Save The Date: Wild Turkey Celebration Awaits July 27 in Badger State
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Join the National Wild Turkey Federation, Cabela’s Outdoors, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the many hunter-conservationists from across America’s Dairyland in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, for a celebration of the restoration of the wild turkey in the Badger State and NWTF’s over 50-year history.
“We are beyond excited to gather all of our partners, volunteers and major donors from across the state to celebrate one of America’s greatest wildlife conservation success stories, both across the nation and here in Wisconsin,” said Tom Glines, NWTF director of annual giving. “We will pack 50-plus years of excitement and fun into one action-packed day in Prairie du Chien. We hope you can join us!”
Representatives from Cabela’s, WIDNR, Wisconsin NWTF chapters and Wisconsin’s hunter-conservationists will convene at the Cabela’s location — 33901 WI-35, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821 — at 2 p.m. for the dedication of three bronze cairns. These cairns will stand as enduring symbols of the incredible restoration of the wild turkey in Wisconsin and the collective efforts that made it possible. The event will commence with a welcome from Wisconsin NWTF State Chapter President Al May. Additional speakers include NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter, former NWTF CEO Rob Keck, WIDNR Director Eric Lobner and other esteemed guest speakers.
Around 4 p.m., the celebration will move just a couple of miles down the road to The Barn Restaurant —32800 Co Rd K, Prairie du Chien — for a prime rib or chicken dinner and a celebration fundraiser. Tickets for this event are $50. Sponsor tickets are for sale for $300 and include $250 in NWTF membership credit. For those traveling and who want to consider overnight options, a room block is set aside at the Country Inn and Suites under The Wisconsin NWTF State Chapter in Prairie du Chien. Camping options are available; contact Sports Unlimited Campground.
Moreover, legendary Wisconsin call maker and woodworker Dave Constantine—11-time NWTF Grand National Call Maker of the Year, Earl Mickel Award winner, four-time NWTF Grand National Champion of Champions—has donated a one-of-a-kind wild turkey carving that will be auctioned at the celebration fundraiser. Call-in bids are accepted (contact Glines at tglines@nwtf.net or (612) 810-7704).
The day of celebration and the installation of the commemorative plaques honors the WIDNR, the Wisconsin NWTF State Chapter, local Wisconsin NWTF chapters, major donors and the hunter-conservationists throughout the state; it is through their collaborative efforts over the last 50-plus years that brought the wild turkey back from being locally extinct in Wisconsin. The result is a robust wild turkey population throughout Wisconsin and the opportunity to hunt them during permitted seasons.