Volunteer commits $1 million to NWTF Endowment

EDGEFIELD, SC — NWTF National Board of Directors member Linda Demmer has pledged a $1 million gift that will support NWTF’s wild turkey conservation and hunting heritage programs for years to come.

Demmer’s notable contribution to the conservation and mission-related work of the NWTF will go towards the NWTF Endowment Fund, which ensures the longevity of the mission and the financial health of the NWTF.

“My husband, Bill, and I are passionate about hunting and shooting sports,” Demmer said. “We find great joy in spending time with our multi-generational family in the fields and forests of North America. The NWTF exemplifies the conservation values ​​we hold dear. We are very impressed with the organization, its leadership and staff, and its ability to positively and effectively impact wild turkey habitat and be an effective voice for the hunter within the state and federal governments. We are confident that the NWTF will effectively use our testamentary gift to continue their great work for future generations.”

Linda, who chairs the NWTF Development Committee, lives between the Lowcountry of South Carolina and northern Michigan. She has a lifelong passion for wildlife and conservation and is a college-trained fine artist, currently leading efforts to restore a historic property in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, as well as managing the wildlife habitat of the property for deer, ducks, turkeys, quail and doves

“Demmer’s gift to our organization is incredible,” said NWTF Co-Executive Director Jason Burckhalter. “Linda and Bill’s desire to contribute to the NWTF’s impact on future generations speaks to their selfless passion for wildlife conservation and our hunting heritage. On behalf of the entire flock, we are incredibly grateful for this monumental contribution to our future.”

Demmer has traveled the world hunting various species of game and is a distinguished turkey hunter. She is an active member of the Lowcountry Ducks Unlimited Chapter and currently serves on the boards of the Nemours Wildlife Foundation, Bear Trust International and was previously on the board of directors of The Lowcountry Land Trust in South Carolina and the Carolina Waterfowl Association from the south.

In addition to his passions for conservation, he has served on the Board of the Eli and Edith Broad Museum of Art at Michigan State University. She and Bill were instrumental in raising funds for the Demmer Shooting Sports, Education and Training Center at Michigan State University. Linda grew up as an avid archery sport shooter and continues her passion today for diversity in the shooting sports and hunting community.

Learn more about planned giving through an estate and other legacy giving options for conservation: https://www.nwtf.org/membership-giving/legacy-giving.

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. Currently, the NWTF is investing heavily in wild turkey research to ensure the future of wild turkey populations and is working to ensure Healthy Habitats and Healthy Harvests.