EDGEFIELD, SC — Led by Rep. Randy Frese, the Illinois House of Representatives recently passed House Resolution 160, a bill honoring the 50he Anniversary and conservation milestones and hunting heritage of the organization.
“We are incredibly grateful to Representative Randy Frese and the entire Illinois House of Representatives for recognizing our tremendous efforts in the state of Illinois,” said Bob “Doc” Reich, a decades-long volunteer with the Illinois State Chapter. “I remember when there were hardly any turkeys in our state. Now, the wild turkey is not only a staple for residents, but non-residents travel far to enjoy this bird we love, boosting our local economies. We are proud to be recognized by our elected officials for our work conserving this iconic game species in Illinois that brings joy to so many people.”
The resolution, in part, reads:
“…WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation, its members, and its chapters have been at the forefront of reversing declining hunting participation through nationwide investments in recruitment, retention, and revival efforts hunters, and partnering with states to develop opportunities to engage people from all walks of life in outdoor tradition; since 2012 it has recruited and reactivated more than 1.5 million hunters; and
WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation, its members, and its chapters have invested more than half a billion dollars to conserve or enhance more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat, forests, and grasslands on public and private lands since 1985; and
WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation, its members, and its chapters have invested more than $8.5 million in research throughout North America to ensure future healthy populations of wild turkeys…”
Read the full resolution.
The Illinois State Chapter recently allocated $161,212 to mission-related projects across the state by 2023. These funds were generated in large part by NWTF members attending NWTF Illinois State Chapter banquets.
Learn more about the Illinois State Chapter’s work in 2023.
The NWTF policy team and its volunteer leadership are working with state legislatures across the country to pass similar measures this year that enshrine the NWTF’s legacy and mission in state law.
Learn more about the policy and advocacy work of the NWTF.
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.