Wiener Receives National Volunteer Award

“I would like to say that I am honored to accept this award,” Weiner said. “I believe some of the best days of your life are the ones you can spend in a turkey blind or a deer stand. They are only outdone when you can spend them with someone who thought they would never be able to do that again or for the first time.”

Wiener, of Murdock, Minnesota, accepted the Wheelin’ Sportsmen Volunteer of the Year Award during the NWTF’s 50^th anniversary celebration at its 47^th annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak.

Weiner is a tireless volunteer who immerses himself in the NWTF mission. Besides being a chapter president for his local chapter, Weiner also has been an NWTF Minnesota board member for over 15 years and previously served as Minnesota State Chapter president.

Weiner began his tenure with the NWTF as a volunteer with the Big Woods Boss Gobblers in 1995. He would eventually move out of the area a decade later and start the Bonanza Valley Royal Strutters Chapter.

Through dedicating himself to all aspects of the NWTF mission, Wiener has been a staunch advocate for the NWTF’s Wheelin' Sportsmen program in Minnesota since the program began 15 years ago. Since then, he has helped rally the community to make the event reach its full potential, most notably the Camp Ripley hunts for disabled veterans (both for turkey and deer).

Additionally, Wiener’s chapter also hosts annual JAKES event for youth with multiple activities. His passion for getting others afield spills beyond the NWTF, as he volunteers for Midwest Outdoors Unlimited, a group that takes youth and adults hunting and fishing.

Wiener is known to take the lead on conservation efforts as well, including land acquisition projects that augment Minnesota's wildlife management areas.

Wiener and his wife, Mary, are Diamond Life members of the NWTF and his chapter is a Patron Life member. He leads by example and gets others to pledge as well.

“No matter what barriers may stand in the way, the outdoors is for everybody,” NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff said. “Dedicated volunteers like Wayne, who help others overcome those barriers, are truly inspirational and one of the reasons the NWTF’s impact is so profound. We are proud to recognize Wayne with the Wheelin’ Sportsmen Volunteer of the Year Award for his remarkable passion and dedication to helping others while delivering the NWTF mission.” 

The NWTF Wheelin’ Sportsmen program provides all people with disabilities opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. NWTF chapters host Wheelin’ Sportsmen events across North America to help participants gain a sense of independence by learning to stay active in the outdoors on their own.

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.