The restoration of the wild turkey is one of the greatest North American conservation success stories; however, since the early 2000s, we have seen a substantial decline in numbers throughout the Southeast. This is indicative in statistics such as wild turkey harvest and poult productivity data, signifying an overall decline. Some states are even reporting below two poults per hen, which is an alarming indicator of a declining wild turkey population and can have a population-level effect.
With your NWTF $35 annual membership, you’re helping conserve wild turkey populations and their habitats across the U.S. through important initiatives like Habitat for the Hatch.
The purpose of this 10-year initiative is to positively impact wild turkey populations by improving forest and field health and resiliency at a landscape scale in Southeastern states through active management of over 1 million acres by 2033. In addition to leading to more robust wild turkey populations, the conservation efforts will result in healthier ecosystems across the Southeast.
Your membership can help!
Join TodayHabitat for the Hatch Objectives:
- Supporting scientific research aimed at determining the most efficient and effective means to manage habitats for wild turkeys.
- Increasing controlled burning efforts in forested systems (hardwood and pine) and fields as appropriate throughout the Southeast.
- Increasing our forest conservation footprint on private lands via technical and financial assistance.
- Increase active management of forest stands to promote early successional habitat through activities such as timber stand improvement, thinning, mastication, crop tree release, planting and more.
- Chemical and mechanical removal of invasive plant species.
- Educating and engaging stakeholders, both direct and indirect, to raise awareness of the importance of controlled burning, active forest
Helping one million acres
The NWTF will continue critical work addressing the complete annual cycle of wild turkey habitat needs; however, acres included in Habitat for the Hatch’s 1-million-acre goal are those that specifically establish nesting habitats with quality brood range in close proximity — in other words, Habitat for the Hatch! One million acres that fit these specific criteria will require a significant investment.
Research is Critical
Conducting critical research and applying the f indings will play a significant role ensuring the goals and objectives of the initiative are maintained beyond the initiative’s end date in 2033. Past research was foundational to understanding the types of management activities that create and maintain early successional habitat for the benefit of wild turkeys; however, new research is needed due to increasingly changing landscape conditions across the Southeast. As such, researching contemporary and evolving habitat management practices and conditions will be critical to how we manage habitats in an everchanging landscape and are foundational
Through critical habitat research, we will be able to provide education to public and private landowners, helping them implement specific habitat management practices on their lands at the appropriate time, space and scale.
Why should you be a member?
- $25 Bass Pro Gift Card - Use in-store or online
- Turkey Call Magazine - 6 issues of the #1 publication of turkey conservation and hunting
- NWTF Online - Membership credentials for NWTF.org and our social media communities
- Membership Events - Standing invitations events throughout the Southeast
- Member Discounts - On the best outdoor gear and everyday goods and services
- NWTF Hunt Club Insurance - Excellent coverage at an outstanding price for hunting lease liability
- Honor Your Harvest - Memorialize your harvest in our Wild Turkey Records Program
The efforts of the NWTF help conserve wild turkey populations and their habitats across the U.S.
Supporting the NWTF ensures the continued existence and healthy populations, providing more opportunities for hunting both the wild turkey and other wild game.
Critical Wildlife Research
Mitigating Wildfire Risks
Improving Nesting & Brood Sites
Maintaining Riparian Zones
Restoring Hardwood Forests
Protecting Savannas & Prairies
Improving Habitat Diversity
Maintaining Vital Watersheds
Timber Management Projects
Improving Water Quality
Creating Diverse Food Plots
Hunter Advocacy & Education
Public Hunting Access
Shooting Sports Programs
In addition, the NWTF is involved in advocacy efforts to protect hunting rights, promote policies that support hunters, and open public access to hunting on both federal and private lands. By supporting the organization, hunters can contribute to the collective effort to maintain and enhance their rights and privileges.