The National Wild Turkey Federation Inc (NWTF) is a North American nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wild turkeys and the preservation of hunting heritage. Founded in 1973, the NWTF has grown to include more than 250,000 members across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other countries, making it one of the largest wildlife conservation organizations focused on a single species.

History and Mission

Established in 1973, the NWTF was created to address the decline in wild turkey populations and the threats to hunting traditions. The organization’s mission centers on conserving wild turkeys and supporting the cultural heritage of hunting in North America. Over nearly five decades, the NWTF has been at the forefront of scientific conservation efforts and public education related to wild turkey and habitat management.

Conservation Impact

At the time of the NWTF’s founding, the wild turkey population in North America was approximately 1.3 million. Through the NWTF’s scientific, volunteer-driven habitat restoration, research, and conservation programs, that number has increased to nearly 7 million turkeys, representing one of the most notable successes in wildlife conservation history.

Key conservation achievements include:

• Management and restoration of over 22 million acres of wildlife habitat across public, private, and corporate lands.
• Investment of more than half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and hunting heritage preservation.
• Introduction of approximately 100,000 people annually to outdoor activities and hunting through educational and outreach programs.

The NWTF partners with state and federal wildlife agencies, corporations, and volunteers to conserve habitat critical to the survival and expansion of wild turkey populations.

Membership and Programs

The NWTF’s extensive membership base is supported by volunteers, staff, and partnerships that promote its mission. The organization emphasizes education, community involvement, and stewardship with programs designed to engage diverse groups, including women, children, and people with disabilities.

Notable programs include:

• JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, and Sportsmanship): A youth program introducing young people to outdoor skills and conservation ethics.
• Women in the Outdoors: An initiative aimed at empowering women to engage in outdoor activities and hunting.
• Wheelin’ Sportsmen: A program providing hunting and outdoor access opportunities for people with disabilities.

Additionally, the NWTF offers academic scholarships to high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and academic excellence.

Organizational Structure

The NWTF is governed by a national board of directors and led by co-CEOs. It maintains a solid financial foundation supported by membership dues, donations, and corporate partnerships. The organization’s staff and volunteers work regionally and nationally to deliver conservation projects, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives.

Legacy and Future Outlook

The NWTF has transformed wild turkey populations and habitat conditions across North America through dedicated, science-based conservation efforts and community involvement. The organization continues to focus on expanding membership, enhancing member experiences, directing research, and addressing wild turkey population declines in specific regions.

Its ongoing commitment is to sustain healthy wild turkey populations, promote robust ecosystems, and uphold the traditions and ethics of hunting and outdoor stewardship.

This article summarizes the mission, history, programs, and impact of the National Wild Turkey Federation Inc, a leading nonprofit in wildlife conservation and hunting heritage preservation.[1][3][4][5]