East Dakota Chapter Celebrates Its 30th Annual Banquet

EDGEFIELD, SC — On April 1, 2023, the East Dakota Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation held its 30th annual banquet in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The banquet raised funds for wildlife conservation projects and the preservation of hunting heritage in the state.

At the banquet, 204 attendees enjoyed a meal and had the opportunity to participate in live and silent auctions and various raffles. These activities raised funds and awareness to support NWTF conservation initiatives.

During the banquet, plaques were presented to donors who have generously supported the chapter and the banquet over the past 30 years. In addition, five East Dakota committee members (Dean Schueler, Duane Albers, Jon Soderholm, Ron Schauer, and Mark Anderson) were recognized and honored with plaques for their dedication to the chapter over 30 years.

During the banquet, South Dakota Representative Jessica Bahmuller presented the NWTF’s East Dakota Chapter with the 50th Anniversary Bill. commemoration, recognizing the critical role of the NWTF in wildlife management research, habitat conservation, and the preservation of outdoor traditions in the United States. Randy Gaskins, NWTF Senior Regional Director, read the commemoration to those present at the event.

The NWTF East Dakota Chapter has the distinction of being the longest running chapter in South Dakota. In recognition of their exceptional contributions to conservation efforts, the NWTF awarded the East Dakota Chapter the prestigious Golden Gobbler status (50% net to gross), which only 18 chapters nationwide have achieved for more than 25 years. years, 29 consecutive years. for the East Dakota Chapter. In addition, the chapter has raised more than $1.5 million to support conservation initiatives since 1993.

For more information, please contact Michael Brown at (605) 360-0709. Brown is a 30-year member and volunteer with the East Dakota Chapter and has been a committee member since 2017.

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 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. Learn how you can help us achieve these lofty goals.