Hostutler Honored with National Award for Youth Outreach Efforts

“To just be nominated is an honor but to win the award is a privilege,” Hostutler said. “However, this award is not just for Guy Hostutler; this award is for the Warrior Trail Gobblers and all of our supporters, donators, underwriters, volunteers and committee members. Throughout the last 10 years, we have worked diligently to build a program that was beneficial not only to the NWTF JAKES outreach but other youth organizations as well. By marrying our JAKES event with other youth organizations, we have not only shared our love of the wild turkey with them, but we have also educated them on the need and the necessity to maintain and create good habitats that benefit all species, not just the wild turkey.”

Hostutler has been a member of the NWTF for 30 years and was one of the driving forces who started the Warrior Trail Gobblers Chapter. In 2010, Hostutler became president of the chapter. Throughout the years, he has been instrumental in fostering both the chapter’s banquets and outreach events. From a JAKES event that started with five sponsors in 2012 to 39 sponsors in 2022, the chapter’s JAKES program has grown increasingly, including the 150 youths and 500-plus adults in attendance at the chapter’s event last year. This success is in large part due to the determination of Hostutler rallying the community for the common good.

Hostutler’s most recent accomplishment was partnering with Iron Synergy, which has since allowed the Warrior Trail Gobblers to host a national JAKES turkey hunt on its 8,000-acre property, which will be held on Pennsylvania’s youth day this spring.

“Reaching youth and highlighting the importance of conservation and hunting is an important part of our outreach programs,” NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff said. “Guy’s selflessness and determination to connect with youth in Pennsylvania have fostered a new generation of hunter-conservationists. We are proud to honor Guy with the JAKES Volunteer of the Year Award.” 

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 50^th 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.