National Wild Turkey Federation, Inc.

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

History

The organization was founded in 1973 by Tom Rodgers and others who recognized the need to address declining wild turkey populations due to habitat loss and human development, particularly along the eastern seaboard of the United States. The NWTF began as a research and conservation education organization with an initial goal to restore wild turkey populations[5].

Mission

The primary mission of the National Wild Turkey Federation is twofold:

1. Conservation of the Wild Turkey: The organization focuses on scientific wildlife management and habitat restoration to ensure robust wild turkey populations.
2. Preservation of Hunting Heritage: The NWTF supports the cultural aspects of hunting, advocating for hunters' rights and promoting the importance of hunting as a tool for wildlife management[3].

Impact and Achievements

• Population Growth: At the time of its founding, there were about 1.3 million wild turkeys in North America. Through concerted conservation efforts, this number has grown to over 7 million today[1][2].
• Habitat Conservation: The NWTF has been instrumental in conserving or enhancing more than 22 million acres of wildlife habitat, primarily through partnerships with state and federal agencies, as well as private landowners[1].
• Research Funding: The organization has contributed over $9 million to wild turkey research projects, which are often leveraged with additional funding from partners[1].

Programs and Partnerships

• Wild Turkey Symposium: The NWTF supports this symposium, which gathers leading scientists in wild turkey research to share findings and guide conservation strategies[1].
• JAKES, Women in the Outdoors, and Wheelin' Sportsmen: These programs promote outdoor skills and appreciation for wildlife management among diverse audiences[2].
• Regional Habitat Programs: The NWTF implements programs like Operation Appleseed and Operation Oak to improve habitats in different regions[2].
• Wild Turkey Partnership Agreements: These agreements facilitate cooperative management and research efforts with state and federal agencies[2].

Governance and Structure

The organization operates with a national board of directors and leadership team. It has more than 250,000 members across multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico[2]. The NWTF works closely with state chapters and partners to influence policy and regulations affecting conservation and hunting rights[1].

Financials

The NWTF has invested over half a billion dollars in wildlife conservation and has a strong financial foundation, leveraging donations to secure additional funding for projects[1].