EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Cabela’s in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, saw over 150 attendees descend upon the store to celebrate the NWTF, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the countless major donors and partners who, collectively, made the restoration of the wild turkey possible in the Badger State. The past 50 years of wild turkey conservation was cemented at the Cabela’s location, as the installation of three permanent cairns honored Wisconsin’s restoration story and the many Wisconsin major donors who have contributed significantly to the NWTF’s mission. Over $1 million in commitments to the NWTF mission were achieved through the event.
“What transpired at the Cabela’s in Prairie du Chien last weekend was nothing short of extraordinary,” said Tom Glines, NWTF director of annual giving. “We not only celebrated everything we have done for the wild turkey for the last 50-plus years, but we celebrated the future by raising vital funds for the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage for the next 50 years. To everyone that made the event a resounding success, we are humbled and thank you.”
The ceremony was kicked off with a welcome address from Wisconsin NWTF State Chapter President Al May. Other esteemed speakers included former NWTF CEO Rob Keck, NWTF National Director of Annual Giving Zac Morton and WIDNR Species Section Supervisor Sam Jonas.
Partners highlighted just how successful the wild turkey restoration was in Wisconsin, mentioning that in 1979, there were an estimated 400 birds. By 1999, that number grew to 300,000.
Other achievements that were highlighted at the event included the NWTF’s approximately 910,000 acres it has conserved or enhanced in Wisconsin, 14,000 acres opened to recreational access and the success of NWTF education and outreach programing in the state.
After the ceremony, the celebration continued at The Barn restaurant, where attendees enjoyed a dinner and a celebratory fundraiser.
Notably, the Wisconsin NWTF State Chapter was recently awarded with an engraved NWTF 50th Anniversary Henry .44-40 rifle for contributing significantly to the NWTF mission during the organization’s golden anniversary. The state chapter raffled that firearm off for $20,000 Saturday night at the fundraiser.
“The whole event was truly a collaborative process,” Glines said. “From all of our partners and volunteers to our conservation and fundraising staff, it took a village. We are proud of our success in Wisconsin and we look forward to what we can accomplish together in the future.”
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.
