After the Hunt

Burgers are my absolute favorite thing to create with any game meat from venison to ducks and everything in-between. But, by far my favorite wild meat to use is wild turkey.

It may never be too early to introduce future hunters and conservationists to the wonders of the wild.

Don’t let the fancy French name talk you out of this incredible rabbit dish. This is a simple way to prepare rabbit to a highly elevated cuisine standard.

It’s clean and light and reminds me of the chicken sandwiches my mother would make for us growing up. Just timeless and classic!

A bond forged in Hill Country, coupled with land management and healthy Rio Grande populations, produces near perfection.

Recently, we smoked a whole wild bird, and I reserved the legs and thighs for a special meal, BBQ turkey sandwiches.

This dish is a nice and easy comfort food that you, your family and friends can enjoy together. This recipe has the turkey slow cooked in a chicken broth bath, getting fall apart tender.

NWTF's Grand National Taxidermy Championship winners brought immense talent and lifelikelness to the 2022 championship.

There’s no other place in the world that brings together so many passionate conservationists, talented hunters, callers, call makers, taxidermists, live music, good food and beverages and exhibitors, all under one roof in Nashville.

This unique recipe is a great way to get a nice bark on your steak with some distinct and interesting notes.

The NWTF advocates for an ally in office and continues to push for increased conservation efforts.

A thick homemade corn tortilla filled with wild turkey meat and your favorite taco toppings.

Enjoy that big city deli style taste from the comfort of the country. Pile this high on some rye bread with spicy brown mustard, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese with a side of dill pickles and enjoy!

Wild turkey displays are a way to remember your hunt and a good conversation-starter. And you can create lasting pieces yourself.

A classic German Jägerschnitzel recipe prepared with venison and a creamy mushroom gravy.

. This wild turkey soup is sure to warm you up and get you ready for those long winter nights and early mornings afield.

In honor of the 400th Thanksgiving this year, Tamworth Distilling in Tamworth, New Hampshire, is combining the characteristics that make Thanksgiving so special to create a one-of-a-kind Thanksgiving-flavored whiskey — and yes, that includes turkey.

While black walnut harvesting is regional and unfamiliar to some, the parallels to hunting harvests are easy to find.

Take your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers to the next level with simple and delicious recipe.

A must-try burger featuring a tasty butter made from black walnuts of Stockton, Missouri.

Skip the takeout and make this delicious Wild Turkey Chow Mein from the comfort of you own home.

A guide to help you pair your wild turkey with a beverage that honors your bird and your taste buds.

This wild turkey dish is simple to make and is sure to satisfy anyone it is put in front of.

Start processing your own game meat by following these tips.

This recipe stems from when I was first introduced to hunting and gathering by my Dad.

I’ve always wanted to try a Bahn Mi sandwich because I love the idea of all the fresh ingredients, and I am frequently looking for new techniques and recipes to use my wild game.

In my house we love hunting turkeys and eating tacos. What better way to combine the two than in my kitchen.

While struggling to find good ramen locally, I decided to make my own and I thought there was no better way to do it than with wild turkey dark meat and natural bone broth.

Join NWTF Wisconsin R3 Coordinator John Motovilloff and crew as they float down the Wisconsin River, fish, camp, cook and talk hunting and conservation.

This Elk Bulgogi is a wild game twist on a classic Korean inspired dish.

Wild turkey skewers covered in a delicious honey orange glaze made from Florida oranges and fresh honey.

NWTF members Skeet Hodgkins and Ronda Johnson are dedicated volunteers for the NWTF. Here is what they are doing to enhance habitat for wildlife and provide education and opportunities to all.

As it pertains to your grocery budget, the procurement of proteins via a DIY plan begins to gain significance with venison as a main focus

This wild turkey and mushroom risotto recipe combines mushrooms, wild turkey thighs and arborio rice for a deliciously easy meal.

Kick your typical fried quail recipe up a notch with this delicious southern inspired buttermilk fried quail dish served over Jalapeno grits and drizzled with a hot honey.

Try this recipe to take your roasts up a notch and impress your audience! This would be a great special occasion meal. Serve with potatoes, vegetables and a full-bodied red wine.

Re-create Jeremiah Doughty's Crawfish-stuffed Wild Turkey with Creole Cream Sauce for a delicious Cajun inspired dish.

The NWTF’s Tenth Legion is a select group of the NWTF’s most loyal and committed supporters.

Put your harvest to good use with this delicious Jack Daniel's Glazed Wild Turkey recipe.

Steps to canning your own wild turkey to help save room in the freezer.

The past, the present and the future – all in one vision – is at the core of the NWTF’s rebranding strategy.

For the newly initiated or those interested in experiencing more of this outdoors lifestyle, it’s our job to welcome them in with a message that conveys the NWTF’s conservation mission and explains how hunting plays a role in the big picture.

Learn how to take better photos of wild turkeys, their habitat and the hunt, and frame more memories.

The rich, fruity notes of persimmon and apple combine beautifully with the familiar smooth heat from moonshine and come through in this dish, both in the brined and smoked meat, as well as the killer barbecue sauce you baste it with and serve on the side.

Field to table is a popular phrase across communities right now. What does field to table look like over the course of a year for someone who is increasingly interested in providing herself and her family food from afield?

More than 70 of the top turkey callers in the world came to Mobile, Alabama from at least 18 other states on June 11-12, 2021, at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center, to compete for the title “world champion.”

NWTF Wisconsin volunteer Earl Duckett has found ways to share the outdoors with photography and mentored hunting events.

Dustin Dattilio is a Vermont artist who found a way to combine his love for the outdoors with his love of art.

This Indiana call maker tells stories and captures feelings with his calls and carvings.

June is officially National Great Outdoors Month, and, instead of sulking until the next spring turkey season, the month with the most daylight provides boundless opportunities for experiencing the great outdoors.

Does lead shot contaminate turkey meat at a hazardous level? A recent study set out to find the answer.

A quick and delicious recipe the whole family will enjoy.

Melissa Ball is a Pennsylvania outdoor artist who paints on a rather unusual medium, wild turkey tail feathers. Although known for her unique canvas, Ball also paints what she refers to as “flat art.”

Quick and easy recipe to make green chile that you can put on a lot of the foods you enjoy.

Meet Deb Brosen, an artist who displays her unique work on turkey feathers.

With a few cups of leftover turkey meat and other ingredients, here’s a meal that will satisfy any time of year and will help finish off those last few delectable cuts of wild turkey.

Have you shot a bird yet this season? If so, don’t get rid of any of it! Here are specific ways to honor your harvest by not wasting a feather.

A delicious liquid injection to boost flavor throughout your wild pork.

How wildlife artist Ryan Kirby's passion for the NWTF and art is helping fund conservation.

Venison shawarma meat with basmati rice, soft flour tortillas or pita triangles and a fresh salad of chopped onion and tomato topped with crisp, cool tzatziki sauce.

How the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting wild turkeys has interested hunters and conservationists since the start of the 2020 turkey season.

"Feast" your eyes upon these wild turkey wings crispy fried and coated with hot sauce, served with celery sticks and ranch dressing or blue cheese!

Nashville Hot Chicken is a regional delicacy in Tennessee, but you don’t have to visit Music City to experience the cayenne kick. Whip up your own hot thunder chicken after a successful hunt this spring.

Spice things up this spring with these spicy wild turkey enchiladas.

There are various tips for ensuring your turkey remains in good condition post hunt, but if you’re trying to get your bird mounted with undeniable lifelikeness, there are some nuance practices that you will want to discuss with your taxidermist.

A wild game salad bursting with the flavors of fresh trout, sweet mangos, and zesty lemon.

Here’s how volunteer Briana Alley became immersed in the art of crafting calls.

Want to get the most from your next gobbler? Follow the cleaning technique used by multiple Super Slammer Tom “Doc” Weddle

Whether you’re just beginning your gastronomical journey with wild game, an intermediate or you want to simply expand your cooking repertoire, there are some easy techniques and things to remember that will ensure harvests are delicious and worth all the effort put forth.

Check out these five ways you can get the most out of your wild turkey in the kitchen.

A delicious duck recipe to liven up your dinner menu.

Made with fresh and wild ingredients, this Cilantro-Avocado Lime Wild Turkey salad is the perfect dish for any meal.

Must-have essentials for processing your own wild game.

One thing I love to do is re-create some of our old fast food favorites using fresh and wild ingredients. This wild turkey Mexican pizza is one of those dishes.

A pastrami recipe you can make at home that works well with venison, wild turkey breast, and other wild game.

Get the most out of your wild turkey, with this flavorful Wild Turkey Leg Spinach-Artichoke Dip.

While people often think that preparing a proper game dish takes time and effort in the kitchen, this venison stroganoff recipe is here to demonstrate that you only need one pan and less than an hour for a scrumptious meal the whole family will enjoy.

Braised shanks have become one of those go-to dishes that takes little effort to create, but is packed full with incredible flavors.

This asian-inspired wild turkey recipe is versatile, also working with wild turkey, duck or even store bought meats.

Impress your guest with this delicious Macnut Crusted Backstrap topped with Chimichurri and served with smoked garlic mash.

Looking for a great way to utilize your wild turkey this fall? Try this delicious wild turkey while chili recipe.

Who doesn't love meat on a stick? These wild turkey skewers are sure to fuel that love and, paired with a delicious white BBQ sauce, will have your family thinking you have become a master chef.

Utilizing all of nature’s ingredients available outside our backdoors, be it wild mushrooms or wild turkeys, Chef Michael Hunter demonstrates his passion for the outdoors through classic and aspirational dishes alike.

This recipe came to me because I knew I had heard of people using ground turkey. I was trying to think of a new and unique way to prepare my pheasant.

This recipe came about from a need to find an exceptional use for the often overlooked parts of the wild turkey.

Coming home from a bountiful trout fishing trip in the Sierras, I wanted to make something wild and delicious for my extended family.

I was inspired to make this recipe by my Uber driver while vacationing with my wife in New York City. I mentioned that I was an avid turkey hunter and loved cooking and eating the birds.

Whether it was your first gobbler, one that was from a memorable trip with family and friends or maybe you were even lucky enough to hunt a Gould’s or Ocellated, there are many reasons that you may consider taxidermy.

Throughout the whole process of creating this recipe, my family watched and, I believe, drooled a bit. We sat down to eat, and it was amazing!

Fresh, flavorful, and fast these Asian style lettuce wraps make the perfect healthy appetizer or meal. The delicious flavors of soy, ginger and garlic combined with the crunch of fresh carrots and taste of your favorite wild game bird will have you craving more.

This skillet trout recipe is an easy dinner option and is sure to have everyone asking for more.

I had the opportunity to chat with Adam Dulye — author of “The Beer Pantry: Cooking at the Intersection of Craft Beer and Great Food,” co-founder of craftbeer.com and executive chef at the Brewer’s Association, a national nonprofit promoting local, craft breweries and brewers — about pairing beer with wild game.

Whether it’s reminiscing on that memorable turkey hunt or simply remembering family and friends together for good times and fellowship, here are some way to relive those moments.

I am going to break down the perfect burger into three easy-to-follow parts – grind, temperature and cooking. If you follow these four steps, you’ll have a delicious wild game burger that will have them coming back for seconds and thirds.

There are many ways to host a wild game dinner, whether you’re trying to introduce a nonhunter to hunting, trying to show off your cooking skills, just acquainting someone with something tasty or all of the above.

This recipe will work beautifully with any and all wild ducks. The maintained cooking temperature that comes from Sous Videing will yield a perfectly and never over cooked duck.

There are still many outdoors activities you can do to keep your mind off of those gobblers and practice #ResponsibleRecreation during the current pandemic.

Let’s look at a classic dish like turkey tacos and create a healthier version. Switch out those carb-filled tortillas for some beautiful lettuce leaves. You’ll still have the crunch you’re looking for in that perfect taco, just a little better for you.

Amazingly crisp, sweet and just the perfect amount of heat. This Santa Rite Firecracker Quail has the perfect blend of flavors that will have you going back for seconds.

Breakfast burger you say? Yes... Egg, cheese, sausage patties on a bun equals a delicious breakfast burger!

A deliciously wild twist to a favorite Chinese take-out dish.

Pull the venison out of the freezer and whip up this delicious Venison Pulled Pot Roast. It's sure to be a treat for the whole family.

These wild turkey barabocoa tacos are cooked in the slow cooker all day so you can come home from the turkey woods to these savory and spicy tacos.

This spring season, whether you’re deep in the turkey woods or just hanging out in your backyard with your friends, most likely you’ve got your cellphone and are taking many photos to share on social media.

I’ve always been a big fan of Reuben sandwiches, but I’ve become even a bigger fan since I started corning venison and making my own venison pastrami.

Grab the wild turkey out the freezer and whip up this delicious New Mexico Chile Turkey Bake. With its popular flavors and melted cheese, there is no need to worry about leftovers.

Add a twist to your next venison meal. This delicious Korean style venison is sure to have your taste buds thanking you.

Hawaiian rolls are a staple for my family; it’s my daughters favorite way to eat sandwiches. So this week I started making my own and want to share the recipe with all of you. Enjoy!

With spring turkey season quickly approaching, it's time to dig through your freezer and pull out last year's leftovers and create something delicious.

A whole new take on your traditional pot pie that the whole family will love.

A delicious and flavorful soup perfect for those cold winter nights.

In an age of social media and constant hunter scrutiny, how does one present hunting in a light that shares the outdoor lifestyle and not push stigmas even further?

Take care of your gun and it will take care of you

This venison recipe is versatile, also working with wild turkey, duck or even store bought meats

This delicious and elegant stuffed Wild Turkey Cordon Bleu Cutlet is sure to have your guest wanting more!

If you have extra turkey feathers laying around and already have enough fan mounts in your house, the wild turkey wreath is a great way to show your hunting passion.

Looking for a new soup recipe for those cold winter nights? Turkey tomatillo soup is the perfect dish to warm you up!

It’s as quick and easy as the boxed stuff, but tastes way better!

If you have any extra turkey fans around your house, give the Turkey Hooker a look and I believe you’ll be pleased with the outcome.

It's a simple, yet quite tasty, sandwich that will tingle your taste buds and have you ready to bring the heat down on your own social media trolls.

We all love the snap of a jerky stick while sitting in the blind, driving in the truck or watching a ball game.

We want to help direct you to some outdoor content that is uplifting, engaging, entertaining or includes turkeys.

If you've ever dove hunted, chances are you've also eaten a dove popper. You know, dove breast, cream cheese and jalapeno wrapped in bacon. While it surely is a viable and tasty option for your take, give these steamed dumplings a try and we promise you won't be disappointed.

Don't be afraid to try this recipe and get dirty for dinner.

A fast food chain known for chicken recently released a new chicken sandwich, and the internet went crazy for it. I made my own version of the sandwich using wild turkey tenderloins from the freezer.

I tried one of his burgers and thought to myself, how can I take his inspiration and passion for food and put a "From Field to Plate" twist on it. I got home and wrote this Crispy Curry Turkey Burger recipe and couldn’t wait to text the Food Truck chef.

This slider recipe makes it a lot easier to get the desired result when you get the urge to thaw out a gobbler breast and fire up your grill.

With summer in full swing lets talk about ways to elevate your grilling game!

After one bite I was hooked on this sweet and sour flavor that came from the achiote paste.

While best served with garlic bread, veggies or crackers, the dip is so tasty you'll be tempted to dig in with just a spoon.

In catering to those of you who can’t handle much spice in your life, I’ve kept this recipe on the sweet and mild side.

Whether baked or fried, there is no denying empanadas, or meat pies, are a simple and tasty way to whip up a hearty meal using ground wild game. Prepare these tasty treats for your next gathering and let the fiesta begin.

A rise in tick-borne illnesses is the result of a convergence of factors that one insect group calls the “perfect storm,” leading to more ticks in more places.

For me, hunt camps don’t really start for the year until turkey season opens, but I wasn’t about to let that stop me from firing up my new cookware. So, with St. Patrick’s day just around the corner, I decided to try out the CanCooker on some corned wild turkey, cabbage, potatoes and carrots.

A warm and flaky crust surrounds a creamy blend of wild turkey and vegetables.

On Saturday at the 43rd annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show, the NWTF held a panel called “The Future of Hunting: Preserving our Hunting Heritage.” Strickland, champion caller and Avian-X’s Matt Morrett, Zink Calls founder and owner Fred Zink, From Field to Plate founder Jeremiah Doughty and Primos Hunting’s Jimmy Primos came together to discuss what they expect in the future of our sport and what we can do to remedy that problem. Travis Sumner, NWTF hunting heritage and habitat specialist, moderated the panel discussion.

If you are looking to add a full-body turkey to your wall this spring, the first step after the harvest is deciding what pose or poses you like the most.

For Rams fans, we are serving up street tacos, using wild turkey leg meat. And, Pats fan have a plating of wild turkey corn chowder bites. Try them both and tell us which you think is worthy to crown as the food champion for this year’s parties.

Hearty Italian cuisine and wild turkey meet in this warm and delicious soup!

The name Alex Rutledge goes hand in hand with the NWTF and wild turkeys.

Upgrade your waffles with wild turkey cutlets & plenty of Italian flavor!

Coming home to a freshly baked casserole or meat pie will always be a highlight of the day, particularly when it contains your wild turkey harvest.

Sugar & spice make for one tasty smoked turkey!

While fall turkey seasons are still going strong in many states, it is a good time to review how to score those wild turkeys and how to submit harvest records to the NWTF database.

A variety of fall flavors come together with smoked turkey to create this warm and hearty dish.

We’ve used everything from a cornbread stuffing to fruity mixes and more in our wild turkey “roll-ups” or “roulades.”

This wild game comfort food is sure to become a fall favorite for your family!

Why not have some fun with the kiddos? Here is a Family recipe.

Crustacean meets poultry in this backfin turkey burger recipe!

This amazingly simple bread has been used for everything from breakfast, lunch, dinner and even desserts. It’s simple and delicious.

A southwestern citrus kick is the perfect platform to take your wild turkey kabobs to the next level!

Still tripping over turkey hunting gear? Calendar still reading May? The hunter in your life may be struggling letting go of the spring 2018 turkey season. It’s called turkey grief, and it affects all of us.

There is a great debate among turkey hunters as to which wild game recipe is number one on the list of best turkey recipes.

The Grand Slam king might be obsessive about documenting his turkey adventures, but it’s for good reason: It makes his annual Slam submissions to the NWTF much easier.

I interviewed two young hunters who had their hardships this season; close calls, long sits, bugs, boredom, and the dreaded whiff.

One thing turkey hunters know how to do other — than chase those elusive toms — is eat. Turkey camp always features filling recipes, hopefully with some wild turkey thrown in.

Enjoy this recipe as a main course, serve over bed of rice and side of steamed broccoli or as an appetizer.

This recipe combines the magical braising process with a stick-to-your-ribs poutine dish native to Quebec, Canada.

Kansas is known for healthy wild turkey populations and also mouth-watering BBQ. So for a recent hunting trip to the Sunflower State, we whipped up some smoked turkey breasts and even recreated a favorite sandwich across the state – the Z-Man.

In order to maximize the quality of your turkey, take care of it, fast.

Wild turkey legs are intimidating to some because they are leaner and also contain more tendons than their barnyard relatives’ legs. But, wild turkey legs are incredibly delicious and versatile when prepared properly.

Calling competitions helped drive the modern turkey hunting boom, forging legendary careers and building an industry

Nothing says Thanksgiving dinner like wild turkey and cranberries

In French, divan means a meeting place, and why not have some of your best turkey hunting buddies over for this entrée

Be a smart and savvy online hunting advocate

You are the face of hunting. Be prepared

A patient sport pairs well with a diligent recipe. The real work for this Thai red curry, like the hunt itself, lies in the waiting.

Team up with the NWTF in 8 different ways!

Clear out the freezer for fall and throw a beast feast with some of our best wild game recipes!

Take "Nashville Hot Chicken" up a notch with wild turkey breasts. This tasty treat will have you counting down the days until NWTF's Convention & Sport Show!

This savory smoked turkey leg recipe is the perfect versatile protein!

Grill up greatness with this cheddar infused wild turkey brat recipe.

Earlier this turkey season, while filming an Osceola Hunt in Florida, we got a chance to sit down with country music artist Easton Corbin to learn more about his love for the outdoors.

If you want to make the most out of your bird’s drums and thighs, one of the easier options is to grind them for burger, and here is a recipe sure to fit the bill for summer.

In part one of this two-part series, I turned to our official NWTF call company, Zink Calls and Matt Morrett, for the 4-1-1 on keeping my calls clean and in good working order until next season.

A delicious post hunt treat!

Who said healthy couldn’t be good? Try these wild turkey avocado wraps.

Simple tips to get the most years out of your harvest

Today it is easier than ever to keep a journal. Smartphone technology teamed with specialized apps gives you a publishing company in the palm of your hands. Sure, you can keep a journal the Lewis and Clark way with handwritten notes, but smartphone portability gives you the freedom to take your journal right into the field.

Most turkey hunters never give this a second thought, but it could mean the difference between a bird in the bag or watching tail feathers disappear.

Just like there are secrets for the perfect mix of clucks and yelps, there are tricks in the kitchen to fix any stubborn tom.

A turkey based south of the border treat!

A double dose of delicious wild game recipes guaranteed to score a touchdown at any Super Bowl party!

How a bird tips the scales is just one factor in scoring your wild turkey, but weight is an important part of the formula to rank birds fairly.

Discover which methods you prefer.

Not sure where to start? We're here to help!

A wild turkey is the healthiest option to fill the carving board on your Thanksgiving dinner table.

For a flavor that won't disappoint... this brine will do the trick!

This provides a superior, great-tasting turkey, frees up your oven space and stove top and gives you a great excuse to get out of the house (far away from your Aunt Dorothy) while enjoying the crisp air with a cold beverage.

Delicious when done!

This dry (or wet) rub is perfect for all wild game birds.

Stack some skewers with marinated wild turkey and your favorite veggies for a delicious and healthy grilled meal

Pile this barbecue high on fresh buns and serve with a side of pickles!

Fire up the peanut oil, and whip up a batch of these tasty nuggets

A simple, cheap and beautiful way to display your wild turkey.

Try this unique dinner idea!

Learn the process from field to fork, to create the best tasting turkey around; recipes included!

How a simple piece of advice turned into a worthy collection. Learn how to create your own here.

Take a stab at a new turkey casserole recipe, it won't disappoint!

Treat your taste buds to this scrumptious meal!

Sizzle up this stir fry masterpiece!

Get the best deep fried turkey with these directions and tips!

Good flavor, good eat! Try this family recipe today!

Get the perfect roasted turkey with our specialized tips and recipe!

Don't settle for a boring breakfast, spice things up with a specialty wrap!

Serve up some wild turkey soup!

Follow this instructional guide for a good way to display your trophy's tail.

Birds can be tough to hunt and tough to eat, here's the perfect recipe to make those hardy birds melt in your mouth.

Turn the tables on this all-American favorite and go wild with great-tasting burgers

Put your turkey meat to good use. Looks like turkey frittata's for dinner!

Learn why Larry, and others like him, mean so much to the NWTF.

Learn how wingbone calls are made and how they are also unique art.

Use technology and social media to give hunting a good reputation, here's how.

Take your photography to the next level and tell the story of your hunt through social media.

An unconventional cut.

Smoked turkey is good turkey.

Don't throw away that old tail fan and beard. Put 'em on display.

Learn how two steady shooters maintain their guns for maximum performance.

Make the perfect campfire flame!