NWTF At-A-Glance: History of NWTF
When the National Wild Turkey Federation was founded in 1973, there were only 1.3 million wild turkeys throughout North America. Since then, the number of wild turkeys has increased to more than 7 million birds thanks to state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF, its members and partners.
The NWTF, headquartered in Edgefield, S.C., is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation and education organization dedicated to conserving wild turkeys and preserving hunting traditions. Growth and progress define the NWTF as it has expanded from 1,300 members in 1973 to more than 500,000 today.
With that growth has come impressive strides in wildlife management as the NWTF has forged dynamic partnerships across the country. Together, the NWTF's conservation partners and grassroots members have raised and spent more than $258 million upholding hunting traditions and conserving more than 13.1 million acres of wildlife habitat.
NWTF Canada
In 1984, the NWTF started working with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters to help restore wild turkey populations in the province. Since 1998, NWTF Canada's more than 6,000 members have worked to fulfill its mission by releasing wild turkeys, hosting fundraising banquets and outreach events and starting local chapters.
NWTF Mexico
The NWTF is spreading its wings beyond the border of the United States, recently adding a chapter
in Mexico. The event makes Mexico the third country in which NWTF is represented through chapter involvement.
You can help answer the call by joining the nation's most progressive conservation organization today by calling (800) THE-NWTF.
MEMBERSHIP
The NWTF's membership stands at more than 500,000 people strong, organized in 2,350 chapters in 50 states, Canada, Mexico and 14 other countries. Those with a passion for wildlife and the outdoors can join Team NWTF by choosing from several membership categories such as:
- Regular membership
- Sponsor membership
- Military membership
- JAKES/Xtreme JAKES membership
JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship), is the NWTF's program dedicated to informing, educating and involving youth in wildlife conservation and the wise stewardship of our natural resources for members 12 and younger. Xtreme JAKES, the NWTF's newest program, was developed for teens ages 13-17. - Women in the Outdoors membership
The Women in the Outdoors program is about learning outdoor skills, meeting new people and spending time with friends and family. 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. - Wheelin' Sportsmen membership
Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF is dedicated to providing all disabled people the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors through local chapter events nationwide, such as hunting, fishing and shooting activities. - Hunting Heritage Club membership
NWTF Hunting Heritage Club Program—This new membership program focuses on bringing all types of hunters into the fight to maintain our right to hunt and manage our lands.
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