National Wild Turkey Federation Inc

Overview

The National Wild Turkey Federation Inc (NWTF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wild turkeys and the preservation of hunting heritage in North America. Founded in 1973, the NWTF has played a significant role in restoring wild turkey populations from approximately 1.3 million to over 7 million through concerted conservation efforts.

Mission

The NWTF's mission is twofold: to conserve the wild turkey and to preserve the American hunting tradition. This dual focus involves not only the restoration and management of wildlife habitats but also the promotion of outdoor skills and appreciation for wildlife among diverse groups, including women, children, and people with disabilities.

Programs and Initiatives

Hunting Heritage Super Fund

The NWTF's primary fundraiser is the Hunting Heritage Super Fund Banquet, which supports conservation projects across North America. These projects include habitat restoration, wildlife research, and outdoor education for various demographics.

Making Tracks

This program collaborates with state, federal, and provincial wildlife agencies to restore wild turkey populations by trapping and transferring birds to suitable habitats. Since its inception, more than 192,000 wild turkeys have been relocated to enhance populations.

Research and Partnerships

The NWTF supports scientific wildlife management through partnerships with various agencies and organizations. It has committed over $9 million to wild turkey research, fostering advances in management strategies and policy formulation. The Wild Turkey Symposium, co-organized by the NWTF, gathers experts to discuss and share findings in wild turkey research.

Habitat Conservation

By investing heavily in habitat improvement, the NWTF has conserved or enhanced over 22 million acres of wildlife habitat. This effort leverages funding through partnerships, ensuring that every dollar raised by the organization is magnified several times through collaborations.

Impact and Legacy

Over the decades, the NWTF has achieved significant milestones in wildlife conservation and outdoor education. It has introduced over 100,000 people annually to outdoor activities and has been instrumental in shaping national policies benefiting wildlife conservation and hunting heritage. The NWTF's success story is often cited as one of the greatest in wildlife conservation, demonstrating the power of collaborative efforts between hunters, conservationists, and government agencies.

Membership and Structure

With more than 250,000 members across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other countries, the NWTF operates through a network of chapters and partnerships with state, federal, and corporate entities. Its leadership and national board of directors oversee the organization's strategic direction and operations.

Financial and Legal Status

The National Wild Turkey Federation Inc operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under EIN 651303569, engaging in fundraising activities and leveraging grants and partnerships to support its mission.