Governor’s Turkey Hunt Signifies Importance of Conservation
EDGEFIELD S.C.— Minnesota Governor Tim Walz celebrated the spring turkey season by participating in the annual Minnesota Governor’s Hunt. Walz was accompanied by NWTF Director of Development Tom Glines, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen, Rep. Rick Hansen, Sen. Foung Hawj and members of the Learn-to-Hunt program.
“It was a beautiful morning to spend some time in the woods and join friends and neighbors in celebrating one of the many outdoor sports and activities Minnesota has to offer,” said Governor Walz. “I’m grateful for our state’s partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation for introducing more people to turkey hunting, restoring wild turkeys and ensuring this tradition can carry on for generations to come.”
The Minnesota Governor’s Turkey Hunt highlights the fun of spring turkey hunting and celebrates the conservation success of the decades-long partnership between the NWTF and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to restore wild turkeys and introduce people to turkey hunting. In 1973, the year the NWTF was founded, 29 wild turkeys were relocated to Minnesota in southeastern Houston County, after birds were extirpated from the state. Thanks to the efforts of the MNDNR, NWTF and conservation partners, turkeys now range across nearly the entire state and more than 50,000 people hunt turkeys in Minnesota every spring.
“The NWTF has a rich history delivering our mission in Minnesota,” said Tom Glines, NWTF Midwestern Director of Development. “Our Governor’s Hunt Turkey Hunt is a symbol of our incredible partnership with the state. It is through our collaborative efforts with MNDNR and our elected officials that we continue one of the greatest conservation stories.”
The Minnesota Governor’s Turkey Hunt coincides with NWTF’s annual statewide, mentored turkey hunt, which has introduced thousands of Minnesotans to turkey hunting.
Photos, soundbites and video from the morning are available in the DNR Media Room, along with other turkey season photos, video and soundbites from earlier in the week.
Turkey hunting continues in Minnesota through Wednesday, May 31, and season details are available on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/hunting/turkey).
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 conserved or enhanced over 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by working across boundaries on a landscape scale.
2023 is the NWTF's 50th anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization's mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50-year celebration, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and the NWTF's people; and raise $5 million to build toward a $50 million endowment for the future. Learn how you can help us reach these lofty goals.