NWTF Forms First Upland Gamebird Chapter
The National Wild Turkey Federation is proud to announce the formation of its first ever upland gamebird chapter.
The Kansas First Upland Pioneers Chapter was created in Iola, Kansas, on August 18 by more than two dozen conservation-minded individuals who decided the best way to improve quail populations and upland habitat was to form the first NWTF chapter focused on upland gamebirds.
"The NWTF's work has helped many wildlife species and our new Upland Gamebird Initiative is an exciting opportunity to further expand the NWTF's efforts to support wildlife species other than the wild turkey," said George C. Thornton, NWTF CEO. "Forming the Kansas First Upland Pioneers Chapter is a fantastic opportunity to advance our mission of conservation and the preservation of our hunting heritage."
Since its creation the NWTF has conserved 14.7 million acres of habitat in North America and helped restore wild turkey populations, which many view as the greatest American conservation success story. Fortunately, the NWTF's conservation efforts go far beyond the wild turkey. Habitat improved to benefit the wild turkey also helps a huge range of other wildlife, such as quail, grouse, woodcock, deer, and numerous other game and non-game species.
"We believe the NWTF is the most effective conservation organization in North America and our chapter could not ask for a better partner in our efforts to improve quail and upland habitat in Kansas," said Bob Walden, president and banquet chairman of the Kansas First Upland Pioneers Chapter. "We are excited to join such a fantastic group."
The Kansas First Upland Pioneers Chapter was officially accepted into the NWTF on Aug. 22 and already has 10 members on its banquet committee. The chapter will host its first banquet in Piqua, Kan., on Oct. 30.
For information on starting an NWTF upland gamebird chapter in your area, please contact Josh Fleming at (803) 637-7698.
About the NWTF: The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.
Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $331 million to conserve 14.7 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.
The NWTF works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs - Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin' Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.
The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the restoration of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America's wildlife history. To learn more, visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.
