‘The Mission Is Bigger than Tommy G’

For Tommy Glines, a passion for the wild turkey and its habitat has defined both his personal and professional life.Glines’ journey with the National Wild Turkey Federation began in the summer of 1994, and since then, he has poured his heart and soul into conserving the wild turkey and sharing turkey hunting with others. Now, as he approaches retirement in early 2025, his impact on the NWTF and the broader hunting community is undeniable.

Glines’ NWTF career began as a regional director for Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota — a vast territory that many would find daunting. But for Glines, it was a challenge he embraced with enthusiasm.

“My dad’s passion for the outdoors and, more specifically, for wild turkeys, is what brought him to the NWTF,” said his son, Levi Glines. “He did an excellent job making connections throughout his territory, uniting people around a common vision of raising money for wild turkeys and creating more habitat.”

The role allowed Tommy Glines to foster relationships with volunteers, landowners and government agencies, all with the goal of improving turkey populations and hunting opportunities. He worked tirelessly to help establish chapters and build support, promoting robust turkey populations and open seasons.

“As I think back, I can’t help but think about him helping start chapters and put on banquets in areas of Minnesota that didn’t have an open turkey season due to the population size for that area not being big enough to support an open season,” his son said. “However, through his efforts, combined with the help of NWTF volunteers and partnerships with the DNR, those same areas now having thriving turkey populations that allow for an open season.”

For Tommy Glines, the job wasn’t just about conservation — it was about family, too. Some of his son’s fondest memories are of traveling west with his dad to banquets and spring hunts in South Dakota.

“Back in the day, my dad had an old bag cell phone, and I swear he was on the phone half the drive talking to NWTF volunteers or coworkers that needed support or just wanted to ‘talk turkey,’” his son recalls.

These experiences shaped Tommy Glines’ approach to his work. Whether he was strategizing with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to remove the minimum age for turkey hunting, or organizing events, his focus was always on bringing more people into the fold. This change in legislation has allowed countless young hunters, including Tommy Glines’ own grandchildren, to experience the thrill of turkey hunting in Minnesota sooner.

In 2018, he transitioned to the role of director of development at the NWTF, where his relationship-building skills truly shined. Known for his ability to connect with people on a personal level, Tommy Glines quickly made his mark by securing large donations for the NWTF’s mission.

Over the past two years, he helped organize two dedication events in Minnesota and Wisconsin, bringing together hundreds of major donors, corporate partners, agency representatives and NWTF members from across the two states. These events raised over $2 million in pledges for the organization — a monumental achievement that will have a lasting impact on turkey conservation efforts nationwide.

“Tom’s passion and dedication have truly shaped Minnesota’s outdoor community,” said Ralph Warzecha, NWTF state outreach coordinator. “He was at every state chapter event, always there to meet, greet and work behind the scenes. Tom has an incredible talent for connecting with people and helping them grow.”

Tommy Glines’ secret is simple: he’s genuine.

“For my dad, it’s all about making connections and building relationships,” Levi Glines said. “He’s been super successful at creating connections all across the Midwest and nationwide around a common love for turkeys and turkey hunting.”

While Tommy Glines’ professional accomplishments are beyond impressive, those who know him best understand that his true passion lies in sharing turkey hunting with others. Every spring, he takes as many people as he can into the woods, introducing them to the joy of hearing a turkey gobble in response to their call. The list of people he has guided to their first turkey is extensive and continues to grow.

His involvement with the Veterans with Disabilities Turkey Hunt at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, has spanned nearly two decades. Since its inception, the program has served over 3,800 veterans, creating invaluable experiences among participants.

“It’s has been an honor for him to give back to those who served our country and share something he loves with them,” Levi Glines said.

In addition to cultivating new hunters, Tommy Glines also understood the importance of sharing his knowledge and passion with others in the outdoor space, in order to keep the work going after he is gone.

“Tom introduced me to the mentoring program, showing me its importance for new hunters,” Warzecha said. “When I took over the local chapter, the Struttin’ Blackbeards, he taught me the value of building partnerships with local businesses, increasing high-level memberships, and creating successful events. Our connection goes beyond friendship; we’re turkey family. I can’t thank Tom enough for making me who I am and instilling in me the importance of giving back.”

As Tommy Glines prepares to retire in January 2025, his final NWTF State Convention in Minnesota will be a fitting culmination to a storied career.

“This convention has played a major role in his life,” Levi Glines said. “He’s worked hard to make it a fun and family-friendly atmosphere. It will be a very special time for him to wrap up his 30-plus years with the NWTF after the state convention, which has to feel like one big family reunion for him.”

His impact on turkey conservation and hunting in the Midwest, and across the country, is immeasurable, and it has never been about accolades or recognition.

“For him, it was never about Tommy,” said Al Clark, NWTF national director of development. “In his famous words, ‘the mission is much bigger than Tommy G.’ Tommy serves as a reminder to us all that the mission will carry on for generations — and that will make Tommy very happy.”

Though Tommy Glines’ official role with NWTF may be coming to an end, his legacy will live on in the thriving turkey populations he helped cultivate, the generations of hunters he inspired and the millions of dollars he has raised for conservation efforts. His passion for the wild turkey will undoubtedly continue to influence both the organization and the people lucky enough to know him.