NWTF At-A-Glance: History of NWTF
In 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation was founded in Fredericksburg, Va., as a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation and education organization with a mission dedicated to conservation of the wild turkey and preservation of our hunting heritage. Shortly thereafter the NWTF relocated to Edgefield, S.C., where it's still headquartered today.
At the time NWTF was established, there were only 1.3 million wild turkeys. Today that number stands at more than seven million birds throughout North America, thanks to the efforts of state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members and partners.
Growth and progress define the NWTF as it has expanded from 1,300 members in 1973 to nearly a half million today. With that growth has come impressive strides in wildlife management as the NWTF has forged dynamic partnerships across the country to further its conservation mission. Together, the NWTF's partners, sponsors and grassroots members have raised and spent more than $286 million upholding hunting traditions and conserving more than 13.9 million acres of wildlife habitat.
While wild turkey restoration is nearing completion, the NWTF still has much work to do. Across North America, supporters are working to enhance habitat for wild turkeys and other wildlife while providing hunters with more opportunities and access to public and private land. In addition, NWTF volunteers and partners are introducing youth, women and people with disabilities to the outdoors through special educational events.
If you would like to become a member of Team NWTF, join a committee or start a chapter, please visit our Web site or call us at (800) THE-NWTF.
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 6,100 members have worked to fulfill its mission by releasing wild turkeys, hosting fundraising banquets and outreach events and starting local chapters throughout Canada.
NWTF Mexico
NWTF Mexico continues to help restore wild turkeys throughout Mexico and conduct research necessary for continued success and expansion of wild turkey populations there. More than 300 wild turkeys were trapped and transferred in Mexico last year. In the state of Hidalgo, 100 Gould's wild turkeys were transferred to an area where turkeys were not present for more than 100 years. In addition, the NWTF's Ocellated turkey research project in Campeche continues to identify important information about this species to ensure their long-term sustainability.
You can help answer the call by joining the nation's most progressive conservation organization today by calling (800) THE-NWTF.
MEMBERSHIP
With 2,350 chapters, the NWTF provides a place for people from all walks of life to get involved in conservation. Today, membership stands at nearly a half million strong, with members 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 including:
- Regular membership
- Sponsor membership
- Military membership
Available to active duty military personnel. - Student membership
Available to young people 18 to 23 years old. - JAKES/Xtreme JAKES membership
JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship), is available to youth under age 12. Xtreme JAKES is for teens ages 13-17. - Women in the Outdoors membership
- Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF membership
Available to people with disabilities opportunities to enjoy hunting, fishing, target shooting and more. - Hunting Heritage Club membership
Available to all types of hunters who want to maintain the freedom to hunt and manage our lands for wildlife.
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