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2021 Spring Hunt Guide
The NWTF’s 2021 Spring Hunt Guide gives you turkey hunting season details for each state and wild turkey subspecies to help you navigate your state’s season or a Grand Slam pursuit.
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Vintage influences on a modern call maker
The past is present in the work of award-winning Pennsylvania craftsman Scott Basehore.
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Instilling Safe Firearm Practices at an Early Age
Taking a child on his or her first hunt is a memory that will last a lifetime, but you also want the firearm safety measures you instilled well before their first hunt to last just as long.
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Do-It-Yourself Merriam’s Trips
Your Western turkey hunting adventure doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Start planning now for the hunt of a lifetime.
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#ResponsibleRecreation for the Turkey Woods
Getting outdoors is one of the best ways to practice #socialdistancing, as long as it is done responsibly.
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2020 Spring Hunt Guide
The spring 2020 turkey season is just a week away for some and not too much longer for the rest of us, and with that comes the opportunity to start anew.
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The Dos and Don’ts of Traveling for Turkeys
If you’re considering hitting the road for gobblers this spring, start planning now. Here are some tips from an expert turkey vagabond.
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Making the Most of Your Mentored Hunt
“Be the mentor you needed when you first started hunting,” said Cristina McGannon Jones of Oxford, New Jersey. Cristina presented tips and advice for making the most out of a mentored hunt at NWTF’s Annual Convention and Sport Show during its National Leadership Conference.
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Sticking with your Super Slam Quest
Craft a realistic, common-sense multi-year plan to take your Slam. The pursuit can be arduous, but the results are worthwhile.
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Bucket List Hunts
Many turkey hunters have certain accomplishments they would like to achieve in hunting or destinations they would like to visit for a hunt.
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4 Tips for Fall Turkeys
While fall-turkey hunting doesn’t exactly have the same allure of spring gobbling action, autumn is a great time to explore the turkey woods.
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2019 Fall Hunt Guide
Fall approaches, and with it comes opportunity in the field.
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Hunting access, state legislation and regulation changes
These examples show the power of our membership when we engage on an issue.
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Report examines timing of spring seasons
Wild turkey work group recommends Southeastern states consider delaying spring turkey season opener.
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Keeping the Natural State … Natural
“I cannot prove that God is from Arkansas, but I know for sure that He has family there.”— Jimmy Peacock
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Open more hunting opportunities this season
Think outside the box as you begin your attempt to secure hunting property. 
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The Hart of the NWTF
Jason Hart’s love for the NWTF and turkey hunting began at an early age and hasn’t waned.
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Rusted antiquity or a great hunting blind?
As you pass by junk take pause. That vestige of yesteryear has the possibility to be your next, best hunting blind ever.
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Yo Quiero Pavo: 3 Tips for Hunting South of the Border
Whether you are trying to complete a World Slam or simply wanting a unique adventure, know you’ll also be smack in the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula, have the opportunity to see Mayan ruins, enjoy incredible local cuisine and possibly check out other local tourist attractions.
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Have a successful youth hunt before the pull of the trigger
Whether it’s your own child or a mentored youth, companies, state agencies and private organizations are helping to recruit more hunters.
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Practice Scent Control when Turkey Hunting
Why is scent control important when hunting a bird that can’t smell? The answer is simple and often overlooked.
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Utilizing Trail Cameras to Scout for Turkeys
Location, location, location is everything when it comes to tagging a turkey this spring. In order to be in the right location a hunter must do two things first; scout and observe.
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Ticked Off
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.
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Three easy-does-it calls for children and beginners
These easy-to-master friction yelpers can help newcomers find their calling chops.
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Box Call Adjustments
After making a few calls with your box call you realize that it does not sound like it once did. It might be time for a tune-up. Do not get carried away with the tuning as this might ruin the call. A little will go far in the tuning process.
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The Future of Hunting: Preserving our Hunting Heritage
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.
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Fast Enough, Bold Enough, Good Enough?
During the R3 (Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation): Fast Enough, Bold Enough, Good Enough?” panel discussion at the 43rd annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show, Bob Ziehmer, senior director of conservation for Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, was asked for his thoughts on the future of hunting.
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2019 Spring Hunt Guide
Whether you’re looking for a new subspecies of wild turkey to hunt or you’re researching a new state to test your turkey hunting acumen, the 2019 Spring Hunt Guide is here to help.
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Get the scouting jump on deer & turkeys while hunting sheds
Shed antler hunting is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities, but don’t spend your time in the winter and early spring woods with a single focus. Combine your shed antler hunts with scouting for turkeys and whitetails.
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Woods to Stage: Calling Lessons from Top Pros
Competition callers started as hunters, and they translate turkey vocabulary smarts learned afield to the GNCC limelight and back to the woods.
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Buying a good all-around shotgun
If you’re looking to buy your first shotgun and want a good all-around-use gun, there are a few things you need to consider before buying. NWTF Hunting Heritage and Habitat Manager Travis Sumner shared a few tips on buying a shotgun that will make a good all-around hunting gun.
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Winning over wind drift
As the late, great gun writer Aaron Fraser Pass once wrote of wind drift, “Like the weather, shooters must learn to live with the wind, and “wind doping” in the field is a learned and arcane art form, rather than a science.” This is a case where “practice makes perfect” really applies.
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7 Ways to Teach Fall Turkey Hunting
Pass on the turkey hunting tradition this autumn by mentoring a new hunter. Here’s how to do it.
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2018 Fall Hunting Guide
Turkey nuggets taste good in the fall, too. Get all the fall turkey tips, season dates, public land recommendations, gear and guide info you’ll need in the 2018 Fall Hunt Guide. Remember to check your state’s regulations for full details on hunting seasons.
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Hook your kids on the outdoors with these 10 lures
You want your kids or even your grandkids to embrace the outdoors, right? Unfortunately, countless distractions seize their attention. If you want to compete and forward the goals above consider implementing these 10 activities to hook kids on the outdoors.
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Why we hunt: How NWTF staffers got hooked
Our staff is like every other hunter across the country. Some grew up in a hunting family, learning hunting skills from their family elders. Others came to the sport as adults.
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Finding Gobblers During the Nesting Period
Late-season longbeards can be difficult, but the author’s years of experience reveal that patience, perseverance and special tactics pay off
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Beginner Gear
One of the hardest things for a new hunter can be figuring out what gear to buy and bring into the turkey woods.
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Spring Turkey Safety
As we prepare our gear for the season, it’s always a good idea to talk safety.
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Scope mounting is critical with long-range shooting
Scope mounting is a multi-faceted process, with all parts being critical to consistent hits on long-range bullseyes.
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F-I-Y Hunts: The Art of Filming It Yourself
If you make the commitment to self-film your hunts or the hunts of friends and family, you're going to need a few key pieces of equipment to get the job done right
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Don't forget these turkey vest essentials
Check your checklist to ensure you have everything to make your hunt a success.
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Youth Setups For Success
When it comes to developing youth turkey hunters, begin the process early and take your time.
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2018 Spring Hunt Guide
The 2018 Spring Hunt Guide provides you with all the useful information needed for turkey hunting in your state, plus public land recommendations from NWTF regional biologists. Each recommendation includes specifics on conservation-related work with wild turkeys, and other game animals, in mind.
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The ABCs of hunting wild turkeys
We're taking it back to the basics with the ABC's of turkey hunting.
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What’s going on next door?
Discover the benefits of developing a wildlife management strategy with your neighbor.
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Waking up
The Slam King doesn’t get much sleep during spring, but that’s by design. Here’s how he formulates a sleep and wake-up schedule that puts him in great position every morning.
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The Gift
All of us — call makers and hunters alike — have benefited from Gibson’s invention
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Turkey Calling Contests: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Calling competitions helped drive the modern turkey hunting boom, forging legendary careers and building an industry
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5 people who may be ready to hunt
Sharing the bond that comes with learning to hunt or sharing the hunting experience is truly special to most hunters
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Preparing for the hunt
Sharing the passion of our hunting tradition is sure to spark a flame that can easily turn an interest into a lifestyle.
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Five exercises to boost your hunting endurance
Endurance will be the key to surviving if you find yourself in trouble.
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Spring success starts in the fall
We interrupt your current hunting season for an important consideration. Where are you hunting turkeys in the spring?
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Social Media Guidelines
Be a smart and savvy online hunting advocate
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How to Talk to A Nonhunter
You are the face of hunting. Be prepared
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Return on Investment
The NWTF and state agencies examine what works and what doesn’t in hunter recruitment
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The Changing Face of Fall Turkey Hunting
Fall and winter seasons provide incredible turkey hunting opportunities across the country. Here’s an overview of the ever-shifting autumn scene
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8 Ways to Connect with the NWTF
Team up with the NWTF in 8 different ways!
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2017 Fall Hunt Guide
As the 2017 fall turkey hunting season nears, the NWTF offers up the annual Fall Hunt Guide as an overview of each state's up-coming wild turkey hunting season.
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Fall Turkey Hunt Tips
Whether you’re looking for that second-chance tom or simply trying your hand at a flock of first-year birds, the tips that follow will help you have a great autumn experience.
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Senior Moments
As you age, your mission in the turkey woods changes and evolves. Nothing gives a senior hunter more pleasure than guiding youngsters to their first turkeys.
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Clockwork Turkey Strategies
Like you, turkeys follow a daily schedule. Decipher this schedule and you could be one step closer to turkey success this spring. Begin your clockwork strategy with a dawn assault.
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How to Improve Your Turkey Game This Season
The gobblers are strutting and the game is on. Make sure you’re ready with these proven strategies.
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Best Way to Stay on Target this Turkey Season
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.
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More hunting time for the working person
Modern careers have more demands than ever, and technology hasn’t created more expendable time, especially for hunting. If you’re looking to get more hunting time, or at least more quality hunting time, consider working ahead or even working odd hours like weekends.
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Broadhead Testing 2017
Just as gun hunters choose the loads they prefer, I was in search of broadheads that suited me best.
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Top 5 Takeaways from Turkey Hunting 101
As a new hunter and turkey season fast approaching, the rapid flow of information can easily become overwhelming. Fortunately, classes and seminars specifically crafted for new hunters are available to help pinpoint basic information and essential tactics.
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Pre-scouting: Plan Early for Grand Slam success
When plotting a hunt, Jeff Budz pulls together every bit of intelligence he’s gathered in advance. Then, he follows up with first-person contacts at gun stores, archery shops and sporting goods stores.
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Critique your calling
Missouri’s Billy Yargus, won the NWTF GNCC Senior Division title in 2008, 2015 and 2016, and also took the 2016 World Championship Turkey Calling Contest.
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4 Must-have Mobile Apps for the Modern Hunter
A variety of hunting apps can help you map your property, explore new hunting opportunities, follow weather, learn vocalizations of your favorite game animal and much more.
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2017 Spring Hunt Guide
As the 2017 spring turkey hunting season nears, the NWTF offers up the annual Spring Hunt Guide as an overview of each state's up-coming wild turkey hunting season.
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A Decoy Setup that Works
This common-sense decoy setup presents a natural scene that puts gobblers right where you want them
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Best Turkey Hunter I Know
Becoming one with your surroundings, understanding and reacting to turkey behavior and habits: these are just a taste of the skills needed to match the abilities of this turkey hunter.
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Fostering a Passion in Others
Jennifer Foster, Kansas’ WITO coordinator, is spreading a contagious fever for hunting.
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Hunting Turkeys on the Quiet Side
More and more hunters and shooters are celebrating a milder version of the old big boom as sales for suppressors are continuing to grow.
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Soggy Bottom Birds
Some gobblers hang out in miserably thick, wet places. Here’s how to coax those frustrating swamp-loving birds to your gun.
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Bushcraft and Bushy-Tails
From bushy-tails to white-tails, lessons learned hunting squirrels easily carry over into the deer stands and other hunting venues.
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Top 5 Instagram Accounts to Follow for Turkey Hunting Addicts
Keep from going into turkey hunting withdrawal by checking and following these five Instagram accounts.
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Is Hunting Ethical? NWTF Representatives Weigh In
We asked seven hunting personalities and received seven different answers with one similar conclusion… yes.
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7 Ways to Deal with the Adrenaline Rush
We all crave that adrenaline surge while turkey hunting, but it can lead to critical mistakes. Here’s how a veteran turkey hunter avoids overreaction and hasty moves.
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2016 Fall Hunt Guide
Get specifics on the 42 states that offer a fall turkey hunting season.
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Gettin’ Woodsy With It
Build woodsmanship skills to blend into a turkey's world.
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How to Turn Hunting Into a Hobby
Use this list to help prepare for all the curve balls the sport throws your way, allowing you to turn hunting into a hobby.
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15 Minutes with Steven Rinella
Our one-on-one interview takes us into the brain of Steven Rinella, outdoorsman, writer and TV personality.
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Advice to New Hunters
If you are preparing for your first hunt, you'll want to read the advice these experienced hunters have to offer.
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Firearm Safety for the Win!
When you are being safe, everyone wins!
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8 Things a New Hunter Needs to Know
Listen to this advice and you'll be better prepared to tackle your first hunting season.
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Creating New Hunters
Aaron Warbritton talks with Scott Vance of the NWTF about possible threats to turkey hunting and tips on taking new hunters to the field.
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Becoming a Hunter — Part 3: Preparing for the Hunt
Learn what it takes to start hunting. Get thoughts, considerations and suggestions on what to do before the hunt.
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Becoming a Hunter — Part I: An Introduction
A 100-pound, data-driven millennial hunts for the first time.
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Choose the Right Outfitter
You decide where to book an upcoming turkey hunt. Avoid bad situations by asking the right questions.
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Young Female Mentor Leads by Example
Meet Angie Grimm, the first female mentor for NWTF Wisconsin - North Shore Chapter. She's a 19-year-old hunting enthusiast who passes her knowledge and guidance onto new hunters. Originally from Fredonia, WI, Grimm is pursuing a major in environmental sciences at the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay and in her past-time she mentors hunters to support our hunting heritage.
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The Guide to Solo Turkey Hunting
Take turkeys on with this one-on-one approach. We've outlined the skills and equipment you need, as well as things to think about when heading to the woods on a solo mission.
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T-Time – Training For Turkey Season
Turkey hunting can be physically challenging, use these guidelines to help you become more active and fit.
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Q&A with Ryan Newman
NASCAR driver and NWTF Spokesperson speaks about racing, hunting and family.
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Need a Hunt Lease for the Upcoming Season?
Easily find quality landowners and land to lease with Base Camp Leasing.
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Surveying the Scene: Scout Smart for Opening Day
Refine your scouting process this season.
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Checklist for Safety and Success
Here's how to keep everyone safe and the good times rolling.
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The Great Jake Debate
Is it OK to shoot a jake?
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Locating Roosts
Use these guidelines to identify the types of trees and topography where turkey prefer to roost.
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10 Trail Camera Tips For Family Fun
Catch all sorts of creatures on your trail camera, and have some family fun while you're at it.
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Decoy Safety Strategies
Read about several decoy safety tips and tactics.
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Bow Hunting for Beginners
Brenda Valentine gives tips to the beginner bow hunter.
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LifeLock
NWTF members get a free 30-day trial of LifeLock Standard identity theft protection. Get yours today!
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Nationwide Insurance
We're protecting you and your loved ones. Get special rates on benefits and services through Nationwide.
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NWTF Travel Insurance
Before you travel anywhere, make sure your trip is covered!
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Tracking Turkeys
Find signs, find birds. Scouting allows you to find where turkeys have been to help you determine where they will be. Trace their steps to track them down.
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NWTF Hunt Club Insurance
NWTF members can get excellent coverage, at an affordable price. Get protected today!
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ATV Safety in the Field
Don't forget to read up on your ATV safety tips!
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Tree Stand Safety
To help hunters stay safe, the NWTF has compiled a list of useful tips for hunting out of tree stands.
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Proper Firearm Handling Instructions
Great tips to help you stay safe when handling firearms.
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7 Fall Turkey Hunting Myths
If you haven't' hunted fall turkeys, you may be surprised at the truth — and the fun.
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Top 10 Outdoor Survival Tips
Every outdoors person needs to know these top 10 survival tips.
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Safety Tips for Fall Turkey Hunters
It’s priority number one: safety awareness. Don’t enter the woods without revisiting our turkey hunting safety tips.
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Introducing Your Kids to Archery
The step-by-step guide to giving your child a quality bow and quality instructions
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Hunting Trip Plan
Leave a hunting trip plan with a friend or family member to expect for the unexpected.
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We’re the Endangered Species
Share our legacy and don't let hunters become extinct.
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New Turkey Guns and Ammo
Displeased with your old turkey gun and set-up? Here's the new and improved guns and ammo you'll want and need for the upcoming seasons.
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Setting Up Your Turkey Gun
Don't enter the woods without your perfect pattern. Try different combinations of chokes and loads to get your gun ready.
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Plan B Turkey Hunts
Even the best plans don't always work. Back-up strategies can save the day and fill tags this spring.
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3 Tips to Enjoy the Turkey Woods as You Age
Don't let your age keep you from playing the field.
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Gobble Up a Tom
Not having success with a hen call? Try using a gobble call instead, here's how!
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Wonderful Wingbones
Learn how wingbone calls are made and how they are also unique art.
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10 Apps Every Hunter Needs
These apps will help you become the best hunter you can be.
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Mistaken for Game
Don't let the hype of the hunt control your mind. Don't mistake a hunter for game. Learn how to avoid the mistake.
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5 Ways to Evaluate your Turkey Pattern
Study your turkey pattern and make corrections to get perfection.
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How to Ask for Permission in 3 Easy Steps
Looking for land? Know how to get permission and you could secure the perfect parcel.
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Mentored Hunts Matter
Expose a friend or child to wild turkey hunting and mentor them along the way.
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Trespassing: Protect Yourself and Your Property
Know the rules so you aren't caught in the wrong.
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Hit Me with Your Best Shot
Try these archery tips to help you take a bird with your bow!
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Shoot Turkeys Year-Round…with a Camera
Use photography to help you scout turkeys and plan your hunt.
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Signaling for Help
Don't be out in the woods without knowing how to properly signal for help.
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The Do’s and Don’ts of Opening Day
Be prepared for opening day with these eight tips.
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Latest Articles
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A Microcosm of National Success
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March 01, 2021
South of Yeehaw: Answering the Osceola’s Call
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Partnerships, Healthy Forests and Happy Turkeys
February 26, 2021
Accessories Your Rifle Can't Be Without
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Call making for conservation
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Seven Quick Tips for Mentors and Those Looking to Mentor Hunters
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2021 Spring Hunt Guide
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NWTF Events
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