CEO Notes – May/June
Across the country, most states’ wild turkey seasons are in effect, some waxing, some waning.
And whether you’re just beginning to scout for roost sites before opening day or still trying to call in that elusive tom, we hope you are enjoying every drop of it!
The middle of spring is the perfect time to reflect on the NWTF’s last 50 years of wild turkey conservation: from a bird eliminated from much of its historical range to America’s most iconic game bird now huntable in 49 states, the restoration of the wild turkey is nothing short of extraordinary. This, however, would not have been possible without the tenacity of NWTF volunteers, partners and all people involved over the last half century that have made the comeback of the wild turkey awe-inspiring. Fifty years later, the same rings true.
Wild turkey conservation and the preservation of our hunting heritage are just as important today as they were five decades ago, and our 50th Anniversary kickoff in Nashville galvanized us into action like never before. At no time has the NWTF Convention and Sport Show been filled with so many passionate people who live for the outdoors and bleed the NWTF mission. The entire flock’s batteries are as charged as ever to deliver our mission.
We have recently announced our second Request for Proposals for wild turkey research projects. As you may recall, we announced the selection of projects from the initial RFP last year at the National Wild Turkey Symposium, which included the NWTF’s investment of $360,000 in seven crucial wild turkey research projects. That funding was leveraged into $2.4 million through our partnerships; details for our next investment in wild turkey research will be announced this summer.
What’s more, NWTF state chapters have contributed immensely to wild turkey research in their respective states and regions. Together, the NWTF and its chapters are one of the leading mechanisms to enhance our understanding of wild turkey ecology and the measures needed to ensure its sustainability for future generations.
Our conservation delivery is growing as rapidly as ever. We recently started critical forest restoration as part of our new 20-year national master stewardship agreement with the USDA Forest Service (see page 46 for more). We are beginning work in the Klamath National Forest in northern California, where forest restoration and wildfire mitigation are critical to wildlife habitat. This is an excellent beginning to a multi-decade, landscape-scale approach to our conservation delivery.
From research to national conservation initiatives and everywhere in between, this work is only possible thanks to the NWTF’s selfless volunteers across the country delivering the mission. State and local NWTF chapters are at the heart of hosting outreach and fundraising events. Teaching turkey seminars, hosting JAKES Days, introducing adults and whole families to America’s outdoor traditions, bringing in new audiences to our banquets and more — the NWTF’s altruistic, boots-on-the-ground volunteers are hard at work right now. If you’re not a volunteer, we encourage you to link up with a local chapter in your area.
As we celebrate 50 years of the NWTF all year long and steamroll toward our golden anniversary goals, don’t forget to get outdoors, spend time with loved ones and cherish every last drop of the spring season!