National Wild Turkey Federation

The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wild turkeys and the preservation of North America's hunting heritage. Founded in 1973, NWTF has evolved into one of the leading wildlife conservation organizations in the region.

Mission and Objectives

The NWTF's mission focuses on conserving wild turkeys and promoting hunting as a traditional sport. It supports scientific wildlife management on public, private, and corporate lands across North America. The organization also works towards enhancing wild turkey habitat and promoting outdoor activities like hunting for diverse groups, including women, youth, and individuals with disabilities.

Programs and Initiatives

NWTF operates several prominent programs:

• Hunting Heritage Super Fund Banquets: These events are the primary fundraising mechanism for the organization. They help raise money for conservation and outreach projects.
• Wild Turkey Restoration: NWTF partners with state and federal wildlife agencies to restore wild turkey populations. The Making Tracks program is a key initiative in this effort, focusing on trapping and transferring wild turkeys to suitable habitats.
• JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, and Sportsmanship): This program is designed for youth, teaching them about wildlife management, hunting ethics, and outdoor skills.
• Women in the Outdoors and Wheelin' Sportsmen: These programs encourage women and individuals with disabilities to participate in outdoor activities.

Impact and Achievements

Since its inception, NWTF has significantly contributed to the increase in wild turkey populations from 1.3 million to over 7 million across North America. The organization has helped improve or acquire more than 17 million acres of wildlife habitat and spent over $372 million on conservation efforts.

Membership and Structure

NWTF has more than 250,000 members and volunteers across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other countries. The organization is structured with local chapters that work on state-level conservation projects, supported by a national office that focuses on broader conservation strategies and advocacy.

Financial Operations

NWTF generates significant revenue through its fundraising banquets and merchandising efforts. It has successfully grown from a smaller organization to one with substantial financial resources, allowing it to invest in extensive conservation projects. The "banquet-in-a-box" model, adopted in the late 1980s, has been instrumental in its financial growth.

Leadership and Governance

NWTF operates under the leadership of its co-CEOs and a board of directors that oversee strategic planning and management. The organization has undergone significant governance changes since its founding, adopting more professional management practices to enhance its impact and efficiency.