A Glance Mission - Dedicated to the Conservation of the Wild Turkey and the Preservation of our Hunting Heritage.

Transcription

1 A Glance Mission - Dedicated to the Conservation of the Wild Turkey and the Preservation of our Hunting Heritage History The National Wild Turkey Federation is the leader in upland wildlife habitat conservation in North America. A nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage, the NWTF and its volunteers work closely with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies and other partners. Through these dynamic partnerships, the NWTF and its members helped restore wild turkey populations throughout North America, spending more than $331 million to conserve nearly 16 million acres of habitat. Wild turkeys and hundreds of other species of upland wildlife, including quail, deer, grouse, pheasant and songbirds, benefit from this improved habitat. The NWTF also brings new conservationists and hunters into the fold through outdoor education events and its Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES youth outreach programs. Dedicated NWTF volunteers introduce about 100,000 people to the outdoors through these programs every year. Founded in 1973, the NWTF is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C., and has local chapters in every state and Canada. According to many state and federal agencies, the restoration of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America s wildlife history Table of Contents History Membership NWTF Wild Turkey Center and Museum Turkey Television NWTF Web site and Newsletter NWTF Publications and Videos Hunting Heritage Super Fund Conservation Programs Education and Outreach Programs Hunting Heritage NWTF Five-Star Program Turkey Hunting Safer Than Ever NWTF National Convention and Sport Show Turkey Shoot The NWTF World Wild Turkey Still Target Competition NWTF Canada In 1984, the NWTF began working with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters to help restore wild turkey populations in the province. Since 1998, NWTF Canada s members have worked to fulfill its mission by releasing wild turkeys, hosting fundraising banquets and outreach events, and starting local chapters throughout Canada. NWTF Mexico NWTF Mexico helps restore wild turkeys throughout Mexico and conducts research necessary for continued success and expansion of wild turkey populations there. NWTF works cooperatively with Texas Tech University and SEMARNAT (Secretary of Natural Resources) and others to learn more about Ocellated turkeys in the state of Campeche and help ensure their long-term success. NWTF follows the progress of turkeys transferred in 2008 from Aguascalientes to Hidalgo State. Since those turkey population numbers have increased, NWTF expects turkey populations in those areas to sustain hunting by Membership With 2,272 chapters, the NWTF provides a place for people from all walks of life to get involved in conservation. Today, the NWTF has members in 50 states, Canada, Mexico and 14 other countries. People with a passion for wildlife and the outdoors can join the NWTF by choosing from several categories including: NWTF Annual membership NWTF Sponsor membership JAKES/Xtreme JAKES membership JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) educates and involves youth under age 12 in wildlife conservation and the wise stewardship of our natural resources. Xtreme JAKES is for teens ages 13 to 17. Women in the Outdoors membership The Women in the Outdoors program helps women enjoy the outdoors and learn the importance of wildlife management and the role hunters play in conservation. Wheelin Sportsmen NWTF membership Wheelin Sportsmen NWTF provides people with disabilities opportunities to enjoy hunting, fishing, target shooting and more through events held across North America. To become an NWTF member, learn more about NWTF banquets, or start a banquet in your area, call or go online. P.O. Box Augusta Road Edgefield, S.C (803) nwtf AT-A-GLANCE

2 38 Years of Wild Turkey Conservation Wild Turkey Numbers 1.3 million More than 7 million Wild Turkey Hunter Numbers 1 million Nearly 3 million Turkey Television Seen on Pursuit Channel: The NWTF s Wild Turkey Center and Winchester Museum The Wild Turkey Center, located in Edgefield, S.C., is the NWTF s national headquarters. It is a firstclass work place for 255 staff positions that provide services to NWTF members. The NWTF s field operations staff of 77 regional directors and 34 conservation field staff have offices located throughout the United States and Canada, and work closely with the chapters in their region. Get in the Game Secrets for attracting wildlife to your property The NWTF campus includes: the 60,000 square foot Wild Turkey Center, which houses the NWTF Winchester Museum, a 3,000 square foot conference center sponsored by Federal Cartridge Company, the Outdoor Education Center and an additional 65,000 square feet of warehouse space. The Legacy Sculpture, a larger-than-life bronze statue depicting the past and future of our hunting heritage, stands tall in front of the Wild Turkey Center, along with a sculpted bronze turkey. Sculptor Cody Houston created these amazing works of art. The NWTF s state-of-the-art Winchester Museum celebrates the comeback of the wild turkey and the role hunter/conservationists played in this great wildlife success story. Highlights include the world s largest box call, wild turkeys in folk art, turkey oddities and a simulated prescribed fire helicopter exhibit. The 125-acre Outdoor Education Center includes a series of nature trails, management demonstrations, a wetland habitat site and pavilion. The area provides the perfect setting for JAKES/Xtreme JAKES, Women in the Outdoors and Wheelin Sportsmen NWTF events, as well as school field trips and other educational opportunities. Hours Open The Wild Turkey Center and Winchester Museum are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. and closed on national holidays. Admission is free for NWTF members. The admission price for non-members is $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 17 and under. Guided and weekend group tours are available by appointment and may be scheduled by calling (803) Turkey Call Turkey hunting excitement from coast to coast NWTF COMMUNICATION TOOLS NWTF Web site The NWTF s dynamic website, NWTF.org, provides resources for NWTF members, hunters and land managers. It features the latest NWTF news, turkey hunting and calling tips; banquet, calling contest and shooting event information; audio clips of turkey sounds and information about wild turkeys. The site also hosts: a message board a searchable database of the NWTF s wild turkey records conservation and land management tips the websites of the NWTF s three outreach programs: Wheelin Sportsmen NWTF, Women in the Outdoors and JAKES/Xtreme JAKES Social Networking Network with hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, and stay current with NWTF news, contests, giveaways, announcements and more through the NWTF s official pages on Facebook at facebook.com/thenwtf. NWTF Newsletter Each edition of the NWTF Newsletter features important news, chances to win prizes, outdoor news, interactive videos and surveys, highlights from the NWTF s official page on Facebook, hunting gear reviews and more. OutdoorDealHound.com OutdoorDealHound.com, the first online retail site to offer discounted bundled pricing outside the travel industry, offers shoppers discounts on more than 1,200 products from well-known outdoor companies. Visit OutdoorDealHound.com to help wildlife and save money today. Turkey Television Featured on Pursuit Channel. Check local listings for show times. Get in the Game offers tips for attracting wildlife to your property. Turkey Call shows turkey hunting adventures from coast to coast. 2 nwtf AT-A-GLANCE NWTF Publications and Videos Call (800) THE-NWTF for ordering information or to learn more about the NWTF s membership publications. Turkey Country magazine is for outdoor enthusiasts and all NWTF members. Turkey Country is divided in into six sections: Conservation, Special Issues, The Caller, Outreach and Education, On the Hunt and Get in the Game. This full-color publication includes stories about the NWTF s Wheelin Sportsmen NWTF, Women in the Outdoors and JAKES outreach programs, conservation issues, turkey calling and hunting, education programs, member profiles and much more. JAKES members across North America receive JAKES Magazine, which features fun and educational articles focused on items of interest to young readers. The JAKES Activity Book contains many fun, learning activities such as crossword puzzles, board games, word find, coloring and much more to help youth learn about conservation and wild turkeys.

3 The Wild Turkey: Biology and Management is an award-winning book that details current knowledge about wild turkeys. NWTF Wildlife Bulletins, available at NWTF. org, offer specific information and advice for wild turkey managers. The Get in the Game Manual is full of up-to-date information for all landowners on everything from timber management to planting and managing wildlife openings. Turkey Hunting Success & Safety, a two-disk CD-ROM and DVD set, contains everything hunting instructors need including videos, lessons, articles, tips and PowerPoint presentations to teach wild turkey hunters how to hunt safely and successfully. NWTF Outreach Event Manual, available at NWTF.org, gives detailed information about organizing and hosting NWTF outreach events. The manual contains tips on choosing event activities, getting volunteers involved and finding support for NWTF outreach events. 100 Acre Project is a two-disc DVD series specifically designed to help landowners get the most out of their property. Watch NWTF researchers, foresters and wildlife biologists turn a 14-year pine stand into a manageable, hunt-able and profitable piece of property. Hunting Heritage Super Fund The Hunting Heritage Super Fund supports the NWTF s conservation and education programs. Established in 1983, the program pools money raised at Hunting Heritage banquets, donated by corporate sponsors and given to benefit wildlife conservation. Since 1985, the NWTF and its cooperators have spent more than $331 million preserving our hunting heritage and conserving nearly 16 million acres of wildlife habitat. State Hunting Heritage Super Fund projects include habitat management, outdoor education for women, youth and people with disabilities, hunter safety, wild turkey restoration, land acquisition, enforcement, research and equipment. State projects are jointly administered by the NWTF, its state chapters and their respective wildlife agencies, assuring funding for projects most likely to enhance the state s long-range natural resource management plans and to promote hunting heritage for the future. National Hunting Heritage Super Fund projects include grants to support university and wildlife agency research projects, regional habitat programs and funds for publications that can be used by government and corporate biologists as management reference tools. Conserve. Hunt. Share. Conservation Programs The NWTF supports scientific wildlife management on public, private and corporate lands. NWTF founders established a technical committee consisting of wild turkey biologists from state wildlife agencies, which makes recommendations on research, management, restoration and educational programs. Nearly 75 members from 50 states are represented on the committee. North American Wild Turkey Management Plan The North American Wild Turkey Management Plan has helped establish wild turkey populations on approximately 2 million acres in North America. The plan will identify key habitat projects and important areas for wild turkeys on a state-by-state and regional basis. The plan has received local, national and international support from state wildlife agencies, USDA Forest Service, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Management. Wild Turkey Partnership Agreements Wild Turkey Partnership Agreements provide a framework for cooperative wildlife management, research and educational activities between the NWTF and its 119 government and corporate partners. These partnerships improve millions of acres of wildlife habitat on private, corporate and public land. Making Tracks This cooperative program between the NWTF and state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies restores wild turkeys to all suitable habitats in North America. The NWTF works with wildlife agencies, coordinating the trap and transfer of wild turkeys. Wild turkey populations have more than doubled since In areas where they are abundant, wild turkeys usually are trapped via nets propelled or dropped over a feeding flock. Trapped birds are individually placed in specialized transport boxes, and then released in areas of suitable habitat with few or no wild turkeys. Since the 1950s, state and provincial wildlife agencies have moved 200,000 wild turkeys into suitable habitat across North America. 3 nwtf AT-A-GLANCE The NWTF has helped accelerate those efforts through the purchase of trapping equipment, transfer boxes, funding and the help of its volunteers. Currently, there are more than 7 million wild turkeys throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. The NWTF worked with state wildlife agencies to help coordinate the relocation of 1,958 birds throughout North America during the 2010 trap and transfer season. NWTF Hunting Heritage Super Fund dollars and corporate partners supported this project. Hunting Heritage Super Fund projects include establishing walk-in hunting areas, planting wildlife openings, developing water resources, conducting prescribed burns, co-hosting outdoor learning events for women, youth and people with disabilities through the NWTF s chapters across the country, and supporting the reintroduction of the Gould s wild turkey in Arizona. The NWTF has partnered with the USDA Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and the Department of Defense to conduct Hunting Heritage Super Fund Projects. The NWTF is one of the only conservation organizations with employee liaisons from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency and USDA Forest Service on staff.

4 Go for the Gould s Since 2003, the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the NWTF have transferred more than 400 Gould s wild turkeys from Mexico and Arizona to the Chiricahua, Huachuca and Pinaleno mountains of southern Arizona, an area where the Gould s once thrived but was extirpated, mainly due to unregulated hunting. Since 2002, more than $90,000 has been raised for the restoration through Gould s hunting permit auctions. Future efforts will focus on improving and protecting critical wild turkey habitat. Go for the Gould s U.S. project partners include: NWTF-Arizona State Chapter El Coronado Ranch USDA Forest Service Coronado National Forest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service USDA-Animal Plant Health Inspection Service National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Project partners in Mexico include: SEMARNAT (Secretary of Natural Resources) AMAVISI (Association of Wildlife Managers) ENDESU (Natural Spaces and Sustainable Development) ASOCIES (Senoran Outfitters Association) Wingshooters Lodge Monte Escobedo Ranch Rancho Antrialgo Research Since 1977, the NWTF has provided more than $4.6 million in national project research grants to many state agencies and universities. Past projects have addressed many areas of turkey research including population dynamics, habitat suitability, disease, predation, nesting success and more. National Wild Turkey Symposia Held every five years, the National Wild Turkey Symposium plays an integral role in wild turkey research and management. The NWTF helps coordinate the symposia program and provides financial support. A book of the proceedings from the latest symposium is a must-read for well-informed turkey hunters and conservationists, with details of the most recent research and advances in wild turkey management. Visit OutdoorDealHound.com for more information. recent research and advances in wild turkey management. Visit the Turkey Shoppe at for more information. Project HELP Project HELP (Habitat Enhancement Land Program) helps landowners manage and enhance their land by providing habitat enhancement services and offering seeds and seedlings at competitive prices. Products available include seed mixes developed specifically for upland gamebirds, waterfowl, deer and turkeys. Tree seedlings, including wildlife shrubs and specialty fruit and nut trees, plus establishment and protective products are also available. Habitat enhancement services offered include on-site consultations, plus the use of habitat management contractors. Since 1992, Project HELP sales have totaled more than 3.5 million pounds of seed and 2.9 million seedlings. The Project HELP catalog is available online at Conservation Seed Program The Conservation Seed Program is an NWTF program that provides surplus seed, primarily corn, soybeans, wheat and grain sorghum to NWTF chapters for wildlife habitat plantings. NWTF chapters receive the seed in half tractor trailer loads and then distribute the seed to local NWTF members. The seed is available through NWTF chapters for the cost of shipping and handling. Since 1997, NWTF members have received more than 7 million pounds of seed for wildlife through this program. Regional Habitat Programs The NWTF s regional habitat programs provide seedlings and other habitat improvement products to NWTF chapters and private landowners across North America. The regional habitat programs have improved more than 7.3 million acres for wildlife. Operation Appleseed (Northeast) Operation Oak (Southeast) Operation Heartland (Midwest) Operation SOS (Canada) Operation SOS (Upper Midwest) Operation Big Sky (Great Plains) Guzzlers for Gobblers (West) Southern Great Plains Riparian Initiative Northern Plains Riparian Restoration Initiative Since 1997, more than 2.3 million seedlings have been planted through the regional habitat programs, more than 900 water development projects have been completed and 4,000 acres of standing grain have been left to assist landowners with wintering large populations of wild turkeys. Through the Guzzlers program alone, the NWTF and its partners have put more than $4 million toward habitat improvement projects in the West. Northern Plains Riparian Restoration Initiative Wildlife habitat along flowing waterways is dwindling in western South Dakota and North Dakota, and eastern Montana and Wyoming. The Northern Plains Riparian Restoration Initiative is the NWTF s program to improve habitat along rivers and streams, and around roost areas to benefit numerous species of wildlife, including wild turkeys. The project also educates landowners on how they can improve their properties for wildlife. Southern Great Plains Riparian Initiative The Southern Great Plains Riparian Initiative is one of the largest habitat improvement efforts ever initiated by the NWTF. This partnership improves wildlife habitat on thousands of miles of rivers and streams in six states including Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. More than 30 million acres could be improved through this project. To date, more than $1.5 million has been spent to improve wildlife habitat on 23,665 acres through the Southern Great Plains Riparian Initiative. Seed Subsidy Program Through the Seed Subsidy Program, NWTF state chapters help members purchase seed to 4 nwtf AT-A-GLANCE

5 benefit wildlife through private lands wildlife management. Since 2002, NWTF members have purchased more than 1.9 million pounds of seed through the program. In participating states, NWTF members may purchase selected seed and related products at a reduced cost, which is subsidized through the Hunting Heritage Super Fund of the respective state. Chufa is the most subsidized product available through the program. Energy for Wildlife Energy for Wildlife is a conservation program for energy companies with 36 corporate members, five sponsors and more than 3 million acres of property enrolled. This program works to improve wildlife habitat on rights of way and other energy company property through changes in vegetation management. Another program goal is to help promote these properties as quality wildlife habitat for the public, rights of way landowners and company customers. Energy for Wildlife is a membership-based certification program open to any energy company with rights of way and/or other company property that can be managed. Wild Turkey Country Through Wild Turkey Country, NWTF s conservation easement program, the NWTF protects key wildlife habitat through conservation easements with willing private landowners. Partner landowners agree to limit the subdivision and development of their property and to manage their property to benefit wildlife in return for tax incentives provided by state and federal government. The NWTF holds conservation easements covering nearly 15,400 acres on 24 properties in nine states. More Places to Hunt More Places to Hunt provides hunting opportunities on public and private property. To date, the NWTF has spent more than $10.5 million and obtained more than 452,000 acres of land for hunting. This program builds upon NWTF chapters success, and allows the NWTF to coordinate with partners to accomplish even more. Widespread urban sprawl, changes in land ownership and tightened state agency and federal budgets have left hunters with far less private and public access to quality wildlife areas. Studies by the National Shooting Sports Foundation indicate that one of the top reasons people give up hunting is that they can t find places to hunt. As hunter numbers decline, state agencies lose revenue used to support habitat and places to hunt. To reverse this trend, the NWTF is assisting partner agencies with land acquisitions, funding walk-in hunting area programs, holding landowner appreciation days and getting involved in legislative issues that maintain public access or provide funding for access related programs. NWTF s state and local chapter volunteers are at the core of this access program. Education, Outreach and Community Programs JAKES/Xtreme JAKES The NWTF s JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) program was developed in 1981, and is dedicated to teaching the principles of wildlife management and safe, ethical and responsible hunting. The program is designed for youth up to age 12. The NWTF s Xtreme JAKES program was developed in 2002 for teens between the ages of 13 and 17. The program provides advanced outdoor opportunities and challenges more in line with older JAKES abilities and experiences. In 2010, local chapters conducted nearly 1,000 JAKES/Xtreme JAKES events throughout North America featuring hands-on activities. Each JAKES/Xtreme JAKES member is eligible for a drawing to win a hunt of a lifetime. JAKES members across North America receive JAKES Magazine, which features fun and educational articles focused on items of interest to young readers. JAKES Take Aim program presents opportunities for youth ages 17 and under to try target shooting and sporting clay shooting with air guns and shotguns in a safe, fun environment. JAKES Take Aim shooting trailers stocked by Daisy Outdoor Products with airguns, pellets, targets and other equipment to set up safe airgun ranges at any youth event debuted in seven states with 20 additional trailers available by the end of Trailers are available for use through state agencies and NWTF state chapters. For more information about the JAKES/ Xtreme JAKES program or to find a local event, visit nwtf.org/jakes. Wheelin Sportsmen NWTF Wheelin Sportsmen NWTF provides all people with disabilities opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Through chapter events nationwide, participants can enjoy activites such as hunting, fishing and shooting. With more than 50 million people with disabilities in the U.S., the program fills a significant void. Through this program, chapters host numerous Wheelin Sportsmen NWTF events across North America involving individuals with disabilities. In addition to local chapter events, Wheelin Sportsmen NWTF also hosts an assortment of national events: Does for Does pairs women with disabilities and women who are experienced guides for a weekend of hunting and educational activities. Ultimate Team-Ups team people with nwtf.org/jakes 5 nwtf AT-A-GLANCE

6 disabilities and non-disabled people for a weekend of hunting and educational activities. Ultimate Duos provide youth with disabilities and their families a chance to experience a variety of outdoor activities. Fishing Round-Ups provide participants with disabilities opportunities to enjoy a day of fishing. Fun & Learn Days introduce people with disabilities to a variety of outdoor activities in fun and easy ways. Special Events provide opportunities for groups of disabled and non-disabled participants to enjoy deep sea fishing, shooting, archery, photography, hunting and more. Wheelin Sportsmen NWTF members receive six issues of Turkey Country magazine. For more information about the Wheelin Sportsmen NWTF program or to find an event listing, visit wheelinsportsmen.org Women in the Outdoors Women in the Outdoors provides hands-on outdoor education for women. Outdoor learning events, which allow women to try activities ranging from hunting to hiking, are conducted throughout the United States and Canada. Each event participant becomes a member of the NWTF s women s program. As part of their annual membership, women receive six issues of Turkey Country magazine yearly. NWTF chapters have hosted nearly 4,000 events for 80,000 women throughout North America and Canada. Women in the Outdoors teaches the importance of wildlife management and preserving our hunting heritage and increases participation in outdoor activities. For more information about Women in the Outdoors or to find a local event, visit www. womenintheoutdoors.org. womenintheoutdoors.org NWTF Academic Scholarship Program Each year, the NWTF presents a $10,000 national scholarship to a college-bound student as well as several $1,000 state/provincial academic scholarships and $250 local scholarships. Scholarships are awarded to young people who have demonstrated a commitment to conservation, academic excellence and building leadership skills. Applicants must be licensed hunters to be eligible. To date, the NWTF has awarded nearly $3.3 million through the scholarship program. The program is just one way the NWTF helps ensure there are dedicated conservationists for the future. Each year, nearly $500,000 is available in scholarships to JAKES/Xtreme JAKES members. Education Programs The NWTF s Winchester Museum offers tours and a variety of conservation education programs correlated to South Carolina s and Georgia s curriculum standards for more than 10,000 visitors each year. NWTF Wild About Turkey Education Boxes NWTF chapters and sponsors have donated more than 31,000 education boxes to schools across North America at no charge to the schools. NWTF education boxes are correlated to national education standards and feature a curriculum, activity guide and a variety of teaching tools suitable for kindergarten through 12th grade. Education Partnership Programs In addition to the academic scholarship program, the NWTF supports education through: National Future Farmers of America Organization (FFA) Many NWTF chapters participate in and support FFA events and programs. To date, the NWTF has contributed more than $146,000 to FFA. 4-H Shooting Sports Program To date, the NWTF has contributed more than 2.2 million to the 4-H Shooting Sports Program to ensure youth can learn about shooting sports in a safe atmosphere than fosters development. National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) This joint venture with state departments of education and fish and wildlife agencies is designed to offer international-style target archery in physical 6 nwtf AT-A-GLANCE education programs for students from 4th through 12th grades as part of school curriculums across the country. To date, the NWTF has provided more than $940,000 in support of NASP. Boy Scouts of America (BSA) The NWTF has partnered with BSA through the JAKES program to provide more opportunities for youth to experience and learn about conservation, the shooting sports and the preservation of our hunting heritage. Turkey Hunters Care Program NWTF chapters across the country provide frozen, domestic turkeys around the holidays to local families in need in their communities through the Turkey Hunters Care Program. Local NWTF chapter volunteers team up with church ministries, food pantries, children s organizations, homeless shelters, National Guard units and other civic service organizations to donate turkeys for holiday meals. In 2010, 367 local NWTF chapters in the U.S. and Canada donated 19,000 turkeys or more than 114,000 meals to families in need of a hot holiday feast. Since the program s inception, a total of 132,163 turkeys, or 792,978 meals, have been donated. The NWTF makes certificates available online that can be presented to the individual family or organization that receives the turkeys. In addition, NWTF chapters can order specially made Turkey Hunters Care plastic bags, at no cost, which will be distributed with the turkeys.

7 Families Afield The NWTF has led the charge in promoting youth hunting opportunities. Through Families Afield, a partnership of the NWTF, the National Shooting Sports Foundation and the U.S. Sportsmen s Alliance, data from the Youth Hunting Report is used to help remove youth hunting barriers across the nation. The Youth Hunting Report also shows youth hunters are among the safest hunters in the woods when accompanied by an adult. To date, Families Afield has helped bring positive change to 30 states, resulting in more than 418,000 new hunters. Together with the National Rifle Association and state and local sportsmen s organizations, Families Afield will continue to fight for youth hunting rights. In 2010: Illinois expanded its apprentice program to allow new hunters to qualify for an apprentice license. Louisiana expanded its apprentice program to allow new hunters to defer hunter education if they hunt under the direct supervision of an experienced, qualified mentor. The expansion also removes the limit on the number of times a person can hunt under the exemption. Vermont became the 30th state to pass a Families Afield bill. The new law creates an apprentice hunting license that allows a new hunter to hunt with an experienced mentor for up to two years before completing a hunter education course. To learn more about the Families Afield program or to view a list of participating states, visit or org. Hunting Heritage Programs to Preserve Hunting Heritage NWTF has a long history of supporting and developing hunter education and safety programs. The 1992 NWTF Strategic Planning Team identified the anti-hunting and animalrights movements as serious threats to the NWTF s mission and to wildlife conservation. In response to that finding, the organization amended its mission statement to include...the preservation of our hunting heritage. The NWTF Hunting Heritage Super Fund supports shooting and hunting organizations directly involved in preserving traditional wildlife management of public land and protecting our hunting heritage. The NWTF and its state and local chapters support organizations and efforts that preserve our hunting heritage through donations including: $2.2 million contributed to the 4-H Shooting Sports Foundation $1.5 million presented to the U.S. Sportsmen s Alliance $1.1 million to the National Shooting Sports Foundation $940,000 to the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) $180,000 to the U.S. Olympic Shooting Team $146,000 to the National Future Farmers of America Foundation (FFA) The National Assembly of Sportsmen s Caucuses unites state legislators who support hunting, fishing and scientific management of natural resources, while the Congressional Sportsmen s Foundation works for wildlife on the national level. The NWTF has donated $613,000 to protect hunters interests at both the state and national level. Through strategic support of organizations that further the shooting sports and hunting, the NWTF ensures our hunting heritage is preserved for future generations. NWTF Five-Star Program The Five-Star Program recognizes state and local chapters that support volunteers and their communities, involve families in wildlife conservation, protect our hunting heritage, develop relationships between state and local chapters and build a positive future. A state chapter that receives the five-star designation has: helped a local chapter host at least one Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin Sportsmen NWTF or JAKES/Xtreme JAKES outreach event provided at least one NWTF Wild About Turkey Education Box for presentation to a local school funding a local chapter s NWTF scholarship awarded to a graduating senior who supports our country s hunting heritage and exhibits an excellent conservation ethic offered a state scholarship to a winner selected from local chapter winners and submitted the state winner to compete for a national scholarship supported local chapter efforts to participate in community-based outreach activities such as Turkey Hunters Care, 4-H, National Archery in the Schools Program, FFA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and other community-based outreach program and/or a conservation project. A local chapter that receives the five-star designation has: hosted one hunting heritage banquet with a net revenue of at least $1,000 hosted at least one Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin Sportsmen NWTF or JAKES/Xtreme JAKES outreach event delivered an NWTF Wild About Turkey Education Box to a local school presented a scholarship to a graduating senior who supports our country s hunting heritage and exhibits an excellent conservation ethic participated in Turkey Hunters Care, 4-H, National Archery in the Schools, FFA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts or other community-based outreach or conservation project. 7 nwtf AT-A-GLANCE

8 Turkey Hunting Safer Than Ever The NWTF National Turkey Hunting Safety Task Force is composed of hunter safety coordinators and instructors, wildlife biologists, educators, legal experts, conservation officers, state agency administrators and representatives from the International Hunter Education Association, the NWTF and outdoor products industry. The task force first met in 1991 to develop a plan to complement the hunter safety efforts of state wildlife agencies, NWTF chapters, the National Rifle Association and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Though the task force is unable to gauge how much influence their actions have had in reducing turkey hunting incidents, numbers from their 1997 meeting, held at the NWTF s Wild Turkey Center, indicate they are successfully reaching hunters with safety awareness. While turkey hunting is one of the safest hunting activities, and in fact one of the safest outdoor activities, this group met again in January 2005 to discuss how to make turkey hunting even safer. The National Turkey Hunting Safety Task Force developed a Turkey Hunting Success & Safety Curriculum. The number of spring turkey hunting incidents resulting in emergency room visits has decreased since the formation of the task force from approximately 8.1 per 100,000 participants in 1992 to 2.95 per 100,000 participants in This decrease is phenomenal considering that the number of spring turkey hunters has increased by 60 percent during the same time period. The NWTF has distributed more than one million pieces of hunting safety literature developed through the NWTF National Turkey Hunting Safety Task Force. Turkey Hunting Success and Safety Curriculum To further educate hunters about becoming even safer while turkey hunting and increasing their success in the field, the NWTF National Turkey Hunting Safety Task Force created a turkey hunting safety curriculum. The Turkey Hunting Success and Safety Curriculum is available to hunting safety instructors, JAKES educators and more. This state-of-the-art curriculum is available on CD and DVD. Educational tools include videos, PowerPoint presentations and lessons that teach students about turkey hunting and safety in fun and engaging ways. The Turkey Hunting Incident Report Form, developed by the NWTF and the International Hunter Education Association, has enabled more detailed record keeping of turkey hunting incidents. State-to-state comparisons of incident rates have helped safety experts determine the safest hunting practices. The NWTF also funded the creation of templates to standardize and improve accuracy of reporting incidents. NWTF National Convention and Sport Show The NWTF s National Convention and Sport Show combines all the elements of the NWTF into one fun-filled weekend with plenty of entertainment for the entire family. The convention brings together the latest turkey hunting gear and strategies, the thrill of calling championships and a celebration of wild turkey conservation volunteers and professionals. Other convention highlights include wild turkey hunting seminars, wild turkey and white-tailed deer taxidermy contests and custom call making contests. Nearly 44,000 people visited 675 exhibit booths, seminars and other events at the 2011 NWTF convention in Nashville, Tenn. Since 1990, the NWTF has brought more than 14,000 inner-city youth to conventions for a conservation education program. NWTF s Convention & Sport Show Calendar Nashville, Tenn... Feb Nashville, Tenn... Feb Nashville, Tenn... Feb The Turkey Shoot One of the top sporting clays events in the country, the Turkey Shoot offers sporting clays competition for men, women and youth in divisions ranging from NSCA Masters to Hunter divisions. Other shooting competitions include preliminary events, a sub-gauge event and the fivestand competition. The 18 th annual Turkey Shoot will be held Aug , The NWTF World Wild Turkey Still Target Competition The NWTF World Wild Turkey Still Target Competition takes place at the NWTF headquarters in Edgefield, S.C. During the sixdivision competition, participants try to make their shotgun shoot the perfect pattern at stationary targets. The NWTF World Wild Turkey Still Target Competition will take place Oct. 7-8, Wild Turkey Center 770 Augusta Road Post Office Box 530 Edgefield, South Carolina Phone: (803) nwtf.org 8 nwtf AT-A-GLANCE