EDGEFIELD, S.C.—The National Wild Turkey Federation celebrated conservation achievements and lasting partnerships in an innovative way during its Virtual 45th Convention and Sport Show.
The NWTF would like to thank its partners, volunteers, members, musical guests and all those involved in making the virtual Convention and Sport Show a success.
Particularly, the NWTF is grateful to Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris for allowing the NWTF to host portions of the event at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri.
“While it was not the typical convention we are all used to, this year’s virtual convention was a great way for us to still celebrate our milestones throughout the year, share fellowship, promote our great conservation work and get excited for the 2021 spring turkey season,” NWTF CEO Becky Humphries said. “We are extremely eager to see everyone in Nashville in 2022.”
The NWTF provided online convention attendees with a revolutionary virtual experience where guests, at their leisure, could interact with each other, visit exhibitor booths, win prizes and access loads of exclusive content, all from a simulation of Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium.
“The NWTF rose to many challenges last year, and we are so happy that we were still able to celebrate all of our accomplishments” Humphries said.
2021 Convention Award Winners
Communicator of the Year
Mike Chamberlain, Ph.D., University of Georgia
Corporate Achievement Award
Dick Kirby Award
Mike Pentecost, Woodhaven Custom Calls, AL
Government Partner Award
Henry S. Mosby Award
Jason Hardin, Texas Parks and Wildlife
Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award
Roger Latham Awards
Richard Plattenberger, NC
Ralph Martone, PA
Mike Waters, SC
Craig White, TX
Richard Williams, AZ
Wayne Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award
Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
“As spring approaches, we look forward to chasing gobblers and getting new hunters outdoors, but we are already looking forward to getting the flock back together in Nashville for our 46th Convention and Sport Show, which will be one for books,” Humphries said.
Those who registered for the NWTF’s virtual convention will have access to all the convention content for 30 days and are encouraged to revisit and share.
COVID-19 restrictions prevented the NWTF from hosting its highly-anticipated annual Convention and Sport Show in its traditional setting, which is known for exceeding 50,000 guests during the week-long event.
Typically held at Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, the NWTF ultimately determined hosting its 2021 event virtually would provide the best experience for the most people while keeping everyone safe.
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 raise $1.2 billion to conserve and 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.
