How the NWTF Works

­The year was 1971, and tur­key hunter Tom Rodgers, who worked as an insurance salesman and journalist, was concerned about the dwindling numbers of wild turkeys, his "favorite game animal" [source: Pavey]. The wild turkey population had been hunted down to just more than 1 million nationwide, and Rodgers, who had recently graduated from Tennessee Tech, talked with members of an Alabama fishing conservation society because he wanted to do something similar for the wild turkey.

The Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society, or BASS, headquartered in Montgomery, Ala., started in 1968, when founder Ray Scott wanted to restore bass fishing, improve the environment and leave a legacy of bass fishing for the future [source: ESPN]. By working with local officials, volunteers and other anglers interested in the same thing, Scott developed a one-of-a-kind organization. This was the foundation for the organization Tom Rodgers would establish as the National Wild Turkey Foundation in Fredericksburg, Va., before moving it to Edgefield, S.C., where it remains today. Now, almost 40 years after "talking turkey" with conservationists of a different feather, this club still works to revitalize the habitat and numbers of wild turkeys by working with hunters and landowners to share its mission and resources with all outdoors enthusiasts. To learn more about that mission, make tracks to the next section.

For Tom Rodgers and other sportsmen who began the mission of stabilizing bird populations and habitat as a way to preserve hunting traditions, partnersh­ips with individuals and organizations became the crucial aspects of the outreach process. With flocks almost completely eradicated through overhunting in several states such as Arkansas and Nebraska, it was just as important to educate the public as it was to save the birds [source: Arkansas game and Fish Commission].

Through education and outreach, the NWTF has established many programs for others to learn about its mission:

The NWTF hosts and sponsors a number of events for members who embody the mission -- one is the highly anticipated national annual convention. Local chapters sponsor their own events, like turkey shoots.

­With more than $279 million raised by partners, members and other donors, the NWTF has been able to provide these and other outdoor programs while saving nearly 14 million acres (5.67 hectares) of native habitat since its inception [source: NWTF]. Today the wild turkey is nearly restored in North America, and leaders and members of the group are looking to the future to see what conservation will look like in the next 35 years. If you want to be part of that future, look ahead to the next section to learn about joining the NWTF.

­With chapters in all 50 states, the­ NWTF is also a regional hub for members to become involved in their communities. Sound like the kind of challenge you're up for? Visit nwtf.org for more information.

Beginning with the regular one-year membership, which costs $30, members will receive one year of Turkey Call magazine, an issue of the Caller newsletter, a decal and a member card. For an additional price, inclusion in the Hunting Heritage Club can also be yours. From here, the membership opportunities increase in price but also in variety. If you're a student, an officer in the military, disabled or a woman, there's a special place in the NWTF just for you, with fees that range from $10 to $30. For these memberships, you get a variety of magazines and decals, but should you up the ante and contribute at the "sponsor" level of $5,000 or more, you'll receive a Silver Life Sponsor Membership. But regardless of the monetary contribution you can make, there are lots of ways for you to pledge your support to the NWTF.

In this article you've learned about the history, mission and membership of the NWTF. You may be convinced to contact your local chapter to see what events are taking place in your area and find out how you can become a part of the organization that works to conserve and preserve the habitats of and hunting opportunities for wild turkeys in North America.