Gratitude in the Field: A Hunter’s Thanksgiving
Gratitude is stitched into every part of the hunting lifestyle — in the long walks among the towering forests, in the quiet moments before dawn and in the shared meals that follow a successful day afield. It’s also found in the work hunters do long after the hunt ends — ensuring the wild places they love will continue to thrive for generations to come.
For members of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Thanksgiving isn’t confined to a single day. It’s lived out year-round through every act of stewardship, mentorship and generosity that defines a life in the outdoors.
Hunters understand that nature demands balance. The “give more than you take” ethos runs deep among those who shoulder a firearm or bow each fall. For every turkey called in, there are countless hours spent improving nesting cover, opening sunlight to the forest floor or mentoring a young hunter who will carry on the tradition.
This Thanksgiving, reflect on your personal role in conservation and the ways you can give back to the land that sustains us. Gratitude in the outdoors isn’t just about appreciation — it’s about participation.
The wild turkey itself symbolizes both sustenance and stewardship. Around countless tables this fall, NWTF members will share wild game meals with family and friends, giving thanks for the hunt, the land and the fellowship it brings. Some will share their harvests with those in need. Others will invite a new hunter to experience the woods for the first time. These simple acts of giving reflect the truest form of gratitude: the desire to pass it on.