National Wild Turkey Federation Inc

The National Wild Turkey Federation Inc is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of hunting heritage in North America.

Mission

The mission of the National Wild Turkey Federation is centered on conserving wild turkeys and preserving the tradition of hunting. This dual focus involves extensive work in habitat conservation and education programs that promote outdoor skills and wildlife management.

History

Founded in 1973 by Tom Rodgers, the organization began as a response to declining wild turkey populations and habitat loss. The NWTF's early years were marked by visionary leadership and strategic partnerships, which have grown over time. By the 1980s, the NWTF had established key programs like the Wild Turkey Super Fund and Target 2000, aimed at restocking wild turkey populations across suitable habitats.

Conservation Efforts

• Wildlife Habitat Improvement: The NWTF has been instrumental in improving over 22 million acres of wildlife habitat. This is achieved through partnerships with state, federal, and provincial wildlife agencies, as well as corporate partners.
• Wild Turkey Restoration: The organization has supported the trap and transfer of over 192,000 wild turkeys to restore populations in suitable habitats. This effort has contributed significantly to the increase in wild turkey numbers from about 1.3 million in 1973 to over 7 million today.
• Regional Programs: The NWTF operates several regional habitat improvement programs across North America, such as Operation Oak and Guzzlers for Gobblers, which have enhanced millions of acres for wildlife.

Education and Outreach

• The NWTF offers programs like JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship), Women in the Outdoors, and Wheelin' Sportsmen. These initiatives are designed to introduce people, particularly women, children, and those with disabilities, to outdoor skills and the importance of wildlife conservation.
• The organization also supports hunter education and advocacy for hunters' rights on both national and local levels.

Financial Impact

The NWTF has invested heavily in conservation, leveraging funding to achieve significant returns. It has facilitated the investment of over half a billion dollars in wildlife conservation and has committed substantial resources to research projects.

Membership and Partnerships

With more than 250,000 members and partnerships with various wildlife agencies and corporations, the NWTF is a prominent voice in wildlife conservation and hunting heritage preservation. Its strong foundation and influence allow it to shape legislation and conservation policies impacting wild turkey habitats and hunting practices.

Future Directions

As the NWTF continues to evolve, it is focusing on enhancing its membership experience, bolstering research efforts, and addressing declining wild turkey populations in specific regions. Its mission remains steadfast, protecting wild turkey populations while supporting healthy ecosystems and the traditions of American hunting.