NWTF Co-CEO Appointed to Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation and Access Council
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter was recently appointed to the reestablished Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation and Access Council under the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Burckhalter will serve as an alternate council member alongside the panel to provide recommendations to the federal government regarding conservation and wildlife resources, partnerships, hunting and shooting sports, and public access.
"The NWTF applauds the reestablishment of the council and is honored to have a seat at the table," Burckhalter said. "On behalf of all of our dedicated volunteers, members and partners, I will serve this assignment as a stalwart of the NWTF mission, our nation's natural resources, America's hunting heritage, and to unite a nation through the life-changing power of the outdoors."
The diverse group of experts from different arenas — including wildlife conservation, sport shooting, hunting and recreation — will provide the federal government practical insight into respective policy and how to further the provisions of conservation, sport shooting and access laws to benefit all Americans.
"Americans have a long and storied history tied to supporting our nation’s beautiful outdoors," Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollin said in the announcement press release. "By hearing directly from the hunters and sportsmen who spend their time in nature, we can better direct federal resources and policies to ensure responsible stewardship of our nation’s forests. These incredible men and women who have agreed to serve on the council will serve as a valuable resource as we work to Make America Beautiful Again.”
The Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation and Access Council was reestablished by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum earlier this year. The Council replaces the former Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council.
“Hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts have a long history of supporting wildlife conservation and responsible stewardship of our lands and waters,” Burgum said in the announcement. “This Council brings their experience directly to the table as we work to expand access, strengthen conservation and ensure America’s hunting and outdoor traditions continue for generations to come.”
In addition to Burckhalter's new appointment, the NWTF will continue its work with the DOI and the USDA on conservation projects across the country.
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 $2.7 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $25 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 create 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.