Author: Adam Back

remington ammunition is proud to announce that Ambassador Adam Wies, commonly known as Who Tee Who, took home the Best Outdoorsman title at the 2023 Gundie Awards on February 25, 2023. With nearly half a million subscribers, fans watch Who Tee Who push Big Green Ammo to the limit in a variety of original videos.

The Gundies recognize the best creators in the firearms industry, with the goal of supporting and encouraging the next generation of content creators. The awards are voted on by the public and provide a platform for creators to gain exposure and recognition. By bringing together the entire shooting and hunting community, the Gundies recognize excellence in the industry and promote responsible firearms ownership.

“We congratulate and are proud of Who Tee Who for all of their contributions to the Remington team and delivering authentic, real-life video for the outdoorsman every day,” said Remington Chief Marketing Officer Joel Hodgdon. “We are excited about this fan-driven victory.”

Wies has cultivated a large following on his YouTube channel as he showcases a unique approach to ammunition testing and family videos that appeal to a Remington Country hunting focused audience. Recent Who Tee Who videos covering Remington’s new straight wall cartridge, the 360 ​​Buckhammer, have been especially well received.

“We had an amazing season this year, hunting everything from pronghorn and whitetails to turkeys and mallards. Remington Ammunition gives me the confidence I need when I’m out in the field pulling the trigger,” Wies said. “I am extremely proud to be a member of Team Remington and to be named Best Outdoor Man by the Gundies. Here are many more successful seasons to come.”

To see Who Tee Who test Remington ammo, subscribe to their YouTube channel and follow their Instagram. Find Remington ammunition at dealers across the country and online. For more information on Remington ammunition and accessories, visit www.remington.com.

BUTNER, NC – Register now for the 2023 Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Eastern CMP Games and High Powered Rifle Matches! The recreation-oriented event will take place from April 28 to May 7, at the Camp Butner training facility in North Carolina, and features a series of rifle and pistol competitions for enthusiasts to enjoy.

Educational offerings throughout the week include an M1 Maintenance Clinic, a GSMM Master Instructor Course and a GSMM New Shooter Clinic, each led by qualified CMP staff members. New for 2023, the basic rifle and pistol classes will also take place inside the classroom.

The basic pistol and rifle classes offer an excellent introduction to marksmanship. A competitor last year recounted: “My experience was excellent just like last year. The courses are highly educational and informative, I am always learning new material. The trainers were friendly and the courts were clean, what more can I ask for?

Eastern Games, part of CMP’s Travel Games series, is packed with events that are designed to be challenging enough for experienced competitors and gentle enough to ease those new to the sport. The Eastern Games schedule features a variety of CMP’s own vintage and modern military rifle competitions such as John C. Garand, Springfield, Rimfire Sporter, Carbine and Vintage Sniper Matches. A 3×600 mid-range event will also be part of the 2023 calendar to allow for even more competitive challenges on the range.

All matches shot at the Highpower Range will use the KTS electronic aiming system. Last year, a competitor stated, “It’s been a few years since I attended the Eastern Games and I found the electronic goal system to be very easy to use and it definitely sped up the matches. I liked the ability to see squad and target positions with the competition information posted to the spreadsheets prior to the event, which helped with planning, etc.”

As with other Travel Games events, those who compete in the John C. Garand Match using M1 rifles as issued at CMP Travel Games will have the chance to win a GCA (Garand Collectors Association) Marksman’s Medal, Introduced in 2023. The GCA Marksmanship Medal works on an Achievement Award point system, based on performance in designated events.

Additionally, Eastern Games introduces the growing field of CMP pistol opportunities such as the Centerfire, .45 and .22 Pistol 900 Aggregates, along with the addition of Service Revolver EIC Match. The updated pistol series will join CMP’s already popular pistol events such as the 1911 As-Issued, Military & Police, Service Pistol and .22 Rimfire Pistol EIC matches.

Following the CMP Games events will be CMP High Power (HP) Rifle matches, comprised of 4-man, 80-shot teams and EIC rifle competitions. CMP HP Matches are ideal for those seeking a Distinguished Rifleman Badge or those looking to compete against some of the best marksmen in the country, although everyone is welcome to participate.

Quonset shelters located at Camp Butner will be available during games. It costs $5.00 per night for a bed and use of a shower. If you wish to stay at Quonset Huts, you must contact Christina Roguski at 419-635-2141 ext. 714 or [email protected] to be added to the housing list. SPACE IS LIMITED.

For more information on CMP Eastern Games and HP Rifle Matches, please visit the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/cmp-matches/eastern-cmp-games-cmp-hp-rifle-matches/. We hope to see you there!

CMP CLUB RETURN PROGRAM: Again this year, the CMP will have its Club Rebate Program, where $5.00 per competitor will be awarded to any CMP affiliated club that has 5 or more of its members attending and participating in CMP Eastern Games and HP CMP Rifle matches. Club members must present their club identification card at the event. To add pride to the matches, attendees can show their colors by bringing club flags to fly on the pitch throughout the event. If you would like to take advantage of this new program, please include the name of your CMP Club when you register online. Reminder, each club member must show a club ID card at the event, with 5 club members/minimum $25 prize from the same club for the club.

The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearms safety and marksmanship training and the promotion of marksmanship competition for United States citizens. To learn more about the CMP and its programs, log on to www.TheCMP.org.

Bass fishing fans will find a better-groomed Tennessee River when the Bassmaster Classic launches March 24-26, 2023, due to an extensive cleanup event led by Hobie® Eyewear fishing professional and classic qualifier Carl Jocumsen. .

The Fear My Heart River Cleanup, which stems from Jocumsen’s passion for the Tennessee River in fishing and other recreational uses, will take place on Sunday, March 12, on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, upstream of the launch site of the Classic. Hobie® Eyewear will be on site to assist in the cleanup effort and to support other participants. Support includes donating a FREE pair of sunglasses from the Hobie® Floating Collection to the first 20 people to sign a waiver and an additional 10 free pairs to random winners after the cleanup is complete. All participants will receive a $50 coupon for a pair of Hobie® Eyewear sunglasses.

Hobie® Eyewear, which recently partnered with Jocumsen, chose the floating collection for this effort because a key benefit of floating sunglasses is that pairs of these glasses that accidentally end up overboard can be salvaged and therefore protected. they do not become trash in a river or lake. The Floating Collection includes five models and several frame and lens color options.

Sustainability is a high priority for Hobie® Eyewear, which can be seen in the conscious efforts over the past year to reduce the use of single-use plastic in packaging and the continued development of ways to use eco-friendly packaging.

“We continue to research and test ways to use recycled materials in select product offerings and use environmentally friendly manufacturing and shipping methods,” said Dylan Coates, marketing manager for Hobie® Eyewear.

The Fear My Heart River Cleanup is being conducted in conjunction with Keep Tennessee River Beautiful and several other organizations and will take place from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 12 at Governor Ned McWherter/Riverside Park Landing, 1648 Riverside Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee.

Since 1982, Hobie® Eyewear has made being on the water easier and more enjoyable. – to pioneer a better, clearer, more accurate kind of vision. Fusing expertly crafted designs with premium polarization, durability, and innovative technologies has been instrumental, following in the footsteps of visionary creator Hobie Alter. Hobie’s growing catalog of products includes the Ultralight Floating Collection, HydroClean™ Repellent Lens Coatings and Quick Change Lenses to meet the needs of all outdoor enthusiasts. Learn more at www.hobieeyewear.es and continue your adventure in Facebook, instagram and Youtube in @HobieEyewear.

For more information please visit
WWW.HOBIEEYEWEAR.COM

Al’s Goldfish Lure Company, American designer and manufacturer of the classic Goldfish lure and other innovative fishing lures and accessories, will be exhibiting at the 19th Annual New England Saltwater Fishing Expo in Providence, Rhode Island. The event will take place March 10-12 at the Rhode Island Convention Center.

Al’s Goldfish Lure Company will be one of the leading manufacturers introducing products and services dedicated to the saltwater fishing enthusiast. It is the largest fair in the Northeast dedicated exclusively to this market. The fair is open to the public, so if people like what they see, most of the exhibitors will offer their wares for sale on the spot. Visitors will also be able to participate in excellent seminars, a casting area for children and other special activities.

“We encourage fairgoers to stop by, because in addition to having our full line of American-made lures, bonnets, trolling rigs, and other accessories, we’ll also have some special guests at our booth ready to discuss how to get the most out of Al’s eponymous products, which were developed based on his testing and input,” said Al’s owner Jeff DeBuigne.

On Saturday, March 11, Todd Corayer, the writer for Fish Wrap, will be filling in for Al. Todd is an outdoor communicator with a passion for fisherman advocacy and fisheries management. While many of us focus on getting on the water to enjoy our favorite pastime, Todd works to keep us informed about special interest and regulatory circumstances that may affect our ability to access and fish those waters. When Todd isn’t advocating for anglers and fisheries, he is a dedicated angler himself and the inspiration behind Al’s Saltwater Goldfish Fish Wrap Writer Special Edition. The Fish Wrap Goldfish comes in two sizes, 3/4 oz. to target species in shallow water, and a 1-1/4 oz. for casting beyond the breakers or deep jigging for bottom fish. Todd designed the Fish Wrap color pattern: a green back that reflects light well below the water’s surface for optimal visibility with a clear underside and black dots that mimic menhaden, a primary forage fish for all types of fish. predatory fish species, to target species such as striped bass, bluefish, sea bass, scup, cod, and haddock.

On Sunday March 12, Mike Wec, known to his social media followers as “Wicked Wec”, will be at Al’s booth to talk about the Al product he inspired, the Wicked Wec Hi-Low Rig (WWHLR). Mike is well known for being passionate about the outdoors, and the WWHLR is a prime example of Mike’s ingenuity in making the most of his time on the water. Mike developed a high-low rig using Saltwater Series Goldfish mounted on a double drop jumpsuit, with a heavier Goldfish on the bottom and a lighter Goldfish on top. The flash and action of the Goldfish draws the attention of bottom species such as flounder, black bass and even tautog. As a result of Mike’s success with this setup, Al made a ready-to-fish product and named it after him. “Wicked-Wec High-Low Rig” can be a bit tricky, but it is memorable and gives credit to our ambassador for promoting our products so successfully,” said DeBuigne.

Stop by to discuss tackling with the experts at Al, and as always, Al’s is also having special shows, so this is a great opportunity to stock up at great prices. Whether you’re an avid angler looking for new accessories, an experienced angler looking to upgrade your tackle box, or someone totally new to the sport of saltwater fishing looking to learn about the sport and get started, you’ll find everything you need at Al’s. Goldfish Lure Company Booth, #508. For more information on Al’s Goldfish Lure Company’s line of American-made products, visit www.alsgoldfish.com.

About Al’s Goldfish Lure Company
The company launched in 1952 with a single pioneering spoon lure, known as Stuart’s Goldfish, named after founder Al Stuart. The company’s flagship lure was renamed Al’s Goldfish in 1954, and by 1973 the popularity of the Goldfish lure skyrocketed to nearly a million lures sold in a year. Along the way, other popular lures, such as the Forty-Niner and Helgy, and hook-bonnet lure accessories were added to the company’s list of American-made products. In 2015 the line was expanded to include the Saltwater Goldfish series. In 2022, current owners Jeff and Mandy DeBuigne celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Goldfish lure. For more information on Al’s Goldfish Lure Company, visit www.alsgoldfish.com.

Turning 53 takes a toll on you mentally, and as my father-in-law likes to say, getting old is not for the weak. I jumped at the chance to try a sample provided by Roka’s company and have some new progressive glasses custom made for my eyes. This isn’t the first time I’ve had the opportunity to try out Roka equipment. We tried the transition pack from them just a few years ago, and that pack is still used today as a vital part of our travel kit.

ROKA Prescription Glasses Review

As a hunter and shooter, I want the best glasses I can afford for my eyes. Roka has long been known for making quality eyewear for the cycling and triathlete community, which is how we originally found Roka as a brand. The frames are very well made and extremely well built, and I have received a variety of compliments on them over the last six months of using them. I like how well they fit my face and how incredibly light they are. These glasses are also some of the easiest to keep clean, whereas the readers I had been using forever were difficult to keep clean.

ROKA glasses order

Ordering and choosing frames is a bit more difficult online, but Roka offers an easy-to-submit home trial package to have a selection of frames sent to you to try, and you can easily mail the samples back. The website is easy to navigate and each frame option has a large number of different color combinations allowing you to make informed decisions about what will work well with your eyes.

I chose progressive lenses for my glasses and out of the box they were outstanding. It took me about 2-3 weeks to get used to the progressive lenses, and I can wear them for all of my day-to-day life, except for sitting at my desk and working on my laptop and computer. I bought a new computer monitor this year, and the progressives make me hold my head up too high to wear those lenses, so I’m ordering a set of Roka LOCKHART frames specifically to use on my computer with the Trivex and Blue Light lenses. Protection in bourbon coloration. Why not put bright colors? The only time people will see me in these frames will be on zoom calls and our podcasting clips coming soon.

The frames come with spring loaded hinges, and the frames came with 3 different nose pad options that allowed me to position the glasses and prevent them from sliding up and down my nose. I found that whether it’s hot or cold, these glasses just don’t look out of place where you put them. When I contacted Roka, they told me that the material they use in their temple pads and nose pads is hydrophilic. They are chemical resistant and support forward and backward traction, so they do a better job of sitting into position.

Summary

Soon: Roka is hitting 1000 in my book. These frames have already been on my head for close to 7 months of testing, and they hold up exceptionally well. I expect them to last several years of daily use, and I like the quality enough to purchase the Lockhart frames as daily readers that will live and sit at my desk day to day to work. on my computer and typing. Roka offers a diverse selection of frames, tremendous options in lenses, coatings, and prescription offerings. It’s worth taking a moment to look at these prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses.

This is my first pair of prescription sunglasses, and I couldn’t have chosen a better company to work with than Tifosi. The quality of these lenses, coupled with some of the best frames I’ve ever owned, work exceptionally well as a complete package for me, and they look great too. While driving, I can see the speedometer and numbers on our Escort radar detector as we hit the road on our rides, and that was really why we reached for these glasses.

Tifosi sunglasses are an excellent option for anyone who needs prescription sunglasses. They offer high-quality lenses and stylish frames that make for a complete package. Tifosi sunglasses are an excellent choice, offering a full range of prescription options.

Overall, Tifosi sunglasses offer a great combination of style and functionality. I’ve been wearing reading glasses since the day I turned 40, and when I had to move my laptop to the ends of my reach, it was time for a change. At the age of 52, I finally had a comprehensive eye exam where I was convinced and shown that I needed more than just a pair of readers, so I got a full prescription this year and on the recommendation of multiple people. , I chose Tifosi specifically for my sunglasses prescription.

The whole process was easy. I logged in, chose my frames, my color, my prescription type, lens type, lens tint, coating, and then uploaded the prescription to their system and added it to cart. The glasses arrived quickly and I have been using them outdoors and on all my daytime trips for the last six months. I do not regret choosing these as my full time sunglasses.

I bought these with polarized lenses so I could use them for fly fishing and driving. I really like the brown frames on these glasses, they go with almost everything I wear, and most importantly, they help me see better in almost all conditions.

Looking for a quality set of prescription sunglasses? Take a serious look at the Tifosi Optics brand. Over the past 20 years, this brand has grown among the worlds of golf, cycling, and athletics with outstanding frames that can handle anything you throw at them. Advanced optics with an exceptional warranty that look good, what more could you ask for?

EDGEFIELD, SC — Five NWTF chapters received national awards for outstanding achievement in hunter recruitment, retention and reactivation. The R3 Award is given to chapters that facilitate hunting heritage events, including JAKES, Wheelin’ Sportsmen and Women in the Outdoors, focused on attracting new hunters to the field.

Representatives of the Longbeards chapter of Henry County, Virginia; Maryland State Chapter, Gator Gobblers, Florida Chapter; Monocacy Valley, Maryland chapter; and the Arizona State Chapter accepted the R3 Awards during the NWTF’s 50th Anniversary Celebration at its 47th Annual NWTF Sports Convention & Expo, sponsored by Mossy Oak.

NWTF chapter events across the country are vital because the number of hunters in the US has declined at an alarming rate over the past 30 years, a trend that could jeopardize the conservation of natural resources.

State chapters received recognition for the following events:

Henry County Longbeards – JAKES Annual Youth Day Turkey Hunt

2022 was the fifth year that the Henry County Longbeards Chapter held its Youth Weekend Turkey Hunt. Since the event’s inception, it has steadily grown to what it is today. Nine hunters, assisted by 14 mentors, had the opportunity to capture a wild turkey. This event has been a staple event for the Henry County Longbeards, who hope to continue to enhance the event for the benefit of the R3 movement.

The mission, ‘The NWTF is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage,’ means everything to me and the committee members of the Henry County Longbeards of Virginia,” said Jeff McCambridge, chapter president. of Henry County Longbeards. “Henry County Longbeards understand the importance of this mission as our hunter numbers have steadily declined over the past few years. That’s why it’s our passion within the chapter to introduce our hunting and outdoor heritage to as many as possible. We especially focus on our members JAKES and WITO. We have come to learn over the years that if we can get JAKES and women involved in more outdoor activities, we can and will produce more licensed hunters. This in itself will have a direct impact on the mission of the NWTF! It is a great honor to receive the 2023 R3 National Award.

Monocacy Valley Chapter – JAKES Day

Last spring, the chapter hosted its annual JAKES event with 102 youth in attendance. The day began with trout fishing in a pond stocked for the event. At lunch, all the youth received a turkey call as a gift and enjoyed hot dogs and hamburgers. After lunch, everyone broke into smaller groups and rotated through five stations: Woods Walk, Shotgun Pattern, Archery, Retriever Demonstration, and Turkey Singing. At the end of the day, the volunteers held a random drawing for the guided hunts that took place on youth day. Chapter representatives were able to capture 31 youth this year, 18 of whom were first-time hunters and 11 of whom were blessed to brand a turkey.

“There are many chapters across the country that are doing great things for the mission of the NWTF,” said Russ Lieth, president of the Moncocacy Valley chapter and coordinator of the Maryland save the hunt. “The Monocacy Valley Chapter is truly honored to be recognized again for our efforts to preserve our hunting heritage. The entire chapter takes pride in knowing that what we do for our youth is appreciated.”

NWTF Maryland State Chapter: First Shot Guided Hunt

The Maryland State Chapter of the NWTF hosted its First Shot Mentored Deer Hunt for the fourth year in a row. Twenty-five new adult hunters were randomly selected from a pool of more than 80 applicants. Due to COVID-19 restrictions on federal land, the chapter adapted and held hunting seminars and workshops virtually. The mentors were able to meet in person and review firearms safety and practice at the shooting range. Despite some flooding and other challenges from a hurricane, the chapter’s volunteers rose to the occasion: 23 hunters were successful over the course of two days of hunting.

“The Maryland State Chapter is extremely proud of our First Shot program and the impact it has had on recruiting new hunters,” said Russ Leith, Monocacy Valley chapter president and Maryland save the hunt coordinator. “Last October we celebrated the fifth anniversary of the program and in that time we have introduced more than 150 new adults to the hunt. Thank you so much to all the dedicated volunteers and mentors who are determined to make a difference, now and in the future.”

Arizona State Chapter – Robbins Butte Dove Hunt for Families

Arizona Wheelin’ Sportsmen partnered with the Arizona Department of Fish and Game for a family and handicapped dove hunt. Volunteers provided breakfast pastries and a lunch for all workers and attendees, and three families and three disabled hunters attended for a total of 22 people.

“Our R3 work is something we try to implement at every event we participate in, from our JAKES camp in the spring, to our youth and Wheelin sportsman dove hunts in the fall and everything in between,” said the Chapter president. of the State of Arizona. . “Our chapters have towed our ‘JAKES take aim’ trailer across the state for use at outdoor shows, youth events and hunts. We talk about R3 at all of our turkey call and hunt banquets and seminars, our water catchment projects and just about everything the Arizona State Chapter is involved in.”

alligator gobblers

The Gator Gobblers host three youth, three women’s, and two college hunting weekends throughout the year, exclusively for new hunters. The chapter has a dedicated group of volunteers to help guide, four certified range instructors for the shooting range, two biologists to help educate new hunters on the game, and a full team of cooks that keeps everyone well fed. Just last year, the chapter had a total of 103 new hunters participating in its hunts.

“We are honored to receive an award of this caliber as our chapter strives to uphold the motto of ‘Recruit, Retain, Reactivate,’” said Missie Schneider, president of the Gator Gobblers Chapter. “The Gator Gobblers host several guided outreach hunts each year that focus on recruiting new youth, female, and college hunters. We all share a passion for the outdoors and pass that passion on to others. What we get is a sense of accomplishment seeing the smiles of those new hunters and knowing that the legacy of hunting will continue for years to come. The most rewarding aspect is that the children we mentor become mentors.”

“Whether they are youth, adults or others from non-traditional and underserved backgrounds, introducing people from all walks of life to the hunting and outdoor community is integral to our mission,” said NWTF Co-Executive Director , Kurt Dyroff. “We are thankful for our chapters that keep their events engaging and fun. We are proud to honor these chapters with R3 Awards for their great work.”

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 NWTF ^he anniversary and an opportunity to push the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. for his 50 ^he 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.

EDGEFIELD, SC — The Partnership Achievement Awards were presented to local and state NWTF chapters that collaborated with individuals, businesses, agencies, or non-governmental organizations to host hunting-related events, including JAKES, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, or Women’s events. in the Outdoors.

Representatives from local NWTF chapters in Arizona, Texas, Minnesota and New Jersey received NWTF Association Awards during 50 years of the NWTF.^he 47th anniversary celebration^he NWTF annual convention and sports extravaganza, sponsored by Mossy Oak.

“Collaboration is essential to broaden the scope of our mission delivery and achieve the greatest possible impact,” said NWTF Co-Executive Director Kurt Dyroff. “We are proud to award our Arizona, Minnesota, Texas and New Jersey chapters with Partnership Awards for collaborating and forging new partnerships that help us accomplish our mission.”

This year’s winners received the Partnership Award for the following collaborative events:

New Jersey WITO Section – Adult Guided Turkey Hunt

The US Fish and Wildlife Service co-sponsored an adult turkey hunting workshop with the NWTF and backcountry hunters and fishermen at the agency’s Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge.

Hunters participated in a shooting and range safety workshop, as well as a turkey biology and habitat workshop presented by retired biologist Bob Eriksen, known for call from turkey readers like Dr. Tom. Refuge staff discussed hunting opportunities at the refuge and FWS Police discussed safety, rules and regulations.

“This award highlights the time, effort and dedication of not only our volunteers and chapter members, but also our partners who walk alongside us in our goal of getting people outdoors,” said Cristina McGannon-Jones. , NWTF WITO Chapter President in New Jersey. “Our chapter has worked tirelessly to bring together partners from other NGOs, as well as agencies, and even one of the Future Farmers of America from our local high school. Our chapter and partners work hard to offer complete guided hunting experiences to new or new hunters. One of the most important goals is to highlight publicly accessible hunting opportunities, whether in state-owned wildlife management areas or on federal refuge property. This allows our hunters to gain confidence in hunting on public land with a mentor, but we also go a step further and offer workshops that highlight how to find public land to hunt.”

Minnesota State Chapter – Alexandria Youth Activity Day 2022

The Minnesota State Chapter of the NWTF co-sponsored Minnesota Youth Outdoors Day in Alexandria for the fifth year, introducing flocks of youth interested in conservation, turkey hunting and the robust mentorship hunting program of the state chapter.

The annual Youth Outdoors Day is a free, family-friendly event designed to provide youth with a fun environment to learn about outdoor recreation in its many forms. Activities included trapping, hunting, angling, fishing, ax throwing, archery, and more.

“Every year we are losing a tradition that many of us grew up with,” said Ralph Warzecha, NWTF Minnesota Save the Hunt coordinator. “Our Youth Activity Day features thousands of kids outdoors year after year. We are incredibly proud of our partnership that makes this event possible.”

Texas Chapters: Kaufman Co. Double Beards, Cross Timbers, and Cottonwood Creek Chapters

This was the fourth year that local NWTF chapters have been able to organize a search for children with physical disabilities between the ages of 13 and 18. The hunt takes place in a 2,400-acre area administered by the Army Corps of Engineers, which is only open for hunts like this. With two morning hunts and two evening hunts, participants have plenty of opportunities to see and hunt deer, and the hunt has become a moving and life-changing event.

Partners included the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Hunt for Cure, and the Army Corps of Engineers.

“The Association Award means a lot to me and our chapter because it shows we had a successful event,” said Chris Womack, NWTF Kaufman Co. chapter president. “Being able to combine three local chapters means more volunteers to help, on the ground , with the event. ‘It takes a village’ is a true statement. Then working with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to get deer survey numbers and MLD permits, as well as Game Wardens helping out during the event. We could not hold the event without the Army Corps of Engineers allowing us to hunt on their property. They also had staff members that helped with the event area. Of course, we also needed disabled youth to go hunting. We did another great partnership with a non-profit group, Texas Hunt for the Cure, to place children to participate. In addition to the wonderful partnerships of the past few years, what is most gratifying is the impact this hunt has on children and their families.”

Arizona State Chapter – Marvin Robbins Juvenile Turkey Hunt

The event provides children and their families with the opportunity to learn about the outdoors and turkey hunting. It’s all-inclusive, including seminars explaining turkey hunting and the great outdoors, information about the NWTF, and offers prizes for everyone. Youth mentoring is provided with an emphasis on first-time hunters and very often the entire family of participants experiences the enjoyment of hunting.

Partners included Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation, the Arizona State Chapter of the NWTF, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and Prescott Hunters Education.

“We are incredibly proud of the great partnerships we have in Arizona,” said Arizona State Chapter President Roy Crain. “It is through our dedicated volunteers and NWTF staff who have forged these partnerships that allow us to create such enriching events.”

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 NWTF ^he anniversary and an opportunity to push the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. for his 50 ^he 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.

Online self-paced curriculum for high school students interested in conservation careers

In partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Bellevue University, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever officially launched their Journey to Conservation Careers (J2CC) curriculum with an engaged audience of high school students. venues at the recently completed National Pheasant Fest & Quail. Classic in Minneapolis. The learning initiative is designed to introduce wildlife conservation as a field of study and a career.

“As an organization, we recognize the importance of meeting students where they are and making conservation relevant to everyone,” said Marissa Jensen, conservation leadership program manager for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “Journey to Conservation Careers is a comprehensive resource that provides online curriculum, career fairs, and hands-on experience to develop natural resource professionals for the future.”

AnnMarie Krmpotich, state coordinator for the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, said, “The US Fish and Wildlife Service is proud to partner with Journey to Conservation Careers to create more opportunities that introduce people to the wildlife conservation and the diversity of skills needed in our workforce. The conservation community is no different than other businesses in that we need talented people to achieve our missions, and having a strong portfolio is critical to our conservation success.”

J2CC’s public launch included experts in the field of conservation—PR professionals, outdoor educators, USFWS K9 officers, Quail Forever biologists, and more—who spoke about specific career paths in the outdoors. Similarly, the creators of the program outlined the various courses available to students, including grassland habitat, ecology, and biology.

“Watching the students interact with the variety of professionals was inspiring during the J2CC session, a proof of concept that we as a conservation community need to come together and be innovative to reach more people to demonstrate the portfolio of conservation options. careers in conservation,” added Krmpotich. .

Additionally, Journey to Conservation Careers prioritizes communities historically underrepresented in conservation and breaks down barriers to participation. Whether a student is interested in getting involved as an individual or a teacher wants to focus on a particular curriculum, the opportunities that J2CC offers are wide-ranging. To increase accessibility, J2CC features a self-paced online curriculum so students have time to complete courses over the phone or computer. The final offer for people who complete the certification is the opportunity to follow the work of a conservation professional in their local area.

For more information about Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Journey to Conservation Careers, visit the website or contact Marissa Jensen at [email protected].

About Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever make up the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. This community of more than 400,000 members, supporters, and partners is dedicated to protecting our highlands through habitat improvement, public access, education, and advocacy. A network of 754 local chapters spread across North America determine how 100 percent of their locally raised funds are spent—the only national conservation organization to operate through this grassroots structure. Since its inception in 1982, the organization has dedicated more than $1 billion to more than 575,000 habitat projects benefiting 24 million acres.