Spring Is at Our Doorstep

If you’re reading this, then we know this season, and the NWTF’s 50th anniversary in 2023, is especially important to you. But beyond the gobbles, time spent with loved ones afield, mentoring new hunters and all the obvious reasons we love the spring, the season is a bright reminder that new growth and opportunity are on the horizon. No matter the hardships we endure or obstacles we face, there is always the ability to overcome them. Our 50 years of mission delivery are a testament to that.

The NWTF and its members have climbed mountains to deliver our mission, even when all odds were against us. But through the passionate people who make the NWTF so special, we always emerge on the other side, like winter changing to spring. Consider for a second just how far we have come in 50 years: the overall restoration of the wild turkey, 22 million conserved or enhanced acres of wildlife habitat, millions of hunters recruited to preserve our heritage, and the list goes on. However, there are still many challenges ahead.

Wildlife habitat is degrading across the country at an alarming rate; wild turkey populations are declining in certain parts of the country; catastrophic wildfire is making it harder for sportsmen and women to get afield, while also devastating wildlife habitat and threatening local communities and industries. Independently, we may struggle with these and other challenges, but together, we will find solutions for them.

Our volunteers, staff and partners have accomplished so much in 50 years, and we owe it to them to continue their efforts and set the stage so those after us may continue this incredible mission.

As you are enjoying the spring turkey woods this season, take a moment to appreciate breathing in the spring air, the distant gobble echoing through the trees as the sun slowly rises, or simply the sweet smell of Mother Nature waking back up to her intoxicating splendor. These sights, sounds and smells are not promised to us tomorrow.

It is up to us to safeguard this experience and all our natural resources for future generations. What we do for the next 50 years will determine if the next generation will experience the woods as we do.

Ensuring this experience for others long after we are gone is what our 50-year celebration is all about, and it is why we have set such ambitious goals to accomplish this year. We owe it to those who have delivered the NWTF mission for the last 50 years, and we owe it to future generations.

The NWTF is the embodiment of the spring season. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.