Skip to content
Press Releases

Evolving, Modernizing & Positioning for Future Success

EDGEFIELD, S.C. —The National Wild Turkey Federation announced several upcoming changes to align its headquarters property holdings in Edgefield, S.C. with its operational needs and goals, including plans to relocate its museum collections for greater audience exposure.

September 28, 20222 min read

The tremendous stories of wild turkey restoration across America and the people who led this effort are vital to preserve and use to educate future generations. The NWTF is in discussions with Johnny Morris — founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, longtime friend of the NWTF and noted conservationist — to relocate its museum to the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium located in Springfield, Missouri.

Thanks to Morris’ vision and generosity, the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium has become a major tourist destination, attracting more than 1 million visitors each year and helping Springfield become known as America’s Conservation Capital.

“We want the stories of wild turkey restoration across America and the people who led that effort to be accessible and help educate a wider audience,” said NWTF co-CEO Becky Humphries.

Relocating the museum is part of a strategic facilities plan approved by the NWTF National Board of Directors in August. That plan also includes outsourcing merchandise warehousing and fulfillment for chapter fundraisers to a third party in the coming year, and selling the current warehouse facility.

“Our chapters are more efficiently merchandising their events and we have been evolving to best meet their needs,” said NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter. “With a more consolidated core package and the ability to purchase additional offerings best suited to each respective event or banquet directly from preferred vendors, we aren’t using our warehouse to its full potential. By moving to a third-party vendor for shipping and warehousing, we can further capitalize on merchandise options, efficiencies and provide the most cost-effective solution to our chapters.”

Longer-term, the NWTF also intends to move to smaller, more efficient and more modern office space in the area that supports a hybrid working environment. Once a suitable location (owned or leased) has been selected, the current headquarters building and adjoining property will be put up for sale. The NWTF will retain and continue to operate the 300-acres of the Palmetto Shooting Complex.

“Today, the majority of our staff spend significantly less time in a formal office setting and technology has streamlined many support functions,” said NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff. “Consequently, the staff and central office functions based at the headquarters require less space. Proceeds from the sale of these properties will be reinvested in the organization to further our mission nationwide and better support our staff and volunteers.”

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. Today, the NWTF is investing heavily in wild turkey research to ensure the future of wild turkey populations and is working to secure Healthy Habitats and Healthy Harvests.