EDGEFIELD, SC — The Partnership Achievement Awards were presented to local and state NWTF chapters that collaborated with individuals, businesses, agencies, or non-governmental organizations to host hunting-related events, including JAKES, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, or Women’s events. in the Outdoors.
Representatives from local NWTF chapters in Arizona, Texas, Minnesota and New Jersey received NWTF Association Awards during 50 years of the NWTF.he 47th anniversary celebrationhe NWTF annual convention and sports extravaganza, sponsored by Mossy Oak.
“Collaboration is essential to broaden the scope of our mission delivery and achieve the greatest possible impact,” said NWTF Co-Executive Director Kurt Dyroff. “We are proud to award our Arizona, Minnesota, Texas and New Jersey chapters with Partnership Awards for collaborating and forging new partnerships that help us accomplish our mission.”
This year’s winners received the Partnership Award for the following collaborative events:
New Jersey WITO Section – Adult Guided Turkey Hunt
The US Fish and Wildlife Service co-sponsored an adult turkey hunting workshop with the NWTF and backcountry hunters and fishermen at the agency’s Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge.
Hunters participated in a shooting and range safety workshop, as well as a turkey biology and habitat workshop presented by retired biologist Bob Eriksen, known for call from turkey readers like Dr. Tom. Refuge staff discussed hunting opportunities at the refuge and FWS Police discussed safety, rules and regulations.
“This award highlights the time, effort and dedication of not only our volunteers and chapter members, but also our partners who walk alongside us in our goal of getting people outdoors,” said Cristina McGannon-Jones. , NWTF WITO Chapter President in New Jersey. “Our chapter has worked tirelessly to bring together partners from other NGOs, as well as agencies, and even one of the Future Farmers of America from our local high school. Our chapter and partners work hard to offer complete guided hunting experiences to new or new hunters. One of the most important goals is to highlight publicly accessible hunting opportunities, whether in state-owned wildlife management areas or on federal refuge property. This allows our hunters to gain confidence in hunting on public land with a mentor, but we also go a step further and offer workshops that highlight how to find public land to hunt.”
Minnesota State Chapter – Alexandria Youth Activity Day 2022
The Minnesota State Chapter of the NWTF co-sponsored Minnesota Youth Outdoors Day in Alexandria for the fifth year, introducing flocks of youth interested in conservation, turkey hunting and the robust mentorship hunting program of the state chapter.
The annual Youth Outdoors Day is a free, family-friendly event designed to provide youth with a fun environment to learn about outdoor recreation in its many forms. Activities included trapping, hunting, angling, fishing, ax throwing, archery, and more.
“Every year we are losing a tradition that many of us grew up with,” said Ralph Warzecha, NWTF Minnesota Save the Hunt coordinator. “Our Youth Activity Day features thousands of kids outdoors year after year. We are incredibly proud of our partnership that makes this event possible.”
Texas Chapters: Kaufman Co. Double Beards, Cross Timbers, and Cottonwood Creek Chapters
This was the fourth year that local NWTF chapters have been able to organize a search for children with physical disabilities between the ages of 13 and 18. The hunt takes place in a 2,400-acre area administered by the Army Corps of Engineers, which is only open for hunts like this. With two morning hunts and two evening hunts, participants have plenty of opportunities to see and hunt deer, and the hunt has become a moving and life-changing event.
Partners included the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Hunt for Cure, and the Army Corps of Engineers.
“The Association Award means a lot to me and our chapter because it shows we had a successful event,” said Chris Womack, NWTF Kaufman Co. chapter president. “Being able to combine three local chapters means more volunteers to help, on the ground , with the event. ‘It takes a village’ is a true statement. Then working with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to get deer survey numbers and MLD permits, as well as Game Wardens helping out during the event. We could not hold the event without the Army Corps of Engineers allowing us to hunt on their property. They also had staff members that helped with the event area. Of course, we also needed disabled youth to go hunting. We did another great partnership with a non-profit group, Texas Hunt for the Cure, to place children to participate. In addition to the wonderful partnerships of the past few years, what is most gratifying is the impact this hunt has on children and their families.”
Arizona State Chapter – Marvin Robbins Juvenile Turkey Hunt
The event provides children and their families with the opportunity to learn about the outdoors and turkey hunting. It’s all-inclusive, including seminars explaining turkey hunting and the great outdoors, information about the NWTF, and offers prizes for everyone. Youth mentoring is provided with an emphasis on first-time hunters and very often the entire family of participants experiences the enjoyment of hunting.
Partners included Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation, the Arizona State Chapter of the NWTF, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and Prescott Hunters Education.
“We are incredibly proud of the great partnerships we have in Arizona,” said Arizona State Chapter President Roy Crain. “It is through our dedicated volunteers and NWTF staff who have forged these partnerships that allow us to create such enriching events.”
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars in wildlife conservation and has conserved or improved more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to advance wildlife conservation, forest resiliency, and robust recreational opportunities across the US by working beyond borders at the landscape scale.
2023 is the 50th of the NWTF he anniversary and an opportunity to push the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. for his 50 he anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and the people of NWTF; and raise $5 million to build a $50 million endowment for the future. Find out how you can help us achieve these lofty goals.