National Wild Turkey Federation Inc.

Overview

The National Wild Turkey Federation Inc. (NWTF) is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of hunting heritage. Founded in 1973 by Tom Rodgers, the NWTF has become a leading force in wildlife conservation efforts across North America.

History

The NWTF was established to address the declining wild turkey populations due to habitat loss and lack of scientific understanding about the bird. Since its inception, the organization has grown to include more than 250,000 members across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other countries.

In the early years, the NWTF focused on building trust with wildlife agencies and developing research initiatives. Notable milestones include the "Target 2000" project, aimed at restocking wild turkeys in suitable habitats by the year 2000. Although this goal was not fully met, the NWTF successfully moved over 200,000 wild turkeys into new habitats, contributing significantly to the expansion of wild turkey populations.

Mission and Activities

The NWTF's mission is twofold: to conserve wild turkeys and preserve the hunting lifestyle. It achieves these goals through:

• Conservation Efforts: Improving and conserving millions of acres of wildlife habitat. The NWTF has enhanced or conserved over 22 million acres, benefiting not only wild turkeys but also other wildlife species.

• Research and Education: The organization supports scientific research on wild turkeys and provides educational programs to promote outdoor skills and appreciation of wildlife management.

• Policy and Advocacy: It works with state and federal agencies to advocate for policies that enhance conservation and hunting opportunities.

Programs and Outreach

The NWTF offers several programs, including:

• JAKES: A program designed to introduce young people to outdoor activities and teach them about hunting and conservation.

• Women in the Outdoors: Offers interactive outdoor experiences for women to engage in hunting and conservation practices.

• Wheelin' Sportsmen: Provides outdoor opportunities for people with disabilities.

• Regional Habitat Programs: Initiatives like Operation Appleseed, Operation Oak, and others that improve wildlife habitats across different regions.

Impact and Funding

The NWTF has facilitated significant investments in wildlife conservation, with over $372 million spent on habitat conservation and outreach programs. Additionally, it leverages funding 4:1, turning each dollar into at least four dollars through partnerships with government agencies and private donors. The organization has contributed over $9 million to wild turkey research projects, further enhancing its impact through matched funding.

Through its efforts, the NWTF has been instrumental in increasing wild turkey populations from about 1.3 million in 1973 to over 7 million today. This success story highlights the effectiveness of collaborative conservation and scientific wildlife management practices.