Staff Spotlight Series: Behind Turkey Call Magazine

Over the years, the magazine has evolved, with name changes, redesigns and continuous improvements. After more than 300 issues, it remains a trusted source of conservation, hunting and outdoor content for NWTF members.

Behind every issue are volunteers, contributors and staff who make it all possible. At the heart of making this publication thrive are Matt Stewart and Susan Delk — key figures working behind the scenes to ensure that Turkey Call continues to inspire and educate issue after issue. Their dedication and passion for conservation, hunting and the outdoors fuel the publication's enduring success.

Matt Stewart, Editor

Stewart was first introduced to the outdoor world through family members who shared their love of our natural resources with him. He later learned these resources must be conserved by outdoorsmen/women to sustain them for both the present and future generations.

“I come from a family rooted in our hunting heritage — from a young age running racoons with walkers and black and tans to dove shoots, deer, turkey, ducks and many days spent on the lake followed by a family fish fry,” Stewart said. “Those are memories that will live on forever and that I am tasked with passing on to the next generation.”

This deep connection to nature and conservation eventually led Stewart to his current role at the NWTF, where he has served since 2015. First joining as associate editor, Stewart took on the role of editor in 2018 and has been shaping Turkey Call magazine ever since. Over the years, he has seen its evolution and a rebranding that embraced both the magazine's roots and a refreshed look.

“After 35 years (1973-2008), previous leadership felt it was time to transition from Turkey Call to Turkey Country, and that had a good run for more than a decade,” Stewart said. “But with the rebranding and redesign in 2021, our staff felt it appropriate to return to Turkey Call with a new look and feel. It was an antique we took out of storage and rebuilt to look even better. Kudos to the graphic designers over the years who have continued to improve the aesthetics of the magazine to draw in readers. We believe the coffee table centerpiece feel of today's magazine offers something few other publications provide.”

Behind the scenes, crafting an issue of Turkey Call is a complex endeavor, with countless moving parts to manage. As editor, Stewart is responsible for coordinating a nationwide network of freelance writers, photographers and contributors, all while ensuring that each issue maintains a cohesive theme that resonates with readers.

“There are moving parts that begin more than a year in advance, from planning themes and cover images to individual stories that work to connect the cover with overall theme, sometimes regional, sometimes topic-specific,” Stewart explained. “Assignments are compiled and sent out months in advance to a network of freelance writers all over the country who provide expertise in writing and hunting/conservation knowledge. In addition, quality photographers are needed to illustrate each story. Each issue has deadlines for content submission, editing, layout, draft reviews and more edits and revisions, paper ordering and delivery at the printer, uploading files, approval, printing, mailing and in-home delivery. We put all of that together six times a year in two-month windows each issue.”

For Stewart, the magazine isn’t just about producing content; it’s about connecting people. Turkey Call reaches thousands of NWTF members, sparking conversations about hunting, conservation and the great outdoors. The magazine’s impact, however, goes beyond just entertainment — it has the power to change lives.

“The impact is wide-ranging,” Stewart said. “In fact, we had a story last year titled, ‘How Turkey Call Magazine Changed My Life.’ From wild turkey recipes, to hunting tactics/advice and conservation tips and resources for improving wildlife habitat, there is something for a wide array of readers. Our members enjoy asking questions and getting expert answers from Dr. Tom, and some send in their own stories that are published in Fan Tales. Some members, once they have finished reading an issue, take it to a doctor's office or local store and leave it for others, and that helps share the good news of the work NWTF is doing nationally.”

For Stewart, the most gratifying aspect of his work is the ability to unite NWTF members through their shared passion for the outdoors.

“I enjoy being able to compile 128 to 160 pages of quality content each issue that illustrates the work of the NWTF flock all over the country, as well as showcasing the passion we all have for the wild turkey,” Stewart said. “You could say each issue works to unite us all through the life-changing power of the outdoors.”

This unity is at the core of his, and the NWTFs’, vision for the future. Stewart believes that, in an often-divided world, the outdoors can bring people together.

“There are so many issues we concern ourselves with, many of which divide us, but the NWTF mission and vision is unifying and can generally help keep us all working together for the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage,” he said.

In a world filled with distractions and divisions, Stewart’s leadership of Turkey Call magazine is a reminder of the enduring power of shared traditions, conservation and the outdoors. Through every issue, he and his team continue to build a legacy that unites readers, educates them and strengthens their connection to nature — one story at a time.

Susan Delk, Associate Editor

Susan Delk, a South Carolina native, grew up on her family's rural farm, where her connection to the land and nature took root at an early age. Though she wasn’t a hunter in her younger years, the outdoors and farming life instilled in her a deep understanding of conservation.

“My farming roots run deep,” Delk said. “While I did not hunt until I came to work for the NWTF, I wanted to be a more active participant in where my food came from, so hunting was a natural progression.”

Encouraged by several coworkers who served as her mentors, Delk harvested her first wild turkey on a partner hunt in Texas and later took her first deer on her family farm in South Carolina. These were transformative experiences, not only for Delk but also for future generations of her family.

“It was truly a full-circle moment when I harvested my first animal,” Delk said. “That wild turkey and my first deer harvest were truly life-changing moments for me. Now both my daughters hunt and my grandsons are learning.”

Her journey with the NWTF began in 2016, when she joined the organization as an archivist and photography assistant. After moving into a staff writer position, in 2018, she moved to her current position as associate editor, a position that has allowed her to dive deeper into her passion for storytelling and conservation.

“As the associate editor, it is my job to support our editor in providing our members and staff with clear, concise and educational information in our magazines,” Delk said. “It’s an honor to be a part of the team telling those stories and making sure our members stay up-to-date on NWTF news.”

Delk helps produce six issues of Turkey Call magazine and four issues of JAKES Country magazine annually.

“In addition to providing articles for Turkey Call, we also help ensure we provide cohesive messaging across the organization and provide communication support to other staff and our members,” she said.

Delk’s favorite part of the job is curating content for the magazines and sharing stories that resonate with NWTF’s members.

“The stories within Turkey Call, JAKES Country and those on our website have a wealth of information for turkey hunters, those trying to call up a wild turkey, as well as landowners and managers looking to improve wildlife habitat,” Delk said. “If you are a new hunter or have been hunting your entire life, our magazines offer the information we are all seeking. “

Her journey to a career in the outdoor world took many years, but she feels at home working at the NWTF.

 "I love working in a space that shares my values for the land and wildlife," she said.

For Delk, the future of conservation lies in fostering a deep connection between future generations and the land.

“The future of conservation depends on the connections our children and grandchildren have to the land we all love,” she shared. “If we can get those generations to find a deep connection to the land, our world will forever be in good hands. Whether you are raising a hunter, a farmer, a musician, a doctor or a lawyer, I encourage you to help them find a connection to the land around them.”

Delk encourages others, especially women interested in a career in conservation or the outdoors, to seek mentors and immerse themselves in learning. She highlights the trailblazers who have paved the way, like Brenda Valentine, who made turkey camps inviting for all.

“Today, there are so many role models for women in the outdoor industry, and we owe a debt of gratitude to the ones who came before us. If you have a passion for conservation and the outdoors, find a mentor and learn all that you can, but most of all, be persistent.”