03/01/2007
A Founding Father of the Federation and Conservationist Dies
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—
 Wayne Bailey |
Bailey, known to many as the Godfather of modern turkey management was a key player in the development of the NWTF. Bailey was a member of the first NWTF Advisory board in 1973, he was the first NWTF Charter Member, he was on the first NWTF Technical Committee in 1975, and was the first recipient of the NWTF Conservationist of the Year Award in 1978.
"Wayne Bailey was a pioneer in modern turkey restoration and thanks to his relentless efforts the successful comeback of the wild turkey was possible," said Rob Keck, CEO of the NWTF. "It wasn't only his work in the field that aided in the restoration of the wild turkey, but his work with the NWTF during its early years was instrumental in the success of the organization today."
It was Bailey who began the process of live-trapping wild turkeys in the 1950s and relocating them elsewhere to restore populations. Bailey used his methods to turn a declining turkey population around in North Carolina from 1970 through 1980.
"We have lost a giant in the field of wildlife management," said Dr. James Earl Kennamer, NWTF senior vice president of conservation programs. "Not only was Wayne a mentor to me, but to so many others involved in the NWTF and with the wild turkey."
As a biologist, Bailey used science to help the wild turkey, but even after death he continues to help others through science. Bailey donated his body to be used in studies at the Science of Anatomy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
"Never was a man more suited to be a turkey biologist," said Cheryl Hardy, Bailey's daughter. "And never was a man more happy at work, he loved every day of it."
In six weeks the family is planning a "Big" celebration of Wayne Bailey's life at the Stratford Conference Center in Danville, Va.
Bailey is survived by his two daughters, Cheryl Hardy and Janice Nicowski and a son, Emmett Bailey, along with three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
