Category: Blog

Federal Duck Stamp has raised more than $1.2 billion for habitat conservation

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Ducks Unlimited (DU), and Bass Pro Shops hosted a live event on Friday, June 23 to celebrate the first day of sale for the 2023-24 Federal Duck Stamp. .

The stamps, which cost $25 and raise about $40 million for conservation annually, are valid from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.

Purchased by millions of waterfowl hunters, wildlife enthusiasts and stamp collectors each year, duck stamps provide critical funding to purchase and protect wetlands and associated habitat for ducks, geese and other wildlife.

“There is arguably no better return on investment for conservation than the Duck Stamp, and hunters are the biggest reason,” said DU CEO Adam Putnam. “But whether you’re an avid waterfowl fan, a frequent visitor to America’s National Wildlife Refuges, a collector, or just someone who appreciates our natural places, everyone has a compelling reason to buy a stamp. With more than a billion dollars raised for conservation since 1934, the impact of stamp sales goes far beyond waterfowl habitat—it benefits countless other wildlife, the environment, and our communities. We encourage everyone to purchase a Duck Stamp and help us preserve our valuable wetland resources.”

The 2023-2024 Federal Migratory Bird Conservation and Hunting Stamp, commonly known as the Duck Stamp, features artist Joseph Hautman’s winning acrylic painting of a trio of tundra swans soaring over a wetland. The Plymouth, Minnesota artist won the stamp contest for a record-tying sixth time.

The 2023-2024 Junior Duck Stamp features a hooded merganser image created by Linyue “Mila” Tong. More than 3,000 juvenile duck stamps are sold annually for $5 each to help promote conservation education through art.

Officials from Hautman, Tong, Putnam and USFWS gathered at the DU Waterfowling Heritage Center inside the Bass Pros Shops at the Memphis Pyramid to celebrate the first day of the sale.

“I am truly honored to be the first person this year to purchase both a federal and a youth stamp. This is one of the easiest ways to join a conservation movement, and I encourage others to join me,” said Jerome Ford, deputy director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Migratory Bird Program. very proud to support this program and contribute to the conservation of wetlands throughout the country”.

Since the Federal Duck Stamp was created in 1934, sales have raised more than $1.2 billion to conserve more than 6 million acres of bird and wildlife habitat and provide hunting and other recreational opportunities at national wildlife refuges.

By purchasing Federal Duck Stamps and supporting Ducks Unlimited, waterfowl hunters and other conservationists help ensure that farmers and ranchers can protect threatened wetlands and grasslands on working lands essential to maintaining healthy waterfowl populations.

Ducks Unlimited has conserved, protected and restored 16 million acres, or more than 25,000 square miles, of habitat in North America. This impressive number could not have been achieved without the tireless efforts of the millions of Ducks Unlimited supporters, volunteers, partners and staff members who have been a part of the organization for the past 86 years.

Waterfowl hunters 16 years and older must purchase and carry a duck stamp while hunting. A duck stamp also provides free admission to National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) open to the public. Duck stamps are sold nationwide at post offices, NWR, and sporting goods stores. You can also buy electronic versions of the duck stamp online. Click here for more information.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world‘North America’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving vanishing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 16 million acres thanks to the contributions of more than one million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of enough wetlands to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow, and forever. For more information about our work, visit www.patos.org.

Each year, high school student-athletes participating in marksmanship programs can apply for monetary support for their commitment to hard work on and off the line of fire through CMP Scholarships. These scholarships can be used to pursue post-secondary education or vocational programs while continuing CMP’s mission of supporting young shooters.

Since 2005, the CMP has annually offered $1,000 one-year scholarships to high school seniors based on academic merit, humanitarian efforts, extracurricular activities, and participation in marksmanship. Remarkably, in 2023, CMP awarded four annual $5,000 scholarships ($20,000 over four years) to the top four applicants, as determined by members of the CMP Scholarship Committee. The scholarships commemorate the retirement of longtime CMP Board members Judith Legerski, Jon Bengston, and Harry Sieben who dedicated themselves to sustaining youth activities, along with the memory of Dr. Carolyn Hines, who was instrumental in the construction of the scholarship program.

Here, learn more about the Top 4 Picked Marksmanship Athletes of 2022.

Charles Bratton–Harry Sieben Scholarship:

Charles Bratton, 18, of Clover, SC, is an Air Force JROTC athlete from Clover High School. A precision air rifle and small-bore competitor, Bratton captained his team and won several national gold medals. He claims the rifle has taught him leadership and collaboration, saying, “While shooting is as much a mental sport as it is a physical one, team success is just as important, if not more so, than individual achievement.” He plans to attend Harvard University, hoping to become a neurosurgeon or work in medical research. Because of his affiliation with the JROTC, Bratton was selected for the Harry Sieben Scholarship.

Emma-Katherine “Emma” Lawrence – Judith Legerski Scholarship:

Emma Lawrence, 18, of Shelbyville, Ky., is a Shelby County High School athlete. In the air rifle and small bore, she has won multiple Kentucky Junior Olympic Women’s State Championship titles in both air and small bore and is also a 4-H state champion. She says that marksmanship has taught her self-discipline, time management, and organization. In the future, Lawrence will attend Murray State University, where she will study law enforcement and compete as a member of the school’s rifle team. Because of her experience in 4-H, an organization important to Ms. Legerski, Lawrence was selected for the Judith Legerski Scholarship.

Allison Zane – Jon Bengston Scholarship:

Allison Zane, 17, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, graduated from Montour High School. A high-powered, small-bore rifle athlete, she helped earn first place in the women’s world team champion division at the 2022 Precision Rifle Worlds in France, among several other regional and national podium finishes. She plans to attend Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College in the fall while studying engineering, with a focus on pharmaceuticals, with a desire to impact the world through meaningful medical work. Because of her high-powered experience, Zane was chosen for the Jon Bengston Scholarship.

Suman Sanghera – Dr. Carolyn Hines Memorial Scholarship:

Suman Sanghera, 17, of Great Falls, Virginia, is a pistol competitor for NOVA Sharpshooters. She is the #1 ranked 10 meter air pistol athlete in the US and won the 2024 Paris Olympics quota. She holds a national record and has won numerous gold medals throughout the career of her According to Sanghera, marksmanship has taught him poise, precision, mindfulness and perseverance. This fall she will attend Ohio State University as a member of the pistol team and will study to become a medic. Since Sanghera exemplifies the exact ideals that Dr. Hines stood for: a community-involved, intelligent athlete continuing her shooting career through an NCAA team, she was selected for the Memorial Scholarship of Dr. Carolyn Hines.

In addition to the top 4 applicants, the CMP Scholarship Committee chose the following top 20 applicants, each receiving a one-time $5,000 scholarship.

Ella Allen (Brentwood, TN), Emily Buck (Alabaster, AL), Elijah Butler (Austin, TX), Katrina Demerle (Hamilton, OH), Nathan Engman (Albertville, MN), Dylan Gregory (Naperville, IL), Madelyn Lee (Dawsonville, GA), Maggie Mizelle (Sylacauga, AL), Leah Mueller (Iola, KS), Casia Steinhaus (Devils Lake, ND), Ariana Sun (Honolulu, HI), Ryan Wee (Wake Forest, NC), Isabella Baldwin (Nashville, TN), Reese Burnett (Pierre Part, LA), Bremen Butler (Fort Wayne, IN), Esther Moore (Bentonville, AK), Julia Oubre (Acworth, GA), Leo Veatch (Agate, CO), Vincent Xu (Andover, MA) and Samantha Zermeno (Fort Mill, SC).

Learn more about the CMP Scholarships and view the full list of 2023-2024 recipients at https://thecmp.org/youth/cmp-scholarship-program/.

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.

Federal Ammunition announces new line options for the HST family of products with the addition of the Personal Defense HST 357 Magnum and 327 Federal Magnum. Continuing to build on an already extensive line of self defense ammunition options, the addition of these magnum loads provides users with a reliable and effective self defense option for revolvers: HST Self Defense | federal cousin.

“When it comes to choosing a caliber for self defense, the 357 Magnum and 327 Federal Magnum continue to be popular choices,” said Nick Sachse, Federal Director of Ammunition Weapons Products. “A major reason for the continued popularity of these calibers is the preference to carry a revolver for everyday carry. We are excited to add these new loads to the already proven line of HST Personal Defense small arms ammunition.”

Reliability is key, especially when it comes to choosing self defense ammunition. To remove any doubt about performance, the 357 HST Magnum and 327 Federal Magnum feature a nickel-plated case for long-term corrosion resistance. The high performance primer and primer seal ensure a consistent ignition when it is needed most.

“Users who want to carry a self-defense magnum caliber want to take full advantage of it. The purpose-built 104-grain 327 Federal Magnum and 154-grain 357 Magnum HST jacketed hollow points were engineered to get the most out of magnum cartridges with consistent terminal performance,” Sachse continued. “From a terminal performance standpoint, these magnum cartridges provide energy that allows for excellent penetration and expansion. And like all HST bullets, this performance can be trusted through heavy clothing.”

The 357 HST Magnum and 327 Federal Magnum join an already proven line of HST self defense products including 30 Super Carry, 9mm Luger, 9mm Luger +P, 357 SIG, 40 S&W, 10mm Auto, 45 Auto and 45 Auto +P.

Part Number / Description / MSRP

P327HST1S / 327 Federal Magnum HST JHP, 104 Grain, 20 Count / $39.99

P357HST1S / 357 Magnum HST JHP, 154-grain, 20-pack / $44.99

For more information on all Federal Ammunition products or to purchase online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Any amount of time in the woods is tough on the team. With modern fabrics commanding high prices, it’s important to protect yourself for seasons to come. To improve the entire odor control system, Scent Thief® developed a laundry detergent that cleans hunting gear and maximizes performance.

Many technical hunting fabrics start to sacrifice performance after heavy use. To fix this, a product was needed that would clean fabrics without leaving a scent that deer could detect. The answer was Scent Thief’s patented “No Odor” technology. Unlike traditional odorless laundry detergents, Scent Thief’s detergent is designed to be smelled by deer. The unique formula temporarily disables a deer’s sense of smell instead of using chemicals to mask human scent. Washing clothes with this detergent before a hunt is not a mistake!

The result is a product that gives hunters the advantage in all conditions, including strong and swirling winds. Scent Thief Laundry Detergent is phosphate-free and safe for technical fibers, carbon and wool garments. The detergent is safe for the skin and the environment. Clothes will last for their intended use, as Scent Thief’s laundry detergent will not compromise the life of your hunting clothes.

Scent Thief Laundry Detergent is available in a 32 oz container and is recommended for use with the rest of the Scent Thief product line. Go unnoticed in the woods while keeping your base layers and camo clean!

Scent Thief Laundry Detergent Features:

• without phosphates
• Features patented “No Odor” technology
• Ingredients are safe for skin, clothing, and the environment.
• Combine with the complete Scent Thief line for complete coverage

Scent Thief Laundry Detergent Specifications:

About Scent Thief

Scent Thief is a double patented formula that eliminates an animal’s ability to smell without using enzymes, masking scents, chemicals or ozone. With over 20 years of research and field testing, Scent Thief effectively keeps hunters in the game. Scent Thief addresses the problem of human odor differently than its competitors by targeting the area of ​​the nose responsible for smell. By concentrating on this area of ​​the nose and relaxing it, Scent Thief blocks the signal that triggers danger in any animal with a sense of smell. Made in EE.UU.

For more information please visit
WWW.SCENTTHIEF.COM

EDGEFIELD, SC — Earlier this year, the National Wild Turkey Federation began a pilot program as part of the 20-year national master management agreement with the USDA Forest Service. This program, called the Timber Transport Pilot, was intended to address the ongoing wildfire crisis while contributing to the conservation of wild turkey habitat in the West. Their success paves the way for future projects throughout the western region.

He wooden transport pilot began with harvesting stumpage in the Klamath National Forest of northern California. The harvested logs were then trucked to Gilchrist Forest Products in Gilchrest, Oregon, where they were tested for size and the presence of a fungus infestation known as “blue spot.” Records that met the required criteria were landed for insect and disease control. The logs were then transported to the Burlington Northern rail siding in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and loaded into modernized and sleeper rail cars to begin the 1,490-mile journey to Upton, Wyoming.

After the 30-day train journey, the logs reached their destination in Wyoming on June 13. The next day, the logs were offloaded onto trucks for transport to the Neiman Sawmill in Hulett, Wyoming. At this plant, the logs will be processed into “glossy pine” boards, which will then be sold to Andersen Windows.

The Timber Transport Pilot has fostered collaboration among various partners, including the Forest Service, the California Deer Association, and Neiman Enterprises, Inc. By working together, these organizations have underscored the importance of partnerships and shared stewardship to mitigate the significant threat posed by forest fires and promote long-term forest restoration.

The NWTF’s participation in the timber transport pilot program aligns with its commitment to conserve wild turkey habitat and address the wildfire crisis. By partnering with the Forest Service and implementing the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, the NWTF seeks to extend its conservation efforts beyond traditional forest management and address the broader challenge of mitigating wildfire fuels across the 90 million acres of Forest Service lands in need of forest restoration.

“This is NWTF’s opportunity to be part of the solution to what is an American problem, not just a USFS problem,” said Tom Spezze, NWTF’s national director of state policy/field conservation. “This crisis has been a spectator sport for far too long and the NWTF is leading all national conservation NGOs in this effort.”

Wild Turkey Improvement habitat through the implementation of this pilot program has also been a key focus for the NWTF and its partners. The excessive abundance of timber in California has led to significant degradation of wild turkey habitats, with an alarming increase in the number of trees per acre. The optimum range of 50-75 trees per acre for favorable wildlife habitat has been exceeded, reaching 500-1,000 trees per acre. This dense tree cover not only exacerbates fuel buildup, but also intensifies the risk of catastrophic wildfires, posing a serious threat to wildlife habitats.

Additionally, in the Black Hills National Forest, the pressing need to maintain mill operations for the sake of the local economy has resulted in overharvesting of ponderosa pine. This practice jeopardizes the delicate balance necessary to maintain suitable habitats for wild turkeys.

Overall, the project has begun to alleviate California’s overabundance of trees, mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires, improve wildlife habitat, and support the economic needs of the Wyoming mill. By harvesting timber from California’s overgrown forests and transporting it to the factory in Wyoming, the Timber Transportation Pilot has created a win-win situation for all parties involved.

The NWTF is currently working on implementing side project agreements in the Rocky Mountain region and the Pacific Northwest region. These agreements are intended to expand the scope of the timber transport pilot by incorporating additional timber sales and pivoting the NWTF into other wildfire crisis strategy efforts.

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 its 50th anniversary celebration, the NWTF has set itself 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. Learn how you can help us achieve these lofty goals.

Ontario Knife Company® (OKC®), the esteemed brand that boasts a rich heritage of over 130 years of crafting high-quality, functional knives and tools, and is proud to introduce its latest innovation, the CF100 folder. Designed for everyday carry, this stylish and versatile knife combines exceptional materials and expert workmanship, making it an essential companion for every adventure.

The OKC CF100 press brake features an eye-catching combination of features, including a spearhead-style blade profile and a stainless steel frame-lock handle. Expertly crafted from 14C28N steel with carbon fiber inlays, its blade ensures impressive sharpness and strength for any cutting task. The OKC CF100 not only serves as a reliable tool, but is also a testament to fine craftsmanship, making it a piece to proudly display when the occasion calls for it to flaunt your new binder.

With an overall length of 7.34 inches (and a blade length of 3.13 inches), the CF100 press brake strikes the sweet spot between being compact and practical. So whether you’re braving the concrete jungle or venturing into the great outdoors, this adaptable folding knife is designed to fit your active lifestyle, making sure you always have a reliable cutting tool by your side.

“The Ontario Knife Company has a rich history of delivering high-quality knives for every adventure, and the CF100 folder is no exception to this legacy,” said David Fenske, Vice President of the Ontario Knife Company. “With its fusion of style and functionality, this knife embodies our commitment to making exceptional tools that meet the needs of our customers.”

Founded in 1889, the Ontario Knife Company® is an award-winning manufacturer of knives, cutlery and tools that has operated in upstate New York for more than 125 years. OKC® produces a wide range of tools, including cutlery and cookware, hunting and fishing knives, machetes, survival and rescue gear, scientific and medical tools, and tactical knives. OKC has a long tradition of manufacturing knives and tools for the US Army, producing high-quality equipment that has seen continuous service since World War II. In addition to being a major supplier to the US Military, OKC leverages a network of major distributors, dealers, and commercial retailers to sell its products nationally and internationally in more than 35 countries. Jericho® Tool, OKC’s custom manufacturing division, advances capabilities that include a broad spectrum of machining, tool and die, and injection molding operations to provide OEM and private label manufacturing services for consumer and industrial goods. Collectively, OKC’s product lines and manufacturing services reach the Housewares, Sporting Goods, Tactical, Security, Police and First Responder, Educational, Scientific and Medical, and Industrial and Agricultural industries.

For more information about the Ontario Knife Company and its industry-leading line of advanced knives, machetes, sharps, and specialty tools, contact the Ontario Knife Company at PO Box 145-26 Empire Street Franklinville, NY 14737 Phone (716) 676-5527 · Or visit www.ontarioknife.com. Ontario Knife Company is a subsidiary of publicly traded Servotronics, Inc. (NYSE MKT – SVT).

KOR^®known for inventing and patenting the only universal gun storage carry system, the VRS^® (Vacuum Rigid Structure), is proud to support the Extreme Adventures Long Range Shooting Team with the donation of a KOR 5R Universal Firearm Carrier System. Founded by Toby Prudhomme, a retired disabled military veteran, Extreme Adventures is a 501(c)(19) non-profit organization that provides outdoor experiences and adventures for disabled veterans and their families.

“An important pillar of KOR’s mission is to support our American veterans and show our appreciation for their service and many sacrifices,” stated GP Searle, KOR’s founder. “Extreme Adventures provides disabled veterans with recreational and social opportunities that build trust, friendships and memories, and we are proud to support them as they bring fun to the lives of those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy,” he added.

According to Prudhomme, “I’m an amputee myself, and Extreme Adventures shows other vets that if a one-legged person can do it, anyone can do it. With the help of people like GP and KOR, we get people involved in something that gets them off the couch, requires discipline, and helps them realize that anything is possible.”

“Last year, we provided veterans with antelope hunts in Wyoming, elk hunts in Idaho and elk hunts in Montana,” Prudhomme said. “Today, we are assembling a competitive ELR team of disabled veterans, and KOR reached out to help us out.”

KOR’s VRS Gun Case Inserts offer endless customization options for carrying gear by replacing the bottom foam layer. The insert secures weapons and gear by adjusting to the contents and offering a custom carry solution for virtually any long gun. By eliminating the need to cut and store foam inserts, VRS offers a versatile and eco-friendly option in one product, “and saves time, money and storage space,” Searle said.

“The KOR VRS insert is a game changer for our shooting team and for me as a competitor,” Prudhomme commented. “It eliminates the headache of multiple cases and foam cutouts for various shooting activities. I don’t need to stock different foam inserts or foam modular pieces for PRS matches, ELR matches, and 3-gun matches that I shoot or when I travel to the field to hunt. A KOR insert case does it all. Just open the valve, change your firearms and accessories, and suck the air in. If you own more than one weapon, you should definitely buy a KOR insert,” he suggested.

To learn more about KOR and the innovative VRS Universal Gun Cases, visit www.korcases.com. Follow us on social networks on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

ON EXTREME ADVENTURES

Extreme Adventures is a 501(c)(19) veteran’s nonprofit organization founded to enhance the lives of American veterans through recreational and social opportunities that re-engage them in the activities they love and unite them with people they love. share similar backgrounds and experiences. . Many of our nation’s veterans who answered the call to fight returned wounded, sick and injured. Now it is our job to defend those who defended us. Since many of today’s veterans grew up on American hobbies like hunting, fishing, and shooting sports, we bring them together with the activities they love and connect them with other veterans. This shared camaraderie leads to unprecedented levels of healing and togetherness. We depend on donors to help make our programs possible. Learn more at www.xtremeadventures.org.

ABOUT KOR

KOR^®develops state-of-the-art technology to solve transportation and storage systems for outdoor enthusiasts. KOR’s patented Vacuum Rigidity Structure (VRS^®) provides an environmentally friendly and reusable option for carrying weapons, optics, and equipment. KOR is a proud American small business in Arizona. KOR’s values ​​of integrity, craftsmanship, conservation and education make us different. We donate a percentage of gross sales to wildlife conservation, education, and support for our veterans. KOR is committed to developing and strengthening a community of like-minded, proactive athletes.

A MULTI-FACED COMPANY READY FOR EXPANSION AND DIVERSIFICATION

Smith’s Consumer Products Edge Experts draw on 137 years of experience to achieve success in the field, on the water, in the store and at the kitchen table. Born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Smith’s Consumer Products began in 1886 as a manufacturer of sharpening tools based on Novaculite, a natural stone found in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas.

Smith’s history of producing exceptional sharpeners served as the platform for designing and manufacturing a wide range of specialty knife and tool offerings, designed with anglers, hunters, hikers, and campers in mind. Now, Smith’s Consumer Products launches the Smith’s Sporting Group, a multi-faceted company ready to expand and diversify in support of a lifetime of outdoor adventures.

“Smith’s Consumer Products has worked tirelessly to develop a wide range of high-quality knives, tools, and sharpeners to help anglers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts find success, both in the field and at the table,” he notes. Ricky Dukes, Vice President of Marketing at Smith’s Sporting Group. “Our launch of Smith’s Sporting Group, the new home of Smith’s Consumer Products, sets the stage for new directions and future acquisitions as we strive to meet the needs of everyone who works and plays outdoors.”

“Although Smith has historically focused on sharpening products, we have always shared a great love for tools that provide the edge every passionate outdoor adventurer needs to succeed,” continues Dukes. “We are very excited to launch Smith’s Sporting Group, which will build on the quality and reputation of Smith’s Consumer Products as we reach new markets and connect with new groups of enthusiastic consumers.”

Products currently offered by Smith’s Sporting Group include sharpeners, knives, tools and accessories from Edge Experts at Smith’s Consumer Products. Brands currently included in Smith’s portfolio include FireWire, Kitchen IQ and Sabre. They are available at all major physical and online retailers from coast to coast.

“Through the formation of Smith’s Sporting Group, we are expanding on a 137-year legacy of providing superior products for outdoor sports enthusiasts. The name is appropriate for new growth as we expand our product offerings and develop additional consumer markets,” said Mike Taylor, CEO of Smith’s Consumer Products. “We are very excited about this new vision and will share more news from Smith’s Sporting Group in the near future,” added Taylor.

ABOUT THE SMITH SPORTS GROUP

Smith’s Sporting Group is a multifaceted and diversified company that supports a lifetime of outdoor activities. The new home of Smith’s Consumer Products is an Arkansas-based company that designs and manufactures a wide range of tools for the outdoor enthusiast, as well as knives for everyday carry, tactical, shop, kitchen, hunting needs. and fishing.

As the NWTF continues to celebrate its 50th^he Anniversary, the organization’s volunteers in the Garden State take a holistic approach to fulfilling the NWTF mission.

What started as an idea turned into an unprecedented fundraising event raising thousands of dollars for conservation, underscoring what can happen when volunteers come together for a cause.

“We wanted to celebrate our 50^he Anniversary in a way that got people excited, but would also raise significant funds for our conservation work,” said Louis Gambale, board member of the NWTF Tri-County Long Beards chapter and former president of the New State chapter. Sweater. “Custom calls are always a hit, and we were lucky to have renowned call maker Mike Lapp donate 14 custom calls to our event.”

Thanks to the generosity of Lapp’s donation, the Tri-County Longbeards auctioned off all 14 calls online, raising nearly $10,000 for conservation.

“Mike’s passion for supporting the mission speaks for itself through his many years of giving to banquets, and this year’s personalized call auction was no different,” Gambale said.

Since NWTF’s founding, turkey call makers, whether custom call makers or call companies, have supported the organization in many unique and creative ways, understanding the importance of conservation to turkey hunting. Nearly 50 years later, the dedication and craftsmanship of callers is still real as callers across the country work with the NWTF at both the national and grassroots levels. Lapp’s recent work with volunteers in New Jersey is a shining example of the role of callers in conservation.

And while the New Jersey volunteers found their recent custom auction an undeniable success, the community-based approach to conservation is representative of all the work the NWTF is doing throughout New Jersey.

Here are some examples.

Education and outreach

The New Jersey State Chapter and all local chapters within the state are very active in recruiting new hunters. Throughout the state, volunteers have forged successful partnerships with the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, among others, who facilitate NWTF JAKES, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, and WITO, as well as adult-guided hunts.

For example, the state chapter recently held its annual turkey hunting workshop at Wallkill River National Refuge, which had more than 100 participants. Attendees learned everything it takes to be successful in the turkey groves, from the rules of the game to calling techniques. The event was followed by adult and youth led turkey hunts that allowed workshop attendees to apply newly learned skills.

But it’s not just about hunting turkeys; volunteers in New Jersey keep the momentum in the outdoors year-round, from ray fishing to deer hunting. For example, last deer season, the New Jersey State Chapter of the NWTF partnered with the New Jersey Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers to host a three-day adult-led hunt at Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge. River. Attendees enjoyed wild game dishes (including venison wontons and black bear sloppy joes), learned about safety and best practices, and then got the chance to hunt their first deer. NWTF New Jersey has several similar events planned for this year’s fall season.

Conservation

Partnerships are also essential to achieving conservation.

“We are proud of our relationship with the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, as they have been crucial to our outreach events and conservation work,” Gambale said. “These partnerships allow us to improve hundreds of acres of habitat on public lands every year.”

Conservation work includes creating early successional habitat, planting conservation trees and seeds, removing invasive species, and more. Additionally, much of the work that the state chapter offers throughout the state is on land that is open to public access for hunting.

“We organize a series of events in these areas where we improve the habitat,” Gambale said. “It allows us to illustrate the importance of conservation for hunting opportunities.”

The Arbor Day Foundation recently awarded the NWTF 7,000 trees to plant in New Jersey, for example, to complement the Shortleaf Pine Initiative and the Atlantic White Cedar Initiative. Planting of the two endangered tree species began in early spring 2023 on Landis Sewer Authority property and will enhance wildlife habitat on the water treatment facility property.

This project is similar to many cases across the country where the two components of NWTF’s mission, conserving wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage, are intertwined at one project site. In this case, the New Jersey WITO Chapter of the NWTF, the Tri-County Longbeards Chapter, and the New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife have conducted numerous spring turkey hunts on LSA property.

“This project is great because it vividly illustrates the mission of the NWTF,” said Mitchell Blake, NWTF district biologist for New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York and Delaware. “Carrying out the work that allows us to conserve wild turkeys provides opportunities for hunters to go out into the field and enjoy the resource.”

As volunteers in New Jersey continue to celebrate 50 years of the NWTF^he Anniversary through numerous mission-related events, they have also set a lofty goal of 50% membership growth.

“It is essential for us to grow to increase our impact,” Gambale said. “A banquet attendant recently called me and expressed how happy he was with our management efforts. I told him to thank himself; we are making a difference through the support of our members and banquet attendees.”