EDGEFIELD, SC—Virginia’s Ken Perrotte received the Tom Kelly Communicator of the Year Award from the National Wild Turkey Federation for his ability to share the story of NWTF heritage hunting and conservation efforts across the country.
“I am grateful and honored to receive this recognition, particularly when there are so many deserving communicators,” said Perrotte. “It’s especially meaningful to me since this is the 50thhe anniversary of NWTF, an organization founded in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where I have been writing outdoor columns for the local newspaper for the past 25 years. When I was young, I dreamed of one day sharing stories about the people, places, and passions of our outdoor lifestyle. I still marvel from time to time that I can do this. It is one of the greatest joys of my life.
“Luckily, turkeys and turkey hunters offer plenty of material for outdoor writers. And the NWTF family is blessed with incredible and passionate members and supporters, who communicate through word and action their dedication to the mission and to their fellow members. Sharing stories about the lifestyle we love, that amazing bird we treasure, and the importance of the conservation ethic that underpins it all is so important. I accept this recognition on behalf of all of you.”
Throughout his decades-long career as an outdoor writer, Perrotte has distinguished himself as a stalwart conservationist, understanding that without conservation, outdoor opportunities would be negligible, and he is well-versed in communicating that message around the world.
Perrotte currently serves as Conservation Field Editor for the National Wild Turkey Federation, South Atlantic Flyway Migration Alerts Editor for Ducks Unlimited, Contributing Editor for Shooting Industry, and a regular contributor to Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, and Salt magazines. Water Sportsman, and The Hunting Wire. As a writer, editor, and photographer, Perrotte has published more than 2,200 articles and has won nearly 100 awards for writing, photography, website design, and management (related to the outdoor industry).
It’s not uncommon to see his articles in national publications where he tells the NWTF story. Perrotte was recently awarded by the Great Lakes Outdoor Writers Association for his call from turkey feature “Outside City Limits,” which won Best of Show and highlighted the importance of mentoring, hunting access, inclusion and diversity, all critical components of the future of the NWTF.
Perrotte is proud of his involvement with the NWTF and is happy to showcase the organization and its success whenever there is an opportunity, in his award-winning outdoor walker website, through his work with USA Today’s Hunt and Fish publication, or through many other media channels with which he is involved.
“Fulfilling our mission is critical, but to amplify these efforts, we must effectively communicate them to new audiences,” said NWTF Co-Executive Director Jason Burckhalter. “We are proud to honor Ken for his deep involvement with the NWTF and his commitment to communicating who we are and what we do to the masses.”
Previously known as the Communicator of the Year, the NWTF renamed the award in 2018 to honor Tom Kelly, the turkey-hunting poet laureate and author of the iconic “Tenth Legion,” published in 1973.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars in wildlife conservation and has conserved or improved more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to advance wildlife conservation, forest resiliency, and robust recreational opportunities across the US by working beyond borders at the landscape scale.
2023 is the 50th of the NWTFhe anniversary and an opportunity to push the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. for his 50he anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and the people of NWTF; and raise $5 million to build a $50 million endowment for the future. Find out how you can help us achieve these lofty goals.