EDGEFIELD, SC — In honor of the 50th anniversary of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the South Carolina Senate recognized the conservation organization’s accomplishments through a recently introduced resolution.
“As the National Wild Turkey Federation celebrates its 50thhe Anniversary, the NWTF South Carolina State Board of Directors is extremely appreciative that the South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives recognize the significant accomplishments of this organization by passing resolutions celebrating this anniversary,” said Larry Deas, president of the NWTF. NWTF South Carolina Board of Directors. .
The resolution is a significant recognition of the NWTF’s unwavering commitment to conserving wild turkeys and protecting hunting traditions. As part of this recognition, South Carolina Senator J. Thomas McElveen III will attend the Palmetto Sportsman’s Classic to sign and file SB 561.
The presentation is scheduled for Friday, March 24 at 1 pm and will take place during the Athlete’s Classic at the NWTF South Carolina State Chapter tent, weather permitting. In case of bad weather, the presentation will be moved to stands 228 and 229 inside the Cantey Building.
“A special thank you to Sens. Massey, McElveen, Young, Campsen, Cromer, Goldfinch, Hutto, Setzler, and Rep. Hixon and 123 other members of the House for cosponsoring these resolutions,” Deas said.
Although the NWTF was established 50 years ago in Virginia, that same year it moved its headquarters to Edgefield, South Carolina, and has remained there ever since. The NWTF’s mission encompasses conservation efforts across the country, and a substantial portion of the funds raised in South Carolina go to local initiatives selected by the South Carolina state chapter board.
“While our tasks and tactics have changed over these 50 years, our mission of conserving wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage has not changed,” Deas said. “The NWTF has been responsible for conserving or enhancing more than 22 million acres of wildlife habitat, an area larger than South Carolina, since its inception. And since 2012, the NWTF has opened up access to more than 700,000 acres for hunting and recreation, and has recruited more than 1.5 million hunters. The NWTF South Carolina State Board of Directors has a strong working relationship with the USDA Forest Service, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and the South Carolina legislature, and regularly works closely with these and other associated organizations”.
The NWTF’s commitment to habitat enhancement and conservation, as well as its focus on public access to protected lands, demonstrates dedication to its mission and to communities across the country.
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.