NWTF Chapters Receive National Outreach Awards
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Three NWTF chapters received national awards for outstanding achievements in the recruitment, retention and reactivation of hunters. The R3 Award is given to chapters that facilitate hunting heritage events, including JAKES, Wheelin’ Sportsmen and Women in the Outdoors, which are focused on getting new hunters afield.
Representatives from the Maryland State Chapter, Gator Gobblers Chapter (Florida) and Lake Champlain Longbeards (Vermont) accepted awards.
NWTF chapter events across the country are vital to increasing hunter numbers, which have not kept up with a growing population overall, a trend that could jeopardize the conservation of our great natural resources.
The chapters received recognition for the following events:
Maryland State Chapter: First Shot Adult Mentored Hunt
The First Shot Adult Mentored Hunt has been held for seven years, adjusting to feedback each year. This mentored hunt program — in partnership with the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the NWTF — is designed as a year-long program that helps adults who do not have the network to gain the skills and confidence to begin hunting. Two weeks before the event, an orientation is held for participants.
Over 20 participants are then paired with mentors and provided opportunities to hunt on their own. The workshops and hunts are held on land otherwise closed to the public. Past members can then apply for First Shot 2.0 as a stepping stone between hunting with a mentor and hunting on their own. Since 2018, over 150 mentees have experienced over 400 hunts with 50 mentors.
“The Maryland State Chapter is proud to be recognized for our R3 efforts through our First Shot adult mentored hunt program,” NWTF volunteer Russ Leith said. “Since the program’s inception in 2018, we have taken over 250 new mentees on their first hunts and have been very pleased with how many have continued to hunt on their own, close to 70%. The program’s success would not be possible without the help of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.”
Gainesville’s Gator Gobblers Chapter: Youth and Women’s Hunts
NWTF’s Gator Gobblers host four mentored outreach hunts each year, designed for women and children eager to learn about hunting. These weekend events provide new hunters with hands-on education in gun safety, hunting laws and ethics, wildlife biology, conservation and tracking. Participants were also taught how to properly clean and process their harvest. Through these immersive hunts, the Gator Gobblers foster a deep respect for nature and hunting traditions, while equipping participants with the skills and knowledge to become responsible hunters.
“The Gator Gobblers are thrilled to receive this award,” said Missie Schneider, Gator Gobblers Chapter president. “Our chapter's primary focus is on the five outreach hunts we do each year which target recruitment, retention and reactivation of youth, women and collegiate hunters. It’s great that we’re recruiting new hunters and getting them outside. We love passing our passion for the outdoors to them. Throughout the years of doing these hunts, we’ve had kids that started out as young hunters that are now back as our guides. To see it come full circle is very rewarding to our group.”
Lake Champlain Longbeards Chapter: WITO Camp and Hunt
In the fall of 2022, the Lake Champlain Longbeards hosted their first WITO one-day event, which less than 20 participants attended. The event has since grown into a two-night event with 60 participants, 15 volunteer instructors and 35 class offerings at an accessible cost of $40. Participants can shoot, fish, use turkey calls, make fly-fishing ties, practice outdoor cooking and so much more. The NWTF partnered with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department for this event.
“For the chapter, this award is meaningful because it’s an event we’ve wanted to put on for a number of years, and it’s finally grown into something successful,” said Brett Ladeau, Vermont NWTF State Chapter president. “Personally, I get a lot out of it because I want to be the best ambassador for hunting that I can be, and this just gives me another outlet to promote hunting and the outdoor lifestyle.”
“The recruitment, retainment and reactivation of hunters is critical to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage,” NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff said. “Kudos to our chapters that are engaging with people from all backgrounds to ensure the conservation of our natural resources and our cherished outdoor heritage lives on. Their efforts have brought the life-changing power of the outdoors to so many.”
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 24 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.