“Honored would be a word that I could use a hundred times to reflect how I feel about receiving this award, but instead I’m going to say honored and blessed,” Shireman said. “Today I speak the words National Wild Turkey Federation with as much familiarity and peace as when I speak my own name. This has been a joyful place as well as my humble discontent; in that I will always continue the work in conservation, outdoor hobbies and to make outdoor education accessible for everyone. I will work hard to work myself out of a job. When everyone has a love for and is active in nature and conservation, I will consider my work complete.”
Shireman received the Annie Oakley Award, the highest honor given to a Women in the Outdoors volunteer, during the 46th annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak.
Annie Oakley, known best for her shooting skills, also influenced generations of women to try something new. The same is true for Shireman
Shireman, an NWTF Diamond Life Sponsor, accepted the volunteer position of Save the Hunt Coordinator for the Pennsylvania State Chapter in 2020 and right away began working with several local chapters along with hunting-related organizations to help amplify NWTF outreach events.
Shireman works tirelessly with local chapters to determine how best to optimize NWTF outreach events and has taken the initiative to partner and work with the Pennsylvania Game Commission to facilitate collaborative events furthering the NWTF’s Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative. These events have tightened the NWTF Pennsylvania State Chapter’s relationship with the PGC, enabling the two to work more closely on important R3 projects.
“We are lucky to have folks like Abbie in our ranks,” NWTF CEO Becky Humphries said. “Her commitment to the NWTF mission and her go-getter attitude are an asset, and we are thankful for her contributions all over the great state of Pennsylvania.”
About the National Wild Turkey Federation.
When the National Wild Turkey Federation was founded in 1973, there were about 1.3 million wild turkeys in North America. After decades of work, that number hit a historic high of almost 7 million turkeys. To succeed, the NWTF stood behind science-based conservation and hunters' rights. Today, the NWTF is focused on the future of hunting and conservation through its Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative. Since 2012, this 10-year initiative has already eclipsed goals of conserving or enhancing more than 4 million acres of essential wildlife habitat, recruiting or retaining more than 1.5 million hunters and opening access to more than 500,000 acres for hunting and other recreation opportunities. This critical work will continue to impact wildlife habitat and our great outdoors in the final year of the initiative.