintains a guide service for whitetail deer and turkey hunting.
Charlie Lemley studies at Truman State University with aspirations of medical school. He has always enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Ben Lemley attends Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, IA. Ben will join us again this year for the hunts. Turkey calling and deer hunting are Ben's expertise.
Judy is the oldest daughter of "Red" and Maxine Wade. She remembers going "froggin" at about the age of 4 with her dad and some friends from Mountain Grove, MO. Quail, duck, turkey, squirrel, deer hunting and fishing also make the list. Judy graduated from Truman State with a Master's Degree and is a retired teacher from the Kirksville School District. Judy is actively involved with the camp and welcomes all.
A Bit of Long Beard History!
On May 5th, 1960, "Red" Wade, W.O. Mackie, Everett Elsea, and Edward Costello were hunting in "Red's" hometown of Mountain Grove, MO. There Everett shot the FIRST turkey in Missouri in 24 years!!!
W.O. Mackie and Red Wade with the help of the Missouri Department of Conservation introduced the first turkeys to northeast Missouri. In December of 1961 and January of 1962 the first turkeys were released in Thousand Hills State Park boarding the Wade property's east fence line where they have since flourished.
From that era, the "Annual Red Wade Turkey Feed" began. Hunters young and old enjoyed the weekend of camaraderie and made lasting friendships.