National Wild Turkey Federation, Inc.

The National Wild Turkey Federation, Inc. is a U.S. based nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of America's hunting heritage. Founded in 1973, the organization has played a pivotal role in restoring wild turkey populations across North America.

Mission and History

The NWTF was founded with a mission to conserve wild turkeys and preserve hunting traditions. At its inception, the wild turkey population in North America was approximately 1.3 million, with significant conservation efforts needed due to habitat loss and other threats. Over the years, the NWTF has contributed to increasing this number to over 7 million.

Conservation Efforts

• Wildlife Habitat Conservation: The NWTF has been instrumental in conserving or enhancing more than 22 million acres of wildlife habitat, significantly benefiting wild turkey populations and other species. Their efforts focus on restoring forests, grasslands, and wetlands, which not only protect wildlife but also improve water quality and mitigate wildfires.

• Research and Management: The organization supports extensive wild turkey research, allocating millions of dollars to projects focused on wild turkey biology and management. This research helps inform conservation strategies and ensure sustainable wild turkey populations.

• Trap and Transfer Programs: The NWTF has participated in trap and transfer programs to reintroduce wild turkeys into suitable habitats where they are lacking. This program, known as "Making Tracks," has helped restore wild turkey populations across the continent.

Outreach and Education

• Community Engagement: Through programs like JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, and Sportsmanship) and Women in the Outdoors, the NWTF works to introduce thousands of individuals, especially women, children, and those with disabilities, to outdoor skills and conservation principles.

• Hunting Heritage Super Fund Banquets: These banquets are the primary fundraising events for the NWTF. They support conservation projects, habitat restoration, and educational initiatives at local levels.

Partnerships and Advocacy

The NWTF partners with state and federal wildlife agencies, as well as corporate entities, to advance conservation goals. It also advocates for policies supporting wildlife conservation and hunting heritage through legislative initiatives.

Membership and Impact

As of recent figures, the NWTF has over 250,000 members across North America, leveraging substantial financial resources and volunteer efforts to achieve its conservation objectives. Since its founding, the organization has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on habitat conservation and outreach programs.

Achievements and Recognition

The NWTF's conservation achievements are recognized as one of the greatest success stories in North American wildlife conservation. The organization has facilitated investment in wildlife conservation, improved millions of acres of habitat, and supported the introduction of hundreds of thousands of people to outdoor activities annually. Its model of leveraging partnerships and science-based conservation strategies has been influential in advancing wildlife management practices.