CEO Notes – Fall 2022

The leaves have changed color and are starting to fall, simultaneously signaling the end to a season of growth as nature gets ready to hunker down for winter before the cycle begins anew next spring.

The fall season provides many things: the bounty of the fall harvest, cooler evenings ripe for a campfire, picturesque vistas created by the changing of seasons, rejuvenated hopes for football fans and an opportunity to reconnect with nature as we return to the woods. We hope you are enjoying this time in the field while taking in all Mother Nature provides with her fall splendor.

For us, fall is about all those things ― but most importantly, it’s a season for reflection and expressing gratitude, as we prepare our tables for Thanksgiving. Since being named as co-CEOs earlier this year, we have been working diligently with the National Board of Directors and Becky Humphries to ensure a seamless transition and the continued success of the NWTF. We are incredibly thankful for their support and counsel, especially as we approach our 50th anniversary. We also want to express our sincere gratitude for the support of all NWTF members, the dedication of our staff and volunteers and the ongoing partnerships forged during our organization’s first 50 years.

We’re well positioned for the next 50 years.

This fall signaled the successful conclusion of the NWTF’s Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. campaign. This 10- year initiative helped focus our efforts on three priorities: habitat conservation for wild turkeys and other wildlife; recruiting new hunters; and increasing access to hunting land. All these activities support and further our mission. Our sincerest thanks to the NWTF volunteers, partners and staff who pushed to surpass our goals, especially while overcoming the challenges of the past few years. That is dedication.

The same dedication will be critical as we gear up for our 50th anniversary in 2023. We have set some ambitious new goals for our golden anniversary, and here’s a quick look at just some of them – and how you can help us reach these milestones.

• Reach 250,000 adult members. Keeping our mission alive means growing our numbers. Focus on capturing all event attendees by encouraging/assisting local chapters to utilize the Event Management System (EMS). Help increase event attendance and share direct marketing campaigns with family and friends on your social channels or in person. You can help start new chapters and grow our volunteer ranks.
• Positively impact 1,000,000 acres. Promoting a healthy habitat means wild turkeys can flourish. This work also helps maintain forest land and clean water, which benefits everyone. Check in with your local or state NWTF chapter to find out how you can contribute to our conservation efforts.
• Raise $500,000 for wild turkey research. If there aren’t turkeys to hunt, our mission falls flat. That’s why research is so important to the NWTF. From understanding habits and habitats to identifying and preventing disease, research helps us make important decisions about the ways we can assist in maintaining a robust flock. Support chapter fundraisers. Donate. Encourage others to do the same.

As we look to the holidays, know that we are thankful for each of you and all you do to further the NWTF mission.