NWTF Texas, Partners Invest More Than $1.8 Million for Mission Delivery in 2027

“I want to sincerely thank our dedicated volunteers and staff across Texas who work tirelessly to raise these critical funds,” said Annie Farrell, NWTF district biologist. “Their commitment allows us to invest directly into the state’s top conservation priorities: improving habitat, supporting wild turkey research and expanding our hunting heritage programs. Because of their efforts, 2027 will be a strong year for wild turkeys in the great state of Texas.”

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

Texas’ 2027 conservation investments will support habitat enhancement and research on seven wildlife management areas, prescribed burning efforts and prairie restoration support.

The Texas NWTF State Chapter also allocated funding for wild turkey research at Tarleton State University and to the wildturkeyDNA initiative. Research at Tarleton State University will investigate wild turkey diseases and their potential effects on populations, while wildturkeyDNA is using genetic samples from hunter-harvested birds to examine population genetics and genetic diversity, providing information that can help inform future conservation and management decisions.

In addition, the Texas NWTF State Chapter earmarked $18,000 for conservation projects across the Great Plains as part of the NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife Initiative. The initiative aims to improve 75,000 acres of riparian habitat and enhance 1,500 miles of waterways by 2032. Learn more about the NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife Initiative and its impact across America’s Great Plains.

Funding will also support NWTF education and outreach programs that connect Texans with the outdoors, introduce young people to shooting sports and hunting heritage, and expand opportunities for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Investments include local 4-H programs, youth shooting sports, JAKES, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, Women in the Outdoors, scholarships and other chapter-led efforts.

2027 Conservation and Research Funding

• $52,803 to support Texas Parks and Wildlife Department habitat enhancement and research projects on Chaparral WMA, Gus Engeling WMA, Kerr WMA, Matador WMA, Pat Mayse WMA, Richland Creek WMA and Teacup Mountain WMA, impacting 2,000 acres.
• $10,000 to support prescribed burning efforts through equipment purchases supporting Pheasants Forever Quail Forever, the East Texas Prescribed Burn Association and the North Texas Prescribed Burn Association.
• $3,600 to support Native Prairies Association of Texas with prairie restoration on Harvey Prairie.
• $18,000 to support NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife Initiative.
• $4,000 to support Eastern wild turkey restoration efforts in Texas.
• $10,000 to support wild turkey disease research at Tarleton State University.
• $6,500 to support wildturkeyDNA at University of Georgia/University of Texas – El Paso.

2027 Hunting Heritage Funding

• $2,125 to support multiple local 4-H programs and the Gus Engeling WMA’s youth shooting sports program.
• $2,000 to support Texas Wildlife Association Foundation’s Texas Big Game Awards.
• $8,500 for JAKES, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, Women in the Outdoors events and youth shooting sports.
• $5,000 for the 2027 Texas State Scholarship.
• $6,500 for sponsored travel to convention and the state awards banquet.
• $32,783 for miscellaneous expenses, including marketing, sponsorship of the Texas Calling Contest and Texas Leadership Conference, Texas NWTF State Chapter rebate and more.

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.