| Delivering the Outdoors to All
At Women in the Outdoors events, women ages 14 and older build skills to help them better enjoy the outdoors and learn the importance of wildlife management and the role hunters play in conservation. The events, held throughout North America and Canada, provide expert instruction and a chance to try a variety of outdoor activities such as archery, camp cooking, orienteering and gardening for wildlife. Not only are women learning skills related to camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, hunting, shooting, boating and bird-watching but also that these activities are fun ways to reconnect with the special people in their lives. “I enjoy most the new friends I have met and stay in touch with," Prudhomme said. “Women in the Outdoors events draw women from all walks of life and the camaraderie between the participants is outstanding. Through Women in the Outdoor events I have gained confidence in my abilities and myself that I never knew I possessed. “I took archery at an event and found I could actually hit the target. I learned to build a bluebird house, cook a cobbler in a Dutch oven, make candles to burn. I can take my grandkids for walks in the woods and teach them about plant life, identify different animal tracks, and get us back home safely because I took an orienteering class. I can grow flowers that live; before the gardening class, everything I planted died. I even learned to weave a basket made from Pine Straw. Women in the Outdoors has opened so many doors for me.” Jackie Tuten, who also volunteers for Women in the Outdoors, agrees with Prudhomme that seeing participants meet challenges at the event is the most rewarding part of the experience. “What I enjoy the most is seeing women enjoying each other and the excitement on their face when they get their first bulls-eye or skeet or fish," said Tuten. "Women want to learn this and thank goodness there is a program that teaches them in a positive, fun way.” And what would Tuten say to women who still aren’t sure if they’ll find something they like at the event? “I would tell the women to come out with their friends and experience something totally different. If they have children, I let them know what a great idea to get involved with their kids and get them outdoors. I also tell them that it is important to take time to just let go and enjoy. I always promise them that they will have a great time. Who knows, it may be a life changing experience!” Knowledge and Access In addition to Women in the Outdoors, the NWTF has other outreach programs, like JAKES/Xtreme JAKES and Wheelin’ Sportsmen.
JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) is for youths 12 and under, while Xtreme JAKES, for ages 13-17, has the added element of adventure, age-appropriate activities for teenagers. The aim of JAKES is to teach young people about wildlife conservation and the wise stewardship of our natural resources. Members receive the JAKES/Xtreme JAKES magazine featuring articles of interest to young readers and teens with 16 pages devoted to outdoor activities. But JAKES does more than just entertain; it gives students the tools to learn. The NWTF awards scholarships to benefit youth with a commitment to conserving the wild turkey and preserving the hunting tradition, and recipients may pursue any type of degree they wish. Recipients of local scholarships, given by area chapters of the NWTF, receive a minimum of $250 and qualify for the state scholarship worth $1,000. Each state scholarship recipient is entered into a national scholarship competition worth $10,000. The scholarship program is part of the NWTF’s Five-Star program, making $500,000 available each year to graduating seniors throughout the U.S. To date, the NWTF has awarded nearly $2 million through the scholarship program. “Supporting our children’s education through this scholarship program is just one way the NWTF can ensure we have the dedicated conservationists needed for the future,” said NWTF CEO Rob Keck.
Nearly 57 million Americans have a disability and the Wheelin’ Sportsmen program provides them the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors through local chapter events nationwide, such as hunting, fishing and shooting activities. Through the publication Wheelin’ Sportsmen and nearly 250 events a year, members have multiple opportunities to get involved. “From deer hunting to deep-sea fishing, we want everyone to be able to get outdoors and get involved,” said Kirk Thomas, national coordinator for Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF. “Wheelin’ Sportsmen brings together like-minded people facing similar challenges and allows them to enjoy the outdoors together.” With the same dedication given to wild turkey restoration efforts across North America, the NWTF is delivering — and in some cases re-introducing — the beauty and excitement of the outdoors to thousands of people with disabilities through its outreach program, Wheelin' Sportsmen.
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