Chapters Receive National Recognition for Achievements
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — For outstanding achievement in helping the National Wild Turkey Federation work toward its mission to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage, NWTF chapters received national awards.
Representatives from NWTF chapters accepted their awards during the NWTF’s 50th anniversary celebration at its 47th annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak.
The accomplishments of this year’s winners include Membership Achievement and Top Contributing Event awards.
Membership Achievement awards are given to chapters that bring in new NWTF members through NWTF outreach and education events, such as JAKES, Women in the Outdoors and Wheelin’ Sportsmen.
Top Contributing Event awards are given to chapters that raise the most funds through all events.
Membership Achievement
- Franklin County Longbeards, Virginia
- Central Coast Women in the Outdoors, California
- Bootheel Boss Gobblers, Missouri
“Franklin County Longbeards was founded and built around JAKES Outreach,” chapter volunteer Tim Burton said. “We are very proud to receive this award showcasing the accomplishments of our JAKES Outreach programs. Our JAKES Outreach has grown our chapter to include Wheelin' Sportsmen and Women in the Outdoors. This has also had a very positive impact on growing our banquets.”
Top Contributing Event
- Wisconsin State Chapter
- Land of Lakes Chapter, Indiana
“Wisconsin State Women in the Outdoors Chapter is honored to receive the Top Contributing Event award,” chapter volunteer Tracy Neuburg-Whelan said. “The efforts of our committee and instructors go well beyond the financial contribution to the National Wild Turkey Federation. We are more than honored to annually host the award-winning, three-day event.. Having the privilege to share our knowledge and experiences far outweighs any award we could ever receive.”
“From fundraising events to our outreach events, our local and state chapters are the lifeblood of the NWTF,” NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter said. “We are proud to award our chapters who hosted events that brought extraordinary growth in funds and membership.”
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 50th anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization's mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50-year celebration, 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 the 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.