Why the NWTF Shows Up for SHOT Show

For NWTF, SHOT Show is about far more than gear; it’s a chance to tell the story of conservation success and the role hunters and shooters play in sustaining wildlife and wild places across the country. Since its founding in 1973, NWTF has impacted more than 25 million acres of wildlife habitat and invested over $2 million directly into wild turkey research, leveraged by more than $22 million in matching funds. Those achievements are worth celebrating, but just as important, they are worth sharing with familiar partners and those who may not yet fully understand the depth and impact of NWTF’s mission. 

While SHOT Show does host many traditional hunting brands, much of the attendance comes from the recreational shooting, tactical and law enforcement sectors. At first glance, these worlds may appear separate from habitat management and wild turkey research. In reality, there is more of a connection than one might think. Recreational shooters have become some of the largest contributors to Pittman–Robertson dollars, which are returned to state wildlife agencies and reinvested into conservation, research and public access. The shooting sports community plays a vital role in providing funding toward the very landscapes and species NWTF works to conserve. 

“SHOT Show allows us to bring our conservation story to a wide variety of audiences,” said Jason Burckhalter, NWTF co-CEO. “Though many companies and individuals in attendance support wildlife conservation through shooting sports rather than hunting, their participation directly supports our dual mission to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage. Helping to make that connection is essential to rallying the non-hunting community around a shared responsibility to sustain wildlife, access and our outdoor traditions. We had a great and productive time this year talking with folks within and outside the hunting community about how we are working to unite a nation through the life-changing power of the outdoors.” 

By engaging with manufacturers, distributors, media and conservation-minded partners at SHOT Show, NWTF staff help reinforce the connection between shooting sports participation and on-the-ground conservation, while sharing our mission. These conversations often lead to new partnerships, sponsorships and collaborative projects that expand NWTF’s ability to deliver meaningful conservation work at scale. 

Throughout the week at SHOT Show, NWTF staff from across departments meet with current and potential partners, discuss fundraising opportunities, share conservation success stories and introduce new audiences to the organization’s mission. From the NWTF booth on the show floor, staff also engage directly with attendees walking by, creating opportunities for one-on-one conversations about NWTF’s conservation impact, its long-term vision and how individuals across the shooting sports industry can play a role in sustaining wildlife and the outdoors.  

At the same time, staff connect with industry partners about products that can be included at NWTF banquets nationwide and explore new corporate partnerships with companies looking to directly contribute to conservation through mission-aligned support. These efforts align closely with the NWTF’s 10-year strategy by growing partnerships, strengthening funding pathways and welcoming new participants into the conservation community — whether they start as hunters, recreational shooters or first-time outdoor enthusiasts. 

For NWTF members, SHOT Show is a reminder that conservation success depends on collaboration across the broader outdoor industry. By maintaining a strong presence at one of the industry’s largest gatherings, NWTF ensures its mission is represented, its impact is understood and its vision for the future of conservation continues to move forward. 

NWTF’s presence at SHOT Show is not just about being seen; it’s about ensuring the conservation message is heard, understood and carried forward across the entire shooting sports industry.