Ask a Biologist!
Are you curious about wild turkey behavior, habitat management or the latest in conservation science? Do you have pressing questions about forestry, wildfires or land management? New this year at the 2025 NWTF Convention and Sport Show: the Ask a Biologist Booth — located at booth 850 across from the Turkey Shoppe — offers attendees the unique opportunity to engage with leading experts in the field of wildlife conservation, forestry and research.
Engage with Experts on Wildfire Conservation
Today, convention attendees had the chance to meet with NWTF Wildfire Crisis manager Molly Pitts and Wildfire Crisis coordinators Brian Russell and Austin Sommerville to discuss the Wildfire Crisis Strategy. They provided insights into ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of wildfires, restore critical habitats and improve forest health through strategic land management practices. Attendees learned about NWTF’s collaborations with federal and state agencies and how they can play a role in supporting fire-adapted landscapes.
Get the Latest on Wild Turkey Research
A highlight of the booth was the opportunity to interact with some of the nation’s top wild turkey researchers, including Dr. Michael Chamberlain, Dr. Bret Collier, Dr. Patrick Wightman and Dr. Nick Bakner and Brandon Smithwick from Wild Turkey Lab. They shared the latest findings on wild turkey population dynamics and encouraged attendees to share their thoughts on what is causing declines in wild turkeys. Attendees had the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge about cutting-edge research that is shaping the future of wild turkey conservation.
Expanded Opportunities on Friday and Saturday
For those attending on Friday and Saturday (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.), the Ask a Biologist Booth will continue to provide invaluable insights from conservation professionals across multiple disciplines:
Friday's Expert Sessions:
- Water Conservation with Travis Smith – Learn about the critical role of water in sustaining wild turkey populations and the ongoing conservation efforts in the western United States.
- Forestry and Private Land Management – Gain expert insights from professional foresters on how to enhance wildlife habitat and maintain sustainable forests on private lands.
Saturday's Expert Sessions:
- Wildfire Crisis Discussions – A continued conversation on wildfire mitigation and forest resilience strategies with NWTF’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy team.
- Regional Wild Turkey Conservation Needs – NWTF district biologists will be available to discuss challenges and strategies specific to the central, eastern, and western wild turkey populations.
- Wild Turkey Research Updates – Dr. Michael Chamberlain and Dr. Bret Collier return to dive deeper into their latest studies and conservation implications.
- NWTF Investments in Research and Conservation on a Landscape Scale – NWTF national director of science and planning, Mark Hatfield, and NWTF director of conservation operations in the East, Doug Little, will discuss NWTF’s long-term commitment to conservation efforts across vast landscapes, emphasizing collaboration and strategic partnerships.
Whether you’re a landowner, wildlife enthusiast, hunter, conservationist or all of the above, the Ask a Biologist Booth is your gateway to expert knowledge and meaningful discussions on the future of wild turkey conservation and habitat management. Don’t miss this chance to engage directly with the people shaping the future of conservation science and policy!
Stop by Booth 898 at the 2025 NWTF Convention and Sport Show and be part of the conversation that ensures the long-term health of wild turkeys and their habitats!