Western Illinois Longspurs to Host First-Ever Turkey Tailgate Concert

The Western Illinois Longspurs Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is expanding its fundraising efforts this summer with the inaugural Turkey Tailgate Concert, bringing together country music fans, hunters and conservation supporters at Big Catz BBQ in Knoxville, Illinois.

Country music artist and avid turkey hunter Jon Langston will headline the event with special guest Tyson Schulte, another passionate turkey hunter who grew up less than an hour from Knoxville. Schulte is also familiar to NWTF members after performing at the Watering Hole during the 2026 NWTF Convention and Sport Show.

While both artists have built careers in country music, they also share a genuine passion for the outdoors and the traditions that unite the hunting community. Their enthusiasm for turkey hunting and conservation makes them a natural fit to help celebrate and support the NWTF's mission.

"We've been trying to evolve with the latest trends in fundraising events," said Jordan Lieber, president of the NWTF Western Illinois Longspurs Chapter. "Last year we included a music event after our gun bash with Tyson Schulte, and it was well received. This year we decided to market to more than just our traditional crowd. We are hoping to get a big crowd and share the NWTF's mission with some new people as well as our loyal followers."

The concert also highlights how local NWTF chapters continue finding new ways to engage their communities while supporting conservation. By welcoming both longtime members and first-time attendees, the NWTF Western Illinois Longspurs Chapter hopes to introduce more people to the work being done through the NWTF to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage.

Proceeds from the Turkey Tailgate Concert will support the NWTF's Roots to Roost Initiative across the Midwest. The groundbreaking, cross-boundary conservation effort restores and enhances critical wildlife habitat while expanding conservation, education and policy efforts to strengthen wild turkey populations and the diverse ecosystems they depend on.

Tickets range from $60 general admission to $250 VIP packages, which include meet-and-greet opportunities with the artists. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for individuals and businesses interested in supporting the event.

Whether attendees come for the music, conservation or both, the inaugural Turkey Tailgate Concert offers an opportunity to support the NWTF's mission while enjoying an evening with two artists who share a passion for the outdoors.

Tickets and sponsorship information are available at: https://events.nwtf.org/EVT-21269/tickets