Hunting Heritage Banquet Celebrates Conservation and Community

This year marked a significant milestone as the NWTF celebrates its 50th Anniversary. Attendees were treated to a range of commemorative merchandise, contributing to the banquet's exceptional success in generating one of the chapter's highest net-to-gross banquets to date.

The banquet, known for its family-oriented focus, featured activities that aimed to engage all attendees. The banquet included raffles and live and silent auctions, with additional live auctions tailored specifically to women and children.

"The Hunting Heritage Banquet is a celebration of community support for the year-long activities of the Huachuca Gould's Chapter, especially JAKES, Turkey Hunters Care and wildlife conservation," said Tom Deecken, chapter photographer and Habitat Project Coordinator.

Devoted to conservation, community and education, the Huachuca Gould's Chapter has consistently organized 12-15 outdoor events annually. The chapter's commitment is further demonstrated through the completion and upkeep of over 20 habitat enhancement projects, hosting numerous outreach events and collaborating with other conservation organizations.

The chapter dedicates itself to fostering a strong sense of community support. One of the chapter's standout initiatives, the Turkey Hunters Care Program, annually donates approximately 300 turkeys to those in need. Additionally, the chapter actively participates in the local Adopt-a-Highway program. These impactful endeavors are made possible through Super fund dollars generated by the banquet, along with local contributions and the support of the NWTF Arizona State Chapter.

"I take a lot of pride in the Huachuca Gould's Chapter and what we do for conservation and our community," chapter Treasurer Wayne Kaiser said. "Through the support of our national agency, we are able to receive the insurance and financial resources to help accomplish our goals."

At the core of the chapter's achievements lies the dedication of the board members, many of whom have been actively engaged in the chapter for over two decades. Their devotion to the NWTF's mission and their integral role in organizing Hunting Heritage Events define the chapter's success and mirror the NWTF's standing as a prominent conservation organization.

"Several of our board members spend many hours preparing for our banquet," said John Millican, NWTF Huachuca Gould's chapter president. "I see the smiles from our guests when they are leaving, and I also see their support when it comes to our fundraisers and events. This is why I am a member of this chapter. I know what we do for our citizens and the wildlife in southern Arizona. It is an honor for me to donate many hours to an organization like the NWTF."

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 50^th 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.