Outreach Programs Chat with the NWTF Outreach Program Coordinators
Last week, we asked NWTF members to submit their questions about the NWTF's outreach programs, and had a great response. Read on to learn everything you need to know about starting an outreach event in your area, how to improve your events and more.
JAKES
Answered by Mandy Harling, JAKES program coordinator
Q: Is it possible to have a JAKES event with a .22 caliber rifle shoot as one of the events? This would involve kids 17 and under. If so, is a certified range master needed for a chapter to host a shoot as a JAKES event? Also, does it affect the insurance for the event? Are there any other forms needed other than what chapters fill out now for a JAKES event?
— Jim Ward, President, Alleghany Highlands Longbeards
A: Incorporating shooting into JAKES events is a great idea. Using a firearm with low recoil such as the .22 caliber rifle you have suggested will give children a more positive experience shooting. Be very careful making sure that all safety rules are followed. Click here for a few shooting safety rules.
When choosing instructors, look for certified and/or trained instructors. To find certified instructors in your area, check with organizations like 4-H Shooting Sports or the NRA, or check with your local state agency for contacts.
The NWTF insurance policy covers registered events including shooting activities. In order to be covered by our policy, all events must be registered through your Regional Director and each participant must sign a release form.
Click here for these forms.
Q: What do you feel is the best way to get young people interested in the outdoors and keep their interest into recruitment into the hunting community? Basically, what type of JAKES events or activities at JAKES events seem to get the best response?
Our local chapter has had great success with fishing days and guided spring turkey hunts, but would love to be more productive. Any suggestions?
— Roger Wolfe, Logan Area Chapter, Chapmanvile, W.Va.
A: Historically events that expose youth to hands-on learning have been most successful. Giving youth a chance to shoot, paired with hunter safety and conservation information seems to be the best combination. Involve your state agencies in your events and ask them to provide attendees with information about earning their hunter safety certification. Getting them excited about obtaining the certification and helping them earn it can lead up to a mentored hunt sponsored by the chapter. This model teaches them the fundamentals of hunting and then follows it up with a hunt.
Q: What sort of programs are in place with the JAKES program for my son who just turned 5? And, as a sportsman, who can I get in contact with and how can I get more involved with the local JAKES chapter in my area to support our up-and-coming young sportsmen like my son?
— Bill Ernst, Ozark , Mo.
A: Start by contacting your local chapter to learn what events they have planned for your area. Each year chapters across the country host local events giving young people a chance to try hands-on activities. Local chapters can be found on our Web site by selecting your state from the drop down menu.
JAKESThe NWTF's JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) program is dedicated to teaching the principles of wildlife management and passing along the traditions of safe, ethical and responsible hunting to youth up to age 12. The NWTF's Xtreme JAKES program is geared toward youth between ages 13 and 17. |
JAKES members also receive four full color issues of JAKES Magazine, which contains articles about wildlife and conservation as well as lots of contests and fun activities. JAKES members also receive a decal and their very own personalized membership card.
Q: Why is there no JAKES day at national anymore? My daughter had the chance to enjoy this wonderful event when she was 8. There were representatives from most states where we have chapters. It is sad that such an impactful event is no longer continued year after year.
I realize there were issues with attendance. I know ways that the attendance issue could be corrected.
It certainly would be nice to see the National JAKES Day brought back at some point in the future. If you asked any of the kids/parents in attendance the event was a screaming success. We all know that the youth outreach is our future.
— Matt Sawyer, Massachusetts State Chapter Board member
A: Matt, I am glad you had such a wonderful experience at the National JAKES Event! I also consider those events as some of my best memories with the NWTF. There were several factors that caused us to stop hosting the event, but attendance was primarily the cause.
The good news is we are planning for another National JAKES Event. This event will allow state and local chapters to send their JAKES coordinators and youth ages 5 to 17 to the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield for hands-on learning. I believe by opening the event up to all ages, the attendance issue will be resolved and I would love to hear your ideas for increasing attendance. Stay tuned for dates and program information.
Q: How many youth have been introduced to the outdoors through the JAKES program since it started?
— Bob Hacker, Omaha, Neb.
A: Since 1999, when we started recording JAKES events, we've held more than 7,500 events. Although we do not have data for each event, the average attendance at a JAKES event is 75. Using those estimates, the JAKES program has reached more than half a million youth in the last ten years.
Wheelin' Sportsmen
Wheelin' SportsmenWheelin' Sportsmen NWTF provides all people with disabilities opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Through chapter events nationwide, participants can can enjoy activities such as hunting, fishing and shooting. With more than 50 million people with disabilities in the U.S., the program fills a significant void. Through this program, chapter host numerous Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF events across North America involving individuals with disabilities. |
Answered by Illana Burkhart, Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF Coordinator
Q: If I don't need Super Fund money for my event, do I still need to let anyone know we are holding it?
A: Yes! You should fill out an outreach event registration form , which can be found online or through contacting your regional director, and send it in to our national headquarters. This ensures that your event is covered under our blanket liability insurance policy and is listed on our Web site.
Q: What do Wheelin' Sportsmen members receive?
A: Wheelin' Sportsmen members receive a subscription to Turkey Country magazine, a personalized membership card, Wheelin' Sportsmen decal and the ability to attend any Wheelin' Sportsmen event in the country without paying an additional registration fee.
Q: How do I find out if there are events in my area?
A: You can search for nearby Wheelin' Sportsmen events on the Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF Web site . We maintain a listing of all upcoming events online. You also can call our headquarters and request written event listings.
Q: What if I want to start my own Wheelin' event?
A: The first step is to contact the regional director in your area. You can find a list of staff contacts online at www.nwtf.org and search by state. You also can request an event planning manual from our national headquarters by emailing me at iburkhart@nwtf.net. This will give you all the information and tools you need to get started. Our headquarters and regional staff are also available by email or telephone anytime to answer questions or help you plan your event.
Q: How much money is collectively spent for each of the NWTF's outreach programs and how many people benefit from its programs annually?
— Ron Pfeiffer, Leavenworth, Kan.
A: Through the Super Fund, in 2008, NWTF chapters spent more than $338,000 hosting JAKES events. Another $55,000 was spent on other youth events such as "Learn to Hunt" events co-sponsored by state agencies. Approximately 65,000 youth are reached through JAKES each year (see above for equation).
In 2008, NWTF chapters spent just over $74,000 from state Super Funds on 260 Wheelin' Sportsmen events across the country. There were an estimated 8,060 disabled participants who attended these events.*
*not all events submitted final reports
In the last decade, the NWTF spent nearly $1.5 million through the Hunting Heritage Super Fund on programs, materials and equipment to introduce women to the outdoors, hunting and conservation. Participation varies from year to year, but membership has averaged about 40,000 for the past 5 years.
Women in the Outdoors
Women in the OutdoorsWomen in the Outdoors is dedicated to providing hands-on outdoor education for women. Outdoor learning events, which allow women to try activities ranging from hunting to hiking, are conducted throughout the United States and Canada. |
Answered by Teresa Carroll, Women in the Outdoors Coordinator
Q: I used to be involved with the WITO program. The first event our chapter held, we had 54 women show up. That was in March of 2004. We held another in September of 2004 and had 30-something show up for that one. Then we held one in April of 2005 and had 15 show up.
We tried changing up the classes and added new instructors. We tried keeping everything fresh and new. We tried changing the type of food served for lunch. We even tried to have a fashion show "Camo & Pearls" to show women in the community that you could still go to a WITO event and not have to be a hunter. This was more along the banquet line with a live, silent auction. We even had some games and a buffet line for supper. What would you recommend to get the interest back into the program in our area?
— Lelani S. Beasley, Choudrant, La.
A: My first suggestion is to build a committee consisting of at least 10 to 15 individuals. As you know, organizing an event requires a great deal of time and detail, so the more help you have the greater your chance of success.
Getting the word out about your event is also crucial. Friends inviting friends is the first step; however, advertising your event by other means is also necessary. Press release templates are available on our Web site that can be modified to fit your event. We can even provide you with local media outlets for these releases.
I would also suggest contacting your regional director for a list of members in your area from our membership department. Event flyers can be mailed or emailed to these individuals. I think you are on the right track in the basic organization of your event. Getting women to attend is the hurdle; however, once there, your event will sell itself!
Q: Are there any Women in the Outdoors chapters that are large enough to have their own banquets? Or what is the average size of the WITO groups in the country?
— John Tanner, Carrollton, Ga
A: This year, 34 women on average attended Women in the Outdoors events across the country. There are a few Women in the Outdoors chapters who host their own banquets; however, if you currently have a local chapter in your area, it is best to join the committee and work together in hosting Hunting Heritage Banquets and outreach events. This will provide a larger network of committee members, which will help promote and bring about successful banquets and events in your area. If no local chapter exists, please contact your regional director for specific guidelines in forming a local chapter.
Q: What is the mission, if you will, of getting more women involved in the outdoors? In Wichita, Kan., I know it is a huge market for WITO, but no events have been planned. Is it up to our regional co-coordinator to put something together or is it really a volunteer program that you're looking for?
Due to a hunting incedent I incurred, my position as a volunteer in Wichita has been curtailed, but am willing to attend a support any event that can get planned. I truly hope to get back to being able to actively participate as well as plan events, but in the meantime I was curious as to the position NWTF has concerning WITO.
— Pam Carter, Wichita, Kan.
A: The NWTF remains committed to its outreach programs, including Women in the Outdoors. Our mission is still active and vital — to provide educational outdoor opportunities for women, the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage.
We encourage our volunteers to contact our regional directors about event opportunities. We can really use help in identifying new events and bringing more awareness about the program to your area. This can be done by working in conjunction with the regional director and the local chapter to facilitate Women in the Outdoors events.
Q: As a new member to the Women in the Outdoors program I would like to know is there a basic hunter program for ladies available in Wise County, Texas, for a true rookie?
— Susan Williams, Decatur, Texas
A: Currently, we do not have a women's event that features a basic hunter program. However, check the Women in the Outdoors Web site periodically as it is updated weekly with new events. You can find a hunter education course in your area by visiting the Texas Parks and Wildlife Web site.
Q: I have enjoyed numerous WITO events over the years, both basic and advanced. I've often wondered why the chapters don't follow up with the participants to encourage active membership in that local chapter.
— Jennifer L. Finch, Kansas City, Mo.
A: Since all chapters function differently, I am unaware of the circumstances involving your particular situation. I would encourage you to seek out a member of the local chapter and ask how you can be involved. I'm sure you will find a welcoming group of people that can benefit from your involvement in the women's program.
Q: Who is the coordinator for the Rhode Island area?
— Gail A. Hogan, WITO member
A: Since event coordinators change periodically, I would recommend contacting Chris Karinja (ckarinja@nwtf.net), who is the regional director for Rhode Island. He can provide you with information concerning chapters and/or any upcoming events within the state.
Q: I am a volunteer at the Warnell Forest Education Center in Guyton, Ga., and I would like to host a JAKES day event, or Women in the Outdoors event at our center. My supervisor has expressed some interest in this recently and as a turkey hunter, Education Program Assistant Intern and NWTF member, I think that it would be a excellent opportunity to educate the public and get the youth in our community involved.
The future of wild turkey hunting is truly in the hands of our youth. We have an award-winning education center building with plenty of surrounding acreage to host such an event. I would be willing to help out in any way. I just need to know who to contact, who supplies the funding for these events and whether these events are typically run by a local chapter or by the national outreach organization.
— Corey Ullman, Warnell Forest Education Center, Guyton, Ga.
A: Sounds like you have a great location to host a JAKES and Women in the Outdoors event! The first step is to contact your local regional director. To do this, simply go to www.nwtf.org and select your state in the "NWTF in Your State" section and proceed to the "NWTF Field Staff" link.
The regional director will connect you with the local chapter in your area, which the event will be coordinated through. Funds may be available through the local chapter or state Hunting Heritage Super Fund to provide start-up money for your event. Your regional director along with the local chapter will provide oversight and help you host a successful event!
Q: I would love to help out every once in a while with WITO gatherings but I don't know when, where or who to talk to about doing so. Could you please help put me in contact with the right people to do so? Would it be possible to send out e-mails letting members know when there are events in their areas? Thanks so much.
— Cameron Christiansen, Pocatello, Idaho
A: Assisting with a Women in the Outdoors event can be so rewarding and help is always needed! The best way to get connected is to scout the Women in the Outdoors Web site for upcoming events in your area that may be of interest. Contact the coordinator listed for the event and ask what you can do to help with the event or future events. Another resource is to contact your regional director. He or she may know of event opportunities in your area that may be looking for help.
Q: Can you tell me where and when the first ever NWTF outreach events were held and how many people attended?
— Carl Stuard , Chapter President, Blanchard Valley Strutters, Hancock County, Ohio
A: The first Women in the Outdoors event occurred in May of 1998 in Junction City, Kan., with 45 women in attendance. That year, other pilot events followed in South Carolina, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Alabama and California.
Wheelin' Sportsmen came to the NWTF in October of 2000 as part of a merger between Wheelin' Sportsmen of America and NWTF. The first official Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF event was held later that fall in Union Springs, Ala. That Ultimate Team Up became the model for future Wheelin' events across the country.
While we don't have exact dates and numbers of attendees we can tell you that, in 1981, the NWTF saw a need to reach out to the younger generation of members and began the JAKES program. Initially the program consisted of a newsletter and a patch.
In the early 90s, the NWTF/US Forest Service liaison John Edwards began hosting JAKES events on land around the NWTF headquarters in Edgefield, S.C. The programs were such a success that a national event was created to serve as a model to chapters across the United States and Canada. These chapters took the model event back to their local and state chapters and, by 1999, were hosting more than 500 events.
