2015 NWTF ANNUAL REPORT2015+Annual+Report.pdf · 2016-02-24 · it. Hunting heritage is more of a deep-rooted feeling. Just like hunting is more than the act of pursuing game —

2015 NWTF ANNUAL REPORT

N A T I O N A L W I L D T U R K E Y F E D E R A T I O N

A MESSAGE FROM OUR LEADERSHIP

The greater the risk, the greater the reward

eorge, how do you sleep at night?”It’s a question I’ve gotten on more than one occa-

sion — usually by someone who’s bending my ear about something the NWTF is doing he or she doesn’t agree with.

In my position as CEO, I feel as if so much is on the line. Suc-cess or failure, the resource can’t stand up for itself. I’ve been with the NWTF for six years now, and I’ve seen my fair share of both.

But right now, I’m confi-dent we’re on the fast track to unprecedented success.

You may not realize it yet, but each of you is part of something so significant, so innovative and so fast-paced that it may fly by and you will have missed it.

Innovation comes with a price. And at the top of that price list is risk. The greater the

risk, the greater the reward … if we play our cards right.

The history and success of this great organization are incredible. A few years ago, no one would have believed that a success story like the restoration of the wild turkey could be trumped. But today, we’re trying. The mountain is bigger. The stakes are higher. And the risk necessary to make it to the top is some-thing few organizations are bold enough to take on.

Whether you know it or not, you’re bold enough to do it.

Three short years ago, we launched the grandest under-taking in the history of the NWTF — Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. It was a new chapter in the life of our or-ganization. It’s a bold effort to save the future of conservation funding in North America. And it was a significant risk. It required changing our busi-ness practices, what we asked of our volunteers, how we ap-proached partnerships, and the list goes on and on.

But the support that came forward almost immediately was incredible. For a man in my position (who likes to sleep at night) it was reassuring …

affirming … and it all hap-pened so fast.

Since we launched Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt., the NWTF has seen its most suc-cessful fundraising years ever. Innovation was happening. And we couldn’t stop. The next step in innovation — and risk — had to happen … and fast. For the sake of the NWTF. For the sake of the resource. For the sake of solving the problem of declining hunter numbers. So, in early 2014, we intro-duced the NWTF Hunting Heritage Center and Palmetto Shooting Complex.

It’s a vision totally new to our industry; a resource never before realized, finally avail-able to help solve this great problem, to aid in securing the future of conservation and our hunting heritage. Not just for the NWTF. Not just for people in South Carolina. Not just for people in the Southeast. For people all over our country. And for generations to come. People we’ll never even know.

The pace picked up even faster. Within a year after we cut the first tree, you could shoot a round of sporting clays, skeet or trap at the Palmetto Shooting Complex. Dozens of

youth have had an opportunity to enjoy a hunt on the grounds that will become our Outdoor Education Center.

But more importantly, to-day, I am assured that the most significant risk ever undertaken by the NWTF was the right move. I know it because we’re celebrating an outpouring of financial support unlike any-thing we’ve ever seen before. From the South Carolina De-partment of Natural Resources. From the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. From several hunting and shooting companies. From other visionaries just like us.

In a single year, we’ve raised over $13 million for the Hunting Heritage Center. And we’re only gaining momentum and that much closer to reach-ing our $20 million goal to make it a reality.

We’re also making great strides in how we successfully deliver on our mission of habitat conservation. We’ve identified the most critical habitats for upland wildlife that need our attention, and grouped them into six areas called America’s Big Six of Wildlife Conservation.

That pace I mentioned ear-lier? How it’s continued to pick up? I’m pleased to announce

Innovation comes with a price. And at the top of that price list is risk. The greater the risk, the greater the reward ... if we play our cards right.

“G

2015 Expenses Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.5%

Membership activities . . . . . . . . 5.4% Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.8%Conservation activities . . . . . . 23.7%Program services . . . . . . . . . . . 54.6%

Balance Sheet Highlights 2014 2015 Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,317,619 $ 6,639,391 Fund balance $ 24,996,369 $ 28,027,331

Income Statement Highlights 2014 2015Net revenue $ 63,388,814 $ 68,425,406Net expenses $ 62,302,248 $ 65,663,335Increase (decrease) in fund balance $ 1,086,566 $ 3,030,962

2015 Revenue Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.7% Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3%Membership dues . . . . . . . . . . . 17.1%Mission delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . 17.3%Program services . . . . . . . . . . . 60.9%

FINANCIAL REPORT

the first of our flagship proj-ects — away from our campus in Edgefield — in one of our critical landscapes, America’s Southern Piney Woods, in South Alabama. We call it Big Escambia Creek. It’s 5,100 acres of potential covered with black water creeks, white sand beaches and beautiful timber. This property will become a living representation of what Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. will accomplish across this country. It’s a reality because of two men, Russell Bennett and Carlton Walstad, who have facilitated the largest land gift ever received by the NWTF — over $8 million.

The pace is fast. The risk is great. But the momentum is unstoppable.

The resource is grateful. And those people influenced by what we’re doing that we’ll never get the chance to meet? They will be, too.

How do I sleep at night? Not much. I’m too excited!

1 2015 NWTF ANNUAL REPORT

SAVE THE HABITAT. SAVE THE HUNT.

Making a difference for wildlife, wild places and the people who enjoy them

e use the phrase “hunt-ing heritage” when talking about ensuring our privilege to hunt is

passed on to future generations. Yet there really isn’t a simple dictionary definition to explain it. Hunting heritage is more of a deep-rooted feeling. Just like hunting is more than the act of pursuing game — it is a lifestyle.

It’s a lifestyle with val-ues that can only be taught through enduring the many

small victories and losses that come with each season. It’s learning respect for our God-given natural resources from the land itself. It’s a concern for our current and future quality of life. Hunting is a vehicle that bridges genera-tional gaps and brings loved ones together.

The NWTF is working to preserve the hunting lifestyle through our Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative. We’re doing this by recruiting and nurturing the next generation of hunters and opening access to more land for hunting.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of hunting, because, frankly, it’s fun. But just as important to our hunting lifestyle is conservation. We must be equally committed to conserving and enhancing land that promises to deliver the most positive impact for wildlife.

Both parts of our mission — conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage — must work together for us to be successful in sav-ing habitat, saving the hunt and saving our lifestyle.

W

2 2015 NWTF

ANNUAL REPORT

Initiative Goal:Conserve or

enhance 4 million acres of upland wildlife habitat

End of 2015: 1.16 Million Acres

In February, at our annual convention and sport show, we launched America’s Big Six of Wildlife Conservation. These are six geographic areas that house the future of our mission delivery. Not only do the Big Six house our future, they house 87 focal landscapes — targeted areas where we will work to con-serve the best and most threat-ened upland habitat in America. It’s a new focus for the NWTF and necessary if we are to make the kind of impact needed.

When Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. launched in 2012, it was thought to be a decade-long initiative. After only three years, we have seen great strides in meeting our goals. It’s through partnerships, devoted volunteerism and focused con-servation delivery that we’ve found success and will continue to track ahead of plans to the ultimate benefit of the resource.

Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. Initiative Progress

Initiative Goal:Open access to

500,000 acres for hunting

End of 2015: 239,512 Acres

It’s been said about land that they’re not making any more of it. And just as impor-tant as conserving and en-hancing habitat for wildlife is opening up lands for hunting and outdoor recreation. Ac-cess strongly ties habitat work to hunting and is imperative to keep hunters in the field and a significant funding source for conservation alive. We have formed key partner-ships with state agencies and other non-government orga-nizations to open lands for hunting today and for future generations.

Initiative Goal:Recruit 1.5 million

hunters

End of 2015: 459,667 Hunters

It’s also about a new and enhanced approached to our outreach and education activi-ties, now known collectively as the NWTF Hunting Heritage Programs. We’ve success-fully evolved some of the best introductory activities available anywhere into some of the most impactful experiences for people from all walks of life — kids and adults, men and women, rural and urban. They’re now becom-ing hunters through us. They’re joining the journey of a lifetime and it’s called the R3 movement — recruitment, retention and reactivation — and it’s how we make it to 1.5 million hunters.


SAVE THE HABITAT. SAVE THE HUNT.

From your backyard to Capitol Hill

he NWTF celebrates grass-roots volunteerism when it comes to carrying out its mission. It’s no different

with the Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative.

We’ve often said our most valuable resource is people — our volunteers, partners, supporters. We applaud the men and women who give their time, expertise and passion to bring hunters into the fold through mentored hunts. Wild-life management experts teach best practices to landowners. And there are many who are on the frontlines at various state and our nation’s capitols, edu-cating lawmakers on issues that affect wildlife and hunters.

All are important to the success of the initiative. All are making a difference.

T

We applaud the men and women who give their time, expertise and passion to bring hunters into the fold through mentored hunts.4


So much of what we do on behalf of the NWTF mission is steeped in relationships. Just like mentoring a new hunter takes time and many trips afield together; the policy work we do goes beyond just inform-ing lawmakers of issues that mean the most to conservation-ists and hunters.

It’s important to under-stand when an issue is ripe, and can get some traction with members of Congress. Then be there with them as they move through the effort, deliberate and, hopefully, make good decisions.

This year, several issues came to the table, including

legislation related to improv-ing the federal government’s ability to actively manage the nation’s forest resources. I testi-fied before the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Natural Resources, Subcom-mittee on Federal Lands, and was able to stress the need for a resolution to the issue of fire borrowing, where USDA Forest Service program management dollars are diverted to fight wildfires. Our take is that active forest management practices that reduce the amount of fuel on the forest floor is a better, long-term, more economical solution. Plus, it creates young forest habitat that is critical to

many wildlife species, includ-ing wild turkeys.

Policy work is about choosing the issues where we can make the most difference, and shep-herding them through the entire process. And that takes time. While there are many important topics discussed by lawmak-ers, we have to focus our efforts and serve as a trusted partner on issues related to wildlife and sustainable land use.

Congress is interested in the conservation work the NWTF is doing, especially how we balance recreation and eco-nomic benefits of land, along with promoting healthy wildlife populations. We also help pull partners together, serving as a bridge between environmental groups and the timber industry. We know that managing forests with timber sales in mind helps us fund habitat work.

Sometimes saving habitat is about facilitating discussions between groups, putting our col-lective minds together to form solutions, and the result benefits the resource — both wildlife and our country’s citizens. — Becky Humphries, NWTF Chief Conservation Officer

How the NWTF is saving habitat on Capitol Hill

How you can save the hunt in your communityAs hunters, we get caught up in numbers: the score of

a rack, a limit of ducks, even the weight of a gobbler. Now, we’ve found a more important number: 1.5 million. It’s 1.5 million hunters the NWTF will recruit, retain and reactivate over the next decade. And each one will help spread our love of hunting, conservation and the way of life we cherish so much. I will hardly make a dent in that number on my own. But, together, the thousands of NWTF volunteers across the country are going above and beyond to achieve our goals.

I challenge you to make a difference. Take a young hunter on his first deer hunt the way your father did. Be that grizzled old patriarch at hunting camp that everyone listens to. Be a mentor. Inspire the next generation. Give someone the opportunity to hear their first gobble on a crisp spring morning. Bring a couple buddies out to watch your dog retrieve ducks. Take your niece out scouting for deer. Show them how and why you do what you do. There are many folks from every walk of life who long for the op-portunities we take for granted.

Watch the progression as these individuals ma-ture as hunters. Then watch as they become mentors themselves and start the cycle all over again.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s not all fond memories and scenes out of old oil paintings. It’s hard work, early morn-ings, willing sacrifice, cold feet, nasty rain, missed shots, tag soup. But also more fun than you can ever imagine.

The NWTF has given me, through the Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative, the ideal vehicle through which to meet not only the goals of the organization, but the goals I have for myself. Become a mentor. Someone will be forever grateful if you do. — Keith Fritze, Massachusetts Save the Hunt Coordinator 5


AMERICA’S BIG SIX

Thinking big when it comes to saving habitat

he push is on to meet the critical habitat needs of wild turkeys and other species across America. Our plans

to conserve or enhance at least 4 million acres over the next decade are crystalizing under the umbrella of America’s Big Six of Wildlife Conservation.

We’ve divided the country in six areas, focusing our efforts to keep forests healthy, water clean and stop critical habitat loss. Within these broad yet geographically distinct zones

variety of wildlife species.”It’s an innovative, yet effi-

cient approach to conservation delivery — a necessity when you’re accountable for every acre impacted.

• America’s Western WildlandsUrgent habitat needs:• Improve forest health• Improve water quality• Restore native prairiesOur steps to success:• We’re actively managing

forests and grasslands for the betterment of wildlife and the people who enjoy them.

• Habitat management, such as thinning forests and pre-scribed fire, keeps these areas healthy and helps reduce future catastrophic wildfires.

• We’re fighting the war against invasive species to restore native ecosystems for more productive waterways and wildlife habitats.

• America’s Great Open SpacesUrgent habitat needs:• Improve forest health• Improve water quality• Restore native prairiesOur steps to success:• We’re actively managing

forests and prairies for the bet-terment of wildlife.

are 87 areas identified as focal landscapes, or places where we are targeting conservation projects promoting habitat and wildlife diversity.

“For each of America’s Big Six, we’re looking at which areas of the landscape need our help the most,” said Jason Lupar-dus, NWTF conservation field supervisor in the Midwest. “By focusing on the most urgent habitat needs, we can direct our resources toward mission-specific projects that help a wide

T

6 2015 NWTF

ANNUAL REPORT

• Thinnings and prescribed fire keep these habitats healthy and diverse.

• We’re fighting the war against invasive plants and restoring native species like cotton-woods, making healthier waterways for everyone.

• We’re balancing land use to keep it productive for farming but still valuable for wild species.

• America’s CrossroadsUrgent habitat needs:• Improve forest health• Improve water quality• Restore grasslandsOur steps to success:• We’re actively managing

forests and grasslands for the betterment of wildlife and the

people who enjoy them.• Habitat management, such as

timber harvest, forest thin-nings and prescribed fire, keep our land healthy.

• We’re working with land-owners and partners to continue to support sustain-able farming and natural resource practices that enhance wildlife habitat and protect water resources.

• America’s Colonial ForestsUrgent habitat needs:• Maintain healthy hardwood forests• Stop habitat loss• Increase winter wildlife

survival• Increase habitat diversityOur steps to success:• We’re actively managing for-

ests for the betterment of wild turkeys and other wildlife.

• Active timber management and the use of prescribed fire will keep our forests healthy and diverse.

• We’re making existing hard-wood habitat the best it can be for wildlife, allowing game species to thrive and giving the endangered ones a fight-ing chance.

• Conservation easements will ensure the remaining habitat stays intact.

• America’s Southern Piney WoodsUrgent habitat needs:• Stop habitat loss• Improve forest management• Increase habitat diversityOur steps to success:• We’re actively managing

forests and grasslands for the betterment of wildlife and the people who enjoy them.

• We subscribe to the philoso-phy of “turn it and burn it,” using thinning and pre-scribed fire to keep

forests healthy.• We’re restoring and main-

taining the endangered longleaf pine ecosystem and ensuring southern forests are managed for sustainable economic benefits while providing quality

wildlife habitat.

• America’s Mid-South RebirthUrgent habitat needs:• Improve water quality• Stop habitat loss• Maintain healthy hard-

wood forestsOur steps to success:• We’re helping landowners

actively manage their for-ests for improved wildlife habitat and sustainable economic returns while still keeping forestlands forested.

• Increased active forest and wildlife management keeps forests healthy and financially viable, thereby improving habitat for wild turkeys and other wildlife, including threatened and endangered species.

America’s Western Wildlands

America’s Great Open Spaces

America’s Crossroads

America’s Colonial Forests

America’s Southern Piney Woods

America’s Mid-South Rebirth

America’s Big Six of Wildlife Conservation


NWTF LANDS PROGRAMS

Investing in lands that mean the most to our mission

he NWTF has an active and robust lands program that helps us deliver our conservation and hunting heritage mission, invests in long-term conservation and hunting access and supports our mission through revenue. Since 1987, NWTF

chapters have invested $10.5 million in over 500,000 acres. In addition, NWTF holds 43 conservation easements in 10 states, totaling nearly 22,000 acres.

The f lagship project of the NWTF Lands Program is the Hunting Heritage Center, which includes the Palmetto Shooting Complex, Outdoor Education Center, NWTF headquarters and the Winchester Wild Turkey Museum. This national center of excellence is designed and managed to train our staff, volunteers, members, partners and the public on the key elements of Save the Habi-tat. Save the Hunt.

Across America’s Big Six of Wildlife Conservation are key focal landscape projects. These properties are and will be used to demonstrate active habitat

management, host mentored hunts and host volunteer and donor events. In situations where partners pledge local funding, one or more of these properties may be also be used

to promote the shoot-ing sports. These

properties will be working prop-erties, helping the NWTF ed-ucate, inform, train, grow

and partner to realize the goals

of Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.

The NWTF has developed criteria to guide decisions on accepting land donations and conservation easements that will maximize our ability to protect the resource and de-liver on our mission.

T

8 2015 NWTF

ANNUAL REPORT

NWTF Lands Program Snapshot NWTF FLAGSHIP PROPERTIES

Hunting Heritage Center

Big Escambia Properties

Paddy’s Bluff (In Progress)

Lake Murray (In Progress)

NWTF CONSERVATION PROPERTIES

Easement Holdings

Fee Title Holdings

Fee Title - Yellow Creek, NC (In Progress)

AMERICA’S BIG SIX

America’s Colonial Forests

America’s Crossroads

America’s Mid-South Rebirth

America’s Southern Piney Woods

America’s Great Open Spaces

America’s Western Wildlands


SAVING THE HUNT

R3 explained

he thought of mentoring usu-ally brings forward images of an adult taking a young person on his or her first hunt.

Typically, the mentor is a relative or friend of the new hunter. It’s prob-ably common thought, since it’s the way most of today’s adults learned to hunt — from fathers, uncles or brothers. But times are different. Mentoring looks different. And it’s a good thing for hunting.

The NWTF is taking a more aggressive look at mentoring. It’s necessary if we’re going to stop the decline of hunter numbers, which has seen a downward trend since 1980. The best way to stop the decline in hunting participation is to focus efforts on the recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) of new or former hunters.

We are leading the way in the R3 movement, and our Hunting Heritage Programs reflect it. We’re transforming our JAKES, Women in the Outdoors and Wheelin’ Sportsmen activity — all robust efforts in introducing people to the outdoors — and using them to recruit hunters of all ages, genders and abilities.

RECRUITMENT, RETENTION, REACTIVATION — Three essential ingredients for the future of hunting

T

10 2015 NWTF

ANNUAL REPORT

ONLY 13.7 MILLION U.S. RESIDENTS HUNT. THAT’S LESS THAN 5 PERCENT OF THE COUNTRY’S POPULATION. THAT GROUP SPENDS $33.7 BILLION A YEAR ON ITEMS RELATED TO HUNTING. HUNTING HAS CREATED OVER 680,000 JOBS AND PRODUCED $11.8 BILLION IN TAX REVENUE. HUNTING IS GOOD FOR THE ECONOMY AND IT’S

GOOD FOR WILDLIFE, AS EXCISE TAXES ON GUNS, AMMUNITION AND LICENSES GENERATE NEARLY 80 PERCENT OF STATE WILDLIFE AGENCIES’ INCOME.

To successfully transition its outreach efforts from introductory out-door activity to recruiting hunters, the NWTF aims to appoint a Save the Hunt coordinator in each state. These coordinators work with NWTF chapters to build programs and partnerships to bring in and nurture new and existing hunters across the country.

UT

AZ

NE

KS

OK

TX

MNWI

IL

MO

AR

LAMS

FL

GA

TN NC

IN OH

KYWV

NY

NH

MA

NJ

DEMD

WA

OR

NV

CA

MT

IDWY

CO

NM

ND

SD

IAMI

AL

SC

VA

PA

ME

VT

RICT

For years, hunter recruitment has been focused primarily on youth, but we are trying to change that. Along with several other states, we are piloting efforts targeting new-to-hunting adults. Such adults have the motivation, means and decision-making ability to not only try, but continue hunting if properly introduced and supported.”

— Jay Johnsonhunter recruitment and retention coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The NWTF brought together 36 state Save the Hunt coordinators, 16 state agency representatives and several partners to connect, share accomplish-ments and evaluate hunting and shooting programs across the country. Driven by the decline in hunter numbers, our goal was to train NWTF chapter lead-ers on ways to recruit and retain hunters.

Workshop activity revealed that most outdoor pro-grams in our country only introduce people to hunting and do no increase the number of hunters. Gaps exist in efforts to retain hunters, and we need more next-step programs and partnerships to fill the need.

John Frampton, president/CEO of the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports, said the NWTF is the first nongovernmental organization to host such a cutting-edge workshop, bringing the NWTF to the forefront of the R3 movement.

ConfirmedSave the Hunt Coordinators


NWTF HUNTING HERITAGE CENTER

A big idea. The right idea. The innovative solution our industry desperately needs.

n April 2014, the first tree was cut at the NWTF Hunting Heritage Center. Only a year and a half later

— at a pace only the most ambi-tious would imagine possible — this jewel is already making a difference.

We hosted 10 events so far in 2015, with nearly 150 on the calendar for next year. More than 1,500 people have expe-rienced the facility, and more than 4,000 will enter its gates in the coming months.

The Pavilion, two sporting clays courses and five trap and skeet fields have hosted several shooting events at the Palmetto Shooting Complex, which of-ficially opened to the public in

October. Events ranged from 500-person competitions to small corporate meetings.

The Outdoor Education Center is taking shape with constant habitat management activity, including food plots, dove fields and a fully-stocked lake. It’s also providing valuable hunting experiences for those new to the sport, and creating and nurturing mentors. The programming and curriculum being developed here will make mentoring and hunter educa-tion easier and more impact-ful. They will then be taken to other communities, thereby spreading our outreach to the next generation of hunters.

Each phase, each building,

The Palmetto Shooting Complex at the NWTF was made possible, in part, through a $2 million Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration grant from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

each activity will help save our lifestyle by encouraging and demonstrating all aspects of the North American Model of Con-servation — shooting, hunting, habitat management, volunteer recruitment and education.

The Palmetto Shooting Complex is what we see now. We can fixate on brick and mortar, or question how many people will pass through its gates in a given year, but our mission is more than that.

The thousands of people who will come through this facility are one thing, but what makes this place so special is the thousands more who are impacted by program develop-ment that came from it.

O

12 2015 NWTF

ANNUAL REPORT

December 2014First shots fired at the

Palmetto Shooting Complex

More than 150 people came to the Palmetto Shooting Complex for an exclusive first-run of the facility’s world-class sporting clays courses. Visitors were amazed to see the progress of this first phase of the NWTF Hunting Heritage Center.

“We were here just about three months ago, and then it was mostly ideas and flags in the ground,” said Nick Piniz-zotto, Sportsmen’s Alliance president and CEO. “To see how far it has come, the big picture of how beautiful it’s going to be and what this is going to do for conservation and the outdoors, it is fantastic.”

April 2015SCDNR inaugural sporting clays shoot draws crowds

to EdgefieldEdgefield, South Carolina,

hosted nearly 1,200 visitors to the area for the South Caro-lina Department of Natural Resources’ Inaugural Youth Sporting Clays Open, the first major event to come to the Palmetto Shooting Complex. The 437 youth competitors were some of the first members of the public to shoot through the two pristine sporting clays courses.

“The goal of this event is to safely introduce youth to the shooting sports and reward those who participate by offer-ing scholarships to further their academic careers,” said Billy Downer, SCDNR captain over hunter education. Twenty-two scholarships representing more than $24,000 were awarded to graduating seniors.

August 2015NWTF Turkey Shoot vitalizes

youth shooting sports

The NWTF welcomed more than 400 competitors and their guests to the Palmetto Shooting Complex for the annual Turkey Shoot sporting clays competition. It was the first time the com-petition was held away from its former home in Georgia. More than 25 percent of the competi-tors were under the age of 21.

Master Class shooter Brandon Powell, a professional shotgunner and shooting in-structor from Georgia, received High Over All honors for the fourth straight year. “Youth are the future of the sport,” he said. “We need to pay more attention to the younger crowd and help them out, so they stay interested and continue shooting.”

Palmetto Shooting Complex Timeline

The NWTF Hunting Heritage Center is primed to be a center of excellence for the conservation, hunting and shooting communities by helping solve the challenges of habitat loss and decreased hunting participation.

Over the next year and a half, the Hunting Heritage Center will host more than 150 events ranging from hunter recruitment, retention and reactivation to work-shops for wildlife and habitat management.

“Hunters and conserva-tion are tied together so fundamentally that one can-not exist without the other. Excise taxes on firearms and ammunition purchases, as well as fees associated with hunting and fishing licenses, pay for the vast majority of conservation funding,” said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. “That is why foster-ing growth in the ranks of outdoorsmen and women is of utmost importance.”

Outdoor education programming at the Hunting

Heritage Center leads partici-pants from introductory out-door activities until they are self-sufficient in hunting and shooting. Introductory events will focus on youth; however, a strong emphasis also will be placed on adults and fami-lies. Families and friends who hunt, fish and shoot together are the most likely to continue to preserve this country’s con-servation heritage.

Educational elements at the center also offer learning opportunities for federal- and state-level biologists, as well as private land managers. The entire property will be managed under best conser-vation practices and serve as a demonstration area for landowners, wildlife managers and foresters.

Training and workshops developed on sound conserva-tion practices will be offered to conservation professionals and dedicated volunteers. The goal is to train staff and volunteers from across the country, so they can then apply best prac-tices in their home states.

The NWTF Hunting Heritage Center has big plans for the future of conservation


NWTF HUNTING HERITAGE CENTER

Funding innovation

Chairman — Jim BlomeVice Chairman — Heath DavisSecretary — Ryan Klesko

MembersChris AdkinsRussell BennettClif and Gloria CrewsToxey HaasMarvin HartleyBill LaFayetteSam Mars IIICraig MorganVincent M. RosdahlVern RossJay ScholesCarlton Walstad

Honorary Board MembersTrent ColeSherry CrumleyAllen JenkinsBrenda PotterfieldBrenda ValentinePeggy Anne ValleryMichael Waddell

Non-Voting DirectorsBecky HumphriesEllen LintalRichard MorganDoug SaundersTom StuckeyGeorge Thornton

he NWTF Foundation and its board of directors exist to secure funding for the NWTF’s legacy and long-

term capital projects. By creat-ing and communicating the value, importance and reward of the donation experience, the NWTF Foundation works to secure a bright and stable future for the NWTF and its noble mission.

Today, the NWTF Founda-tion has helped the organiza-tion secure over $13 million in funding for the Hunting Heritage Center in Edgefield, South Carolina. The 700-acre facility is the hub of the Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative and all that it represents. But it’s not just a destination; it’s the heart of the future of conservation, hunt-ing, the shooting sports and, most importantly, the lifestyle we all cherish.

TNWTF Foundation Board

14 2015 NWTF

ANNUAL REPORT

NEXT FLAGSHIP PROJECT

Big Escambia - Montgomery

Our next vision takes shape in Alabama

With the establishment of America’s Big Six of Wildlife Conservation, the vision of the NWTF is to have a flagship project in each of the six critical areas. While there are no plans to replicate the exact undertaking of the NWTF Hunting Heritage Center in Edgefield, South Carolina, there’s already another project underway in the Southern Piney Woods. And it’s pos-sible through the largest land donation the NWTF has ever received — 5,100 acres valued at more than $8 million, given by Greencone Investments.

Along the sandy banks of the Big Escambia Creek in south Alabama sits 4,700 acres currently managed for upland wildlife, specifically longleaf pine habitat. The property has a six-bedroom lodge, 78 ponds and seven miles of creek. It will be used for mentored hunts and conserva-tion education.

Travel 100 miles north to Mont-gomery to see the remaining 405 acres along a horseshoe bend of the Alabama River. Pines and hardwoods cover the property that’s also speckled with duck impoundments. It’s managed by the NWTF Alabama Chapter, who uses it for mentored hunts and outdoor field days.

It’s the next step in delivering Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. to communities across the country.

Growing up on a small farm in east central Missouri, I clearly remember, as a teen, seeing the first wild tur-keys. Back then, family farms were the norm. I guess the bulk of the plan to re-establish turkeys rested mostly on the local farmers. Today, with these little family farms transforming into country subdivisions, the need for habitat preservation and general conservation practices is increasingly more important.

The development of the NWTF Hunting Heritage Center and Palmetto Shooting Complex will provide countless opportunities to educate the public about hunting, shooting sports, conservation and habitat im-provement, and proves the leadership and vision of the current NWTF team.

I had heard good things about the plans for the Pal-metto Shooting Complex, but not until I visited it last fall did it soak in just how amazing the place is going to be. What impressed me most was the complex is not just about hunting or conservation or teaching habitat improvement or opportunities to camp and study in the outdoors: It’s about ALL of them!

Sponsoring the campgrounds at the NWTF Hunt-ing Heritage Center and Palmetto Shooting Complex was like having my favorite chocolate cake. Bidding on and purchasing the first and only life membership to the Palmetto Shooting Complex topped it with thick, creamy icing.

With four grandchildren in our family, and one more on the way, I wanted to ensure they could experience all of the amazing aspects of the NWTF Hunting Heritage Center and Palmetto Shooting Complex. I’m proud my family is associated with the folks who have worked long and hard to transform wonderful ideas into this reality. I could not be happier to be part of their dedicated family. — Dennis Brune, ALPS OutdoorZ Owner

ALPS OutdoorZ steps up in support of the NWTF Hunting Heritage Center

What impressed me most was the complex is not just about hunting or conservation or teaching habitat improvement or opportunities to camp and study in the outdoors: It’s about ALL of them!

Montgomery — 405 acresBig Escambia — 4,700 acres


NWTF CONVENTION AND SPORT SHOW

New energy leads to a new experience

• Academy Sports + Outdoors• Bad Boy Buggies• Bass Pro Shops• Benelli• Bird Dog Whiskey• Boyt Harness• Browning• Cabela’s• Flextone• Marlin Firearms Co./ H&R 1871, LLC• Nationwide Insurance• Priefert Farm Ranch & Rodeo• Remington• Rocky Boots• War Eagle Boats• Winchester/ Olin Corporation• YETI

TENNESSEE

OFFICIAL SPONSOR

FULL STRUT SPONSORS

LONGBEARD SPONSORS

2015 Convention Sponsors

GOBBLER SPONSORS

It’s the people who make our convention and sport show a success. The same is true for our Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative.

16 2015 NWTF

ANNUAL REPORT

WTF volunteers, partners and staff work diligently all year for the mission. We see it in numbers of participants at events, acres of land managed and money raised. But we don’t just see — instead we feel — how each of these elements come

together when we gather for the NWTF Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by RAM Trucks.

More than 48,600 hunters and conservationists gathered at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, holding our spot as the top consumer show in Nashville, according to bizjournals.com.

“It’s great to see our members and volunteers show up in such large numbers to support hunting and conservation,” said NWTF Vice President of Communications Karen Lee. “Each person who attended left more educated about our Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative and programs.”

The NWTF Convention and Sport Show combines education and entertainment, so each attendee, whether it’s a long-time volunteer or a first-timer to the show, leaves knowing what the NWTF stands for today and in the future.

N

2015 NWTF Convention and Sport Show Highlights

For the first time, NWTF VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP AND NWTF TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MET TOGETHER to discuss ways to accomplish the goals of Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. across state lines.

The GRAND NATIONAL CALLING CHAMPIONSHIPS, sponsored by Lynch Calls, unveiled a newly reformatted Senior Division finals and drew the largest crowds of any calling division. Contest judges were face-to-face with the callers and offered real-time critiques of their performances.

AUCTIONS WERE EASIER AND FASTER with the use of mobile bidding provided by 501 Auctions.

The WILD TURKEY BOURBON WATERIN’ HOLE served as the gathering place for entertainment and connecting with other NWTF supporters.


Million Dollar Plus Sponsors Arkansas Game & Fish CommissionBad Boy Buggies ChevroletDr. & Mrs. Clif CrewsGreencone Investments Alabama S&G, LLC Barnes-Escambia Properties, LLC BE Creek, LLC Cedar Land, LLC Deep Creek, LLC Excelsior Aggregates, LLC Flomaton Pits, LLC Great Plains, LLC Hill Top S&G, LLC Industrial S&G, LLC JC Land, LLC Knat Creek, LLC Long Branch Land, LLC Montgomery-Alabama River, LLC Oxbow Bend, LLCPoint of the River, LLCJohn L. Morris/ Bass Pro Shops MidwayUSASouth Carolina Dept. of Natural ResourcesWinchester/Olin Corp.

Three Quarter MillionDollar Sponsors BASF O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. USDA Forest Service Weyerhaeuser Co.

Half Million Dollar SponsorsInternational Paper CompanyRAM Trucks Remington Arms Company, LLC Sportsmen’s Alliance Wild Turkey Bourbon

NWTF MAJOR DONORS

When you invest in the mission, innovation followsThe NWTF is proud of the investment it is making in growing its major gift ranks. And,

more importantly, it’s proud to see more and more of its supporters increasing their financial investment in the NWTF.

NWTF major donors, the top 1 percent of the organization’s membership, support the NWTF at the $5,000 level and higher. These contributions serve to compliment the organization’s grassroots, conservation and corporate partner revenue streams to enhance its ability to deliver more mission more efficiently.

A sincere thanks to all of our major donors for their investment, above and beyond, in the NWTF and its Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative. Please consider joining the NWTF major donor family by contacting the Development Department at [email protected].

One Quarter Million Dollar Sponsors Bank of America Bombardier Motor Corp. of America Cabela’s, Inc. Campbell Timberland Management, LLC Chop Express Duke Energy Federal Premium AmmunitionHaas Outdoors/Mossy Oak Brand Camo Jim and Kay Hinkle Jim Gayton Jordan Outdoor Enterprises, Ltd. Kelcy WarrenKIWI Safaris of New Zealand Laughlin Racing Marathon Oil Company Mark Tate Marlin H & R 1871, Inc. MeadWestvaco Miller Brewing Company Richard King Mellon FoundationRyman Hospitality Properties/Colin ReedShawn Donnelley/Estate of Elliott Donnelley The Outdoor Channel U.S. Repeating Arms Co., Inc.

Centurion Life Sponsors Aaron TippinALPS Mountaineering c/o Dennis Brune Baron Technology c/o David Baron Bill Walker Browning/Simpson Sales Company

Camp Younts Foundation c/o Hal Atkinson Charles Daly/KBI Consol Energy Creel-Harison FoundationDaisy Outdoor Products Dave Constantine Dave Schleis David Crockett Don Bald Ed Hutter Eddie Montgomery Edgefield Co. Foundation First USA Foxy Huntress Frank Freshwater Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center Heath Davis Husqvarna Forest & Garden Co. James C. Cox Jeff Foxworthy John Anderson John A. Larsen John Michael Montgomery John Whiddon Josiah T. Austin Kentucky Dept. of Fish & Wildlife King Ranch Knight Rifles L.L. Bean Larry Glaze Leland Reynolds Mark Elpers Mathews, Inc. Michael E. Brown Michael M. Tull Missouri Dept. of Conservation Monsanto Company National Shooting Sports Foundation National Fish & Wildlife Neil Cost* Ohio Division of Wildlife

R. S. Keck Ron Jones Southern Company Sportsman’s Warehouse Trophy Plus Outfitters Troy Gentry Tudor Farms W. B. Dunavant

Guardian Life SponsorsA:Shiwi/Zuni ChapterAl Stewart Allen Franklin Anthony Quarino Arizona Game & Fish Dept. Beretta USA Corp.Blue Ridge KnivesBoyt Harness Bud WendellCarl Kief Charles & Mary Jo BurkeCharles Drury Cordoba Hunting S.A. Dave MurphyDavid Addaman Doug Benefield Earl T. Groves Eugene Upward Franklin A. Coble Georgia Power Georgia Transmission Georgia-Pacific CorporationHeather Farms Nursery, Inc. Hadley Companies Hunter’s Specialties, Inc. Island Explorations James P. Newbill Jerry Zimmerman* John Buhay John M. Parker John A. Ruthven Joseph Bland Keith DeHaan Ken & Marcia Polhamus Kent Rockwell

Kansas Dept. Of Wildlife & ParksKudu Adventure Safaris Lynn Boykin* M. Gordon Vines Maers & Goldman Mathews Bows, Inc. Michael Lapp Mike & Becky Evans Missouri State Chapter Molpus Timberlands Management, LLC Peggy Anne ValleryPromatic Resource Management Services, LLC

Robert M. Mead Rod Bauer Ron Fretts Ronald J. KistlerScott BasehoreShane & Angela AlexanderSteve Sharp The Marlin Firearms The Outdoor Connection, Inc.Timothy Schwent Thomas S. Berenz Tom Rainey Tracy Byrd Trophy Game Safaris Turner Foundation Will Primos Willamette Industries William & Paula Declerck William M. Henkel Yamaha Motor Corp. USA

Patron Life Sponsors ALABAMA Alabama Power Foundation Allen Averette Bob CheyneBud & Pat Foshee Dick’s Sporting Goods Jere PeakJohn Cassimus State of Alabama Tourism & Travel Tuscaloosa Chapter Alberta Rugged OutfittingARIZONA Arizona Public Service Bob JoyWingshooters LodgeARKANSAS Dayne PhillipsEmmett G. BuffingtonTim MorelandMark Robertson W. G. Denton William J. DentonCALIFORNIA Bill D. LaFayette James R. Oates Weatherby, Inc.COLORADO Carey L. Quarles* Fidelity Exploration & Production Company Larry Holjencin Tom StephensCONNECTICUT Sturm Ruger & Company, Inc. Vincent M. Rosdahl

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA American Forest & Paper Association Suzie BrewsterFLORIDA Bill D’Alonzo Florida State Chapter Jeff Budz Katie-Dids Originals, Inc. Marc Stepbach Marvin T. Hartley Southwest Florida Water Management District W. Bradford Ingalls Charitable TrustGEORGIA Beaver Creek Plantation Bob Fountain Chris M. Albrecht Chuck Stephens Club Car, Inc.Danny & Phyllis Sparks Georgia Forestry Commission Jack ParkerJohn Ambrose MBNA Marketing Systems Randy Ryan Smith Barney Steven Fishman The Expedition Company The Lodge at Cabin Bluff Thomas E. Day Walter BeckhamILLINOIS Collin Cain Doug Phalen Frank NixIllinois Connection Illinois State Chapter Karl L. Williams Otter Creek Hunting Club Rocky Branch Outfitters Ron Doering Shiloh Spurs ChapterINDIANA Bob & Stacey WeilPatrick J. Early Tom HodnettIOWA Aaron VolkmarMaquoketa Valley OutfittersKANSAS Gus Bader Kansas Whitetail AdventureKENTUCKY Greg Kline Hank Patton Kentucky State Chapter Kevin Turner Knight & Hale Game Calls National Band & Tag Company

LOUISIANA Dennis R. Aucoin Entergy John Barton*Michael P. Rainwater Randy Stafford Robert MerrickMARYLANDAdrien HansenMEXICOArmando KleinMICHIGAN Albert C. Bobrofsky Alto Precison, Inc. Frank A. Brazynetz Nadalynn E. Conway Trust

Chuck Drury is president of Drury Hotels and a gener-ous donor to the NWTF in the St. Louis area. Chuck has been an NWTF member, sponsor and major donor of the Pike County Twin Rivers Chapter since 1989, and at their spring banquet this year, he accepted the challenge of Chapter President Tim Brooks and up-graded to Guardian Life Sponsor.

Chuck is an avid turkey hunter but keeps a sense of humor when chas-ing them. He also manages his land for wildlife, working in partnership with the Missouri Depart-ment of Conser-vation through its private lands program.

CHUCK DRURY

John Larsen, of St. Paul, Minnesota, is among the NWTF’s most generous individual donors, and is currently a Centurion Life Spon-sor. John first joined the NWTF in 1982, and his continued annual giving reflects his long-standing commitment to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preserva-tion of our hunting heritage. John’s passions include hunting wild turkeys and managing his wildlife properties for quality habitat with guidance from NWTF staff. He also is deeply commit-ted to recruiting new hunters, and works closely with NWTF field staff to support innovative youth shooting and hunting programs in Minnesota.

JOHN LARSEN AND FAMILY

18 2015 NWTF

ANNUAL REPORT

Tom Hobnett joined the NWTF in 1979, because he wanted to help conserve wild-life habitat and he also had a great de-sire to preserve our hunting heritage. He started at the regular NWTF member-ship level and then, over time, upgraded through the various sponsor member-ship levels. He’s now working toward achieving Guardian Life Sponsorship.

Tom also recently decided to leave a legacy, one that will help further the mission of the NWTF for years to come. He included the NWTF as a beneficiary in his estate plans. It’s what he calls “delayed gratification” and it will help provide resources after his death to help further a cause that’s very dear to him.

TOM HOBNETT

MINNESOTA Gander Mountain Ron Welle Tom Glines Wildlife ForeverMISSISSIPPIAlbert Paul Bad Boy Enterprises, LLC Forestry SuppliersHoward NettervilleJones County ChapterRobert HigginbothamTom McDonnell MISSOURIAugust RitterBass Pro, L.PBilly BessBrad Moncrief Darren BuddemeyerDavid LangeDouble Deuce Ranch Green Woods, LLCJackie Rowe Jeff Lampe Mike Helbing Nick Pelligreen Robert F. “Doc” DettmerMONTANA Musselshell OutfittersNEBRASKA Gerald & Alice DentonHilltop Hunting LodgeTimothy HindeNEW MEXICO JS Outdoors Pueblo of Zuni Fish & Wildlife Dept.NEW YORK Crosman Corporation Delaware Fur Corporation Marty Huber Quaker Boy Turkey Trot AcresWilliam E. WilburNORTH CAROLINA Bayer Crop Science, L.P. c/o Jim BlomeBryan PerryForrest Parker Helme Tobacco Company John DeereMitch Walker Perry HarrisTucker AdministratorsOHIOAcuSport CorporationAmerican Electric PowerDonald Marlin WatkinsJames SextonJay J. BurnworthJohnstown Community Sportsman ClubTony Lamantia

OKLAHOMAGary M. PurdyONTARIOAl MorhartJack PlayneRandy M. RolosonOREGONBob & Mary TjomslandLeupold & Stevens, Inc.Michael CareyPENNSYLVANIAAnadarko PetroleumAudrey ZimmermanBill PattonDan Christ Dick’s Sporting GoodsJames NyceJanet D. NyceJody “Putt” RohmNew Holland North AmericaNorthwind ConstructionPennsylvania Game CommissionRobert EhleShady Maple FarmTimothy FrettsSOUTH CAROLINACharles SchulzeGeneral Motors – Chevy Truck DivisionIrving WhittJerry BruceJohn Adkins*Louis YountMichael TourvilleRheney FarmsRichard J. MorganRobert Dennis AxsonSandy MillerSharp Facets GallerySouth Carolina State ChapterSOUTH DAKOTAMark S. AndersonRuss RobertsTENNESSEEBryan WhiteCraig MorganDaryle SingletaryHardwood Forest FoundationJeanette Rudy*Rhett AkinsSam A. Mars IIITennessee State ChapterTEXASBriley Manufacturing, Inc.Briley OutfitttingCharles S. StockstillEl Canelo RanchJohn NolanManuel EnriquezTexas State Chapter

Walls 10x Products GroupWill LindsayUTAHConfederated Tribes of Goshute PlantationGoshute Reservation Nature Res. Dept.Hunt’n BizVIRGINIADennis CampbellCardiac Diagnostic ServicesImperial Schrade Corp.James H. CrumleyJohn & Laura MetzgerNeil SmarteWASHINGTONMicrosoft CorporationWISCONSINWilliam TorhorstWYOMINGAfrica Motsomi Hunting AdventuresCarl & Michelle SauerweinDumukwa Safaris Elandpro SafarisKanuka Wilderness Hunting/Slogan OutdoorMelody African SafarisThe Brunton Co.Whitetail Creek Outfitters

Diamond Life SponsorsALABAMAAlabama Power Co. EnvironmentalAlabama State ChapterAltec IndustriesAndy AndrewsAndy CobbAnna Kennamer RushB. King CurryBev M. LeighBuchanan Timber & Forestry, LLCCecil N. DurrettCharles E. JohnsonCraig L. ScruggsDan GarnandDavid HudsonDavid SchneiderErnest W. CollinsGeorge E. KurttsHarlan M. StarrJ.M. Wood Auction, Inc.James Albert HolmanJames A. LockwoodJames PiperJanneman GroenewaldJess MartinJim & Nancy PooleJ.M. Woods Auction, Inc.John T. CrowderKen J. GatesLeo M. Lynch

Michael Clark TurnerMike ColquettMike D. PentecostPete ElkinsPhil & Kathy SavageRobert G. PitmanRonnie H. HolmesSalem Saloom Scott BryantSedgefields Plantation ServisFirst BankSpectrum OutdoorsStarr BoykinTerry B. CampbellTom KellyALASKAAlaska Fur GalleryLinda HeathThe Cove LodgeARIZONADan AdlerGeorgia-Pacific Management, LLCJim WarrenMark AdkinsARKANSASArkansas Game & Fish FoundationArkansas State ChapterBadgwell’s River Bend FarmsConnie HarrisDennis Daniel*Donald & Sarah ClarkGary HarrisGary WattsGeorge H. DunklinGerald HarpGreen Bay PackagingJay MossJeannette BadgwellJeryl JonesJohn C. SimmonsJudy StoryMack’s Prairie WingsMark BadgwellMike NevinsPaul L. JohnsonRobert EasonStan LouksSteven H. ColeSumner R. CullomTammy Taylor ColeTim MarianiWar Eagle BoatsXpress BoatsBRITISH COLUMBIAHorseshoe Creek OutfittersRay JacksonCALIFORNIADarrell C. FrancisEdward S. MaloneyHugh Hill ChathamKanati Calls

Lee JohnsonMark LathropRobert CrawfordSierra PacificStonyford RangerTejon RanchWilliam HaynesCOLORADOCraig FinkFirst Creek OutfittersJulie HoljencinKeith HoljencinKristy HoljencinStephan RoetsUSA Shooting TeamWilliams Exploration & ProductionDELAWAREMBNATed PalmerDISTRICT OF COLUMBIALouie PerryFLORIDAAustin M. HeacockBabcock RanchBill TippitBill VincentBobby Moore Properties, Ltd.Brynn SummerlinCharles HerringtonDale S. WesslingDaniel P. WhighamDavid & Mary McCarthyDiann HaubnerDon WilliamsDoug UpdikeEdith HartleyEmmett EvansFred FanizziFlorida Wildlife UnlimitedGary L. RuhlGlenn PrickettGulf Power CompanyHeartland Wildlife & IMC AgricoHenry C. MansonJ. Vereen SmithJames Scarborough*Jerry McKellarJim DallarosaKaitlin N. DallarosaLarry AndersonLee LonesLou HaubnerMichael D. PhelpsMichael RearkMike R. ThompsonOmar RodriguezPaul FairclothRichard P. DaPoreRichard Langdon HanasRobert Holland

Rodman PlantationRoger WilsonStephen M. SheaSteve HollandSteve MunzT. R. YoungTall Tine OutfittersTerry SteeleTerry YoderThomas BrooksThomas J. WallaceTim SandfordTim TolbertTony GelchTrey SmithVan CollinsW.R. FewoxWilliam MarvinWilliam SearlWilliam E. SullivanGEORGIAAGL ResourcesAllen JenkinsAnheuser-BuschAnita FountainAnn Carter Burdell BoardmanAtlanta ChapterBroderick F. HeadBruce HowellC. Royce and Alice LeggettCharles RyanClaibourne DardenDavid J. DickeyDon BristolDonna LeggettDouble Dime RanchDouble Gobble ChapterF.A.T.S.Flatrock Hunting PreserveGeorgia State ChapterGreg S. BrownHelen Frushtick FursJames & Debbie JacksonJames H. NewbillJohn H. AmbroseJohnny SumnerKirk ThomasLHS Family, LLCMasterbuilt ManufacturingMichael E. WaddellMorris CommunicationsPhoenix Commercial PrintersRichard E. DicksonRicky PeekRobert W. WilliamsRobert F. WrightRonald GoodmanRonald K. ReaginRyan KleskoSavannah Fiber Supply Procurement OfficeShane Berry

Stan StanfillSteve TarvinTimothy L. BeachUSDA Forest ServiceWilliam C. ArcherIDAHOBarnabas KokaBottom Line ElectronicsScott LunaTheresa LunaILLINOISAdams Co. Sharp SpursBig Cypress Duck ClubBig Muddy LongbeardsBig River Longbeards ChapterBill & Shirley D. SwangoBret GuinCalhoun Co. Cutters & StruttersCampbell Illinois WhitetailsCentral Illinois OutfittersChristopher BurkeD. Alan and Sharon DavisDavid Von MillerDon DayEagle Lakes OutfittersFox Creek OutfittersGary FranklinGeorgia Helen RosenliebGerald F. BoisGerald SnyderGlynn & Marjorie ShubertGregory H. ShafferIke TrickieIllinois Conservation FoundationJack RobertsonJack WintersJames & Jennifer AlexanderJoseph Dave WrigleyKeith CarsonKen WilberKendall County Gobblers ChapterKevin R. SchmittLake County Longbeards ChapterLeland & Debbie BanksLewis & Clark SportsmanLittle Egypt LongbeardsLucky OutfittersMichael L. HitchcockMichael LanceMichael SpenceMike CrabtreeMike & Lisa KingMike LowderMonroe County LongbeardsOlin CorporationPhilip L. HouserPin Oak Thundering TomsPlano Molding Co.Rebecca Nix

Saline Valley StruttersSamson’s RidgeSpring View AcresStephen LathropSteve BoenteSteve WilkeTerry BanksTim KappertTim GroundsTimberland OutfitterTimothy R. SchmittTodd AndersonTom FranksWild Africa Hunting SafarisWild Rural Park OutfittersWinchester Ammunition


NWTF MAJOR DONORS

INDIANABill WitskenBrian SparksBryan & Krista CoxDanny HustonDoug McCombGreg LarrisonGregg R. SnyderIndiana State ChapterJames G. MainJames P. OrenderJay A. BuzzardJay JorgensenJoseph BurchKen KleinMartin IngramMichael McNarneyMike DalhoffMonte Singh

Randy ShowalterRick FerraraRoger Davis*Ron SnyderSchuyler OltScott GalleyScott RoyerStacy B. KueberSteve Gage Steve NeviusTim SandersonTownsend Chemical DivisionIOWAAlliant EnergyBug-Out Outdoorwear, Inc.Dave WhittleseyMaquoketa Valley OutfittersMark CreeryPat PauleySharon WhittleseyThe Fred Bear EstateWhitetail Ridge OutfittersKANSASBarry WoodsCarl W. KurzClint SmithCentral Kansas OutfittersCole GeorgeDaniel BellDavid GeorgeDavid StillwellDon ErbertDoug FoxDouglas UnruhDwane GeorgeGarrett BaderKurt NunnenkampLarry A. CurtisLewis MullMarc BuntingMark MillerMid-West AdventuresRoger DemanetteRyan BaderTim GeorgeTony BellVerdigris Valley OutfittersWolf River Outfitters, LLCZachary ShafranKENTUCKYAllie RawlingsBradley L. CarsonCentral Kentucky ChapterChristopher GodbyDaniel Boone Chapter David GodbyDonald McDonaldElk Creek Hunt ClubErnie M. AkinsHarry W. WhiteheadJames L. WilliamsJeremy GinnJesse Evans

Jonathan A. DavisLicking River OutfittersMurph’s Automotive AccessoriesPat K. WilliamsPatrick CardinPatrick RitchiePhil RawlingsRobert Bo SpencerSouth Central Kentucky ChapterTyler JasperVirginia BlandWild Turkey Bourbon/Rare Breed DistillingLOUISIANABayou Pierre ChapterBill MayoBill T. MurphyBob G. JonesBoise Paper SolutionsCharles Milton MayChris G. CampbellDale IngramE.R. “Bo” CampbellEdward Chip R. CampbellEdward DonaldsonFrank StewartGlenn HebertJ. C. GilbertJames G. DicksonJanet RascoeJohn DupontJoseph P. CagnolattiLouisiana Delta PlantationLouisiana State ChapterLuke LewisLyons Land CompanyMike BrownPaul FerrellRaney SilmonRon & Jackie BartelsRuss BordelonTom JonesMAINEHelen NanneryJames KonkelTom NanneryMARYLANDBenelliBilly MooreChris C. KunzlerDavid L. RiceDewey H. ReedDon ColburnMaurice W. ScottRandy GardinerRobert H. JenksTed CapelThomas BuckmasterThomas F. BryceWilhelm GoebelWilson Reynolds

MASSACHUSETTSJames HousleyJoseph M. Hamilburg FoundationMICHIGANAmeristepBert Vander WeeleBud GovernoCharles N. HazenDenise RubinFlat River ChapterFrances BourdoGrand Valley ChapterJeff PoetJim D. CurtisJoseph A. MacomberJoseph L. MagginiKathy KarstenKirk GrahamKurt & Lisa BomersLarry CurtisLeroy ChuppMenominee Strutting TomsMichael R. WoodMichigan State ChapterMike R. StewartMorris DomkeNorth Kent LongbeardsRichard A. CunninghamSW Michigan Longbeards ChapterScott J. HodgesSebewaing Gobblers ChapterSkipper BettisThornapple Valley ChapterTom KarstenTony SnyderWhiteford Valley GobblersXander TkaczMINNESOTABonansa Valley Royal StruttersBradley SchultzChris WallCormorant Lakes Sportsman’s ClubCyrus MahmoodiDavid A. MaassDick SnyderDonald GamboniEric RiceHarland DonnayJames H. ThomasJeff StcynskeKevin FuerstneauLarry StcynskeLeah FontaineLevi GlinesPatti StcynskePaul SpyhalskiRon ScharaShirley GlinesSteve Seidl

Sportsman’s Art Ltd.Struttin’ Toms ChapterVista Outdoor Sales, LLCWild WingsMISSISSIPPIAbby Manufacturing Co.Becky McManusCircle M PlantationEast Mississippi ChapterGary CressGary Hillhouse & Mary TaborGus PrimosJoe WoodMark D. UtleyMarshall HollisMeridian ChapterPhil CookPreston E. PittmanRansom JonesRobbie and Karen WesterScott CumbestSteve ThomasStrong River ChapterStructural Steel Services, Inc.The Campbell GroupTom RhodenMISSOURIAdolphus Busch Ameren ServicesBB&H Hunting ClubBernie R. GriceBill FarleyBilly BessBrad MoncriefBrock PfostBruce HutsonBryce EvansBuddy BessDan ZerrDavid HammDerrick BuddemeyerDanny Foutz Hunting & Fishing ShopDon BedellDonald HillDouble Deuce RanchGlenn A. SchumanGunn Creek Outfitters & Guide ServiceHazel Creek, Inc.Hickory Hills HuntsHolloway Carpet OneJeff FriedmannJoe TroutJohn B. LewisKent S. FreemanLarry L. NealMark DruryMike “Tater” HavilandMike McDonaldMike PoeOak Creek Whitetail Ranch

Oscar HunterOut of Africa Adventurous SafarisPast Sporting Goods, Inc.R. L. BennettRandy PersonsRichard F. BangertRoy St.ClairSpank MarriottSteve BoyersTerry HoytTim BesancenezTimothy BrooksTravis ScottTriStar Sporting ArmsWes & Tammy SappMONTANABig Sky CarversMike WatkinsPowder River OutfittersNEBRASKAComstock LodgeHilltop Hunting LodgeJason MorrowKevin & Donna JechKyle NicholsMark StutterheimRoss AlcornTerry A. DoyleTimothy HindeNEW BRUNSWICKReese JensenNEW JERSEYChristian N. KarinjaDavid CoteLouis GambaleRichard H. KinneyScott E. HillNEW MEXICOChad MarshallNew Mexico Dept. of Game & FishPNMManzanon Madness Game KallsVermejo Park RanchNEW YORKA. J. “Tony” LeibBert R. DaileyBill & Jan NolisBret M. EcclestonClinton A. SmithDale LaneDave KimelbergDave StrebDebbie HuberEnchanted Mountain LocalGary L. CampanieIthaca Gun CompanyJames PaulyJames YoungJeremiah HuberKevin “Duke” ReillyLake Plains Chapter

Martha HuberMichael D. WitterRay BrooksRichard R. HarwoodRobert E. BeschTioga TravelVoss Signs, LLCWilliam E. WilburNORTH CAROLINAAndy PhillipsBASF CorporationBarry PerryBrad GunnBruce ElliottCarl C. DixonChristopher N. GoochCJ BrownConnor O’Neal GoochCrescent Resources, Inc.Daniel WistehuffDave PollardEddie GeorgeEldon E. McDanielFred E. CoxGary WestGlenn C. HarrelsonGreg CookGregg NewellHancock Timber Resource GroupJake HodgesJames Neal WeaklyJim F. DrakeJoann & Harry WilfongJoe R. FowlerJohn D. ChalkJohn F. IvesterKim GoochLane SwindellMark McDowellMichael E. BealeMitch WalkerNorth Carolina State ChapterParton Lumber CompanyRichard Childress RacingRichard PlattenbergerRick CottonRobert Chad RaySusan FowlerThe Color WorksTom P. PhillipsWeyerhaeuser CompanyNORTH DAKOTASheldon’s Waterfowl & Upland Bird HuntsOHIOAlex OmanAndrew StephensAppalachian LongbeardsBryan EquipmentCaldwell Chrysler- PlymouthCarol Himes

Drew HutzelEarl “Buddy” FryGene GoodwinJohn P. WihlJohnathon ParkerKenneth L. LaVanMaple Country ChapterMarathon Ashland PetroleumMichael L. BeersMike & Tammey GoschinskiOhio State ChapterOhio State UniversityRenee O’BroktaRocky Shoes & BootsShane R. BurnworthShawn DickeySouth Hills Longbeards ChapterTerry Thompson Thomas W. MooreTimothy PontiusTom O’KeefeWayne VickersOKLAHOMAAlicia D. PurdyArt CousatteBill ArnoldBill BucknerChris PurdyDaniel R. DuckwallDavid ChambersDavid N. YoungGregory AllenJames AldridgeJames and Becky HarrisJerry D. ChristianJerry RushJoe & Rhonda CalistroJohn A. BachelorNewley HutchinsonRussell BarberSam GentryOklahoma State ChapterTammy DuckwallONTARIOConnor TownsendDale and Lisa ScottEmily TownsendKevin TownsendQuigley Ford ScopesOREGONAlesa CareyBrandon CareyJackie CareyLeupold & StevensLinda A. BrownPENNSYLVANIABob KellerBobby KeenBryan BurhansCNX Gas CorporationDale E. Rohm

TED CAPEL

Ted Capel was 12 when he first started hunting. Turkeys didn’t exist in his woods. When he was 18, he began his career as a Natural Resources Police Officer and was involved in trapping and transplanting efforts, which ulti-mately brought wild turkeys to Mary-land’s Eastern Shore. He harvested his first wild turkey in 1993. Looking back, it was a life-changing experience. And it was something he wanted to share with everyone he possibly could. So he became the local NWTF chapter president, got involved on the state board and, ultimately, became a Diamond Life Sponsor.

20 2015 NWTF

ANNUAL REPORT

NWTF MAJOR DONORSDonald C. HeckmanE. Niles OesterleEQT FoundationFoxPro, Inc.Fry Communications, Inc.Gary HuffHarry G. HaskellHorseshoe Hill OutfittersJames KistlerJohn Darin BarryJohn ShaskasKathy Poole-PriceKen FernburgLarry A. MazziottaMark FerdinandMartin KapustaMichael JonesPennsylvania State ChapterPhyllis V. KeckRandall RakersRange ResourcesRobert H. GrimmingerRobert Keck*Sandee MaleSean N. WarringtonStony Valley ChapterTalisman Energy USA, Inc.Valerie StagerVernon R. RossWildlands ConservancyRHODE ISLANDPat ThompsonSASKATCHEWANHigh Point Buck RanchScott CowieSOUTH CAROLINAAllen McKinneyBank of AmericaBarney HouserBecky HumphriesBernie B. EdmundsBeverly & Scott QuarlesBig Woods OutfittersBill DavisBill DennisBilly HooleBlack River ChapterBobby MaddreyBrian GodfreyBuddy MorganButch Pendarvis*Cadillac Dealers of the SouthCarl J. BrownCarolyn Keck WrightCharles L. ComptonCharlie B. LongChristi HenryChuck B. HunterChuck O. MulkeyCity of EdgefieldClark BushClary DawsonConnie R. Wallace

Craig HenryDal DychesDan ChismDan J. LemanskiDan W. RobinsonDaniel YoungDanny L. BerryDarlene WhittDarryl W. MoranDave MahlkeDavid BanksDavid P. BaumannDavid E. PressleyDebbie L. LeCroyDee E. GarvinDon L. GoingDonny RayDoug G. GaymanEdward D. GilmerEllen M. LintalElliott BotzisEmelia Blair AdkinsErnest W. RabonFrank E. BrewerGary CarverGary A. CaughmanGeorge DenkaGeorge & Beth ThorntonGene GibsonGlenn GreeneGlenn & Michele TanisGlenn TeacheyGlenn WilliamsonGrady TillGreg M. LipeH & H Insurance BrokersH. Neel HippHampton DennisHarry KoutroulakisHeather ReynoldsHenry B. MoreeHulsey, McCormick and Wallace, Inc.J. Richard Williamson*J.D. HarrisJames Rhett CallihamJames Crawford HarrisJames Earl KennamerJames SparksJames A. StevensJames Dennis WatersJanice StevensJason White ConstructionJenny Kay BrownJim & Betty SchafferJim Booth Art GalleryJoe FinleyJohn GravesJohn W. WilliamsonJohn M. SmallJulie ClineJulius LearyKaren FinleyKenny Overholt

L J HendrixL.B. AdamsLarry MillerLawrence W. DeasLee Franklin KennamerLeslea FarmsLinda J. RosenliebLindsey RosenliebLisa R. DennisLouis P. BatsonLynn ParrishLynn Kennamer SmithM. P. FerrisM. B. NicklesM. Lynn WallaceMac McewenMarion MooreMark CookMary KennamerMatt LindlerMeadWestvaco CorporationMegan SanchezMichael G. McShaneMichael W. CampbellMichael D. HarringtonMichael JohnsonMike HoffstatterMike SmallsMike WatersNeil “Gobbler” Cost*Norman PulliamOdell IndustriesOne Stop Hunt N Fish, LLCPam BrewerPhil AnniePure Gold Chokes/ Cindy DavisR. Dunlap Thornwell IIIRalph AndersonRichard D. RosenliebRichard B. & Mark WardRobert P. AitkenRobert J. HolmesRobert W. PhillipsRoby HaleRock Hill ChapterRoger D. BishopRyan DennisSandy SparksScott A. CrosbyScott WishartShannon S. TollisonShealy’s BarbecueShelton VineyardsSouth Carolina Electric & GasStephen DavisStephen C. MannSteve CobbSteve DavisSteve F. JordanSun ConstructionSusie L. BrownTeresa Powers

Terry A. KingsmoreTerry LeCroyTerry WhiteThe Clinton HouseThe Ducane CompanyThe Office Supply CenterThomas S. DavantThomas T. SmithTim SnyderTom StuckeyTravis B. StevensonUSDA Forest ServiceVelux America IncVernon G. MeekVictoria Blair AdkinsW. Terry LeCroyWells FargoWm. Gary BerryZach FarmerZoe SanchezSOUTH DAKOTABurnell GaskinsEric & Mary OlsonRandy GaskinsRobert NelsonSports Link LTDTENNESSEEAndrew DavisBrenda ValentineChip RoneyChris C.C. CummingsChris CummingsClarence DiesColin ReedCountry Music TelevisionDave W. KingsleyEddie FultonEric SutleyFred SmithGary L. WestGray Ghost SafarisHoward HarlanIrlene MandrellJames & Marsha RaleyJames Pat WalshJane HeltonJeanne PruettJeff McKameyJim C. CortnerJim HagerJoe UsherJohn H. DobbsJohn NorfleetJon HagerJosh TurnerJulie A. SchusterKevin BayLarry M. ProffittLee CrispLee A. KiesLeonard KayeLong Hollow Longbeards ChapterMark E. Jackson

Mark NathansonMark WarmathMaureen PetersMichael R. OppizziMike RuppertMike SniderNashville Convention & Visitors BureauNeely MalloryPhilip Lawrence*Richard RobinsonRonald JonesSteve B. TurpinTim AgeeTim SamplesTom HodgeTriton BoatsWayne WhiteWilliam T. HibbsWoods and WildlifeTEXASAmavisiAnnette Andrews- KomandoskyBar H Working Dude RanchBig Tex TrailersClyde F. NeelyDana BowmanGeorge MitchellHeli-HunterHuntVeJ. D. WilliamsJ. B. WynnJohn Wortham John Thomas JamesLarry HornbeckLarry NobleLone Star OutfittersPriefert ManufacturingSam McManusSimon WinstonT. W. & Claire GarrettT. D. HowellTimothy S. and Susie GeppertTrammell CrowTrees, Inc.Yukkutz Hunting- Campeche MexicoUTAHBrett JohnsonHunt’n BizRoss MesserlyRuby River Steak HouseUtah State ChapterVERMONTCentral Vermont Public ServiceGary TannerMichael TveraasNick MicalizziOrvis Company

VIRGINIABrad GuinnBrian HyderG. Wayne CrumpParks D. ShackelfordPerfection Turkey CallsRandall H. SuslickSherry S. CrumleySteve MartinTim MerryWASHINGTONBecky JohnsonDan McKinleyDave RasmussenJames H. GrimesPug PowerSportsman-Landowner Hunting ClubWashington State ChapterWEST VIRGINIABrian A. PrimGreg GibbsJ. D. “Peck” MartinRobert A. FarkasovskyShon A. ButlerWest Virginia State ChapterWISCONSINAaron ConstantineAdam ConstantineAlliant Energy Corp. ServicesAmerican Business TechnologyBill EmeryCarson David ConstantineChris UtkeConner ConstantineDarlene GroenierDavid BurkeEarl DuckettFox Valley ChapterGary KallasGerry KrausHager Valley LLPHoward WohlgefahrtJames J. BerenzJames SchiffnerJim GroenierJohn BertelsonJon’s Sports/Black River Trading Co.Karyl UtkeMegan BurkeNancy ConstantineNick D. BurkeRandall McLauryRivers Edge Tree Stands, Inc.Robert J. PutneyRyan BurkeScott MavesScott R. SlajusScott StaleySportsman’s Warehouse

Tom & B.J. MuenchWisconsin State ChapterWYOMINGDave L. HudsonHubert Vogel*James WetzelKent ElliottL & S Hunting Co.La Montana RanchMountain Woods FurnitureNancy HudsonNick MisciagnaRangeland Hunting AdventuresSeven J OutfittersWade JohnsonWyoming Edge Outfitters

Gold Life SponsorsALABAMALyle PoteetALASKASheep River Hunting CampsARIZONARalph E. AndersonSturm, Ruger & CompanyARKANSASThayn MortonCALIFORNIADonald N. GeivetThe Thomas Kinkade CompanyCOLORADOAtkinson ExpeditionsChris VaughnFLORIDAWilliam MoodyZack MorganGEORGIACliff D. WhiteEvents and More by WickIndian Rock PlantationMike W. RedfernMike WolfeRobert WinthropThomas DurkanIDAHOElk Springs OutfittersTom MansanarezILLINOISH & S HuntingHarold E. RungeJarod JacksonWilbur EngelhardtINDIANADan D. GarrettWinchester SafesKANSASRob WhitleyKENTUCKYAbby RawlingsDarby Dan FarmKehl HilbertKentucky River Chapter

LOUISIANABlind River Boss GobblersJames E YuleMAINELawrence Dyer & Sons OutfittersMASSACHUSETTSPat ThompsonMICHIGANButch & Lori JohnsonHerb E. LorentzJim CowardScott MulderMINNESOTAShari LivingstonMISSISSIPPIJimmie DanielsMISSOURIAnheuser-Busch, Inc.Evans Sports, Inc.Gary DrewingHerefordale RanchPaula FrazierTommy Lee NealMONTANALinda L. SchottNEW YORKHenry Repeating Arms Co.Howard M. TravisMike E. JoynerPete & Sherry ClareSkyline CamouflageWayne DanleyNORTH CAROLINACharles D. PetersonEnergy UnitedJames M. KernodleKaren McIsaacLance, Inc.Nolan BurhansNORTH DAKOTAShannon BerghOHIOCharles E. DavisChristopher J EstadtKyle HutzelMickee L. FryONTARIORussel H. DaviesOREGONGreg C. O’NealPENNSYLVANIAAnthony J. HudakRalph J. PermarThe Asplundh CompanySASKATCHEWANLucky Lake OutfittersSOUTH CAROLINABen TeacheyChris & Nan TroutDon PerryJenny T. GodfreyJohn L. Brown


NWTF MAJOR DONORSMount Vintage Plantation GolfMount Vintage PropertiesOak Ridge Plantation Hunting ClubOscar McCurryPeter F. San MiguelSouth Carolina Forestry CommissionSOUTH DAKOTAJoe KirwanJohn GeimanJulie ThorstenLodgepole Creek OutfittersReddest Guide ServiceTENNESSEEArchie RichardsonBruce GoodrowM.L. TallentTEXASBill GaitherIndio OutfittersRyan Rhino HaeckerWalter IsenhourVERMONTBlue Mountain Forest AssociatonVIRGINIADoug A. HowlettReed SchweickertWASHINGTONPotlatch CorporationWISCONSINBill HugoBrian MeroDavid ScharmerTed KlapperichWYOMINGCheyenne Security Systems, Inc.Double Y OutfittersElwarth Hunting SafarisHR Big Game Outfitters & FishingRon DubeThomas Ranch Outfitters

Silver Life SponsorsALABAMAAndrew SmithBrett LoftinCentral Alabama Electric CooperativeCody & Robin HarrisCraig HarrisGary FinchGeorge DykesGil P. SelfJake CarltonJenifer GloverJerry HawkJohnny RankinMarty BorntragerMatt Wilkins

Midsouth Paving, IncSky Box BlindsTim WoodALASKAAlaska State/Tundra Toms ChapterCrosshairs OutfittersALBERTADale SmithRanchland OutfittersARIZONAAllen HawkinsArizona State ChapterCharles M. KerrJulia AndersonMichael V. WentzMuy Grande OutfittersRomana AndersonTower ElectricARKANSASChris McDonaldGrady A. StoryKerry C. SimmonsLeatherwood ArtsMarion McCollumMichael R. SmithMotorolaOutdoor CapRandy HedgeRich-N-Tone Duck CallsStone County IronworksTommy DrewCALIFORNIAAntonio VispettoBill ChappellBob MangerChristopher O’BrienDarrell BresslerDaryl GilbertDawnita HarwoodEverything Metal ImaginableMitch OliverRobert WoodsRonald MartinSimmons Outdoor/BlountThe Chevron CompaniesZoran VrhovnikCOLORADOBlack Canyon Bulls at Top Rail RanchCharles W. StockstillGeorge StarkJames StockstillJoel F. SturtevantLarry AllenQuietKat Inc.Rick TingleRobb NelsonRoyer EnterprisesDELAWAREDon Wiggins

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIAAmericas Natural Gas AllianceFLORIDABen L. DuncanBest Fishing Tour.comBob CourseyBrandon StoreyDennis AnsbroGarrett WhatleyGlenn A. LingleGod’s Country OutfittersGrady MaggardHiram C. CampbellJamie AdamsJamie NanceJanice Bailey NicowskiJohn BerryKelly W. ConleyLaverne VincentLittle Lake LodgeMike BlantonMorgan RuhlOsceola Guide ServicePaul RuhlPaul E. YatesPhil J. BennettRodman PlantationSean MasonSonny MowbraySporting Clays MagazineSports Marketing GroupSteve ShaferSteven W. DavisTeddy SpencerTimothy Creek DecoysTLG Management Group, LLCGEORGIAAndy IveyAtlanta Convention & Visitors BureauBeers ConstructionBellsouthBob ThompsonCharles CunninghamCharles A. LanfordDick AdcockDon A. WaltersDonald BohanonDoris ThomasDwight G. HarleyDwight JonesE-Z GoHevi ShotHewitt Associates, LLCIntellisystemsJack E. StricklandJerry PionessaJerry & Susie RamseyJim S. ThomasJoey LambJohn Davis

John PierceKen WhitleyLafarge Building MaterialsLindy E. McDonaldMacon Beverage CompanyMark LuettersMark MullinaxMichael Holland Mike LancasterMike PetersPamela PeekQuality Wildlife Service Russell BeardSabrina BrownTimothy A. KeadleTroy TooleWindsor JewelersHAWAIIJon SabatiIDAHOIron Man SafesMike McKeanPaul WaldonILLINOISApple Creek OutfittersAlfred HebelerAudrey HouserBrandon PhelpsCarla J. HouserCentral Illinois Fantails ChapterChad FranklinCindy SpillmanDarrell & Diane HaffordDave GrohneDavid A. JarvisDoug A. KingDrew N. HouserEdwin R. Schmitt Family Felicia NixFrank DeclerckGary L. MichlGerald D. LivelyGordon RhineHadley Creek OutfittersHarry UlrichJared GarverJason TangeroseJeff L. ArnottJeff ButlerJeffrey RavenscraftJim DesterJim WetheringtonJohn ZitoKeith JacksonKevin KniepLarry W. GresserLarry B. HanoldLucky OutfittersMark MuellerMatt KapruanMax ThompsonMichael W. BrownMickey Stewart

Midland States BankNathan DeClerckNilo FarmsNorth Safety ProductsRandy MolitorisRay JohnsonRobert J. WeberRodney DickersonRonald PindRuss Adams Heating & A/CSteve BovaSteve R. KellySteve MarchangSteve McNeilThomas L. BatesThomas M. BlankenshipWabash Outdoors, Inc.William L. MoodyINDIANADale BudzowDale CulbertsonDan ChenowethDavid PughFrank ContrerasFritz HelmuthGrant Schimmele John L. AbramsJoseph Collins Paul A. MooreRandall T. HardyRon DickieSouth Central Indiana REMCTom KelleyIOWABoyt Harness CompanyBridgestone Americas Tire OperationsBucks and Beards Outfitters, LLC.Daniel BartlettDavid F. AgnewDavid BridgesE. Jay CoonEugene A JuliusGary ReederJim KindigLarry DunnRon SoppeStephen J. ShannonVaness I. OdenWilliam ScottJALISCOManuel Ignacio Salgado BaldorKANSASAl CeynarAnna K. GeorgeBecky WolfeBushnell Performance OpticsCentral Kansas OutfittersDaniel BellDoug Fox

Jeff LouderbackJohn AdamsJohn HowerKansas Governor’s One Shot Turkey HuntLeon WinfreyMcKenzie MullMeade Co. ThunderchickensRick GanoungRodney KellySam MooreSMI ArmsTodd AdolphThomas HuelskempTom JohansenWichita ThunderKENTUCKYAlex LeaAnita CardinBobby WilcoxBucks and BeardsConservation Marketing SpecialistsDavid SimmonsGeorge WofordJim EubankLance D. KaufmanMac WarrenMike FalconiteNicholas MetcalfPine Valley Golf Club & ResortSie JewellSteve StacyWes AlexanderWilliam E. HubbardLOUISIANAGene OhmstedeJerry N. AntleyJohn C. GordonLeonard E. JordanLynn KellyMAINEFred ThurstonMARYLANDBrenda PaulBrian D. DoyleBrian GsellBruce W. ChaneyDavid HohmanGene HyatRobert WallsMASSACHUSETTSMark GalkowskiMICHIGANBobby ThompsonChris & Katrina EderDan PotterDave GodleyDumukwa Safaris UCEastman OutdoorsHuron Valley ChapterJames Simonds

Keith RubinKurt BisballeLarry R. LenzRich LafrinereRichard J. SikkengaThomas M. KarstenTodd RubinTom LosiewskiTrail Creek LodgeMINNESOTAAcapulco RestaurantsAl HausATK/FederalBruce SchottCindy FuerstneauDamon SchleifDavid BacikDavid SeykoraDouble P RanchDurk StarkGary S. CookICSCJames M. LoefflerJason StuckyJim & Karen KillenJim PeifferKeith CarlsonKimball American LegionLoon Lake DecoyMike HamiltonMike PeifferMike StelznerMinnesota State ChapterOttertail Rod & Gun ClubPatrick CrouseRichard PlasscharetStearns Co. Thunderin’ TomsTerry MccollumWest Metro Struttin’ Zone ChapterMISSISSIPPIAll Terrain BridgeAllen EdwardsBob PersonsBobby BerthelotCharles IrvinClark GordinDale GarrisonGuest TekHartwood, LPJames Terry FarrisJimmy BartonJohnny RidoutLongleaf CamoMark McPhailMossy Oak Land EnhancementPatricia WoodPhiladelphia Gun & PawnRichard LathamRonnie HigginbothamSam E. Lawrence

South Mississippi Electric Power AssociationSteve GulledgeTerry KnightThe Smith TeamTrebark BigwoodsWendell WomackWeyerhaeuserWylie PrewittMISSOURIAmerican Arms, Inc.Baker MilesBear Paw LandingBee Rockland & Outdoor AdventuresBill WehrleBucks and Beards Outfitters, LLCCanyon Creek OutfittersChris ParrishDale BrandDan MinorDanny GuyerDavid BeairdDavid L. LovanDavis MintonDennis BallardEric WilcoxonFour Rivers ChapterGary BallardHabitat FlatsHarold A. GoodingiScope, LLCJames L. MurrellJoe C. ReamJurgen F. BraswellKaren A. DettmerKathy DicksonLarry W. WheelerMarvin B. BehnkeMichael W. FiehlerMichael D. McClendonMike BeneckeMike JeffersonMissouri Invitational Celebrity Turkey HuntMitchell L. NorrisPatrick L. RobertsRichard L. AshRick WelkerRuss WorsleyStuart D. RuehlingThe Big Horn RanchMONTANAJana WallerNine Quarter RanchNord L. JohnsonNEBRASKABunker Hill Hunting Resort & ShootingCabela’sDenton Valley RanchEric DingerHeath Roehr

22 2015 NWTF

ANNUAL REPORT

Jim D. KuhnLaughing Water Ranch OutfittersLeon KrieselLeonard MooneyMax PorterReece & Jane JensenShawn SullivanStephanie DingerNEW JERSEYHighlands ChapterJesse EriksenJimmy SchafferLawrence ScartozziPaul TomeoRobert E. EriksenNEW MEXICOBill ZeedykBob RaughtChuck ThomasFlying W Diamond RanchJ. Richard BrownJess RankinJim BakerJunior KernsManzanon Madness Game CallsRegina RomeroThomas WaddellNEW YORKArnie JonathanBeverly RoeBill SpauldingBruce BaileyChris KirbyMichelle KirbyDan CookeDave LortscherDavid NewtonDouglas C. KerrEdward BesawEdward GaskaFay A. SorrellsGary HarwoodGeorge KollitidesGeorge LusinkGeorge Skip JacotGil DeLudeHerbert F. DarlingJames BradfordJames GamelJeff RichardsonJeffery SquiresJohn F. CarpenterJohn MikulaJonathan SpauldingJoseph CarboneJoseph C. HerdmanKenneth YoungKyle SayersLarry G. BeckerLonnie MeeusenMichael A. CaliMichael Koziol

Michael MarvinMichael RaabMichael ValentineNew York State ChapterNick OptisNico LourensPatrick CookPaul DerlethRandy OpferbeckRandy A. RussellRobert G. BamannRobert ChaseRobert WinthropRon BillitierRuss RomanoScott CaccamiseScott FagenThomas DugerThomas ThorpeTom ValentineVern ColeWally UrfNORTH CAROLINABrian RapeCameron M. HarrisCharles SearsCourtney MitchellD. L. Phillips Investment BuildersDonald R. CarterEddie SmithGeorge H. LutzGil CutchinGreg DrakeJ. Ralph SquiresJerry A. DavisJohn LeeJulie HayesKenneth A. MooreLarry M. SmithLarry WhitehurstMartha Hope SmithMike BatteyPat Foy BradyR & R HuntsRichard BowersRichard ShivelyRuben C. ButlerRyan KirbyTim BullockOHIOAmanda IngramBill SuliksBob FulcherBrent LambertBudweiser Callmakers & Collectors Association of AmericaDan BatesDarrel LimesDon CoxGreg HutzelHuntington National BankJames Leffel

Jeff ShawJeffrey SchweinLindsey IngramLonnie GilbertOhio Bow & Arrow OutfittersPatrick MahaffeyPenelia CarterRebecca RobertsRichard MatzRoger SmithsonScott BerryScott A. HofackerTim MontgomeryWilliam WolfeOKLAHOMAJohn MaschmeierOklahoma Governor’s OfficeOklahoma Lieutenant Governor’s OfficePete MesslerSamuel Roberts Noble FoundationWCR Quail Hunting Resort, LLCONTARIOKenneth Dale HollandLen UgarenkoMarg TownsendOREGONBob R. GedlickDwayne & Kelli CraftJan MessersmithRainbow King LodgePENNSYLVANIAAllison Crane & RiggingAssociated Petroleum Industries of PennsylvaniaCharles MathuesClay SmerkarDavid A. BargoDonald W. O’brienDwight E. SandersonFrancis Ed MaczkaGerald Gib HayesGlenn O. HawbakerHorseshoe Hill OutfittersHoward E. MeyersJ.W. PowerJames BargoJames R. HardenJohn GiblinJohn SidelingerJoseph YarzabMarcellus Shale CoalitionMike StagerRich MusserMountain Trails BasketsPennsylvania Independent Oil & Gas AssociationRichard TroutmanSpencer L. MillerSteve Beyer

Tom BaldrigeTom GriceTri M GroupWayne LloydSOUTH CAROLINAAlvin WillisArgentina Wild WingsBert W. PlattBill CrymesBilly C. RamseyBrenda YoungBrit BarkerC. K. DunlapCentral Carolina ChapterChelsea GaultChester LewisChip MallardChip RobinsonChris WilliamsDan G. AskinsDavid MabryDelane W. MillerDon CheeksDoug & Anna SaundersHerbert S. YarboroughHugh B. BlandJD MettsJames FiddieJames FosterJamie AlfordJean ReelJim EdwardsJoe BuggyJohn A. ChickJohn W. KempJohn TylerKaren Lee DavisKenneth V. MacKayLarry YonceLouis P. Batson Jr.Lynn SatterfieldR.E. Goodson Construction Co.Rusty McClamRyan MaddreySamuel HowardSarge KnivesSharon G. BoneySolutia, Inc.Thomas RichardsonTim & Janice PresleyTommy & Sandy RhodesTony DudleyTrish Lynn BerryWateree ChapterWayne HoltWentworth Printing Corp.William A. JamesWilliam R. WarnerWinyah Chapter GeorgetownSOUTH DAKOTABlack Hills OutfittersBrad Archer

DC’s Bird HuntsDuane SatherJoe KrizanJoseph ReinartOglala Sioux Parks & Recreation AuthoritySalt Camp Cabins and Dark CanyonTENNESSEEAdam MilesBarry RiceBob WisemanCalie F. JacksonGeorge Coors ArthurGibson GuitarsHadley Creek OutfittersHenry MorganJay LangstonJeremy LawsonJoe ShultsJoseph Chris InmanL. F. CoxMark OsborneMike AndrewsMike SentellNorm BlanchardPhillip CroweRosemary White Rut N Bucks OutfittersScotty PhillipsTim AgeeTony SmothermanWendell DobbsTEXASAcademy Sports & OutdoorsBilly WhitfordCanadian River ChapterDavid StockstillDean CastilloEl Halcon Hunting LodgeFayetteville Express Pipeline, LLCJamie BennettJane Metz Fine ArtJerry ThrasherJohn SurmaJohn WorthamMayfield RanchMychal MurrayNature Blinds, LLCRancho El HalconRobert LinderTC South Texas HuntsThomas W. HumphriesWilliam H. MasdenWinadeer.com UTAHChris BullockFort Knox Liberty SafesSteven J. WhiteVERMONTEquinox HotelNicholas SmithVelco

VIRGINIACarson QuarlesClifford N. PresleyDavid VaughanGabriel TorresGary C. ArringtonGreg CrandolJames Vance JoynerJames WilkinsJohn A. HastingsMason BrownMichael BarkerUltra PipelineWard BurtonWilliam C. MacCartyWASHINGTONAlaska’s Wilderness LodgeCarrie McKinleyDouglas Aaron NixHancock Timber Resource GroupLake Washington ChapterLimbSaverNeal C. Cameron WEST VIRGINIAAmvest WV Coal, LLCChris Deweese

Garton OriginalsGlen BarnesMarsha FarkasovskyMeredith FarkasovskySteve M. EstepSteve HamerWISCONSINArtistic AntlersBluff Country OutfittersBob UngerBrian MeroBruce William MommaertsCasey UtkeChuck ZornClarence “Butch” KochDavid R. BlockG. Heileman BrewGreg ShermoJames GabrickJim GillmanJoe Gafner Joel ClerJohn & Jean HedtkeJohn C. KochKarl MelnikKettle Moraine Wings Over

WISCONSINKevin PoeschelKristopher UtkeMark KanitzMichael R. SkaifeNeal HerrmanNeshoto Toms ChapterNew Fane Sportsman ClubRichard BrownVortex OpticsWilliam J. Miller WYOMINGBilly Rose M. GaskinsChris Jolly Hunting and FishingCody Jo GaskinsDwker SafarisHuntley Ferreira SafarisManuel OlaguibelMexafariMike SchmidSteve NicksonSteve DoughertyWeits SafarisWintershoek SafarisWyoming State Chapter

Full Strut Club Barry & Beth Hern TennesseeBill LaFayette CaliforniaBob & Lynn Boykin AlabamaBobbie & Chuck Holloway TexasDwight Chamberlain* IndianaFrank Schuettpelz WisconsinGus & Lois Bader MissouriH. Allen Franklin GeorgiaJames G. Dickson LouisianaJoe Collins IndianaJohn A. Schenk (estate)* IndianaJohn Buhay PennsylvaniaJohn Powers Walsh* New YorkKenneth Boop (estate)* PennsylvaniaMarisa B. Deane VirginiaMark Ratcheck IllinoisMichael Tull GeorgiaMike & Cheryl Hamilton DelawareNeil & Shelly Waters IllinoisPerry Harris North CarolinaRalph Edward Hopkins* TexasRodney Meneely West VirginiaShawn Viguerie* LouisianaThomas Hodnett IndianaTim & Susie Geppert Texas


NWTF LEADERSHIPNational Board of Directors

Executive StaffChief Executive Officer George ThorntonDevelopment Advisor James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D.Chief Conservation Officer Becky HumphriesChief Financial Officer Ellen LintalExecutive Vice President of Marketing/Development Doug SaundersSenior Vice President of Volunteer Relations and Field Operations Dave Mahlke Vice President of Communications Karen LeeDirector of FacilitiesKen Durham

State Chapter PresidentsAlabama — Craig ScruggsAlaska — Jessy LakinArizona — Steve SamsArkansas — Terry ThompsonCalifornia — Joe PecsiColorado — John FosterConnecticut — John JuneDelaware — Charles SprayFlorida — Edith HartleyGeorgia — Dave WamerHawaii — Jon SabatiIdaho — Joe FosterIllinois — Steve McNeilIndiana — Steven L. GageIowa — Gary ReederKansas — Vance RalstinKentucky — Scott DavisLouisiana — William BuffingtonMaine — Scott CyrMaryland — Bobby BoarmanMassachusetts — Matthew SawyerMichigan — Tony SnyderMinnesota — Larry StcynskeMississippi —Nelson EstessMissouri — R. L. BennettMontana — Edward SuggNebraska — Kent BoughtonNevada — Pyke BowlesNew Hampshire — Chip PageNew Jersey — Tim BlumNew Mexico — James HerreraNew York — Bill WilburNorth Carolina — Richard PlattenbergerNorth Dakota — Marc KurzOhio — Matt McDermottOklahoma —James AldridgeOregon — Jason PrestonPennsylvania — Sam McCartneySouth Carolina — Glenn TanisSouth Dakota — Mike McKernanTennessee — Joe ShultsTexas — Dick McCarverUtah — Dave WorwoodVermont — Brett LadeauVirginia — Rick LayserWashington — Bob GrubenhoffWest Virginia — Scott WilsonWisconsin — David BurkeWyoming — Casey Dickinson

Chairman Sam Mars IIIPresident Vern RossVice President Marvin HartleySecretary Bill BucknerTreasurer Vincent RosdahlChief Legal Counsel Richard Morgan

NWTF Technical CommitteeAlabama Division of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries — Steve Barnett, Joel GloverArizona Game & Fish Department — Rick Langley, Amber MunigArkansas Game & Fish Commission — Brad Carner, Jason HoneyColorado Department of Natural Resources — Ed GormanConnecticut Department of Environmental Protection — Mike Gregonis, Howard KilpatrickDelaware Division of Fish & Wildlife — Matt DiBonaFlorida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission — Roger ShieldsGeorgia Department of Natural Resources — Kevin LowreyHawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources — vacantIdaho Fish & Game Department — Jeff KnetterIllinois Department of Natural Resources — Paul BrewerIndiana Department of Natural Resources — Steve BacksIowa Department of Natural Resources — Jim CoffeyKansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism — Jeffrey PrendergastKentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources — Steven DobeyLouisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries — Jimmy StaffordMaine Department of Inland Fisheries — Mark Caron, Kelsey SullivanMaryland Department of Natural Resources — Bob LongMassachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife — Dave ScarpittiMichigan Department of Natural Resources — Al Stewart, Dave LuukkonenMinnesota Department of Natural Resourcs — Bryan LeuthMississippi Department of Wildlife, Fish & Parks — Adam Butler, Dave GodwinMissouri Department of Conservation — Jason Isabelle, Kevin HedgepethNatural Resources Conservation Service — Kurt SimonNebraska Game & Parks Commission — Alicia Hardin, Jeff LuskNevada Department of Wildlife — Brian WakelingNew Hampshire Fish & Game Department— Mark Ellingwood, Ted WalskiNew Mexico Department of Game & Fish — Casey CardinalNew Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife — Tony McBrideNew York Department of Environmental Conservation — Michael SchiavoneNorth Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission — David Sawyer, Chris KrehNorth Dakota Game & Fish Department — Stan KohnOhio Department of Natural Resources — Ken DurenOklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation — Rod Smith, Jack WaymireOregon Department of Fish & Wildlife — Dave Budeau, Tod LumPennsylvania Game Commission — Mary Jo Casalena, Ian GreggRhode Island Department of Environmental Management — Brian TefftSouth Carolina Department of Natural Resources — Charles RuthSouth Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks — Chad Lehman, Travis RuniaTennessee Wildlife Resources Agency — Roger ApplegateTexas Parks & Wildlife Department — Jason HardinUSDA Forest Service — Tracy GraziaUtah Division of Natural Resources — Jason RobinsonVermont Department of Fish & Wildlife — Amy AlfieriVirginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries — Gary NormanWashington Department of Fish & Wildlife — Brian CalkinsWest Virginia Division of Natural Resources — vacantWisconsin Department of Natural Resources — Scott WalterWyoming Game & Fish Department — Joe SandriniBureau of Land Management — John Sherman

Sherry CrumleyRobert Dettmer, M.D.Mike Evans Robert Higginbotham Scott Hill Jim HinkleJere Peak Bryan PerryRonnie ReaginParks Shackelford Harlan Starr Peggy Anne Vallery Louis Yount

24 2015 NWTF

ANNUAL REPORT

WAYS TO CONNECT WITH THE NWTF

JOIN.Not only do adult NWTF members receive Turkey Country magazine and youth get the quarterly JAKES Country, your membership fees support our mission. NWTF members also receive discounts on products and services and get plugged in to a network of people who value wildlife, wild places and the hunt. Or attend a local Hunting Heritage Banquet or an NWTF-sanctioned event. Go to www.nwtf.org to find an event in your area or become a member of the NWTF.

READ.Adult NWTF members receive Turkey Country, the official publication of the organization, sharing the NWTF’s goals and activities six times a year. There are sections on turkey hunting, land management, wildlife conservation and second amendment issues. JAKES Country goes to our youth members, and features hunting adventures and tips as well as educating readers on how to get involved in shooting sports.

GIVE.Learn about the different ways of giving to support the NWTF — planned giving, workplace giving, corporate and foundation support. Discover the benefits of upgrading your commitment to conservation by contacting the NWTF Development Department at [email protected].

VOLUNTEER.Learn how you can make a positive impact through our new Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative by contacting your NWTF regional staff representative. Find their information at www.nwtf.org.

FOLLOW.Stay in the loop by following @NWTF_official on Twitter and finding us at www.facebook.com/THENWTF. Discover NWTF successes in your state at www.nwtf.org/volunteers, then sign up for action alerts, designed to inform and mobilize members on legislative issues that matter to sportsmen.

WATCH.Tune in to the Pursuit Channel and watch “Turkey Call,” “NWTF 365” and “Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.” TV. See NWTF volunteers and partners chase game and show grassroots work in action. Shows air on DirecTV and Dish Network.

SHOP.Browse a wide selection of outdoor gear, land management tools and NWTF logo wear at www.OutdoorDealHound.com.

GROW.Plant seed that supports wildlife and creates better habitat. Buy a variety of mixes at www.OutdoorDealHound.com. Ask your local or state NWTF chapter representative about its seed program, where major companies donate seed for wildlife habitat plantings.

NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATIONWild Turkey Center770 Augusta Road

Post Office Box 530Edgefield, South Carolina 29824

(803) 637-3106

nwtf.org

Documents

2015 NWTF ANNUAL REPORT2015+Annual+Report.pdf · 2016-02-24 · it. Hunting heritage is more of a deep-rooted feeling. Just like hunting is more than the act of pursuing game —