NWTF Helps Ignite Passion for Wildlife and Outdoor Careers at the University of Mount Olive

Led by Jason Davis, Ed.D., assistant dean of agriculture and biological sciences, the symposium has become a flagship outreach event for the university. This year, high school students from eight North Carolina counties traveled to campus for a full day of interactive classes and demonstrations. 

Students rotated through a wide variety of sessions including topics on bees, snakes and reptiles, waterfowl ecology, native plants, archery, outdoor cooking, furs and skulls, soil and water science, birdhouse building and an NWTF-led course focused on turkey hunting and conservation. 

Representing the NWTF North Carolina State Chapter were Vice President Brent Phillips, Outreach Coordinator John Edmondson, Regional Director Tim Draughon and board member Perry Bryant and his wife, Vickie. The team spent the day engaging with students, answering questions and sharing why the future of conservation depends on young people understanding and valuing the natural world. 

Phillips spoke to students about NWTF’s mission and the chapter’s ongoing efforts across North Carolina. He and the board also presented a “Turkey 101” session, giving students a closer look at wild turkey biology, habitat needs and the role conservation plays in sustaining healthy populations. A spirited Q&A followed, with students eager to learn more about how they can get involved. 

Beyond the hands-on sessions, students were introduced to career opportunities across the outdoor industry and agricultural degree programs at the University of Mount Olive. For many, the symposium offered a first glimpse into how their personal interests, whether hunting, wildlife biology, environmental science or outdoor recreation, could become future careers. 

To leave a lasting impression, the North Carolina NWTF State Chapter provided every participant with an NWTF hat and stickers, as well as a chance to win a game camera.  

“The students’ enthusiasm was outstanding; they showed genuine interest in learning about the NWTF and our mission,” said Vickie Bryant, NWTF Surry Longspurs Chapter member. “We look forward to participating again next year and extend our sincere thanks to University of Mount Olive for allowing us to be part of this wonderful event.” 

Events like this remind us that conservation is not just about managing habitat or wildlife, but it's also about investing in people. By empowering young students with knowledge, skills and opportunities, we help ensure that the future of our wild spaces and wildlife remains in capable hands. Together, we’re ensuring that the future of conservation is bright. 

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 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats and Healthy Harvests for future generations.