Rogers Recognized as NWTF Top Communicator
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — At the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 50th annual Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak, renowned wild turkey writer Brent Rogers received this year’s NWTF Tom Kelly Communicator of the Year Award for his ability to share the message of the NWTF’s efforts nationwide. This award was renamed in 2018 to honor Col. Tom Kelly, the poet laureate of turkey hunting and author of the iconic Tenth Legion, published in 1973.
“Receiving this award humbles me deeply,” Rogers said. “To stand among this small company of the Tenth Legion — those inspired by Tom Kelly’s unmatched gift for words — is a great honor. The depth of our country's history with the wild turkey is woven into the fabric of my heart. Helping others discover that story feels like a sacred obligation. Our past is also a compass, pointing us toward a better future for turkey and hunter alike.”
Rogers embodies the mission of the NWTF with his passion for the wild turkey. He has been featured on podcasts such as Turkey Call All Access, Niche To Meet You, Turkey Season, The Turkey Hunter and Game Keepers, educating listeners on the story of the wild turkey. He was featured in an episode of NWTF 365 and made appearances in wild turkey documentaries such as The Colonel and the Fox.
Rogers is also an avid reader of wild turkey literature, hosting panel discussions around wild turkey literature at the NWTF convention and writing wild turkey book reviews for Turkey Call magazine and Mossy Oak’s Bottomland Book Club.
He is currently celebrating the publication of his co-authored book, “The Origin and Evolution of Turkey Calls,” which tells the story of the people, places and methods of early turkey call making.
As one of the preeminent historians of wild turkey hunting and conservation, Rogers might just own one of the largest collections of turkey hunting magazines, books, videotapes, turkey calls and more. He is always willing to share his knowledge of the bird’s history and conservation, as well as the benefits of hunting and conservation, to those from all walks of life.
In addition to his communication contributions to the NWTF mission, Rogers is also involved with his local chapter and serves on the NWTF’s calling and callmaking committees, lending his historical knowledge to better recognize the past and prepare for the future.
“Brent is an avid turkey hunter, writer, historian, and collector who is passionate about engaging with turkey hunters across the nation,” NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter said. “His articles have covered an array of wild turkey literature, educating hunters on the rich history of the bird we love. Brent is a talented communicator who keeps our passion for the wild turkey alive, and we’re proud to recognize him with the Tom Kelly Communicator of the Year Award.”
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.