SD commemorates the 50th anniversary of NWTF

EDGEFIELD, SC —The 98th South Dakota Legislature recently passed a legislative commemoration celebrating the 50th anniversary of the NWTF. House Commemoration 8013 recognizes the NWTF’s significant contributions to wildlife management research, habitat conservation, and the preservation of outdoor traditions in the United States.

“As a member of the NWTF, I am honored to bring this commemoration,” said South Dakota Representative Jessica Bahmuller. “This commemoration is very special because I was the main sponsor in the House and my dad (also a member) was the main sponsor in the Senate. This is the first time we have brought legislation together. My son’s first turkey hunt was with one of my hunting mentors, Lydell Krog, and it is one of the best hunting memories I have. We are avid hunters and fishermen, but had little experience with turkey hunting at the time, so my expectations were low. I will never forget when my son started calling them and they answered. We all lit up with excitement and he managed to seal the deal. We were hooked! My family has supported the NWTF for over 20 years and will receive an award in April for years of membership and support. I’m grateful for the opportunity to honor the 50th Anniversary, and I don’t think the timing is a coincidence.”

The commemoration says:

“…WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars to conserve or improve more than twenty-two million acres of critical wildlife habitat, forests, and grasslands on public and private lands since 1985; and

WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than eight and a half million dollars in research throughout North America to ensure future healthy populations of wild turkeys…that the Legislature recognizes and celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the National Wild Turkey Federation and salutes the organization, its chapters, and members across the United States for their tremendous efforts to advance state-led scientific wildlife management and the conservation of the wild turkey and its habitat. The Legislature wishes the National Wild Turkey Federation, its members and chapters the best for the future as they continue to fulfill their mission by working beyond property lines at the landscape scale to increase clean water and abundant, healthy forests and wildlife habitat. resilient communities and strong recreational opportunities across the country.”

Read the entire commemoration.

“As president of the South Dakota state chapter, I was thrilled to see the state legislature recognize the 50th anniversary of the NWTF,” said Dr. Don Massa. “We missed the deadline for a resolution by two days, but we continue to work with lawmakers, board members and NWTF staff to find a way to get it done.”

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.

Find out more about the NWTF’s policy and advocacy 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 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.