Connecting, Learning and Leading: Women in the Outdoors at Convention

In the past, the NWTF Convention has featured a Camo and Pearls Lunch Auction for women, but NWTF Education and Outreach staff felt like there was an opportunity to expand programming.

“We wanted to create something that was set apart in design: a welcoming environment for ladies to network and enjoy while in Nashville,” said Morgan Evans, NWTF national R3 and relevancy coordinator. “From start to finish, the brunch is a ladies-driven event — from the hand-selected products in the auction to the live music performer, the mimosas, the auctioneer, the hat bar and the planning committee — ladies in the industry are represented and celebrated. Following the kickoff in 2025, we quickly noticed a desire for an event like this, where women from across the nation could come together and create friendships rooted in one central vein: the life-changing power of the outdoors.”

At the 2025 Ladies’ Brunch, NWTF’s female volunteers and members came together to connect and celebrate Women in the Outdoors from all across the nation. It was a dedicated space for female hunters, conservationists and others who were curious about breaking into the sport. It offered an opportunity for women to find mentorship, support and empowerment while strengthening their ties to the broader hunting community. One of those volunteers was Abbie Shireman, Pennsylvania NWTF State Chapter’s education and outreach coordinator.

Shireman had such a positive experience at last year’s brunch that she replicated the event at the 2026 NWTF Pennsylvania State Rendezvous. The ladies’ breakout session she scheduled brought together women who were new to hunting, experienced female hunters and women from the Pennsylvania Game Commission to chat about their experiences in the outdoors. Attendees were able to ask questions, share their insecurities without fear of judgment and listen to stories that resonated with them. At NWTF’s convention, this happens on a national scale.

“When I attended the Ladies’ Brunch last year, I loved the fact that we just got to be women,” Shireman said. “We got to relax and let our guards down, and we got to talk about topics that were interesting to women, in the company of other women. I really liked the opportunity to talk to women who I wouldn’t have otherwise had access to. Events like these break down any barriers that might otherwise be in place to talk to ladies from across the country and from different walks of life. This event allows for time to take a breath, rest and really get to know other women in the outdoor space. It's a tailored space for women to connect and grow.”

The brunch, sponsored by Grizzly, will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14. It will feature a presentation deck recognizing NWTF’s female volunteers and members from across the nation. The event will also create a space for connecting with fellow outdoorswomen. Admission tickets include a brunch spread, an exclusive NWTF ballcap designed in theme with the Ladies’ Brunch and two drink tickets. The event will also feature a DIY hat bar by Rustler Hat Co. at an additional cost.

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 positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.3 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $22 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to deliver healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF is committed to creating a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.