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 our hunting heritage. Founded in 1973 with an initial focus on North America, the NWTF has grown into an international organization with members across multiple countries.

History

The NWTF was founded by Tom Rodgers, who was motivated by concerns over habitat loss and the need for more scientific understanding of wild turkeys. The organization began with a modest base and gradually expanded its impact. Over the years, the NWTF has played a significant role in restoring wild turkey populations. In the early 1970s, there were approximately 1.3 million wild turkeys in North America; by the time of the organization's 50th anniversary, this number had grown to over 7 million[1][5].

Mission and Activities

The NWTF focuses on several key areas:

• Wildlife Conservation: The organization is heavily involved in habitat conservation and improvement, having worked on more than 22 million acres of wildlife habitat since its inception. This includes projects to create and enhance areas beneficial to wild turkeys and other wildlife[1].
• Research: NWTF supports crucial wild turkey research, allocating significant funds to these efforts. Between 2022 and 2023 alone, the NWTF dedicated over $1.2 million to research projects, often leveraging additional funding through partnerships[1].
• Education and Outreach: Programs such as JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, and Sportsmanship) and Women in the Outdoors aim to educate people about outdoor skills and wildlife management. These programs also promote understanding and appreciation of hunting as a valued tradition[2].
• Policy Advocacy: The NWTF is active in policy initiatives at both federal and state levels, advocating for better conservation practices and hunting access on public lands[1].

Partnerships and Impact

The NWTF collaborates with numerous partners, including government agencies (such as the USDA Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), corporate entities, and other conservation organizations. These partnerships enable the NWTF to leverage its financial resources effectively, often achieving a leverage ratio of 4-to-1[1].

Programs

Some notable programs include:

• Making Tracks: A cooperative program aimed at restoring wild turkeys to suitable habitats across North America through trap and transfer operations[2].
• Wild Turkey Partnership Agreements: Frameworks for cooperative management, research, and education activities[2].
• Regional Habitat Programs: These provide habitat improvement materials and support conservation efforts in different regions of North America[2].

Membership

The NWTF has grown to include more than 250,000 members in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other countries, working through over 2,350 local chapters[2].