NASHVILLE, Tenn.—For outstanding achievement in helping the National Wild Turkey Federation work toward its Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative goal for hunter recruitment, three state chapters received a national award.
Representatives from three NWTF chapters accepted their Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt Award during the 44th annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show, including the North Carolina State and New River Longbeards, Mesilla Valley Longbeards and the Illinois State chapters.
The accomplishments of this year’s winners include:
North Carolina State and New River Longbeards chapters: Received the Membership Achievement Award for their Women’s Only Weekend, growing their membership by 57% this past year.
Mesilla Valley Longbeards: Received the Top Contributing Event Award for their Women’s Only Weekend. In one year, this chapter tripled the amount of money raised at this event.
Illinois State Chapter: Received the Save the Hunt Award for the highest number of hunters reported since the launch of the Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative, as well as the highest number of hunters reported in fiscal year 2019. The Illinois State Chapter is receiving the Save the Hunt award due to their dedication and hard work to recruit, retain, reactivate and report.
“Making strides in our hunter recruitment goal takes each and every chapter and volunteer doing their part,” NWTF CEO Becky Humphries said. “Those in the N.C. State and New River Longbeards, Mesilla Valley Longbeards and the Illinois State chapters are leading the way, and we could not be more proud of their efforts.”
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
When the National Wild Turkey Federation was founded in 1973, there were about 1.3 million wild turkeys in North America. After decades of work, that number hit a historic high of almost 7 million turkeys. To succeed, the NWTF stood behind science-based conservation and hunters’ rights. The NWTF Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative is a charge that mobilizes science, fundraising and devoted volunteers to conserve enhance more than 4 million acres of essential wildlife habitat, recruit at least 1.5 million hunters and open access to 500,000 acres for hunting. For more information, visit NWTF.org.
