Hunting Heritage Events in Action in the Midwest
Preserving America’s hunting heritage is a part of the NWTF’s dual mission, and the organization’s dedicated volunteers have been successfully carrying out that mission on a local scale by hosting hunting heritage events that change lives in pockets across the country. Local chapters in the Midwest host events year-round to help the NWTF advance this mission while building new friendships and communities.
In recent years, chapters nationwide have hosted thousands of education and outreach events, engaging their communities while advancing the mission of the NWTF. These accomplishments are rooted in partnerships. Through NWTF Education and Outreach programs like Women in the Outdoors, JAKES, and Wheelin’ Sportsmen, and with the tireless efforts of staff, volunteers and partners, the NWTF continues its commitment to recruiting, retaining and reactivating hunters.
Across the Midwest, NWTF hunting heritage events are helping to build public support for hunting by emphasizing retention efforts and recruiting new mentors. These events help combat declining public perception of hunting, reduce churn and improve access to hunting and shooting sports for all.
Here are some Midwestern events from 2025 that showcase these efforts in action:
NWTF R3 hunting and shooting coordinator Jen Davis joined the 2nd annual Tiller’s International Earth Craft Skill Share event to lead three hunting heritage classes: Hunting as a Sacred Practice, Archery Through the Ages and Hunter’s Amulet. Each course was important for reaching audiences outside of the traditional hook-and-bullet crowd. Davis found that these courses allowed attendees to have open conversations about hunting culture free of judgement, allowing them to understand and become involved in that atmosphere.
In June, Pat Navarre, Indiana NWTF State Chapter outreach and education chair, hosted two wild turkey education events as part of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Master Naturalist and Junior Master Naturalist programs. Programs like these offer an excellent opportunity for the NWTF to engage with new potential members and volunteers, allowing them to learn more about the NWTF’s mission.
This past spring, the NWTF Central Iowa Long Spurs Chapter hosted its 17th annual Wheelin' Sportsmen Turkey Hunt, building upon almost two decades of hunting heritage. Hunters with disabilities had the opportunity to harvest a spring gobbler on a mentored hunt at Saylorville Lake. The hunt fostered fellowship and camaraderie among participants with disabilities.
A new generation of volunteers picked up where their predecessors left off as the NWTF Stealth Gobblers Chapter of Missouri hosted its first free fishing day for youth. Partnering with the Warrensburg Elementary Schools Adventure Club, the chapter spent the day educating attendees about fishing and enjoying a day at the lake. Thanks to generous donors in the community, each angler went home with a new fishing pole or tackle, encouraging them to continue spending time outdoors.
The Ohio NWTF State Chapter continues to facilitate the next generation of outdoor advocates; for over five years, the state chapter has supported the young adults who attend Camp Canopy to learn about forestry, natural resource conservation, hunting and shooting.
Camp Canopy was originally established in 1950 as a forestry camp, which it remained for many years. Around 20 years ago, it became the Ohio Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Camp, which was then renamed Camp Canopy, symbolizing that young adults are learning about forest management, wildlife management and everything else under the canopy of the forest.
The camp is also a great opportunity for kids to learn more about natural resources management. Being outdoors allows campers to disconnect from technology and enjoy nature, which is something that may be lacking in their lives these days. New friendships that last a lifetime are built at camp as well.
Hunting heritage events are opportunities for the NWTF and its partners to foster a new generation of hunters and conservationists. By creating opportunities for youth, engaging non-traditional audiences and fostering diverse partnerships, the NWTF ensures hunting traditions remain vibrant in the Midwest while securing healthy habitats for wild turkeys and other wildlife species.