National Wild Turkey Federation Inc

The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wild turkeys and the preservation of hunting heritage in North America. Since its founding in 1973, the NWTF has grown to become a leading force in wildlife conservation efforts, with a large membership and significant financial investments in habitat preservation and research.

History

The NWTF was founded by Tom Rodgers, who recognized the decline in wild turkey populations due to habitat loss and sought to address this through a national organization. Initially established as a research and conservation education organization, the NWTF has expanded its mission over the years to include habitat conservation, public education, and advocacy for hunting rights.

Mission

The NWTF's mission is twofold: to conserve wild turkey populations and to preserve the hunting heritage. It accomplishes this through a combination of research, habitat protection, and public education programs. The organization works closely with federal, state, and provincial wildlife agencies, as well as private organizations and individuals, to advance its conservation goals.

Programs and Activities

• Wild Turkey Habitat Conservation: The NWTF focuses on creating and enhancing wild turkey habitats across millions of acres of public, private, and corporate lands. It partners with organizations like the USDA Forest Service and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to improve habitat conditions and support wildlife management strategies.
• Research and Scientific Management: The NWTF invests in research to guide its conservation efforts. It sponsors scientific studies on wild turkeys and works with academic and agency scientists to ensure that conservation practices are based on the best available data.
• Public Education and Outreach: Programs such as JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship), Women in the Outdoors, and Wheelin' Sportsmen are designed to introduce people to outdoor activities, promote conservation, and preserve hunting traditions.
• Hunting Heritage Super Fund Banquets: These banquets serve as major fundraisers for the NWTF, supporting conservation projects and outreach programs across North America.

Achievements

Since its inception, the NWTF has achieved significant success in:

• Population Recovery: Wild turkey populations have increased from approximately 1.3 million in 1973 to over 7 million today.
• Habitat Conservation: The NWTF has helped conserve or enhance more than 22 million acres of wildlife habitat.
• Financial Impact: It has invested over half a billion dollars in wildlife conservation through various projects.

Governance and Membership

The NWTF boasts more than 250,000 members across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and other countries. Its leadership includes a national board of directors and co-CEOs. The organization's operations are supported by volunteers, staff, and partnerships with state and federal agencies.

Financial Performance and Impact

The NWTF leverages its funding significantly, often achieving a 4-to-1 return on investment through partnerships with government agencies and private organizations. This efficient use of resources allows it to maximize its impact on wild turkey conservation and habitat management projects.