National Wild Turkey Federation Inc.

Overview

The National Wild Turkey Federation Inc. (NWTF), with an Employer Identification Number (EIN) of 510497084, is a US nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wild turkeys and the preservation of hunting heritage in North America. Founded in 1973, the NWTF operates on a mission to ensure robust wild turkey populations while benefiting healthy ecosystems and communities.

History

The organization was conceived by Tom Rodgers in 1972, who recognized the need for a concerted effort to address declining wild turkey populations due to habitat loss. Officially established in 1973, the NWTF began its journey as a research and conservation education entity. Over the decades, it has evolved into a leading force in wildlife conservation, leveraging partnerships with state and federal agencies, corporate partners, and a robust membership base.

Mission and Activities

The NWTF's mission encompasses two main pillars: Conservation of Wild Turkeys and Preservation of Hunting Heritage. It achieves these goals through various programs and initiatives:

• Wild Turkey Conservation: The organization focuses on scientific wildlife management and habitat restoration across public, private, and corporate lands. It supports research projects that inform wild turkey management strategies and has contributed over $9 million to such research since its inception.

• Habitat Restoration: The NWTF has improved or enhanced more than 22 million acres of wildlife habitat, significantly benefiting wild turkeys and other species.

• Preservation of Hunting Heritage: The NWTF supports educational programs like JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship), Women in the Outdoors, and Wheelin' Sportsmen, aimed at promoting hunting traditions and outdoor skills.

Impact and Achievements

• Population Growth: The NWTF's efforts have contributed significantly to the recovery of wild turkey populations, growing from approximately 1.3 million in 1973 to over 7 million today.

• Financial Contributions: The organization has invested more than $372 million in habitat conservation and outreach programs.

• Policy Advocacy: The NWTF plays a crucial role in advocating for hunting rights and conservation policies, influencing legislation such as the Farm Bill and the Great American Outdoors Act.

Membership and Operations

With more than 250,000 members across North America, the NWTF operates through local chapters and partnerships with numerous wildlife agencies and organizations, ensuring a broad reach and effective implementation of its mission. Its members and volunteers are instrumental in fundraising and project execution.

Initiatives and Programs

• Making Tracks: A key program focused on restoring wild turkeys to suitable habitats through trap-and-transfer methods.

• Regional Habitat Programs: Offers various initiatives like Operation Appleseed and Operation Oak to provide habitat improvement products and services across different regions.

• Policy Engagement: Continuously engages with policymakers to support conservation efforts and hunting rights, focusing on both national and state-level advocacy.

Leadership and Structure

The organization is led by its co-CEOs and supported by a national board of directors, state chapters, and a network of professional staff and volunteers. This structure enables the NWTF to maintain a strong presence in conservation circles and effectively execute its mission.