NWTF Oklahoma, Partners Set to Spend More Than $1 Million on Conservation in 2026

The board budgeted $37,725 for conservation projects, $12,500 for research, $5,000 toward the NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife Initiative, $2,500 toward the NWTF’s Habitat for the Hatch Initiative, and $34,209 for hunting heritage projects, including education and outreach events, chapter scholarships and more. NWTF conservation project awards will be matched by $933,202 in partner or grant funds for the approved projects. 

“I want to sincerely thank our dedicated volunteers across Oklahoma who work tirelessly to raise these critical funds,” said Annie Farrell, NWTF district biologist. “Their commitment allows us to invest directly in the state’s top conservation priorities: improving habitat, supporting wild turkey research and expanding our hunting heritage programs. Because of their efforts, 2026 will be another strong year for wild turkeys in Oklahoma.” 

The NWTF’s Super Fund is a funding model through which NWTF volunteers raise money at banquets and other fundraisers, allocating a significant portion of those funds back into meaningful conservation and outreach projects in their respective states and beyond.    

Across Oklahoma, the approved projects will focus on improving priority habitats, advancing prescribed fire, removing invasive species and strengthening long-term research efforts to benefit wild turkeys and a wide range of wildlife species. 

• $15,000 in carryover funds from FY25 projects, including Waurika and Canton wildlife management areas 

• $2,475 to support Okmulgee Game Management Area with invasive species removal 

• $10,500 to support Sans Bois Wildlife Management Area with timber stand improvement 

• $4,875 to support the Oklahoma Prescribed Burn Association 

• $4,375 to support the Pheasants Forever–Quail Forever Public Access to Habitat Program 

• $7,500 to support the NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife and Habitat for the Hatch initiatives,   

• $5,000 to support the NWTF’s Endowed Professorship program 

• $7,500 to support a wild turkey research project at Oklahoma State University 

• $500 to support Conservation Field Days in Oklahoma 

In addition to on-the-ground conservation work, the chapter will continue investing in education, outreach and hunter-access programs designed to grow participation and connect more Oklahomans to the outdoors. Funding includes: 

• $10,000 to support the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Varsity Archery and Scholastic Shooting Sports programs 

• $937 to support Roger Mills County 4-H Archery 

• $1,500 to support JAKES, Wheelin’ Sportsmen and Women in the Outdoors events 

• $3,000 for the Oklahoma state scholarship for 2025 and 2026 

• $13,000 for volunteer, ODWC technical representative and Game Warden of the Year travel to NWTF’s national Convention and Sport Show and regional technical meetings

• $5,772 for the state chapter website, state marketing efforts, volunteer training days, state chapter membership rebate and other miscellaneous expenses 

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.