Hunting Heritage in Action in the Great Plains
Preserving our hunting heritage is one of the cornerstones of the NWTF’s mission, alongside conserving the wild turkey and ensuring healthy habitats. Across the Great Plains, hundreds of annual events fuel this mission while also strengthening local communities and inspiring new generations of hunters.
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 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.
In the Great Plains, hunting heritage events are about more than just hunting. They foster support for our outdoor traditions, expand access to hunting and shooting sports and showcase how partnerships drive conservation forward. Here are a few highlights from 2025:
In April, families from across the country gathered at Comstock Premier Lodge for the NWTF’s 10th annual JAKES Hunt of a Lifetime. This signature event introduces youth to the transformative power of the outdoors, guided by dedicated NWTF volunteers and staff. Each year, participants are randomly selected from a national pool of active JAKES members for the chance to experience this unforgettable hunt.
All four youth hunters harvested birds this year, including one who had never hunted before. After her first successful hunt, she’s already eager for her next adventure. The event’s success is possible thanks to generous partners who provide lodging, meals, camo and gear, ensuring each participant enjoys a life-changing experience.
Since 2018, the Wyoming NWTF State Chapter has hosted its annual veterans turkey hunt, honoring the service and sacrifice of military veterans while welcoming them into the hunting community. This year, four veterans were hosted for the hunt.
The event began with a community dinner at the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post, where each veteran was recognized with a commemorative plaque, and two received Quilts of Valor. This event is a community-driven initiative with support from local businesses and chapters statewide, helping to make this a memorable experience for the veteran hunters. Thanks to these partnerships, NWTF Wyoming continues to welcome new hunters into the fold each year through this special event.
For Craig Johnson, one of this year’s participants, the experience sparked a new passion. After harvesting his first wild turkey, he joined the Wyoming Women in the Outdoors Chapter at the Wyoming Wildlife Federation’s Wild Game Cookoff, donating his bird for their winning wild turkey kebabs. It was his first taste of wild turkey — and it won’t be his last.
The Brandon Boss Gobblers held their 16th annual JAKES Day in 2025, providing 20 local youth with an immersive introduction to the outdoors. Youth participants rotated through hands-on stations including archery, rifle and pistol shooting and clay target shooting.
For many youth, it was their first time trying these activities, and several became new JAKES members during the event. More than just a day of fun, JAKES Days strengthen community connections, bring families together in the outdoors and lay the foundation for future hunters and conservationists.
Across the Great Plains, these events demonstrate how the NWTF’s mission comes to life through people, partnerships and shared experiences. Whether it’s introducing youth to their first hunt, honoring veterans or welcoming new families into the fold, hunting heritage events build more than skills — they build community and a lasting commitment to conservation.