Technical Committee Meets at NWTF’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

The NWTF’s 50th anniversary is just as much about conservation as it is about celebrating our outdoor lifestyle. One group was working behind the scenes at NWTF’s convention to ensure our favorite game bird is thriving.

The NWTF Technical Committee comprises wild turkey biologists from nearly every state natural resource agency who act as liaisons between the NWTF and state agencies to effectively manage wild turkey populations and deliver conservation that benefits turkeys in all the states that the bird inhabits.

The coast-to-coast group of wild turkey biologists met at the NWTF’s 50th anniversary to share information, address current conservation challenges and, of course, help the NWTF celebrate 50 years of wild turkey conservation success.

“It was great getting our technical committee together at our 50th anniversary celebration,” said NWTF Director of Conservation Services, Mark Hatfield. “It is through the collaboration of this group that has allowed us to accomplish our tremendous milestones. Whether addressing declines or promoting hunter advocacy, this group is essential to the NWTF’s ability to deliver its mission in all states.”

Assembled in 1976 with just 35 states represented, the Technical Committee has been a part of the NWTF mission almost since the NWTF’s inception, and it has grown to include 49 states.

The Technical Committee continues to be the leading force in bolstering populations, creating hunting opportunities and addressing wild turkey management challenges throughout the U.S.

In concert with addressing declines, NWTF Technical Committee members investigate barriers to managing turkeys, maintain a positive public view of hunting, research landscape-scale conservation practices, ensure wild turkey hunting is safe and manage habitats and turkey populations in their respective states.

With almost five decades under its belt, the NWTF Technical Committee has addressed population lows in the early 20th century, saw historic highs in the early 2000s and is now investigating regional differences we are beginning to witness in the 2020s. It’s safe to say this dedicated bunch is a significant reason why the restoration of the wild turkey is America’s most extraordinary conservation story.