The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is a powerhouse nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our rich hunting heritage. Established in 1973 and rooted in science-based conservation, the NWTF has emerged as a unifying force for hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, and conservation advocates across North America. In this article, we explore NWTF’s multifaceted efforts—from safeguarding millions of acres of habitat to engaging robust grassroots networks—and reveal how membership, innovative events, and passionate leaders are helping secure the future of wild turkeys. Whether you’re a seasoned turkey hunter or a newcomer eager to support conservation, read on to discover why NWTF is at the forefront of preserving one of America’s most beloved game birds.
Company Overview
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of wild turkeys and the preservation of our hunting heritage. With a mission centered on science-backed strategies and community involvement, the NWTF actively strives to ensure that wild turkey populations continue to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. By restoring and protecting millions of acres of habitat, the organization has played a transformative role in turning wild turkeys from imperiled species into one of North America’s iconic success stories.
Headquartered in Edgefield, South Carolina, the NWTF works with thousands of volunteers and has grown to include a few hundred thousand active members spanning the United States, Canada, Mexico, and even parts of Europe. A broad network of local chapters and affiliated programs helps translate the federation’s vision into tangible actions on the ground, from habitat restoration projects to legislative advocacy that protects public hunting rights and ensures sustainable wildlife management.
As part of its robust programming, NWTF consistently empowers the hunting community to embrace modern conservation practices while commemorating a time-honored heritage. Through initiatives such as the Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. campaign and innovative educational tools, the federation continues to inspire a new generation of conservation-minded sportsmen and women.
Company Story & Leadership
The National Wild Turkey Federation has a storied history that traces back to the early 1970s. Established in 1973, NWTF was born out of a growing concern that unregulated hunting practices and rampant habitat loss would doom the wild turkey to extinction. Visionary founder Tom Rodgers and a coalition of like-minded hunters and wildlife experts recognized the need to develop an organization solely focused on restoring wild turkey populations through science-based conservation.
Key Milestones and Evolution:
- 1973 The Beginning:
- NWTF was chartered as a research and conservation education organization dedicated to the wild turkey. In its fledgling days, the federation was driven by a powerful mission—to preserve a bird that was quickly disappearing from its natural habitat.
- NWTF was chartered as a research and conservation education organization dedicated to the wild turkey. In its fledgling days, the federation was driven by a powerful mission—to preserve a bird that was quickly disappearing from its natural habitat.
- 1970s Expansion:
- Throughout the mid-1970s, NWTF established its first state chapters (beginning in South Carolina, Georgia, and Kentucky) and launched initiatives such as Turkey Call magazine to communicate conservation successes and promote ethical hunting practices. The federation quickly gained momentum, bolstered by dedicated volunteers and supportive lawmakers.
- Throughout the mid-1970s, NWTF established its first state chapters (beginning in South Carolina, Georgia, and Kentucky) and launched initiatives such as Turkey Call magazine to communicate conservation successes and promote ethical hunting practices. The federation quickly gained momentum, bolstered by dedicated volunteers and supportive lawmakers.
- Innovative Programs:
- By the late 1970s and early 1980s, NWTF had broadened its agenda to include organized research programs, habitat restoration projects, and the development of comprehensive record-keeping systems that would document and celebrate noteworthy hunting achievements.
- By the late 1970s and early 1980s, NWTF had broadened its agenda to include organized research programs, habitat restoration projects, and the development of comprehensive record-keeping systems that would document and celebrate noteworthy hunting achievements.
- Modern Era – Impact and Influence:
- Today, NWTF stands as a leader in both conservation and advocacy. Its Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt initiative mobilizes resources through science, dedicated fundraising, and volunteer support to enhance over 4 million acres of essential wildlife habitat. The success of NWTF’s efforts is measurable: enhancement of 22 million acres of wildlife habitat, recruitment of over 1.5 million hunters since 2012, and opening nearly 700,000 acres for hunting.
- Today, NWTF stands as a leader in both conservation and advocacy. Its Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt initiative mobilizes resources through science, dedicated fundraising, and volunteer support to enhance over 4 million acres of essential wildlife habitat. The success of NWTF’s efforts is measurable: enhancement of 22 million acres of wildlife habitat, recruitment of over 1.5 million hunters since 2012, and opening nearly 700,000 acres for hunting.
Today, NWTF is led by an experienced team of conservation professionals, wildlife biologists, and dedicated advocates who continue to push for innovative management practices. Under the guidance of leaders committed to evidence-based conservation, NWTF has refined its strategies to adapt to modern challenges, whether environmental changes, urban sprawl, or evolving public policy. This forward-thinking leadership is what keeps the federation relevant, ensuring that both wild turkeys and our hunting heritage remain protected for future generations.
Corporate Culture & Work Environment
At the heart of the National Wild Turkey Federation is a vibrant, enthusiastic, and community-driven culture. The work environment within NWTF is as dynamic as the wilderness it works to protect, a unique blend of traditional hunting values, modern scientific inquiry, and relentless advocacy for wildlife habitat.
Highlights of NWTF’s Culture:
- Passion for the Outdoors:
- Every individual at NWTF, whether staff, volunteer, or board member, shares a fervent love for the outdoors. This passion is not just a professional commitment; it’s a lifestyle, a powerful motivator that fuels innovative conservation solutions and inspires a deeper connection to nature.
- Every individual at NWTF, whether staff, volunteer, or board member, shares a fervent love for the outdoors. This passion is not just a professional commitment; it’s a lifestyle, a powerful motivator that fuels innovative conservation solutions and inspires a deeper connection to nature.
- Collaboration and Accessibility:
- NWTF prides itself on fostering an inclusive atmosphere where ideas and experiences are freely shared. Regular gatherings, both online and at regional chapters, create opportunities for open dialogue among members, experts, and seasoned hunters. The organization’s internal and external communications encourage collaboration, ensuring that every voice is heard, from novice enthusiasts to veteran sportsmen.
- NWTF prides itself on fostering an inclusive atmosphere where ideas and experiences are freely shared. Regular gatherings, both online and at regional chapters, create opportunities for open dialogue among members, experts, and seasoned hunters. The organization’s internal and external communications encourage collaboration, ensuring that every voice is heard, from novice enthusiasts to veteran sportsmen.
- Balancing Tradition with Innovation:
- While NWTF honors the time-tested traditions of turkey hunting, it also remains at the cutting edge of conservation science. Team meetings might discuss the latest in wildlife research one moment and recount beloved hunting legends the next. This balance is pivotal in crafting programs that are both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
- While NWTF honors the time-tested traditions of turkey hunting, it also remains at the cutting edge of conservation science. Team meetings might discuss the latest in wildlife research one moment and recount beloved hunting legends the next. This balance is pivotal in crafting programs that are both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
- Community and Mentorship:
- The NWTF work environment is as much a family as it is a professional space. Mentorship is a key component of the organization, seasoned hunters and conservation experts regularly share their insights with younger members, ensuring that the legacy of ethical hunting and wildlife management is passed on.
- The NWTF work environment is as much a family as it is a professional space. Mentorship is a key component of the organization, seasoned hunters and conservation experts regularly share their insights with younger members, ensuring that the legacy of ethical hunting and wildlife management is passed on.
- Fun and Engaging Atmosphere:
- Beyond the serious business of conservation, NWTF’s culture maintains a playful spirit. From annual banquets featuring lively turkey calling contests to social media campaigns that celebrate wild turkey “big ones,” the organization strikes a perfect balance between gravity and levity, a combination that keeps its members motivated and engaged.
- Beyond the serious business of conservation, NWTF’s culture maintains a playful spirit. From annual banquets featuring lively turkey calling contests to social media campaigns that celebrate wild turkey “big ones,” the organization strikes a perfect balance between gravity and levity, a combination that keeps its members motivated and engaged.
This blend of tradition, innovation, and warm camaraderie forms the core of NWTF’s corporate culture, a culture that not only drives success on a professional level but also creates enduring memories and fosters a lifelong passion for conservation among its members.
Check out the National Wild Turkey Federation on YouTube!
Membership Benefits & Programs
Membership in the National Wild Turkey Federation is more than just joining an organization; it’s about becoming part of a passionate community dedicated to a timeless mission. NWTF offers a multitude of benefits designed to enhance the hunting experience, educate members on conservation practices, and provide exclusive access to events, resources, and discounts.
Membership Types
While NWTF membership options are tailored to meet the diverse needs of its community, typical offerings include:
- Basic Membership:
- Designed for the everyday hunter and conservation supporter, Basic Membership is often available at an affordable annual fee. This membership includes a subscription to Turkey Call magazine, a membership card and decal, and access to local chapter events.
- Designed for the everyday hunter and conservation supporter, Basic Membership is often available at an affordable annual fee. This membership includes a subscription to Turkey Call magazine, a membership card and decal, and access to local chapter events.
- Sponsorship Membership:
- For those who wish to dive deeper into the NWTF experience, Sponsorship Membership packages offer additional benefits. These may include additional recognition and exclusive gear.
- For those who wish to dive deeper into the NWTF experience, Sponsorship Membership packages offer additional benefits. These may include additional recognition and exclusive gear.
- Youth Membership:
- Recognizing the importance of nurturing future conservationists, NWTF offers discounted memberships for young enthusiasts. Priced lower to encourage participation, these packages help introduce the values of ethical hunting and environmental stewardship early on.
- Recognizing the importance of nurturing future conservationists, NWTF offers discounted memberships for young enthusiasts. Priced lower to encourage participation, these packages help introduce the values of ethical hunting and environmental stewardship early on.
Exclusive Member Benefits & Programs
Joining NWTF comes with a host of benefits that inspire, educate, and reward its members:
- Award-Winning Publications:
- Every member receives Turkey Call magazine, a publication rich with conservation updates, expert advice, incredible hunting stories, and striking photography that captures the spirit of the wild turkey.
- Every member receives Turkey Call magazine, a publication rich with conservation updates, expert advice, incredible hunting stories, and striking photography that captures the spirit of the wild turkey.
- Digital Learning and Engagement:
- Members can access a suite of online resources, including webinars, video tutorials, and interactive forums, where topics range from habitat management to ethical hunting strategies.
- Members can access a suite of online resources, including webinars, video tutorials, and interactive forums, where topics range from habitat management to ethical hunting strategies.
- Discounts & Special Offers:
- Enjoy exclusive discounts on high-quality hunting gear, outdoor apparel, and even travel packages for those unforgettable hunting trips.
- Enjoy exclusive discounts on high-quality hunting gear, outdoor apparel, and even travel packages for those unforgettable hunting trips.
- Networking Opportunities:
- With local chapters in nearly every state, NWTF’s extensive network offers priceless opportunities to connect with fellow enthusiasts and seasoned experts. These interactions help build a sense of community and provide invaluable mentoring and learning experiences.
- With local chapters in nearly every state, NWTF’s extensive network offers priceless opportunities to connect with fellow enthusiasts and seasoned experts. These interactions help build a sense of community and provide invaluable mentoring and learning experiences.
- Conservation and Scholarship Programs:
- Membership fees help finance groundbreaking conservation projects and scholarship programs that support wildlife research, habitat restoration, and educational initiatives. NWTF’s commitment to conservation has led to the enhancement and protection of millions of acres of wildlife habitat.
- Membership fees help finance groundbreaking conservation projects and scholarship programs that support wildlife research, habitat restoration, and educational initiatives. NWTF’s commitment to conservation has led to the enhancement and protection of millions of acres of wildlife habitat.
- Member-Only Events:
- From local turkeys calling contests to national conventions and banquets, NWTF hosts a variety of events that celebrate the hunt, honor outstanding members, and promote conservation awareness.
Through these comprehensive benefits and programs, the National Wild Turkey Federation not only helps you enhance your hunting skills and outdoor adventures but also ensures that your support directly contributes to a sustainable future for wild turkeys and wildlife habitat.
Unique Events & Gatherings
A significant strength of the National Wild Turkey Federation is its ability to bring people together through a wide range of dynamic events. These gatherings are not only a celebration of the hunt but also vital avenues for education, networking, and conservation advocacy.
National Conventions & Turkey Calling Championships
One of the most anticipated annual events is the NWTF Convention and Sport Show. This multi-day extravaganza, attended by tens of thousands of hunting enthusiasts and conservation advocates, features:
- High-Energy Awards Banquets:
- Recognizing the most impressive hunting accomplishments, these banquets celebrate outstanding wild turkey calls, trophy achievements, and exceptional dedication to conservation.
- Recognizing the most impressive hunting accomplishments, these banquets celebrate outstanding wild turkey calls, trophy achievements, and exceptional dedication to conservation.
- Interactive Workshops & Seminars:
- Industry experts lead in-depth sessions on the latest in wildlife management, new hunting techniques, and innovative conservation strategies. Participants can gain hands-on experience and valuable insights that will elevate their outdoor pursuits.
- Industry experts lead in-depth sessions on the latest in wildlife management, new hunting techniques, and innovative conservation strategies. Participants can gain hands-on experience and valuable insights that will elevate their outdoor pursuits.
- Exhibit Halls and Vendor Showcases:
- From cutting-edge hunting gear to the latest in conference-tested conservation tools, the exhibition area offers a firsthand look at the future of ethical hunting and wildlife management.
- From cutting-edge hunting gear to the latest in conference-tested conservation tools, the exhibition area offers a firsthand look at the future of ethical hunting and wildlife management.
Local Chapter Meetings and Regional Rallies
With more than 1,000 local chapters across the country, NWTF is as much a grassroots movement as it is a national organization. Regional meetings and rallies provide members with:
- Intimate, Community-Based Gatherings:
- Get to know fellow hunters in a friendly, laid-back atmosphere while learning about local conservation challenges and sharing field experiences.
- Get to know fellow hunters in a friendly, laid-back atmosphere while learning about local conservation challenges and sharing field experiences.
- Hands-On Conservation Projects:
- Engage in projects ranging from habitat restoration to public awareness campaigns, activities that not only strengthen local ecosystems but also reinforce the shared values of ethical hunting.
- Engage in projects ranging from habitat restoration to public awareness campaigns, activities that not only strengthen local ecosystems but also reinforce the shared values of ethical hunting.
- Social Events:
- Enjoy themed festivities, turkey calling competitions, outdoor cookouts, and family-friendly events that capture the spirit of camaraderie and tradition inherent in NWTF’s mission.
- Enjoy themed festivities, turkey calling competitions, outdoor cookouts, and family-friendly events that capture the spirit of camaraderie and tradition inherent in NWTF’s mission.
Special Programs and Interactive Experiences
Beyond large-scale conventions and regular chapter meetings, NWTF also offers unique programs that highlight the diverse interests of its members:
- Educational Webinars and Digital Forums:
- Stay updated on the latest conservation research and hunting techniques from experts around the world through interactive digital sessions.
- Stay updated on the latest conservation research and hunting techniques from experts around the world through interactive digital sessions.
- Turkey Calling Contests:
- Combine friendly competition with skillful artistry as members showcase their ability to mimic the wild turkey’s call, a tradition that has become a beloved NWTF hallmark.
- Combine friendly competition with skillful artistry as members showcase their ability to mimic the wild turkey’s call, a tradition that has become a beloved NWTF hallmark.
- Annual Scholarships and Recognitions:
- NWTF honors outstanding contributions to conservation and hunting heritage through scholarship awards and special recognitions, inspiring newer generations to take up the cause.
- NWTF honors outstanding contributions to conservation and hunting heritage through scholarship awards and special recognitions, inspiring newer generations to take up the cause.
These events and gatherings create a lively ecosystem where enthusiasm for the hunt meets tangible conservation action. Whether you’re competing in a turkey calling contest or attending a local chapter meeting, every NWTF event is an opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate the enduring spirit of wild turkey conservation.
Conservation Efforts
At its core, the National Wild Turkey Federation is a champion of conservation. The organization’s groundbreaking initiatives have not only restored wild turkey populations but have also transformed entire landscapes into thriving habitats that benefit a wide array of species.
Key Conservation Initiatives Include:
- Habitat Restoration:
- NWTF’s Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt initiative has invested substantial funds and resources into restoring and enhancing wildlife habitat. Through conservation easements, land acquisitions, and active management, NWTF has helped protect millions of acres of essential land, from forests to wetlands, ensuring that wild turkeys have a safe environment to thrive.
- NWTF’s Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt initiative has invested substantial funds and resources into restoring and enhancing wildlife habitat. Through conservation easements, land acquisitions, and active management, NWTF has helped protect millions of acres of essential land, from forests to wetlands, ensuring that wild turkeys have a safe environment to thrive.
- Science-Driven Research:
- NWTF partners with leading wildlife biologists and academic institutions to research wild turkey behavior, genetics, and habitat utilization. This research underpins all conservation efforts, informing strategies that result in more robust, sustainable turkey populations.
- NWTF partners with leading wildlife biologists and academic institutions to research wild turkey behavior, genetics, and habitat utilization. This research underpins all conservation efforts, informing strategies that result in more robust, sustainable turkey populations.
- Legislative Advocacy:
- Protecting wild turkeys also means safeguarding hunters’ rights. NWTF works tirelessly with lawmakers at the local, state, and federal levels to promote regulations and policies that support ethical hunting and ensure long-term wildlife management. Legislative efforts, such as the allocation of funds for conservation projects and improving public access to hunting grounds, are critical components of NWTF’s mission.
- Protecting wild turkeys also means safeguarding hunters’ rights. NWTF works tirelessly with lawmakers at the local, state, and federal levels to promote regulations and policies that support ethical hunting and ensure long-term wildlife management. Legislative efforts, such as the allocation of funds for conservation projects and improving public access to hunting grounds, are critical components of NWTF’s mission.
- Public Education and Outreach:
- By informing the public about the importance of wildlife conservation through educational programs, magazine features, and community events, NWTF fosters a widespread appreciation for ethical hunting and habitat preservation. Initiatives like the Turkey Call magazine connect members with inspiring stories and cutting-edge research to keep conservation at the forefront of the public mind.
- By informing the public about the importance of wildlife conservation through educational programs, magazine features, and community events, NWTF fosters a widespread appreciation for ethical hunting and habitat preservation. Initiatives like the Turkey Call magazine connect members with inspiring stories and cutting-edge research to keep conservation at the forefront of the public mind.
- Volunteer-Driven Projects:
- NWTF’s extensive network of volunteers plays a crucial role in delivering conservation projects on the ground. Whether it is through local habitat restoration efforts or statewide initiatives, these volunteers are the backbone that supports and sustains NWTF’s ambitious conservation projects.
- NWTF’s extensive network of volunteers plays a crucial role in delivering conservation projects on the ground. Whether it is through local habitat restoration efforts or statewide initiatives, these volunteers are the backbone that supports and sustains NWTF’s ambitious conservation projects.
These innovative efforts have borne remarkable results. Over the decades, NWTF has enhanced more than 22 million acres of wildlife habitat and recruited over 1.5 million hunters to its conservation efforts. Through a steadfast commitment to responsible management and creative intervention, the federation not only preserves wild turkey populations but also contributes to a broader legacy of sustainable wildlife management in North America.
Contact Information
The National Wild Turkey Federation welcomes inquiries, membership applications, and opportunities for collaboration from anyone passionate about the outdoors, wildlife conservation, and preserving our hunting heritage. There are many ways to get in touch and become involved:
- Website:
- Mailing Address:
- National Wild Turkey Federation 770 Augusta Road Edgefield, SC 29824
- National Wild Turkey Federation 770 Augusta Road Edgefield, SC 29824
- Phone:
- Call NWTF at (800) 843-6983.
- Call NWTF at (800) 843-6983.
- Email:
- For general inquiries, use the contact form on the website.
- For general inquiries, use the contact form on the website.
- Social Media:
- Connect with NWTF on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to stay updated on exciting events, conservation success stories, and exclusive member benefits.
- Connect with NWTF on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to stay updated on exciting events, conservation success stories, and exclusive member benefits.
- Local Chapters:
- Find your state or local chapter on the NWTF website to participate in regional events and connect with community volunteers.
- Find your state or local chapter on the NWTF website to participate in regional events and connect with community volunteers.
Local chapters are the lifeblood of NWTF’s grassroots outreach, ensuring that every region has dedicated representatives ready to help you get involved and make a local impact.
Call to Action
Imagine a future where the calls of wild turkeys echo through pristine forests, where restored landscapes brim with life, and where ethical hunting isn’t just a tradition but a vital part of maintaining our natural heritage. The National Wild Turkey Federation is making that future a reality—and you can be a crucial part of this transformative mission.
Join the National Wild Turkey Federation Today!
- Become a Conservation Champion:
- Your membership directly supports groundbreaking habitat restoration projects, scientific research, and legislative efforts that protect wild turkeys and other wildlife. By joining NWTF, you invest in the future of conservation for generations to come.
- Your membership directly supports groundbreaking habitat restoration projects, scientific research, and legislative efforts that protect wild turkeys and other wildlife. By joining NWTF, you invest in the future of conservation for generations to come.
- Connect with a Thriving Community:
- With over 250,000 members and a vast network of volunteers and local chapters, NWTF offers you unparalleled opportunities to share your passion for hunting, explore exciting events, and build lasting connections with like-minded enthusiasts.
- With over 250,000 members and a vast network of volunteers and local chapters, NWTF offers you unparalleled opportunities to share your passion for hunting, explore exciting events, and build lasting connections with like-minded enthusiasts.
- Enjoy Exclusive Benefits:
- From award-winning publications like Turkey Call magazine to exclusive events, networking opportunities, educational webinars, and special discounts on top-quality products, your membership enhances your outdoor experiences while promoting ethical hunting practices.
- From award-winning publications like Turkey Call magazine to exclusive events, networking opportunities, educational webinars, and special discounts on top-quality products, your membership enhances your outdoor experiences while promoting ethical hunting practices.
- Make a Real Impact:
- Every dollar of your support helps conserve millions of acres of wildlife habitat, bolsters science-based conservation strategies, and ensures that our hunting heritage thrives amidst a rapidly changing world. Whether you’re an avid hunter, a dedicated conservationist, or simply someone who loves the outdoors, your involvement makes a difference.
- Every dollar of your support helps conserve millions of acres of wildlife habitat, bolsters science-based conservation strategies, and ensures that our hunting heritage thrives amidst a rapidly changing world. Whether you’re an avid hunter, a dedicated conservationist, or simply someone who loves the outdoors, your involvement makes a difference.
Your journey with the National Wild Turkey Federation is more than just membership—it’s a commitment to preserving a legacy, ensuring that wild turkeys continue to flourish and that our hunting heritage remains a vibrant, vital part of our culture. Embrace the call of the wild. Join NWTF today and be part of a community that is passionate, proactive, and poised to create lasting, positive change for our natural world.
Last updated November 2025
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