Wyoming State Chapter Hosts Annual Veterans Spring Turkey Hunt
During the first weekend of May, the NWTF Wyoming State Chapter held its annual veterans spring turkey hunt in Newcastle, Wyoming.
Since its inception in 2018 with two veteran hunters, the event has grown steadily, and this year it proudly hosted four veterans. The state chapter diligently raises funds to cover various expenses associated with the hunt, including lodging, meals and licenses for the honored participants.
Prior to the hunt, Joe Sandrini, Wyoming Game and Fish Department biologist, met with local landowners in the area to secure permission for the veterans to hunt on their properties. Additionally, volunteer guides took care of setting up blinds on the properties ahead of the event to help ensure a smooth and successful hunt.
On the Friday preceding the hunt, a special dinner took place at the local VFW, which donated its venue for the event. The gathering provided an opportunity for the hunters to check in and prepare for the upcoming hunt. Moreover, the dinner served as an opportunity to express gratitude toward the dedicated guides and generous landowners who contributed their efforts, time, resources and support to make the event possible.
The following day, veterans were treated to breakfast burritos to fuel them before the hunt, and they received packed lunches donated by local businesses. The collective efforts and shared commitment to honoring our veterans manifested in a remarkable achievement during this year's hunt — all four participating hunters successfully harvested a wild turkey.
“We couldn’t make this event happen without all of the amazing volunteers giving back to those who gave so much,” said Joan Eisemann, NWTF Wyoming State Chapter president.
Veterans participating in the hunt were offered a unique opportunity to have their wild turkey fans mounted by local taxidermist and NWTF member Kyndell Flint of Talking Tom Taxidermy, who donated her time and expertise to support the event. In addition to donating taxidermy work, she also assisted in organizing the lunches and dinners for the event.
Following Saturday’s hunt, another dinner, open to the public, provided an opportunity for the community to come together and show its support for our veterans. A significant highlight of the dinner was a silent auction, aiming to raise funds for next year's hunt. Generously donated by businesses and individuals from across the state, auctioned items raised funds to begin laying the groundwork for future hunts, ensuring continued support and opportunities for veterans.
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 50th Anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization's mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50th Anniversary, 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 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.