How You Can Volunteer with the NWTF

During Volunteer Week, it's essential to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable contributions that volunteers make to the NWTF. Their dedication and selflessness make a lasting impact on the environment and their communities.

The NWTF provides numerous opportunities for individuals from all walks of life to get involved and make a meaningful difference. From participating in fundraising events and conservation efforts to working with outreach programs, mentoring initiatives and so much more, there's a role for everyone to contribute to the NWTF's mission fulfillment.

NWTF Chapters

The chapter system stands as the cornerstone of NWTF's outreach efforts, offering an excellent avenue for individuals to engage in local volunteer opportunities. With a vast network of over 1,200 chapters nationwide, and hosting more than 1,300 events annually, volunteers play a crucial role in bringing the NWTF's mission to grassroots levels within their communities. Looking ahead, the NWTF is committed to expanding its chapter network, with a bold vision of establishing 2,500 or more chapters over the next decade.

“By joining or starting a chapter, you are playing an important role in the health and stability of the NWTF which helps us to deliver on our conservation mission,” said Barry Woods, NWTF national director of event fundraising. “As a chapter volunteer, you will have the ability to host your very own outreach event and introduce the great work the NWTF is doing across the country to your hometown. Our banquet system is a great way to create community engagement and bring awareness to the need for conservation and the preservation of our hunting heritage. Our volunteers are the lifeblood of this organization, we would love to have you join the NWTF family and help us to create a better environment through sound scientific conservation and to help us protect our hunting heritage. Becoming an NWTF volunteer is very rewarding and a great way to meet like-minded individuals whose primary goal is to create a better environment for everyone to enjoy.”

Local banquets play a pivotal role in supporting the NWTF's mission delivery by providing critical funds that serve as essential non-federal match contributions. These funds are instrumental in enabling NWTF conservation staff to leverage state and federal public dollars, as well as secure grant funding for various conservation projects and initiatives.

“I believe one of the strengths of the NWTF is the many, and diverse, volunteer opportunities for our members to engage with us and share their talents,” said Jared McJunkin, NWTF director of conservation operations (central). “Helping on a local chapter or at a local banquet is how many people first step up to help deliver the NWTF’s mission. Getting to know other NWTF volunteers and members, understanding their passions and how the NWTF operates at the local and state level are all benefits of serving on a local chapter committee.”

If you do not currently have a chapter in your hometown or on your college campus, please get in touch with one of our numerous Regional Directors to explore the process of starting one.

Education and Outreach

The NWTF's programs provide a wide array of volunteering opportunities, catering to various skill levels and interests. From beginner to advanced levels, volunteers can participate in activities such as hunting instructions, mentored hunts and a rich variety of field days encompassing activities like fishing, target shooting, hunter education, wild game preparation and more.

Becoming a part of an outreach event committee presents a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful contribution. Whether you're involved as an event coordinator, photography chair, meal chair, registration chair, or in any other capacity, volunteers play pivotal roles in guaranteeing the success of these events. Additionally, individuals can take on roles as state volunteer outreach coordinators or event instructors, teaching valuable skills.

“You don't need to be an expert in instruction or hold a leadership position to make a difference,” said Mandy Harling, NWTF national director of Education and Outreach programs. “NWTF events often require assistance in various general capacities, such as welcoming attendees, serving food or directing traffic. Everyone, regardless of their skill level or experience, can lend a hand and find a meaningful role at an NWTF event.”

For those interested in mentoring, there are ample opportunities to contribute to preserving the hunting tradition for future generations. However, one common challenge faced by chapters is securing hunting grounds for mentored hunts and outdoor events. The NWTF is continuously seeking partnerships with landowners who are willing to provide space for these initiatives.

"NWTF volunteers are the backbone of our organization,” said Teresa Carroll, NWTF Education and Outreach program coordinator. “Many work full-time jobs and volunteer countless hours to see that men, women, and youth are given outdoor opportunities to learn more about archery, shooting sports, hunting, and many other outdoor pursuits. They are life changers."

If you’re passionate about conservation and eager to share your love for the outdoors, the NWTF welcomes you to join their education and outreach efforts. Volunteering with the NWTF isn’t just about giving back—it’s about building connections, fostering a love for nature and preserving our hunting heritage. By contacting the education and outreach staff, you can explore ways to get involved in organizing outreach events and mentoring programs.

Conservation

Across the country, numerous opportunities exist to engage in various conservation projects. These initiatives encompass a wide range of activities, including turkey releases, tree plantings, food plot installations, and participation in Wildlife Management Area clean-up efforts, among much more. In addition to physical labor, volunteers are also needed to assist with tasks such as serving food or providing water during workdays.

“Although more limited in nature and often difficult to coordinate, sometimes there are opportunities to assist state wildlife agencies with turkey trapping efforts associated with ongoing research or turkey management,” McJunkin said.

The NWTF also organizes workshops tailored for landowners or resource professionals. Getting the word out about these opportunities and personally inviting landowners to attend can make a significant difference. Additionally, lending a hand with logistics on the day of these events is beneficial for NWTF staff and partners alike. By supporting these workshops, volunteers play a vital role in facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering partnerships that contribute to conservation efforts and habitat management.

“NWTF District Biologists oversee project delivery and implementation at the state level, and they are a good resource for someone looking to engage with NWTF conservation efforts,” McJunkin said. “Even if there are not opportunities to physically help with a conservation project in your local area, learning about what the NWTF is doing to conserve or enhance wildlife habitat in your area is always a good use of your time and we welcome the engagement.”

Connecting with your local chapter or district biologist is a great way to find out about ongoing projects and upcoming conservation events.

Policy Advocacy

Policy advocacy also plays a crucial role in conservation and the preservation of our hunting heritage. Volunteers can actively participate in policy issues vital to the mission of the NWTF by staying informed and engaging as sportspeople. Additionally, attending Sportsmen’s Days at state capitols alongside our partners provides an opportunity to advocate for policies that support conservation and hunting traditions.

Learn more about the NWTF’s policy and advocacy work.