24th Annual Jack Robertson Invitational Shoot Celebrates Hunting, Conservation and Youth Engagement

Originally established by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the event began as an NSSF fundraiser for its Hunting Heritage Trust. As a representative of the firearms industry and community, the gathering quickly evolved into a prominent assembly of leaders from firearm manufacturers, making it a highly anticipated springtime event.

Jack Robertson, a remarkable former employee of the NSSF, played a pivotal role in shaping and expanding the organization. After his retirement, the invitational sporting clays event was named is his honor in recognition of his contributions. Robertson was present at the event this year and participated in the shooting activities alongside three generations of his family.

Since its inception, the event has maintained a tradition of sharing its proceeds with various organizations, such as USA Shooting, 4-H and the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance. This year, in honor of the NWTF's 50^th Anniversary, proceeds from the event will support the NWTF JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) program, which has garnered recognition for its exceptional work across the nation.

To further emphasize the importance of this recognition, NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter attended the invitational shoot and spoke to shooters, sharing insights into the organization's history and highlighting its promising future.

Nearly 100 shooters attended the event held at Ten Mile River Preserve in Dover Plains, New York. Dave Baron, of Baron Engraving, has assisted with the event since its beginning. Baron, along with his employees, volunteer their time and effort to support the event. Additionally, he takes the donated products for the event and engraves them to bring more auction value to the items. Baron, a Virginia native, serves on the NWTF National Board of Directors.

“I would like to thank the donors who did so much to make this event successful; together, we can make a difference for engaging the next generation,” Baron said. “The youth of today need to fall in love with the outdoors so that they will be ready to be the stewards of the wild game and the open spaces that we hold so dear!”

Donations for the event this year were at an all-time high, with 20-plus firearms and thousands of dollars of gear donated. These items were the centerpiece of an exciting auction held following the invitational shoot and luncheon.

The proceeds generated from this year's Jack Robertson Invitational Shoot will play a vital role in creating valuable opportunities for young outdoor enthusiasts to explore and appreciate recreational opportunities in the great outdoors. Recognizing the significance of fostering a passion for the outdoors and hunting in our youth, the event's fundraising efforts aim to ensure the next generation becomes actively involved in conservation efforts and the preservation of shooting sports.

About the National Wild Turkey Federation

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has conserved or enhanced over 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by working across boundaries on a landscape scale.

2023 is the NWTF's 50^th Anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization's mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50^th Anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and NWTF's people; and raise $5 million to build toward a $50 million endowment for the future. Learn how you can help us reach these lofty goals.