NWTF Chapters Receive Recognition for National Achievement
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — For outstanding achievements in bringing in new NWTF members and raising funds at education and outreach events, NWTF chapters received national awards during the 50th annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak.
Ohio WITO Chapter Weekend – Ohio State WITO Three-Day Event
Offering more than 80 classes to over 100 attendees, the 25th annual NWTF Ohio WITO Chapter Weekend created a safe space for women to learn, get outside and be a part of a community of women in the outdoors. This weekend of events, hosted at Skyview Ranch in Millersburg, Ohio, continued to build a strong event and fostered a community of like-minded women.
Sun Area Local Chapter – Wing-Shooting Warriors Pheasant Hunt
In November of 2025, the NWTF Sun Area Chapter from Pennsylvania hosted its 10th annual Wheelin’ Sportsman Wing-Shooting Warriors Pheasant hunt, welcoming 120 registered attendees. The event honors veterans and first responders by giving them the opportunity to hunt with a mentor on the preserve, free of charge. This year’s event followed the local chapter’s 30th anniversary celebration.
At the heart of the Wing-Shooting Warriors Hunt, hunters enjoy shooting sports, delicious food and meaningful fellowship, demonstrating a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.
“The 2026 Wheelin’ Sportsmen Membership Achievement Award will serve as our motivation to continue to grow and foster our veterans and first responders to get back out in the field and support our hunting heritage,” said John “Jack” Giblin, the event’s co-chair. “Our entire support team and many dedicated volunteers have already started organizing our 11th annual event. For the first time, the event is expected to span one and a half days and welcome up to 150 participants with even more opportunities for our disabled and less mobile hunters. We are deeply thankful to our veterans and first responders, who selflessly place their lives on the line for us all. Thanks to the incredible support from our volunteers and sponsors, the Pennsylvania Wing-Shooting Warriors Event remains committed to honoring these heroes and showing our ongoing appreciation for their service.”
The National Top Contributing Event Awards are given to chapters that raised the most collective funds through all events.
Top Contributing Event winners were Oklahoma’s Tenkiller State Park WITO Chapter, which raised $25,000.12 and Washington’s Struttin' Toms Wheelin’ Sportsmen Event, which raised $3,083.21.
“We are proud to honor Education and Outreach events that uniquely engage people with the life-changing power of the outdoors while also raising funds and growing our membership in an impactful way,” NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter said. “Bringing in new members and mission-driving funds is critical for success, and these chapters are perfect examples.”
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 positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.3 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $22 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to deliver healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF is committed to creating a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.