Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

PRATT, KS -–(Ammoland.com)- The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is introducing a new five-year initiative — the Kansas Quail Initiative — aimed at improving habitat conditions for bobwhite quail, an upland species that has declined throughout much of its range.

The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Kansas State Chapter was the first conservation group to provide financial support for this important conservation effort, committing $12,500. The NWTF also will help deliver and promote the program by helping locate interested landowners and assisting with habitat improvements.

The NWTF has 33 chapters in Kansas with more 2,800 members. More than $885,715 has been raised and spent by Kansas chapters on projects within the state.

“It was a no-brainer for the Kansas State Chapter to step up and become the first conservation organization to support the Quail Initiative,” said Todd Adolph, NWTF Kansas State Chapter president. “We have a positive working relationship with KDWPT, and I expect this initiative will be a big success.”

The Kansas Quail Initiative aims to increase quail populations by 50 percent in five years within “focal areas.” A northern focal area includes portions of Lyon, Osage, and Wabaunsee counties, and a southern focal area includes parts of Neosho and Labette counties.

National Wild Turkey Federation

KDWPT biologists identified these regions as areas with high restoration potential, and they both contain sizable amounts of public land that can be used for core habitat improvements.

“The fact that the NWTF has committed to this initiative shows that we’re not just about turkeys, and that our volunteers understand the urgency to conserve habitat for quail” said Jared McJunkin, NWTF conservation field western region supervisor.

For private landowners in the focal areas, this initiative will increase available cost-share assistance to 100 percent of the estimated costs of implementing quail-friendly practices on their property. KDWPT is committed to spending as much as $100,000 per year on private land habitat improvements in the focal areas for each of the five years of this initiative.

KDWPT also will emphasize the voluntary public access and habitat improvement program in these focal areas to promote enrollment in continuous Conservation Reserve Program practices.

To become an NWTF member, or for more information about the NWTF, go online to www.nwtf.org or phone (800) THE-NWTF.

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- To all our supporters at AmmoLand Shooting Sports News, we want to extend best wishes from our families to yours this holiday season, and we hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

During this special time of year, it’s important to be grateful for the people and things dear to us. We have the great fortune of knowing and working with the volunteers and staff of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and this is something we truly appreciate as we give thanks for a successful year.

Through the efforts of volunteers and staff, we were able to improve thousands of acres of upland wildlife habitat and to protect our hunting heritage. Thank you for all your hard work that makes our mission possible.

As you enjoy the Christmas season, we encourage you to be thankful for the gifts that truly matter: faith, family, friends and the special joys in all our lives.

Your hard work and dedication to the NWTF are invaluable. Thank you for your service. The coming year holds many opportunities for the NWTF and we are excited to be working side by side with our devoted volunteers to accomplish our goals.

With warmest personal regards, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Bubba Stevens won the NWTF Video Contest with a video celebrating "Hunters: Champions of Conservation".

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- Bubba Stevens of Senoia, Ga., prevailed over a strong field of competitors to win the 2011 NWTF Video Contest and an all-expenses-paid Osceola turkey hunt at Rafter T Ranch in Sebring, Fla.

In addition to the three-day Osceola hunt, Stevens will receive a CZ-USA Upland Ultralight 12-gauge and a gear package from Bass Pro Shops.

“I’m so excited I’m trying not to throw up in my office,” said Stevens, a project manager with a turn-key site contractor. “I was tossing and turning the last couple nights waiting to see if I won.”

Stevens outpolled four other finalists on the NWTF’s Facebook page to earn the hunt of a lifetime. Voters selected from videos that celebrated “Hunters: Champions of Conservation”, the theme for the 2012 NWTF national convention.

“We had several outstanding entries that demonstrated the passion for conservation shared by our members,” NWTF public relations director Brent Lawrence said. “We congratulate Bubba for his winning effort.”

Stevens’ 14-year-old son Cole filmed the winning video. Stevens was a finalist in the 2010 NWTF Video Contest.

“We’ve kind of been waiting for another chance since last year,” Stevens said. “I had a lot of support. I’m very grateful to all the vote who took the time to vote for me.”

The NWTF is the leader in upland wildlife habitat conservation in North America. A nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage, the NWTF and its volunteers work closely with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies and other partners.

Through these dynamic partnerships, the NWTF and its members helped restore wild turkey populations throughout North America, spending more than $372 million to conserve 17 million acres of habitat.

To become a member of the NWTF, join a committee or start a chapter, visit www.nwtf.org or call 800-THE-NWTF. The NWTF is also at www.facebook.com/theNWTF.

National Wild Turkey Federation

Clarendon, PA --(Ammoland.com)- Lakefront Gobblers chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will host a “Women in the Outdoors” event on Saturday, February 18th , 2012, from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Chapman State Park in Clarendon, PA.

Pre-registration is required for this event. Registration can be done by going to www.womenintheoutdoors.org, and then clicking on “PA WITO Event Manager Calendar” and then searching the calendar.

A beneficial partnership between the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Pennsylvania Game Commission helps provide outdoor opportunities such as this to women in the Keystone State. The Pennsylvania Game Commission recognizes a high interest level in the outdoors among women in the state and wants to provide more opportunities to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle.

Since 1998, the NWTF’s Women in the Outdoors program has organized events designed especially for women. By providing expert instruction and hands-on education, the NWTF helps members develop outdoor skills and emphasizes the importance of wildlife management and the role of hunters in conservation.

“Our program is about encouraging women to try new outdoor activities in a safe environment that makes them feel at ease,” said Brenda Valentine, NWTF Spokeswoman, First Lady of Hunting and host of the NWTF’s “Turkey Call” TV show airing on Pursuit Channel, and Bass Pro Shops’ “Real Hunting” TV show.

“This event is also an opportunity for women of all walks of life – singles, moms, daughters, young and old – to spend a day outdoors, away from home, having fun and making new friends.”

The combination of sponsorship, such as the Game Commission and local chapter support, allows the NWTF to offer these programs at a low cost to participants. The cost of attending each event includes a subscription to Turkey Country, the NWTF’s full-color publication.

“The Women in the Outdoors program allows the NWTF to reach an entirely new audience, one that has the potential to benefit conservation efforts,” Valentine said. “It’s an opportunity for women to find great satisfaction and enjoyment in the outdoors.”

For more information about the event, contact Kristen Giger at 814-450-1614 or email kgiger@nwtf.net For more information about the NWTF visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

About the NWTF: The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $331 million to conserve 15.9 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The NWTF works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the restoration of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history. To learn more, visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- MidwayUSA, the catalog and Internet retailer, will showcase its role as a major champion of conservation by sponsoring the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 2012 National Convention and Sport Show, Feb. 9-12 at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn.

Fittingly, the theme of the 36th annual NWTF convention is: “Hunters: Champions of Conservation.” MidwayUSA has now sponsored the NWTF National Convention and Sport Show for three consecutive years. About 43,000 people attended in 2011.

“This is an event that outdoor enthusiasts circle on their calendar with great anticipation each year,” said George C. Thornton, NWTF CEO.

“We’re grateful to have the support of MidwayUSA, which shares our dedication to the conservation of North America’s wildlife populations and habitat, in providing a wonderful experience for our convention.”

Each February, NWTF volunteers, members, staff, partners and outdoors enthusiasts gather at the NWTF convention to celebrate the NWTF’s accomplishments and plan for the future. This year’s show will feature more than 650 booths with performances from entertainers Ricky Skaggs and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, exciting competition in the NWTF Grand National Calling Championships and more. Check www.nwtf.org for more information.

NWTF members and active military personnel will receive free admission to the expo floor with their NWTF membership card or military ID.

Attendees interested in booking rooms at the reduced NWTF rate should book immediately. Opryland’s reserved block of rooms will be released to the general public on Jan. 18. Hotel guests receive free parking.

The NWTF is the leader in upland wildlife habitat conservation in North America. A nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage, the NWTF and its volunteers work closely with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies and other partners.

Through these dynamic partnerships, the NWTF and its members helped restore wild turkey populations throughout North America, spending more than $372 million to conserve 17 million acres of habitat.

To become a member of the NWTF, join a committee or start a chapter, visit www.nwtf.org or call 800-THE-NWTF. The NWTF is also at www.facebook.com/theNWTF.

For more information about MidwayUSA, please visit midwayusa.com or call (800) 243-3220.

MidwayUSA the Official Sponsor of the 2012 NWTF National Convention

Midway USA

Columbia, MO --(Ammoland.com)- MidwayUSA, a catalog and Internet retailer offering Just About Everything for Shooting, Reloading, Gunsmithing and Hunting, is pleased to attend the 2012 National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Convention & Sport Show as the Official Sponsor.

The convention will take place February 9-12th, 2012, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, TN.

“The NWTF is one of our industry’s biggest supporters of youth education and wildlife preservation,” says Larry Potterfield, Found and CEO of MidwayUSA.

“Brenda and I believe in supporting organizations whose overall mission and vision is to support the next generation of hunters and conservationists. America needs the NWTF for advocacy, for conservation, for hunting, and for our children.”

One of the industry’s most entertaining events, the 2012 NWTF show will offer attendees 220,000 square feet of product booths with nearly 600 vendors, free seminars, game call appraisals and even a chance to win the NWTF title of Grand National Calling Champion. At the NWTF Show, you’ll be able to see all the new hunting products and see some great entertainment.

“MidwayUSA’s renewed sponsorship of our convention proves that the folks at their company are dedicated to conserving North America’s wildlife populations and habitat, just like the dedicated NWTF members who rally at our convention each year,” said George Thornton, NWTF CEO.

“We’ve had record-setting attendance each of the past two years, and we’re expecting an equally outstanding turnout this year.”

For more information about MidwayUSA, please visit www.midwayusa.com or call 1-800-243-3220.

For more information about the 2012 NWTF Convention & Sport Show, please visit http://www.nwtf.org/special_events/convention.html.

Down-N-Dirty Outdoors

LEWISBURG, Ky --(Ammoland.com)- Down-N-Dirty Outdoors, makers of high-quality handcrafted turkey and waterfowl calls, today announced that it has entered into a licensing agreement with the National Wild Turkey Federation, an international non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage, for the new revolutionary Haint gobble call.

Under the agreement, the NWTF will provide marketing and advertising support as well as sales of special-limited-edition numbered NWTF Haint calls.

The licensing agreement is currently underway, but this partnership will be formally launched at the 2012 NWTF Convention in Nashville, TN where DND will be exhibiting and demonstrating the new Haint call in both the DND booth, # 547 and in the NWTF store.

“This is an important development for our company, and we are excited about the long-term growth potential that this partnership represents,” said Mark Coin, DND president. “Partnering with NWTF was an obvious step towards solidifying our goals of building DND into a national brand and business.”

The new Haint call has been touted as the Holy Grail of wild turkey calling. It is a hand-held tube call that challenges Toms. The DND Haint gobble call absolutely reproduces a loud, resounding gobble of a dominant long-beard. Made from a one-piece walnut barrel with a hand-tuned and patent-pending reed assembly reed assembly, the Haint gobbler call has changed turkey hunting, now and forever. If you can’t believe such a thing is possible, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGi8dI_h58M to see the teaser video. Turkey hunting really will never be the same.

NWTF will be offering special-limited-edition Haint calls made of a cherry wood with the NWTF logo. These calls will be available at the National Wild Turkey Federation convention, Feb. 10 through 12, 2012, in Nashville, TN. For additional information on these limited-edition calls, the convention, or other NWTF projects, visit www.nwtf.org.

DND’s Haint gobble call will be available at retailers nationwide and conveniently online at www.downndirtyoutdoors.com beginning in January 2012. Pre-orders are being taken now at www.downndirtyoutdoors.com. Suggested retail price of the call is $59 at DND or at retailers it will be $49.99.

For more information on Down-N-Dirty Outdoors, and to get demonstrations on the entire line of calls go to www.downndirtyoutdoors.com. Be sure to visit the Down-N-Dirty Outdoors fan page on Facebook, www.facebook.com/DownNDirtyOutdoors.

National Wild Turkey Federation Blogger Karen Lee

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- NWTF members have kept up with Karen Lee through her articles and editor messages for more than 12 years.

Her writing has been described as honest, funny, like she’s talking to friend, a style that reflects her personality and offbeat outlook.

After graduating from Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., in 1999, Karen sought a career that catered to her degrees in biology and journalism, as well as both sides of her ever-running brain.

Internships in forestry and outdoors communications led her to a job at the National Wild Turkey Federation. A mere seven months after graduation (and slightly naïve to the task at hand), Karen helped launch Women In The Outdoors magazine, landing the position of editor at the age of 22.

Two years later, Karen launched Wheelin’ Sportsmen magazine as a benefit to NWTF members with disabilities. She maintained editorship of both titles until 2009, when the NWTF made the decision to consolidate its publications.

Karen, along with the NWTF editorial team, launched Turkey Country, which includes sections on turkey hunting, land management, conservation issues, gun rights issues and outreach. She was named editor and has served in that capacity for roughly three years.

Karen never shot a gun until she started working at the NWTF. Since then, she has hunted turkeys, quail, deer and ducks in 15 states and just returned from her first African safari.

She is married to C.J. Davis and lives on a couple acres of woods in South Carolina, near the NWTF headquarters in Edgefield. They have one son, Cooper, who is nearly 3 years old and likes hunting for acorns, turkey feathers and candy.

“I’m pretty pumped about this blog, having a chance to share my experiences and oftentimes random views,” said Karen. “There’s no bigger compliment than to have someone take the time to read what I’ve written. I can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks about this!”

Check out Keepin’ Up With Karen at www.nwtf.org/blogs.

About the NWTF: The NWTF is the leader in upland wildlife habitat conservation in North America. A nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage, the NWTF and its volunteers work closely with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies and other partners.

Through these dynamic partnerships, the NWTF and its members helped restore wild turkey populations throughout North America, spending more than $372 million to conserve 17 million acres of habitat. Wild turkeys and hundreds of other species of upland wildlife, including quail, deer, grouse, pheasant and songbirds, benefit from this improved habitat.

The NWTF also brings new conservationists and hunters into the fold through outdoor education events and its Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES youth outreach programs. Dedicated NWTF volunteers introduce about 100,000 people to the outdoors through these programs every year.

Founded in 1973, the NWTF is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C., and has local chapters in every state and Canada. According to many state and federal agencies, the restoration of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

To become a member of the NWTF, join a committee or start a chapter, visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF. The NWTF is also at www.facebook.com/theNWTF.

Janine Kopera works on NWTF education box material with one of her students.

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- Third-grade teacher Janine Kopera was merely looking for some lesson ideas to tie in with Thanksgiving when she stumbled upon the NWTF’s web site.

Eight years later, the Melvindale, Mich., teacher is renowned for successfully teaching her suburban students about conservation through an educational unit she built around the NWTF’s Wild About Turkey Education Box.

In recognition of her efforts, the NWTF selected Kopera as the NWTF’s 2011 Educator of the Year. Kopera also won the NWTF’s Educator of the Year Award for Michigan. She is a former Wayne County Elementary Teacher of the Year.

“This whole unit has really opened the children’s eyes,” Kopera said. “They learn how people can have a positive effect on nature.”

Kopera will receive a $1,000 grant from the NWTF and will be honored at the NWTF’s annual convention in February in Nashville, Tenn. With the grant money she plans to spend to fund a conservation field trip and purchase conservation field investigation equipment to meet curriculum requirements.

“Receiving this great award is just icing on the cake,” said Kopera, who teaches at Allendale Elementary School in a school district just outside the city limits of Detroit. “I already had a reward by using the unit.”

Utilizing fun elements such as turkey feather bookmarks and rulers in the Wild About Turkey Education Box – a replica of an actual wild turkey transport box – Kopera has sparked enthusiasm and awareness among many children who had never been exposed to conservation and the outdoors. Most of the 32,000 NWTF education boxes distributed nationwide are donated by local NWTF chapters. Kopera’s box was donated by the Huron Valley Chapter, the NWTF’s first in Michigan.

Kopera also has coordinated visits by NWTF Huron Valley Chapter members, who dressed in turkey hunting clothes and gave the students the opportunity to use turkey calls and other gear.

After discovering the Wild About Turkey Education Box on the NWTF website, Kopera found another important resource in Melvindale-Northern Allen Park Superintendent of Schools Cora Kelly, an NWTF member.

“The kids really enjoy the education box, and they come home with great stories,” Kelly said. “Janine has been a fantastic teacher. She took the ball and ran with it.”

The Wild About Turkey Education Box, full of activities and educational tools correlated to national education standards for kindergarten through 12th grade, includes:

• colorful bulletin board display
• DVD of wild turkey history, communication and habitat videos
• wild turkey habitat and anatomy posters
• 30 pencils, rulers and turkey feather bookmarks for students
• multimedia CD-CD-Rom with turkey sounds and printable resources
• K-12 curriculum and activity guide
• Scaled-down trap and transfer box

More than 32,000 education boxes have been distributed nationwide, most donated by local NWTF chapters to schools, parks, visitor centers and museums as well as through educator training workshops.

Education boxes are available for $50 online, plus shipping. Refill kits cost $50, plus shipping. Boxes also can be purchased by calling (800) THE-NWTF or (803) 637-3106 and asking for the sales department.

About the NWTF:
The NWTF is the leader in upland wildlife habitat conservation in North America. A nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage, the NWTF and its volunteers work closely with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies and other partners.

Through these dynamic partnerships, the NWTF and its members helped restore wild turkey populations throughout North America, spending more than $372 million to conserve 17 million acres of habitat. Wild turkeys and hundreds of other species of upland wildlife, including quail, deer, grouse, pheasant and songbirds, benefit from this improved habitat.

The NWTF also brings new conservationists and hunters into the fold through outdoor education events and its Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES youth outreach programs. Dedicated NWTF volunteers introduce about 100,000 people to the outdoors through these programs every year.

Founded in 1973, the NWTF is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C., and has local chapters in every state and Canada. According to many state and federal agencies, the restoration of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

To become a member of the NWTF, join a committee or start a chapter, visit www.nwtf.org or call 800-THE-NWTF. The NWTF is also at www.facebook.com/theNWTF.

2012 World Championship Turkey Calling Contest

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- Show off your turkey-talking skills during the 2012 World Championship Turkey Calling Contest and Mobile Boat Show to be held at the Mobile, Ala. Convention Center March 10-11, 2012.

This National Wild Turkey Federation-managed event will consist of an Open Contest, Owl Hooting Contest, Friction and Junior Divisions.

This turkey calling contest was originated by the Mobile County Wildlife and Conservation Association, which was founded in 1934, making it the oldest conservation organization in Alabama.

“The founding and growth of the World Championship Turkey Calling Contest by Mobile County Wildlife and Conservation Association many years ago here in Mobile has allowed the sport of turkey hunting to make tremendous strides, both locally and nationally,” Marl Cummings, past president and board member for the conservation association, says.

“It is also the spark that started many well know names and brands on the road to fame and fortune, such as Ben Rogers Lee, Eddie Salter, Preston Pittman and many others.”

For the Open Contest, the entry fee is $250. In addition to prize money, trophies, gift cards and guns will be awarded to the first three places.

• 1st Place: $2,500
• 2nd Place: $1,500
• 3rd Place: $750
• 4th Place: $500
• 5th Place: $250

The entry fee for the Owl Hooting Contest is $100.

• 1st Place: $1000 plus gun
• 2nd Place: $500
• 3rd Place: $250

The Friction and Junior Division entry fees will be determined and prizes will be awarded. For more information, contact Melissa Miller at 251-478-7469.

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- Dedicated to conserving a diverse natural bounty, preserving our rich hunting heritage and sharing these wonderful traditions with others, the NWTF leads the way in providing outdoor opportunities for children and teens throughout North America.

Building upon an already solid foundation in outdoor education, the NWTF is launching a new magazine, JAKES Country, to better serve its youth members.

“JAKES Magazine carried the NWTF’s conservation and hunting message to hundreds of thousands of youth members for more than 13 very successful years,” said editor Matt Lindler.

“But recognizing that many members come from families who have a hunting tradition, the original magazine wasn’t filling their appetites for hunting stories and tips.”

Jakes Magazin for Youth Hunters Launched by National Wild Turkey Federation

Filling that void, JAKES Country, which will be mailed quarterly to all JAKES and Xtreme JAKES members, will focus more on hunting and shooting sports and deliver a magazine that the members will be proud to read and share.

“If they’ve never hunted, this magazine will help them get started,” Lindler said. “If they’ve hunted all of their lives, this magazine will help them become better hunters. If they’re interested in shooting sports, we’ve got that covered, too.”

In addition to providing first-rate features and information from experts around the world, JAKES Country and the NWTF have created the JAKES Pro Staff for youth members who apply and pass the competitive vetting process.

“Pro Staff members will play a vital role in the production of the magazine,” Lindler explained.

“They’ll be asked to submit commentary on various stories. They will share their hunting and outdoor adventures with the other members and even get to review the newest outdoor gear for the ‘Gear Geeks’ column.”

All youth members will be able to upload photos, stories and videos to the JAKES Facebook page and can even win prizes. If they’re too young for Facebook, they can email their photos and stories. “Members can text their trophy photos directly to us right from hunting camp,” Lindler said.

The first issue of JAKES Country will hit mailboxes starting in mid-October.

JAKES stands for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship. Membership in the program is available to youth up to age 12, and Xtreme JAKES is for teens up to 17. Both are $10 annually. Members receive four issues of JAKES Country magazine, an official membership card and decal, and are entered into a drawing for the JAKES Hunt of a Lifetime.
For more information on the JAKES and Xtreme JAKES program or about signing up a child as a member, please visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF. The NWTF is also at www.facebook.com/TheNWTF.

California Legislature Outdoor Sporting Caucus Shoot

California Outdoor Heritage Alliance

SACRAMENTO, CA --(Ammoland.com)- On August 23rd, California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) staff spent a day in the field with members of the California Legislature Outdoor Sporting Caucus, Legislative staff and other policy-makers at the Cordova Shooting Center near Sacramento.

The annual event, which is hosted by COHA, drew nearly 130 attendees. Delta Waterfowl was again the lead funder of the event serving as the Platinum Sponsor of this popular shoot, and the National Wild Turkey Federation continued their long-time support of the event as a Gold Level Sponsor.

The shoot is intended to educate California’s lawmakers about the safe use of firearms, while providing an enjoyable shooting experience. Activities included both trap and skeet shooting – a mainstay of the event – as well archery for this first time ever. Participants were also treated to a delicious BBQ dinner.

Special thanks to the Department of Fish and Game’s Hunter Education Instructors for providing safety information and instruction, along with the California Bowman Hunters/State Archery Association for setting up the archery range. COHA would again like to thank our Platinum Sponsor Delta Waterfowl, and Gold Sponsor National Wild Turkey Federation. Special note is also warranted for the event’s Heritage Sponsor California Waterfowl, and two Silver Sponsors, National Shooting Sports Foundation and Platinum Advisors.

The following also provided valued assistance and partnership for this event: Federal Ammo/RCBS, National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses, California Deer Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, NRA-ILA, California Rifle and Pistol Association, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, California Correctional Peace Officers Association, Wilderness Unlimited, and Cordova Shooting Center.

To learn more about the California Legislature Outdoor Sporting Caucus, please visit California Legislature Outdoor Sporting Caucus website.

About:
The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) is a partnership of conservation organizations, outdoor industry, other related interests and individuals who support science-based wildlife management and the preservation of our hunting rights in California. COHA is a 501(c)4 Political Advocacy organization dedicated solely to influencing legislative, regulatory and administrative policy decisions which promote wildlife conservation and our outdoor heritage. For more information about COHA, visit www.outdoorheritage.org.

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D., chief conservation officer of the NWTF, is now a member of the council for the U.S. Forest Service’s National Museum of Forest Service History.

All 14 members of the new national council are volunteers. They will advise the National Museum of Forest Service History’s board of directors about developing partnerships that will advance the organization’s educational and interpretive goals.

Museum president Gray Reynolds said the board is pleased to welcome the inaugural council members, whose breadth of experience and associations with the U.S. Forest Service reflect the role that cooperators and partners have played in shaping the agency’s conservation legacy.

“James Earl’s commitment to conservation and the NWTF is unparalleled,” said NWTF CEO George Thornton. “This recognition reflects the absolute importance of conservation to the NWTF, and honors the man who has strengthened the NWTF’s conservation programs and enabled us to preserve our hunting heritage for our children and grandchildren.”

In his new role, NWTF Chief Conservation Officer James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D., will advise the National Museum of Forest Service History’s board of directors.

For 31 years, Kennamer has headed the NWTF’s conservation department. He coordinates programs with state and federal agencies, private organizations and companies throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

His leadership in wild turkey research and management has garnered respect throughout the conservation community, and helped the NWTF become the driving force in conservation it is today.

Having earned various achievement awards throughout his career, Kennamer is no stranger to receiving recognition for his conservation work.

In April 2011, the U.S. Forest Service recognized his exemplary leadership as the NWTF and four other groups were honored with the Forest Restoration Award at the Centennial Celebration of the Weeks Act of 1911.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack named Kennamer a member of the U.S. Forest Service’s Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Advisory Committee in 2010.

Kennamer earned a bachelor’s degree in game management from Auburn University and a master’s and doctorate in wildlife management from Mississippi State University. He resides in Edgefield, S.C.

The NWTF is the leader in upland wildlife habitat conservation in North America. A nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage, the NWTF and its volunteers work closely with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies and other partners.

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- The Michaux-Yellow Breeches and Shippensburg Strutters chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation will host a “Women in the Outdoors” event on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Bass Pro Shops in Harrisburg.

Pre-registration is required for this event. Registration can be done by going to www.womenintheoutdoors.org, and then clicking on “PA WITO Event Manager Calendar” and then searching the calendar.

A beneficial partnership between the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Pennsylvania Game Commission helps provide outdoor opportunities such as this to women in the Keystone State. The Pennsylvania Game Commission recognizes a high interest level in the outdoors among women in the state and wants to provide more opportunities to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle.

Since 1998, the NWTF’s Women in the Outdoors program has organized events designed especially for women. By providing expert instruction and hands-on education, the NWTF helps members develop outdoor skills and emphasizes the importance of wildlife management and the role of hunters in conservation.

“Our program is about encouraging women to try new outdoor activities in a safe environment that makes them feel at ease,” said Brenda Valentine, NWTF Spokeswoman, First Lady of Hunting™ and host of the NWTF’s “Turkey Call” TV show airing on Pursuit Channel, and Bass Pro Shops’ “Real Hunting” TV show. “This event is also an opportunity for women of all walks of life – singles, moms, daughters, young and old – to spend a day outdoors, away from home, having fun and making new friends.”

The combination of sponsorship, such as the Game Commission and local chapter support, allows the NWTF to offer these programs at a low cost to participants. The cost of attending each event includes a subscription to Turkey Country, the NWTF’s full-color publication. Turkey County includes stories about the Women in the Outdoors, JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship), Wheelin’ Sportsmen, NWTF outreach programs, conservation issues, turkey calling and hunting, education programs and much more.

“The Women in the Outdoors program allows the NWTF to reach an entirely new audience, one that has the potential to benefit conservation efforts,” Valentine said. “It’s an opportunity for women to find great satisfaction and enjoyment in the outdoors.”

For more information about the event, contact Melissa Henry at 717-226-1520. For more information about the NWTF visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

About the NWTF: The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $331 million to conserve 15.9 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The NWTF works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the restoration of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history. To learn more, visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- As part of the NWTF’s commitment to representing the interests of our members, conservationists and hunters, the NWTF signed on to a letter supporting the Government Litigation Savings Act.

If passed, the Government Litigation Savings Act will close a legal loophole that enables nonprofit groups to file frivolous lawsuits against our natural resource agencies.

Defending against these lawsuits drains natural resource agencies of millions of dollars and diverts agency personnel from their true mission: conserving America’s land, water and wildlife resources.

The Government Litigation Savings Act would help our state agencies focus their manpower, and the funds our nation’s hunters generate through license sales and excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, on managing and conserving our natural resources.

This legislation will face stiff opposition from the very influential trial lawyer lobby and has little chance of being approved by the current Congress.

However, supporting this legislation, regardless of its chance of becoming law, is one of the many ways the NWTF works to conserve wild turkeys and other wildlife, preserve our hunting heritage and protect our nation’s valuable resources for future generations.

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- The NWTF has awarded David Underwood, of Dimmitt, Texas, a $5,000 National FFA Collegiate Scholarship.

Underwood graduated second in his class of 65 students at Dimmitt High School and maintained a 3.85 cumulative grade-point average throughout his high school career. He plans to attend Texas Tech University in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management.

To be eligible for the $5,000 National FFA Collegiate Scholarship, administered by the NWTF, applicants must support the preservation of North America’s hunting heritage, actively participate in hunting, possess strong leadership skills and have experience working or volunteering in their community.

Underwood served as president of his local National FFA Organization, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society and National 4-H Shooting Sports’ trap shooting chapters, and was voted Best All Around by his fellow students.

He also is an accomplished athlete who was team captain of his high school football team and named second-team, all-district defensive tackle.

Texas Student Wins NWTF's National FFA Scholarship

Underwood, an avid hunter who enjoys hunting with his dad and brother, participated in a Texas Brigades leadership conference as a freshman and then began speaking to groups about his passion for wildlife conservation. Throughout his high school years, he raised quail and mallard ducks from hatchlings and released them into the wild.

He was also among a select group of DHS seniors chosen to participate in a Peers Assisting Leadership Skills youth program as a mentor for local elementary students.

“This scholarship will help me pursue my dream career in the wildlife field,” said Underwood. “I hope to one day manage my own ranch and hunting-guide business. Involving youth will be an important part of what I do, because the future of hunting and wildlife conservation depends upon the choices they make.”

To date, the NWTF has sponsored $76,000 in National FFA Organization scholarships and provided more than $91,000 in support of other National FFA Organization activities across the country and contributed more than $146,000.

Christine Rolka, NWTF education director said, “The shared commitment to support outstanding students like David Underwood has solidified our 12-year relationship with the National FFA Organization. Without question, college-bound students can count on the NWTF’s continued support of these future conservation leaders’ educational and career goals.”

The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of young people by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. This year alone, 132 sponsors provided 1,446 scholarships totaling $1.9 million. There were more than 8,300 total applicants.

For more information about NWTF academic scholarships, call (800) THE-NWTF, email scholarshipinfo@nwtf.net or visit www.nwtf.org/education.

About the NWTF: The National Wild Turkey Federation is the leader in upland wildlife habitat conservation in North America. A nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage, the NWTF and its volunteers work closely with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies and other partners.

Through these dynamic partnerships, the NWTF and its members helped restore wild turkey populations throughout North America, spending more than $331 million to conserve nearly 16 million acres of habitat. Wild turkeys and hundreds of other species of upland wildlife, including quail, deer, grouse, pheasant and songbirds, benefit from this improved habitat.

The NWTF also brings new conservationists and hunters into the fold through outdoor education events and its Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES youth outreach programs. Dedicated NWTF volunteers introduce about 100,000 people to the outdoors through these programs every year.

Founded in 1973, the NWTF is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C., and has local chapters in every state and Canada. According to many state and federal agencies, the restoration of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

To become a member of the NWTF, join a committee or start a chapter, visit www.nwtf.org or call 800-THE-NWTF. The NWTF is also at www.facebook.com/theNWTF

Ben Coates, this year's recipient of the NWTF's national scholarship, proudly displays his winning checks. Click image for print quality version.

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- On any given weekend, Ben Coates can be found serving meals to the needy or studying for his classes. Or he could be found hunting wild turkeys or planting food plots for wildlife management.

Though Coates shares many similarities with other high school seniors, his talents and accomplishments recently made him stand out among his peers.

For his hard work and dedication in the classroom, his community and the conservation field, Coates has earned NWTF’s 2011 national scholarship, sponsored by Mossy Oak.

“Hunting has helped me to grow into a young man who continues to learn about the greatness of God’s creation,” said Coates. “My family and I strive to provide habitats that will nurture the growth and development of all game species. I am dedicated to providing an investment for future generations to enjoy the outdoors as much as I do.”

Coates, of Concord, Va., attends Rustburg High School. He was selected from a group of 44 state scholarship recipients to be named the national winner. The combination of NWTF local, state and national funds awarded to Coates totaled $13,000.

To help the next generation of conservation leaders pursue their education, the NWTF makes more than $500,000 in scholarships available to high school seniors each year. NWTF chapters have awarded more than $3.3 million in scholarship money to deserving high school students across the country since 1999.

“The future conservation work of outstanding students like Ben ensures we can continue to enjoy the outdoors and the longstanding traditions we hold dear,” said Christine Rolka, NWTF director of education. “We are pleased to support Ben as he furthers his education and look forward to hearing about his many successes.”

An exceptional performer in academics, Coates has served on his student council and been a member of the National Honor Society and the National FFA Organization. He also has earned the coveted Boy Scout of America (BSA) Eagle Scout rank and membership in BSA’s Order of the Arrow.

Coates’ dedication to community service is evident through his hours spent delivering firewood to families in need of heating assistance, helping with roadside cleanup programs, participating in community food drives and cleaning yards for elderly residents. He even raises money to help provide food for two children in Third World countries.

Coates received the surprise announcement that he won the NWTF national scholarship while at his school’s year-end awards ceremony.

“When I saw that big check with my name on it, I was blown away,” Coates said. “I have a strong desire to help maintain land through conservation and provide years of future outdoor enjoyment for generations to come. This scholarship is another step toward having a career that will ultimately help me dedicate my time to achieving those goals.”

Coates’ strong work ethic helped him maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 4.25 for all of his classes throughout his high school career. He plans to begin his studies at Central Virginia Community College and then transfer to Virginia Tech to pursue a major in veterinary medicine and a minor in wildlife biology and conservation.

Coates and his family also will receive a trip to the 2012 NWTF National Convention and Sport Show, Feb. 9-12, in Nashville, Tenn., where he will be recognized for his achievement.

For more information on the NWTF scholarship program, call (800) THE-NWTF, email scholarshipinfo@nwtf.net or visit www.nwtf.org/education.

About the NWTF: The National Wild Turkey Federation is the leader in upland wildlife habitat conservation in North America. A nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage, the NWTF and its volunteers work closely with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies and other partners.

Through these dynamic partnerships, the NWTF and its members helped restore wild turkey populations throughout North America, spending more than $331 million to conserve nearly 16 million acres of habitat. Wild turkeys and hundreds of other species of upland wildlife, including quail, deer, grouse, pheasant and songbirds, benefit from this improved habitat.

The NWTF also brings new conservationists and hunters into the fold through outdoor education events and its Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES youth outreach programs. Dedicated NWTF volunteers introduce about 100,000 people to the outdoors through these programs every year.

Founded in 1973, the NWTF is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C., and has local chapters in every state and Canada. According to many state and federal agencies, the restoration of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

To become a member of the NWTF, join a committee or start a chapter, visit www.nwtf.org or call 800-THE-NWTF. The NWTF is also at www.facebook.com/theNWTF.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

Pennsylvania --(Ammoland.com)- The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s teams of land managers, foresters and Food and Cover Corps crews are focusing their efforts – and the agency’s resources – on a massive amount of habitat improvement projects on the more than 1.4 million acres of State Game Lands this spring.

“Wildlife habitats are changing across the landscape as farming practices evolve and urban/suburban expansion convert former wildlife habitats into various types of developments, from homes to shopping malls,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “According to Pennsylvania’s Wildlife Action Plan, 300 acres of wildlife habitat are being lost every day, primarily to sprawl.

“For this reason, the Game Commission’s network of State Game Lands is critical to ensuring that wildlife will always have access to the three habitat components it needs to survive: food, shelter and water. And, through our habitat improvement efforts, we strive to ensure habitat diversity for all wildlife.”

As an example, Chester/Lancaster/York Counties Land Management Group Supervisor (LMGS) Linda Swank said that her Food and Cover Corps crews are working to re-establish several non-productive hedgerows that were removed this winter on State Game Land (SGL) 43 in Chester County.

“More wildlife-friendly trees and shrubs will be planted in those areas over the next few years,” LMGS Swank said. “The crew also is working to establish a few more warm-season grass fields at Muddy Run in southern Lancaster County, and putting in some hedgerows there as well. Mowing is starting already and lime and fertilizer are being spread to begin the preparation for planting. The next few weeks will be non-stop for both crews.”

Bradford/Susquehanna Counties LMGS Richard J. Lupinsky Sr. said a four-acre border cut around food plots is planned on SGL 12 in Bradford County.

“This will create brush piles, which serve as escape cover for wildlife, and will release apple trees, shrubs and vines,” he said. “We have cut about four acres in the past, which resulted in grouse and rabbit populations increasing. We will be planting six acres in this same general area in fields that have not been planted in years.”

Carbon/Luzerne/Lackawanna/Monroe Counties LMGS Michael Beahm said an area of SGL 119 in Luzerne County will undergo major habitat changes.

“Currently, there is a 30-acre area of fescue grasses and scattered food plots close to Francis E. Walter Dam,” LMGS Beahm said. “Each fall, the area is utilized as a youth pheasant hunt site with marginal habitat. This spring, a prescribed burn is planned for the area to remove the heavy thatch created from the fescue cover. The prescribed burn will be the start of its transformation, followed by an herbicide application and replanting the area with native warm-season grasses. These changes will take a couple years to mature, but wildlife value will improve greatly along with the hunting.”

Lawrence/Butler Counties LMGS Jeffery T. Kendall and his Food and Cover Corps crews have been working hard to prepare for the upcoming planting season.

“The crews plant many food plots with various grains and grasses to benefit many different species of wildlife,” LMGS Kendall said. “The plots are planted for food and cover for different times of the year to help wildlife.”

Sometimes, the drive to implement habitat improvements can be made difficult by weather, especially in remote parts of Pennsylvania. For example, Potter/Tioga Counties LMGS Denise H. Mitcheltree said winter conditions persisted through March and made travel within the remote State Game Lands quite difficult.

“Food and Cover Corps crews in Potter and Tioga counties used a variety of means, including snowmobile and snowshoes, to access locations with bluebird boxes,” LMGS Mitchelltree said. “The crews were able to finish cleaning out 156 bluebird boxes in preparation for the spring nesting season. They also cleaned out and repaired 20 duck boxes that could not be access earlier. When not working on nesting structures and general infrastructure maintenance, the crews were able to prune 286 fruit trees and release 124 apple trees throughout the seven State Game Lands. Six brush piles also were built to provide escape cover for birds and small mammals.”

Adams/Cumberland/Franklin Counties LMGS Barry Leonard said his Food and Cover Corps crews were busy repairing damage caused by recent heavy rains to roads and parking lots.

“Culverts that get clogged with leaves and debris result in water running across roadways thus degrading the road surface,” LMGS Leonard said.

Roe noted that the Game Commission is mandated, by state law, to spend a specific amount of money on habitat improvement each year. That minimum is based on an established rate of $4.25 for each resident and nonresident adult general hunting license and $2 for each antlerless deer license. During the 2009-10 license year, the Game Commission sold 846,293 resident and nonresident adult general hunting licenses and 867,697 antlerless deer licenses, for a total minimum of $5,332,139.

“In reality, we spent $5,902,523 on habitat improvement projects, which was $570,384 more that the legislatively-mandated minimum,” Roe said. “This was not a one-time aberration, however, as we have routinely exceed the minimum threshold set by the Legislature because we recognize how important habitat improvement is for all wildlife.

“However, when you combine our stable license sales with the increasing costs of conducting habitat work – from gas prices to repairs of heavy equipment – we are seeing the amount of work we are able to accomplish stagnate or decline. Fortunately, with organizations such as the National Wild Turkey Federation and Pheasants Forever, we are able to do more than what our license dollars allow.”

Clarion/Jefferson Counties LMGS George J. Miller said the NWTF Millcreek Chapter recently completed a habitat project to plant beneficial trees and shrubs on SGL 74 in his two counties.

“About 40 volunteers from the NWTF Chapter and Wal-Mart planted more than 200 trees and shrubs, including serviceberry, high-bush cranberry, arrowwood, crabapple, nannyberry, and Washington hawthorne, in the interior of three fences established last year as part of this same type of project,” LMGS Miller said. “The dry weather last April and early May, along with girdling of the bark by rodents over the winter months, caused mortality in most of the trees and shrubs previously planted. In addition to the plantings, the group added tree tubes for additional protection against girdling by mice and added fertilizer to promote growth and vigor. The Chapter will come back this summer to remove woody, invasive species that are crowding out the desired plantings. After the trees and shrubs become well established, the fencing and tree tubes will be removed.”

Perhaps one of the most important wildlife habitat partnerships for the future is the Game Commission’s cooperative effort between the agency’s Howard Nursery and local land managers and the American Chestnut Foundation. This partnership has been working to raise more than 700 blight resistant American chestnut hybrid seedlings, which represent the most nearly pure American strain yet produced.

Armstrong/Indiana/Westmoreland Counties LMGS Art Hamley said his Food and Cover Corps crews are assisting with the establishment of an American chestnut orchard.

“We are very optimistic that this generation will play an extremely important role in the restoration of blight resistant American Chestnuts to Penn’s Woods,” LMGS Hamley said. “Returning this native food source to the wilds of Pennsylvania will be a welcome addition for a wide variety of wildlife.”

Bedford/Fulton Counties LMGS Jonathan S. Zuck said, on March 5, the Thunderbird Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) assisted the agency in conducting a “Habitat Day” on SGL 73 in Bedford County.

“About 50 volunteers improved habitat for ruffed grouse and other wildlife by clear-cutting about five acres of pole stage timber and constructing six brush piles,” LMGS Zuck said. “It was truly a team effort with members of the RGS, local sportsmen’s clubs, Fort Bedford Boy Scouts, and concerned individuals working with the Game Commission to improve wildlife habitat. A special ‘thank you’ goes out to the Thunderbird Chapter for providing lunch.”

Howard Nursery Superintendent Cliff Guindon said the Game Commission’s “Seedlings for Schools” program, in its fourth year, shipped roughly 110,000 seedlings to 850 school buildings in Pennsylvania.

“Seedlings were shipped the weeks of April 18 and 25 to coincide with Earth Day and Arbor Day activities at schools,” Guindon said. “All seedlings are donated by the Game Commission’s Howard Nursery and shipping costs are covered by the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation with funding from Waste Management, Mealy’s Furniture, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Wildlife program. Elementary school grade levels have choice of white pine or silky dogwood seedlings. Other species from the nursery public sales list are made available for ‘Seedlings for Habitat’ projects for middle and high school programs.”

Juniata/Mifflin/Perry/Snyder Counties LMGS Steve Bernardi said 15 young men and their instructors from the Carson Long Military Academy in New Bloomfield, Perry County, recently assisted with a habitat project on SGL 171 in Juniata County. They erected several bluebird nest boxes, replanted fruit producing seedling to replace some that had died and made improvements to a five-acre herbaceous opening.

Bernardi added that the same group assisted the Perry County Conservation District in cleaning up a large illegal dumping area on SGL 281.

“They picked up more than five tons of trash and debris and around 300 tires – about 4.6 tons – that had been dumped over a bank along a remote roadway,” Bernardi said. “Many thanks to this group for doing this work that may other wise would not have gotten done anytime soon.”

Dauphin/Lebanon Counties LMGS Scott Bills said, on April 14, a group of Cub Scouts from Pack 77 helped plant winterberry, alder, viburnum, mountain ash and crabapples on SGL 211, in an area that usually attracts migrant woodcock.

“Invasive alien species, such as honeysuckle and multiflora rose, were cut and removed from the area by members of the 28th Class of Wildlife Conservation Officers (WCOs) prior to their graduation,” LMGS Bills said. “The Upper Dauphin Area High School’s conservation club also will be planting many of the same species in recovered fencerows on SGL 211 soon. Some 600 seedlings will be put in the ground by this hardworking group.”

Berks/Schuylkill Counties LMGS Matthew D. Belding said the Ruffed Grouse Society, Charles Bechtel Chapter, had a working field day on SGL 110 on April 9.

“For many years, the Ruffed Grouse Society has contributed many hours of labor and thousands of dollars to assist with our habitat management of SGL 110 in Berks and Schuylkill counties,” he said. “This year, we had more than 25 people attending to plant 1,000, three-year old white spruce. The evergreens will provide winter and escape cover not only for the grouse, but for many other species of wildlife.”

Despite all of this work to improve wildlife habitats, Game Commission officers continue to see disregard for State Game Lands by individuals who view them as nothing more than rural dumps and courses for motorized vehicles that are illegal to use on State Game Lands.

For example, Mercer County WCO Lawrence R. Hergenroeder is investigating the recent dumping of a large projection screen television in SGL 284 parking lot.

“If you witness this type of illegal activity, please pass on any vehicle and subject information you can to the appropriate Region Office,” WCO Hergenroeder said. “State Game Lands are open for public use, but those responsible for this type of illegal activity will be subject to stiff penalties when they are caught.”

In another case, WCO Hergenroeder cited a New Castle man for dumping household trash on SGL 178 in Neshannock Township.

“When confronted with the evidence, the man admitted that the dumpster he usually uses was full, so he drove to the SGL and threw it over the embankment instead,” WCO Hergenroeder said.

Allegheny County WCO Dan Puhala reports that a dump truck load of yard debris was intentionally dumped in the parking area for the shotgun range at SGL 203.

“The large pile of brush was found dumped in the middle of the parking area causing obvious access issues,” he said. “Inconsiderate acts such as this have a negative impact on all of those who use the State Game Lands. The tire tracks on scene indicate that a dual wheel dump truck was used in this incident. Anyone having information regarding this careless act should call the Southwest Region office at 724-238-9523.”

Fayette County WCO Brandon Bonin, while patrolling SGL 138, discovered a large dump site containing; tires, shingles, and assorted household products.

In another recent case, WCO Bonin issued a citation to an individual for operating an ATV on SGL 238.

“I have received information that ATVs are on this State Game Land frequently, and I will be increasing law enforcement patrols in this area, especially targeting the unlawful operations of these machines,” WCO Bonin said.

Westmoreland County WCO Brian Singer and his Deputy WCOs investigated several illegal dumping cases in his district.

“We have been able to track down the violators and charges have been filed for trash illegally dumped on lands open to public hunting,” WCO Singer said. “We remind individuals that penalties for this kind of activity can cost hundreds and even thousands of dollars, much more than the trash companies charge to pick up the trash at your doorstep.”

Roe said that the Game Commission’s land management teams have accomplished much so far this year, and that they have plans to do even more.

“I’ve long said that it is not our employee’s enthusiasm and ingenuity that limits our abilities to accomplish habitat projects to benefit wildlife; it is our limited financial resources that inhibits our capability to do more for wildlife,” Roe said. “There is no doubt that we can do more for wildlife if only provided the means to do so.”

Following is a summary of other habitat projects underway in each of the Game Commission’s six regions.

NORTHWEST:

Forest/Warren Counties LMGS Richard T. Cramer reported that his Food and Cover Corps crews have been busy maintaining SGL boundary lines, maintaining and replacing bluebird nest boxes, preparing equipment for spring planting, readying equipment for prescribed fires and many other duties.

Crawford/Erie Counties LMGS Shayne A. Hoachlander and all of the Northwest Region Food and Cover Corps crews, foresters, biologists, and LMGSs recently met for a two-day conference that provided or covered: mandatory pesticide license credits, habitat management techniques, commercial drivers license training, Marcellus gas operations on SGLs and other information pertinent to habitat management duties. Crawford County LMGS Jerry A. Bish noted that this training is only done once a year in this format. “In addition, it gives us time to compare strategies and techniques with our colleagues, and we had a little bit of fun,” he said.

Butler/Lawrence Counties LMGS Jeffery T. Kendall said the constant rainfall this spring has delayed the Food and Cover Corps crews from getting State Game Land fields planted. “Many of the food plots are setting idle because they are too wet to get equipment into to get them planted,” he said. “This could affect what ends up getting planted and what will be available for wildlife next winter.”

Clarion/Jefferson Counties LMGS George J. Miller reported the Jefferson County Food and Cover Corps crew will be planting about 1,600 native trees and shrubs in the riparian buffer of the remnants of the old Punxsutawney Reservoir on SGL 195. “They also will be reseeding a vegetated interior roadway on SGL 244 by applying herbicide to kill undesirable grasses, applying lime and fertilizer, and then no-till plant with legumes,” he said. “These projects were made possible by PR funding, which is revenue from an excise tax placed on firearms and ammunition that is then made available to state wildlife agencies for such projects.”

Mercer County WCO Donald G. Chaybin reported seedlings recently were distributed to private landowners enrolled in the Game Commission public access programs. “There also were surplus seedlings made available to sportsmen’s clubs, schools and youth groups,” he said. “All of these seedlings will provide valuable food and cover for wildlife in the future. In northern Mercer County, there were nearly 10,000 seedlings provided without charge to safety zone cooperators and others interested in improving wildlife habitat. Our seedlings are produced at the Game Commission Howard Nursery in Howard, Centre County.

SOUTHWEST:

Armstrong/Indiana/Westmoreland Counties LMGS Art Hamley, this spring, said his Food and Cover Corps crews have been rehabbing and maintaining the many leguminous State Game Land food plots and establishing new ones. He also said various SGL nesting boxes have been cleaned and repaired and await new residents.

Hamley said, over the winter months, the Food and Cover Corps crews did numerous border cuts on public and private lands, including the cutting of aspen stands to increase stem density and browse. “Apple trees have been day-lighted and some stands of larger evergreens have been topped, which helps to maintain vigorous growth at or near ground level,” he said. “Many of these efforts would have been impossible to attain without the use of the new Cat habitat machines.”

Hamley also said a prescribed burn on warm-season grass fields is planned this spring and foresters, land managers and Food and Cover Corps crew personnel have received many hours of training to assure compliance with laws surrounding that activity.

Cambria/Indiana Counties LMGS Dan Yahner said the Food and Cover crews in northern Cambria County recently spent a considerable amount of time operating a hydro-axe machine on SGLs 108 and 184 this month. “This 16-ton machine has a type of ‘brush hog’ mower attachment on the front that is capable of cutting down brush and small trees up to seven inches in diameter,” he said. “The cutting was done to remove the invasive locust trees from a mountain-top grassland bird nesting area on SGL 108. The Game Commission is conducting a cooperative study with Penn State University to record the nesting activity of threatened and endangered birds in these reclaimed strip mined areas. Among others, Henslow sparrows, short-eared owls and Northern harriers have been observed using the area. The hydro axe also was employed to cut maturing scrub oak areas on the mountaintops along the Allegheny front. This unique habitat matures over time and becomes overgrown and choked out by larger trees such as birch and sassafras. By clear-cutting these areas completely every 10 to 15 years, the scrub oak quickly reproduces new sprouts and provides untold amounts of browse and acorns for the wildlife. In days gone by, the scrub oak areas were maintained by wildfires that were started regularly by sparks from the steam engine railroads. The fires would burn out and kill the shallow rooted invasive type tree species, allowing for the deep-rooted scrub oak to re-sprout and sustain itself. Modern methods of fire suppression have caused these scrub oak areas to slowly disappear.”

Yahner also said the new Food and Cover Corps crew in northern Indiana County has been hard at work cutting down a stand of mature aspen trees on SGL 262. “By cutting down the old and dying trees, the sunlight reaches the ground and a proliferation of new aspen spring up from root sucker sprouts,” he said. “Many species of wildlife benefit greatly from this new and thicker aspen regeneration.”

Southwest Region Field Forester Roger Brown said a 189-acre timber harvest habitat project on SGL 82 in Somerset County is going to be a Woodcock Demonstration Area. “To date, 48 acres of the 59 acres planned to be cut along Wills Creek have been cut in the Goudy Memorial Habitat Project,” he said. “This project will improve habitat for woodcock by removing the mature trees in the stream corridor. Removing these mature trees will stimulate sprouting, creating a long swath of dense young forest growing on the moist bottomland soil. The timber harvest also will reach into the nearby forest stands, where 49 acres of an additional planned 130 acres have been cut. These cut areas will provide feeding habitat for breeding and migrating woodcocks.”

Brown also said a 14-acre timber sale on SGL 93 in Somerset County was completed in March. “This timber sale was set up to improve habitat conditions near a reclaimed strip mine on this new SGL,” he said. “A long, thin area was cut in the forest stand along the edge of the reclaimed strip mine. This will create a border edge of dense young growth between the open field area of the strip mine and the forest stand. Border edges are an important source of food and cover for wildlife. Apple trees, crabapples and hawthorn were reserved in this area, which will provide a valuable food source. A small patch of Japanese knot weed that was found on the strip mine was treated with an herbicide to prevent the spread of this invasive species.”

Brown said a 75-acre timber sale on SGL 111 in Somerset County will reduce the number of large trees that have begun “shading out” the food plots with their large branches. “Cutting the timber around the fields allows more sunlight into the fields,” he said. “This also creates border edges around the fields, allowing a transition from the open areas of the fields to the new dense young growth in the cut areas, to the forest stands. Border edges provide food and cover and are valuable wildlife habitat. Part of this timber sale also will cut some of the timber that is shading the grass game land road that provides access to the food plots, in effect, creating a long border edge. Valuable wildlife trees such as oaks and hickories will be reserved in these areas. This timber sale will be shown to interested timber buyers in May. The winning bidder will have until 2013 to complete the sale.”

Brown said a 30-acre timber sale on SGL 297 in Washington County will improve wildlife habitat by cutting large mature poplar timber along some small wet drainages in the sale area. “This will provide areas of dense young growth that is preferred by species such as woodcock,” he said. “A small stand of aspen also will be cut, again providing valuable wildlife habitat as the aspen re-sprouts. A wetland is planned for development near this timber sale. With the wetlands, and nearby fields, this timber sale will create valuable wildlife habitat. This timber sale will be shown to interested timber buyers in April. The winning bidder will have until 2013 to complete the sale.”

Southwest Region Field Forester Brandon Karlheim said a 45-acre aspen timber harvest on SGL 184 in Cambria County involves a reverted 30-plus year old strip mine that has regenerated to larch, pine, aspen, locust and red maple, mostly a pole timber size stand (six to 16 inches in diameter). “The objective of this cut is to remove the species listed to create early successional habitat that is being managed for grouse and to improve the current habitat that is already present,” he said. “This harvest will improve habitat for other mammals and bird species which thrive in early successional aspen cuts for both food and cover as well. Timber species that will be reserved within the sale will consist of white pine and small islands of red pine for roosting structure and thermal cover. Future management of these aspen stands proposed for regeneration may include cutting smaller portions of these areas every five to 10 years, maintaining aspen stands in various stages of maturity. The creation of small patches of conifer cover within these aspen stands will be reserved and will enhance ruffed grouse survival in the winter.”

Karlheim also said a 75-acre prescribed fire is planned for SGL 174 in Indiana County. “The prescribed burn will be completed with the 75 acres split up into seven smaller blocks that will allow for greater control of the fire,” he said. “The purpose of the prescribed forest burn is to eliminate the striped maple that makes up much of the understory and to promote the present oak seedlings that are unable to proceed past the overtopping striped maple. With using a prescribed fire as a management tool it allows us to eliminate competing undesirable species, promote desired species, enhance wildlife habitat and meet training standards. Such preventative measures have been taken to promote desired outcomes. The prescribed burn also will remove debris – such as leaves, dead tops and logs – from around the bases of high-valued mast producing trees, such as oaks.”

Karlheim reported a 65-acre hawthorn timber promotion project is planned for SGL 279 in Cambria County. “Of these 65 acres, 23 acres have been preferred to have the established hawthorn within the site promoted,” he said. “The hawthorn will be promoted by having the overtopping trees removed from the site. Also a spray contractor will be selectively hand spraying invading hardwood species and patches of multiflora rose that are competing with the present hawthorn. Hawthorn plays a significant role in wildlife habitat such as providing great cover for woodcocks and nesting structures for songbirds. Hawthorn also provides an excellent feed source for other wildlife.”

NORTHCENTRAL:

Lycoming/Union Counties LMGS Thomas M. Smith said his Food and Cover Corps crews recent accomplishments include: pruning 10 fruit trees; border cutting 10 acres; thinning of two acres of invasive species; releasing 140 trees from competing vegetation; building nine rabbit brush piles; cleaning out three waterfowl nests; marked and painted one mile of State Game Lands and five miles of propagation boundaries; posting 14 informational signs; and conducting various maintenance on 17 gates, 15 parking lots, four culvert pipes, four dikes, one building, one shooting range and five miles of roadway.

Centre/Clinton Counties LMGS Michael Ondik said that his Food and Cover Corps crews erected or maintained more than 200 nesting or housing structures for bluebirds and bats. “The cleaning of these boxes every year, removing last year’s nests, is a key to successful use this year,” he said. “Please remember to do maintenance on your box, or erect some if you can.”

Elk/McKean Counties LMGS John P. Dzemyan reported the two-man McKean County Food and Cover Corps installed new out-flow pipes for three duck ponds on the Allegheny National Forest last fall. “The three ponds serve as popular fishing spots in the summer, duck and goose hunting areas in the fall, beaver trapping sites in the winter and wildlife viewing destinations all year long,” he said. “The crews partnered with the local Mt. Jewett Sportsman’s Club and have been implementing fish structures in the pond bottoms when ponds were lowered for repairs. Funding for the work comes through the Fish and Boat Commission as well as the Allegheny National Forest.”

Dzemyan said the McKean County crew also constructed four new acres of clover strips for cottontail rabbits on SGL 62 and maintained food plots by mowing and applying some new seeding, lime and fertilizer. “The crew also maintained more than 40 wood duck boxes on the numerous wetlands,” he said “The crew also is maintaining youth pheasant hunter areas on SGL 61 and the Allegheny National Forest McKean County with special plantings and stockings.”

Dzemyan said that the three-man Elk County Food and Cover Corps crew has been busy creating more seedling sapling habitat all winter with numerous border cuts and fruit and mast producing day lighting efforts. “One location on SGL 25 is a cooperative project with the Wapiti Chapter of NWTF, in which we created about 10 acres of bush piles and sapling stands next to thousands of new seedlings planted for food and cover for turkeys and other wildlife,” he said. “This area has been mostly a pole-stage monoculture forest stand. Through the middle of this NWTF project, the crew has disked up a strip about one-half mile long and will soon plant it with clovers and grains for wildlife this summer. The increased federal Pittman-Robertson funding for habitat work also has enabled the contract spraying to remove unwanted growth from herbaceous openings on 61 acres of SGLs 25 and 44. We now will be contracting to plant those 61 acres with grains and clovers to improve habitat conditions for game and non-game animals.”

Dzemyan said the Elk County crew also worked with Ruffed Grouse Society to erect fencing to protect about 4,000 fruit and mast producing shrubs in herbaceous openings.

Dzemyan said the Elk County crew also is busy on SGL 311 with maintaining hundreds of new acres of herbaceous openings for elk and other wildlife from the massive mine reclamation program there. “With more than 170 elk being seen on SGL 311, elk numbers are at all-time highs,” he said. “Turkeys and deer also have made heavy use of these new habitat improvements.”

Dzemyan said, on SGL 44, the Elk County crew partnered with the Elk County Chapter of Pheasants Forever on the new 6,000-plus acres of State Game Lands between Brockway and Ridgway to improve pheasant stocking areas and small game rabbit areas. “New herbaceous openings have been created for grains and clovers, and more than 275 acres of new warm-season grasses are starting their second year’s growth from the cooperative WHIP project with NRCS on those lands,” he said.

Dzemyan said partnerships with the Department of Environmental Protection to maintain and improve water quality in both the Tobey Creek branch of the Clarion River and Dents Run and Bennett’s branches of the Susquehanna River are a daily occurrence. “Fish now are in places of both watersheds that just two and three years ago were too polluted with mine acid to support trout and or bass fishing,” he said. “Major projects continue with the DEP and the Bennett’s Branch Watershed Association and the Toby Creek Watershed Association to protect and improve what coal mining has done to both those waterways over the past 100 years.”

Dzemyan said work continues to clean up dump sites on State Game Lands in his two counties. “The McKean County Conservation District worked to clean up old junk yards along the Allegheny River on SGL 301, and McKean County Cleanways helped stop erosion along a stream on SGL 61,” he said. “The Elk County Conservation District and Cleanways have removed a couple hundred tons of dump site garbage form SGL 44 and 293, as well as on Forest-Game Cooperative lands over the past five years and continue to monitor and keep those sites clean. The Allegheny National Forest WIN’s program is preventing silt from public dirt roads from impairing streams on State Game Lands. The Allegheny National Forest funded a project to remove seven abandoned camps that had fallen apart on State Game Lands along the Clarion River. They also helped to improve and old road and to reclaim two old roads that were mud and silt problems for the Clarion River.”

SOUTHCENTRAL:

Adams/Cumberland/Franklin Counties LMGS Barry Leonard said his Food and Cover Corps crews have been busy planting trees and shrubs on several State Game Lands. “The intent is to provide additional food and cover for wildlife in the future,” he said. “In addition to that, they have released and pruned numerous existing fruit trees in order to enhance production this year. The crews have been busy making food plot and habitat improvements on SGLs 76 and 170 thanks to money made available through local NWTF chapters.”

Leonard also said local prisoners in Cumberland County assisted with releasing and trimming about 40 apple trees on SGL 169.

Leonard reported an area of switch grass fields on SGL 235 have been prepped for a burn later in the year. This will clear out some overgrowth and allow for regeneration of desirable vegetation.

Leonard said a timber sale is being conducted on SGL 170. It will result in about 1.5 million board feet of lumber being removed. In return, the sportsmen will gain additional access to the interior of the State Game Land via an extended access road and parking area. The removed timber will allow better regeneration of food and cover for wildlife.

Bedford/Fulton Counties LMGS Jonathan S. Zuck reported during the winter months his Food and Cover Corps crews pruned or fenced 286 fruit trees and day-lighted nearly 9,000 mast-producing trees and shrubs, and created 25 acres of edge habitat and 34 wildlife brush piles. “This hard-working group of dedicated individuals also improved 70 acres of forested habitat through clear-cutting and by thinning and releasing food-producing trees and shrubs,” he said. “We now are top-dressing clover food plots and preparing to plant tree seedlings and turn soils in State Game Land wildlife openings.”

Zuck also reported the New Enterprise Food and Cover Crew planted 20 fruit trees on an old orchard site on SGL 261 near Hopewell with the assistance of a local NWTF chapter, businesses and volunteers. “We received funding through the Tussey Mt. Strutters Chapter of the NWTF to plant, fertilize, and fence 15 apple and five pear trees,” he said. “The trees, fertilizer, and fencing were purchased from local businesses. Art Rexinger, a local volunteer, donated his time and equipment to dig the holes and Beegle’s Log and Lumber of Everett donated eight cubic yards for mulch for use in planting. Later this spring the orchard site will be seeded with beneficial wildlife foods such as oats, clover, brassica and buckwheat.”

Huntingdon/Blair Counties LMGS Bert Einodshofer reported that additional conifer plantings on SGL 99 will continue. “Over the past five years, Food and Cover Corps crews, foresters and Pennsylvania Conservation Corps members have created conifer stands of three to five acres where all existing deciduous trees have been removed and then re-planted with conifers,” he said. “In all, more than 10,000 conifers have been planted in these areas. Volunteers also have enabled us to rehab this area where past gypsy moth infestations devastated the oaks on this State Game Land. Since these projects began, volunteers have provided a key component to allowing us to complete as much as we have. For several years, Bill Mattern, Bill Mattern Jr., Mitch Hiddenman and Joe Myers volunteered and planted more than 6,000 conifers, oak seedlings and other beneficial deciduous trees surrounding the project areas. Without their help, this phase of the project would not have been possible.”

Einodshofer said the Food and Cover Corps crews in his two counties have been training and preparing to conduct several prescribed burns to improve habitat conditions. “Weather conditions permitting, there are three burns planned for SGL 67 in Huntingdon County,” he said. “These burns are being conducted to improve site conditions for scrub oak as well as expand the area in which it currently is found. One burn is planned for late spring and two sites are planned for late summer into early fall. In all, these three areas comprise of almost 150 acres.”

Blair County Stephen T. Hanczar said The Nature Conservancy recently enrolled a 640-acre tract of woodlands within Logan and Frankstown townships into the agency’s Hunter Access Program. “On a brisk, sunny Saturday morning in March, ten volunteers assisted Molly Anderson, Nature Conservancy representative, mark the boundary with the Nature Conservancy’s placards,” he said. “These dedicated members travelled rugged terrain like ‘mountain goats’ to mark the lines.”

Southcentral Region Field Forester Roy Bucher and Juniata/Mifflin/Perry/Snyder Counties LMGS Steve Bernardi discovered a nice stand of aspen on SGL 256 in Perry County last year. “Currently, I am laying out a timber sale to regenerate the aspen that we found,” he said. “While flagging in the sale area, I flushed a grouse from her nest and heard a male drumming in the same area. Looks like the grouse are already in the area and will benefit from the early successional habitat that the regenerated aspen will provide.”

Bucher noted that the wet and rainy spring hampered opportunities to use prescribed fire within the region. “Fortunately, we did get several rain free days and completed a planned prescribed burn on SGL 107 in Juniata and Mifflin counties,” he said. “The area burned was a four-year-old shelter wood cut that did not have acceptable amounts of oak regeneration and significant numbers of other less desirable tree species. We believe we met our objective of reducing the number birch and maple saplings and have made conditions more favorable to release the oak that was present and may gain more from acorn germination.”

Bucher and Bernardi also completed a prescribed burn on SGL 212 in Snyder County. “The burns were for two small forested tracts and had two different objectives,” Bucher said. “The larger unit will be managed for red-headed woodpeckers. We would like to eliminate the brushy understory with the use of the prescribed fire and then remove, by felling, some of the smaller diameter trees. The objective is to create a park like habitat. This objective may require subsequent use of prescribed fire to control brush within the stand. The objective in the smaller unit is to eliminate invasive species and create the conditions to regenerate hard pine. There has been some mortality of the hard pine, creating gaps that have been filled in by invasive species. With the use of fire we hope to eliminate the invasive species and provide the right conditions to regenerate some hard pine.”

NORTHEAST:

Carbon/Luzerne/Lackawanna/Monroe Counties LMGS Michael Beahm said his Food and Cover Corps crews have been working to complete NWTF-sponsored habitat projects. “Each year, local NWTF chapters fund habitat projects on State Game Lands across Pennsylvania,” he said. “This year, we planted 42 mature crabapple trees that were about 10- to 12-feet tall on SGLs 135, 186 and 187. They will provide a valuable soft-mass crop in during the fall and winter months. Additionally, the NWTF funded three acres of clover plantings on SGL 187 in Luzerne County. The funding for the projects was made possible from the money raised at local NWTF Hunting Heritage banquets.”

Beahm said, on SGL 127, the Food and Cover Corps crew worked hard to open up a road on Artillery Ridge this past winter. “The road had slowly grown shut over the years along with severe ice damage,” he said. “This spring, the crews will be planting the road with a clover mix, which will greatly improve the brooding habitat in this area for grouse and turkey, and provide excellent browse for the deer and rabbits.”

Beahm said the Food and Cover Corps crews will be establishing a new food plot on SGL 129. “For the last few years, we have been planning a new food plot along Schoch Mill Road,” he said. “After inspecting several food plots, with the Game Lands Maintenance Supervisor Tony Colecio, and seeing how heavily they are used by the deer and turkeys, we knew this was the year to get it done. Once the food plot is opened up, it will be planted with buckwheat for the first couple years to improve the soil. These projects are always exciting; it’s like building the field of dreams, knowing their full potential impact.”

Sullivan/Luzerne/Wyoming Counties LMGS William Williams said the SGL 57 Food and Cover Corps crew initiated work on a new four-acre linear food plot near Upper Bean Pond. “The plot will be planted in a brassica mix this spring,” he said.

Columbia/Montour/Northumberland Counties LMGS Keith Sanford said personnel from The Nature Conservancy and the Game Commission combined forces in March to conduct a controlled burn of native warm-season grasses on SGL 58 in Columbia County. “Six out of a planned 16 acres were treated,” he said. “The remaining 10 acres will be burned in April if weather conditions permit. The burns will help rejuvenate the grasses by reducing accumulated thatch, eliminating invasive woody plants, and by adding nutrients to the soil. Warm-season grasses are utilized by deer, cottontail rabbits, pheasants, and a variety of songbirds.”

Sanford said, in spite of heavy rains and the opening day of trout season, seven volunteers from the Col-Mont Gobbler Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and Woodcock Limited of PA teamed up with the Game Commission on April 16 for some habitat work. “The group managed to plant 1,800 aspen seedlings on SGL 58 in Columbia County,” he said. “The site where the project took place is being managed to create nesting, brood rearing, feeding and roosting cover for ruffed grouse and woodcock but will also provide important habitat for many wildlife species that thrive in early succession forests.”

Bradford/Susquehanna Counties LMGS Richard J. Lupinsky Sr. said that the Food and Cover Corps crews have been busy with browse cutting to day-light certain areas to let the sun impact the snow and ice and to get the nutritious buds close to the ground for winter wildlife survival.

Lupinsky and his Food and Cover Corps crews will be doing follow up work on 110 acres of reclaimed strip mines that was a prescribed burn and herbicide treatment on SGL 36. “This will include filling sink holes and planting warm-season grasses for habitat that will be used by small game and nongame species,” he said.

In another project, Lupinsky said 40 acres of warm-season grass will be planted along with prior herbicide treatment on SGL 219. “One site will be about 10 acres, with a clover buffer around the outside and through the middle to allow prescribed burning on alternate years,” he said. “The other will be about 30 acres in three parcels and be burned in the same way. This will allow habitat to be in varying stages of growth to create more diversity for the wildlife that uses it.”

Lupinsky said a 54-acre prescribed fire is planned for the spring in the Rose Hollow area of SGL 35. “The goal is to reduce laurel thickets a buildup of forest duff and previous logging slash for optimum regeneration from red oak present in the over story,” he said.

SOUTHEAST:

Chester County WCO Scott Frederick and Chester/Lancaster/York Counties LMGS Linda Swank have partnered with the local Boy Scout troop to conduct some clean-up operations on SGL 43 in Chester County. “Bud Burdy, who is a volunteer HTE instructor and a Boy Scout leader, contacted me recently about coordinating efforts to help clean up portions of SGL 43,” WCO Frederick said. “He already lined up a local refuse company to donate a dumpster so that one of the parking lots can be cleaned up of the items that have been dumped there in recent times. Anyone who uses and enjoys the SGLs needs to provide a big round of applause to Mr. Burdy and the Scouts under his charge in initiating this wonderful endeavor.”

Swank said it is a very busy time for the Food and Cover Corps crews. “It is a time of planning for spring planting and getting equipment ready as well,” she said. “The crews really have been affected by the weather coming out of winter and into almost summer like conditions. Both the York and Lancaster crews worked together to sort seedlings from the agency’s Howard Nursery, to get the seedling ready for distribution to cooperators

Dauphin/Lebanon Counties LMGS Scott Bills and his Food and Cover Corps have been mowing native forbs and grasses in lieu of burning the fields this spring. “Of course, in the midst of all this, the crews still have to get into the many fields and prepare them for planting as the rainfall slows,” he said. “After that they will be seeded with various grains, legumes and wildflower mixes for the fall season.”

Bills said, at this time of the year, some part of the Food and Cover Corps crew tasks includes planting seedlings grown at the agency’s Howard Nursery. “Conifer blocks with soft mast shrubs on the periphery are being planted in some of the long herbaceous openings of SGL 210 to provide escape cover for those species that utilize the open areas, such as wild turkey,” he said. “The Crew will be installing a small orchard of 20 crabapple trees on SGL 210, too. These crabapples were purchased from a local fruit nursery and should yield crabapples in several years. After the planting, the area will then be immediately fenced to prevent damage from rutting bucks and rampaging bears. Once the trees reach a size that almost no amount of damage can kill them, the fence will be taken down.”

Bills also said a new bridge on the abandoned railroad bed in Stony Valley at Yellow Springs was finished.

Bucks/Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton Counties LMGS Dave Mitchell said contractor recently started working on creating almost five miles of firebreaks on SGL 217. “The firebreaks are constructed using a bulldozer,” he said. “By installing them, we will be able to use prescribed fire to manage the forest and increase the oak component in that area of the SGL, as well as the overall habitat health. Quality habitat should lead to healthy populations of deer, turkey, and grouse. Watch for the first burn to take place next year.”

Mitchell said the Food and Cover Corps crews recently planted more than 1,000 aspen trees on SGL 168 with the hopes of improving grouse and woodcock habitat. “The Walking Purchase Chapter and the Pocono Chapter of the NWTF donated more than $3,000 for the purchase of lime and fertilizer to assist with the planting of 20 acres of food plots on SGL 168,” he said. “The Walking Purchase Chapter held a habitat work day, and planted crabapple trees in memory of a member who had passed away.”

Mitchell also said the Jerry Zimmerman Memorial Chapter of the NWTF donated $1,500 for the purchase of fertilizer to assist in planting of food plots in the Trexler Nature Preserve. “We plant around 15 acres of corn, soybeans and clover in the TNP,” he said. “The property is open for archery hunting of deer and turkey through a cooperative agreement with Lehigh County.”

Southeast Assistant Regional Forester Randy Bauman reported that, as invasive species become more of a problem, foresters are forced to spend more of their time trying to prevent their spread. “Mile-a-minute weed is one of these plants that invade a forest wherever sunlight is introduced to the forest floor,” he said. “We currently are working with the USDA on a project to introduce weevils that eat mile-a-minute leaves and buds. In 2010, we placed 1,750 weevils on six sites on four SGLs and this summer we plan to introduce 1,000 additional weevils. As part of this project, we will be monitoring these sites and documenting the results. We have high hopes that these natural predators will alleviate the threat that mile-a-minute weed poses to the environment.”

Southeast Regional Field Forester Frank Vinitski reported that a timber stand improvement project and a regeneration cut will be conducted along Sharp Mountain just to the east of Gold Mine Road. “This project, totaling around 50 to 75 acres, will improve mast opportunities for the Allegheny woodrat and create desired seedling regeneration to benefit ruffed grouse,” he said. “Wildlife habitat also will be improved by constructing log landings which will be converted into herbaceous openings. These openings will offer food opportunities for the many birds and mammals that utilize this area.”

Southeast Regional Field Forester Jonathan Weaver reported that a prescribed burn has been planned for SGL 156 in northern Lancaster County. “This is a new process for us here in the Southeast Region, and we have learned many lessons,” he said. “Just when we thought everything was ready, we were met with multiple rainy weeks. This is a good example of some of the issues we face as natural resource managers. We can plan things well in advance, but are still at the mercy of weather patterns and other natural processes.”

Facts from the Pennsylvania Game Commission: Landowners interested in developing “backyard habitats” beneficial to wildlife are encouraged to check out the “Landscaping for Wildlife in Pennsylvania,” available from the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The 160-page book, which costs $9.43 (plus state sales tax and shipping and handling), can be purchased through the “The Outdoor Shop” on the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), in the “General Store” section in the menu bar at the top of the homepage. Orders also are being accepted at 1-888-888-3459.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Mansfield, Ga., -(Ammoland.com)- Looking for a way for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors this spring?

Come to Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center’s JAKES Day Saturday, May 14! This fun-filled event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center’s (CEWC) Discovery Area in Mansfield.

Sponsors for the JAKES Day include the Georgia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

Admission is free and includes an array of activities that focus on wildlife, conservation efforts and outdoor recreational opportunities in Georgia. Children can try their hands at archery, fishing, shooting sports, and can go on a mini-boat ride with a WRD Conservation Ranger. Show your spirit for the outdoors by getting your face decorated with wildlife art! Presentations scheduled for this event include retriever demonstrations, and live snake and bird of prey programs. Several exhibitors from wildlife-related organizations also will be on hand to give out information and goodies to those interested in expanding their outdoor horizons.

The first 500 kids will receive a free t-shirt and a free hot dog lunch from the Georgia Chapter of NWTF (adults can eat for a nominal fee). For kids under 17 years old, memberships in the NWTF’s JAKES club (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, & Sportsmanship) will be available for a small membership fee. Door prizes will be given away at the close of the event too! Be sure to stop by the Visitors’ Center to view an indoor planetarium set up by the Atlanta Chapter of the National Astronomy Club, tour the museum, and visit the gift shop. Discounts will be available for several gift gallery items (excludes hunting & fishing licenses and Charlie Elliott books).

For further information, visit www.georgiawildlife.com and choose the “Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center” quick link, or call CEWC at (770) 784-3059. To get to CEWC, take I-20 to Exit 98. Travel south on Highway 11, go through Mansfield and continue three miles south to the entrance at Marben Farms Road on the left. Then follow the JAKES Day signs to the Discovery Area. Hope to see you there!

GoHUNTn

California --(Ammoland.com)- GoHUNTn (www.gohuntn.com), “where hunters connect,” launched its first-ever spring gobbler week from Monday, May 2 through Monday, May 9 presented by the National Wild Turkey Federation.

“You can’t think of spring without thinking of gobblers, and you can’t think gobblers without thinking of the National Wild Turkey Federation,” said Ned Desmond, president of GoSportn, Inc., the parent company of GoHUNTn.

“We’re thrilled to partner with this great organization and pay homage to the wild turkey and all the hunters who are pursuing them this year.”

GoHUNTn and the NWTF will feature multiple contests throughout the week based on wild turkeys, with the winners receiving various prizes including hats and gift cards. GoHUNTn will promote these contests on its Facebook page, which has more than 53,000 fans. The person who contributes the most content on GoHUNTn.com for the week will win the grand prize and the title of Mr. or Ms. Spring Gobbler.

“In a very short time since its launch, GoHUNTn has really become a great resource for people looking for the best news in hunting,” said Brent Lawrence, Public Relations and Web Director for the National Wild Turkey Federation. “We’re excited to be partnering with them on their first-ever theme week and share the spring gobbler love across GoHUNTn and the NWTF’s communities through our websites and Facebook and Twitter followers.”

The National Wild Turkey Federation is the leader in upland wildlife habitat conservation in North America. A nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage, the NWTF and its volunteers work closely with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies and other partners.

Through these dynamic partnerships, the NWTF and its members helped restore wild turkey populations throughout North America, spending more than $331 million to conserve nearly 16 million acres of habitat. Wild turkeys and hundreds of other species of upland wildlife, including quail, deer, grouse, pheasant and songbirds, benefit from this improved habitat.

For more details on Spring Gobbler Week, visit GoHUNTn.com (www.gohuntn.com/national-wild-turkey-federation/reports/828-national-wild-turkey-federation-presents-spring-gobbler-week-on-gohuntn). To follow along with the week’s activity check GoHUNTn (www.gohuntn.com) or the NWTF and GoHUNTn’s Facebook pages (www.facebook.com/theNWTF, www.facebook.com/gohuntn).

Go Sportn Inc. is a start-up social media and technology company based in California and Maryland. GoHUNTn is its first launch. For more information, visit www.gohuntn.com/info/about

From left to right: Ivan Geise (Michigan Wild Turkey Hunters Association), Al Bobrofsky (National Wild Turkey Federation), Jennifer Kleitch (Michigan Department of Natural Resources—Wildlife Division), Sam Geise (NWTF), Don Minier (NWTF).

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- Thirteen wild turkey hens that were native to Barry County have been relocated to Oscoda County, the Department of Natural Resources announced today.

The trap-and-transfer operation was a joint effort of the DNR, Michigan Wild Turkey Hunters Association, National Wild Turkey Federation and the Mio Chamber of Commerce, as part of a plan to revitalize the northern Michigan wild turkey population, which has been in decline during the last decade.

The birds, which were trapped on private land in an area with a robust turkey population, were released on public land near Fairview, a town once billed as the “Wild Turkey Capitol of Michigan.”

From left to right: Jennifer Kleitch (Michigan Department of Natural Resources—Wildlife Division), Tony Snyder (National Wild Turkey Federation), Keith Fisher (Michigan Department of Natural Resources—Wildlife Division), and Ivan Geise (Michigan Wild Turkey Hunters Association).

Al Stewart, the DNR’s upland game bird specialist, said more wild turkeys may be released in northern Michigan this year if weather conditions remain conducive to trapping birds in southern Michigan.

“This is an excellent example of our employees working with our stakeholders to enhance wildlife populations and produce high-quality outdoor experiences,” said DNR Director Rodney Stokes.

Wild turkeys were once totally extirpated from Michigan, but thanks to cooperative efforts of the DNR and conservation groups, turkey populations are now thriving in many parts of the state.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

10 Tips for a Safe Spring Turkey Hunt

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- With wild turkey hunting season still in full swing in many states, the National Wild Turkey Federation has the safety of turkey hunters in mind.

Safety is a key element when you’re in the woods mimicking the sounds of wild turkeys. A safe turkey hunter is much like a safe driver — you must be defensive minded. Also, keep in mind that a safe hunter is an effective hunter.

Here are 10 tips to consider when you’re in the woods:

• Leave the area if you suspect there’s another hunter already working the same bird.
• Resist the urge to stalk turkey sounds. It is nearly impossible to sneak up on a turkey. It is also unethical and could lead to an accident.
• Select a spot that is in open timber rather than thick brush: wearing camouflage clothing and eliminating movement is more critical to success than hiding in heavy cover.
• Sit against a large stump, blow-down, tree trunk or rock that is wider than your shoulders and higher than your head when calling wild turkeys.
• Never wear bright colors, especially not red, white, blue or black because these are the colors of a wild turkey gobbler. Watch out for red, white or blue on your socks, t-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, hats, bandannas, etc. Wear dark undershirts and socks, and pants long enough to be tucked into boots.
• Remain still and speak in a loud, clear voice to announce your presence to other hunters if necessary. Never move, wave or make turkey sounds to alert another hunter of your presence.
• Keep your hands and head camouflaged when calling.
• Maintain a clear field of view when using a camouflage blind or netting.
• Ensure your decoy is not visible when you are transporting it. Stash the decoy in your vest and make sure the head is not sticking out. If you harvest a wild turkey during your hunting trip, you also should cover the bird’s head and body when carrying it out from your hunting spot.
• Put your gun’s safety on and approach the downed bird with your firearm pointed in a safe direction after firing. Never run with a firearm.

The National Wild Turkey Federation is committed to making hunter safety a top priority. In 1991, the NWTF initiated the National Turkey Hunting Safety Task Force to complement the hunter safety efforts of state agencies, the International Hunters Education Association, the National Rifle Association and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. The task force – composed of hunting and shooting safety experts from around the country – has met three times since 1992 to develop a comprehensive hunter safety program, and has since produced and distributed more than 1 million pieces of hunting safety information.

Thanks to the cooperative efforts of the members of the National Turkey Hunting Task Force, the number of turkey hunting incidents continues to decrease even as turkey hunters flock to the woods in increasing numbers. Spring turkey hunting incidents have decreased from a high of 8.1 per 100,000 in 1991 to a low of 2.95 per 100,000 in 2001, the most recent year this data was updated.

Note: Before heading afield this spring, check with your state or provincial wildlife agency for hunting seasons and bag limits.

Chevrolet Receives NWTF Corporate Achievement Award

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- NASHVILLE, Tenn. --(Ammoland.com)- Chevrolet has been awarded the National Wild Turkey Federation’s prestigious Corporate Achievement Award for outstanding efforts in promoting wildlife conservation and hunting.

A long-term partner of the NWTF, Chevrolet received the award during the NWTF’s 35th annual National Convention and Sport Show, which took place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.

“Chevrolet is honored to receive this award,” said Kevin Messmer, Chevrolet’s field manager for the Southeast region. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with NWTF and demonstrate our commitment to conservation and the men, women and children who enjoy the outdoors. We are looking forward to a successful 2011, our seventh consecutive year with the NWTF.”

Chevrolet is the official vehicle of the NWTF, the leader in upland habitat conservation. A subsidiary of General Motors, Chevrolet partners with the NWTF in various ways to further the NWTF’s mission of conserving wild turkeys and preserving our hunting heritage. The partnership makes the Chevrolet brand more accessible to millions of Americans.

“We are proud of our relationship with Chevrolet,” said Mike Cleary, NWTF’s senior vice president of marketing and field operations. “Chevy’s commitment to improving our environment and conserving our natural resources makes them a natural fit for the NWTF. Congratulations to Chevrolet for earning this prestigious award.”

Chevrolet first partnered with NWTF in 2005 and has since provided hundreds of thousands of dollars for conservation. Thousands of NWTF members have test-driven Chevrolet vehicles at the NWTF’s National Convention and Sport Show. The Chevy Ride and Drive is a favorite at the show, and is just one way NWTF members learn more about Chevrolet products. Additionally, thousands of members have visited Chevy showrooms to test drive and purchase vehicles.

For more information about Chevrolet, visit www.chevrolet.com.

About the NWTF: The National Wild Turkey Federation is the leader in upland wildlife habitat conservation in North America. A nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage, the NWTF and its volunteers work closely with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies and other partners.

Through these dynamic partnerships, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations throughout North America, spending more than $331 million to conserve nearly 16 million acres of habitat. Wild turkeys and hundreds of other species of upland wildlife, including quail, deer, grouse, pheasant and songbirds, benefit from this improved habitat.

The NWTF also brings new conservationists and hunters into the fold through outdoor education events and its Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES youth outreach programs. Dedicated NWTF volunteers introduce about 100,000 people to the outdoors through these programs every year.

Founded in 1973, the NWTF is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C., and has local chapters in every state and Canada. According to many state and federal agencies, the restoration of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

To become a member of the NWTF, join a committee or start a chapter, visit www.nwtf.org or call 800-THE-NWTF. The NWTF is also at www.facebook.com/theNWTF.

Turkey Hunting Seminar in NJ Saturday March 5 2011

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Hunters know that patience, preparation and strategy are all essential components of any successful hunt.

This is especially true when the game being pursued is as intelligent and wary as the Wild Turkey.

With their keen sense of hearing and superb eyesight the wild turkey proves to be one of the most challenging game birds in the world to hunt.

There are ways however, to improve your odds at harvesting a turkey, and the NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife wants to help give you that edge.

On Saturday March 5, NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife Director and expert turkey hunter Dave Chanda will present a Wild Turkey Hunting Seminar at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center in Oxford.

The seminar will begin at 1:00 p.m. and is free of charge.

Dave will share knowledge he has gained from years of experience hunting turkeys throughout the United States and Mexico, and as a wildlife biologist with 30 years of experience. The seminar will include tips to improve the hunting skills of both the novice and experienced turkey hunter, and cover topics such as preseason site selection, feeding habits, food sources, equipment selection, and calling strategies. The life history of the wild turkey will also be discussed, as will New Jersey’s Wild Turkey Restoration Project – one of the greatest wildlife success stories of all time.

After the seminar at 2:30 p.m. there will also be a calling clinic conducted by members of the NJ Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. The primary focus of the clinic will be to demonstrate the use of box, slate, and air operated turkey calls. It is oriented for youngsters aged 10 to 18, but is open to all individuals.

Registration for this program opens on February 19, and is required. This program typically fills to capacity so be sure to call as soon as registration opens to reserve a seat.

Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to hone your turkey hunting skills and improve your chances for taking home a bird this spring!

For more information or to register call 908-637-4125.

The Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center is located on Rt. 46 nine miles west of Hackettstown in scenic Warren County.

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- If so, the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 35th annual National Convention and Sport Show is the ultimate place for your family to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle before spring hunting season!

To highlight the importance of passing on our outdoor traditions to the next generation, the theme of this year’s NWTF convention is “Our Youth. Our Legacy.”

The convention, which will take place Feb. 18 to Feb. 20 in Nashville at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, is one of the largest gatherings of hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts in North America. More than 40,000 people, including many families, are expected to attend.

The three-day event, sponsored by MidwayUSA, features a giant sport show that is larger than four football fields and loaded with the latest hunting and outdoor gear!

Families who attend will find no shortage of activities for people of all ages, starting with “The Roost,” the center for families in the sport show exhibit hall. Youth can try archery, air guns, casting and fishing, and even watch presentations with live animals. By completing a variety of conservation education activities, each child can earn a collectible patch. Smokey Bear and Jake, the NWTF’s mascot, will be available for photos and high-fives.

A general admission pass is all that’s required to access the sport show, “The Roost,” the Grand National Turkey Calling Championships and seminars taught by professional hunters and land managers.

For the first time, NWTF members and active-duty military personnel will receive a free general admission pass. Remember to bring your NWTF membership card or military I.D. for easy admission.

Non-members may join the NWTF for just $30 and get a three-day general admission pass and subscription to the NWTF’s Turkey Country magazine. A three-day pass and JAKES membership costs just $10 for youth ages 11 to 17. Children ages 10 and under are free.

Click here to register for the 35th annual NWTF National Convention and Sport Show.

See you in Nashville!

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- Biologist Al Stewart has trapped wild turkeys for restoration and research purposes in many locations during his long career with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Stewart, of Bath, Mich., has celebrated many milestones during his long career with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), including helping restore wild turkey populations in Michigan, but he recently set a world record for an unusual feat.

During a trip to the jungles of Campeche, Mexico, Stewart became the first person on record to complete the World Slam for turkey trapping. Biologists use the trap-and-transfer method to relocate wild turkeys to suitable habitat for restoration and research purposes.

In the world of turkey hunting, completing the World Slam is a difficult and rewarding accomplishment that involves harvesting all five subspecies of the North American wild turkeys: Eastern, Gould’s, Osceola, Merriam’s and Rio Grande; and the Ocellated wild turkey, which is found only in Mexico. While many hunters have accomplished this goal, according to National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) records, Stewart is the only person to date who has accomplished this task for trapping.

Biologist Al Stewart has trapped wild turkeys for restoration and research purposes in many locations during his long career with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D., NWTF’s chief conservation officer, presented a framed print to Stewart honoring his historical achievement during the 10th National Wild Turkey Symposium in Shepherdstown, W.Va.

“The NWTF has recognized hunters who earned their World Slam for turkey hunting, so it is only fitting to have an accolade for a person who is partly responsible for helping ensure hunters have wild turkeys to pursue,” Kennamer said.

“Al represents many other biologists who have trapped and transferred these turkeys, but he’s the only one who has reached this level.”

As the upland game bird specialist with the MDNR and a longtime member of the NWTF’s Technical Committee, Stewart has been a team player in helping restore wild turkey populations in Michigan and has traveled to various locations to participate in wild turkey trap-and-transfer projects.

Stewart thanked Kennamer and Scott Vance, NWTF’s assistant vice president of conservation programs administration, for their support through the years.

“I’m grateful – and pleasantly surprised – to receive this recognition,” Stewart said. “But the true honor has been working alongside professional biologists who are dedicated to wildlife restoration. Along the way my peers have encouraged me to become the first person to trap a World Slam, and no one has been more supportive than Dr. Kennamer and Scott. Without their help and the opportunities I had to participate in trap-and-transfer projects this wouldn’t have been possible.”

Stewart is no stranger to earning recognition for his hard work. In 2009, he received the prestigious Henry S. Mosby Award during the NWTF’s national convention. The Mosby Award is named for Dr. Henry Mosby, whose research with wild turkeys in the mid-1900s set the standard for their management. He also helped found The Wildlife Society and was the winner of its highest honor − the Aldo Leopold Medal.

In 1992, President George H. Bush and Congressman Dave Camp presented the Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Award to Stewart for his work on a barrier-free viewing and hunting platform at the Maple River State Game Area. In 1998, the NWTF Michigan State Chapter awarded him the Outstanding Conservationist Award. In 2000, the Arizona Fish and Game Department selected Stewart to assist with the Gould’s wild turkey restoration in Arizona. In 2005, he served as coordinator and co-editor of the 9th National Wild Turkey Symposium.

The NWTF is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage. Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $331 million to conserve 15.9 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

National Wild Turkey Federation's 35th Annual National Convention

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- More than 40,000 outdoor enthusiasts are expected to attend the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 35th annual National Convention and Sport Show in Nashville in a few weeks, and one thing is for sure: attendees should prepare to be star struck.

The convention, sponsored by MidwayUSA, is set for Feb. 18 to Feb. 20 at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Sports, entertainment and outdoor television stars will be available for photos and autographs, during autograph sessions sponsored by Big Tex Trailers.

Featured signers include:

• Michael Waddell and Brenda Valentine, NWTF national spokespersons
• Craig Morgan, country-music entertainer and host of “All Access Outdoors”
• Lee and Tiffany Lakosky, hosts of “The Crush with Lee and Tiffany”
• Trent Cole, Philadelphia Eagles’ two-time Pro Bowler and host of “Blitz TV”
• Toxey Haas, founder of Mossy Oak
• Will Primos, founder of Primos Hunting Calls

To see the complete autograph session schedule and list of participating celebrities, visit www.nwtf.org/special_events/autographs.html.

In addition to autograph sessions, many stars and other hunting experts will host educational seminars to teach attendees turkey and deer hunting strategies, land management techniques and more.

Featured seminars include:

• “Question & Answer with Mark and Terry Drury and the Drury Outdoors Team” – Mark and Terry Drury and the Drury Outdoors team
• Learn to Film Your Hunts Like a Pro” – Cuz Strickland and Mossy Oak videographers
• “Grand Slam Calling Tips: Learn to Call Turkeys in Any State” – Eddie Salter, HS Strut
• “Discover how to Grow Big Bucks and Learn About Funding Help” – Grant Woods, Ph.D., and the Natural Resource Conservation Service

For a complete seminar schedule and list of speakers, visit www.nwtf.org/special_events/seminars.html.

A general admission pass is all attendees need to get photos and autographs with celebrities and participate in the seminars. The pass also gives attendees access to explore a sport show that’s the size of four football fields and watch the world’s best turkey callers compete in the Grand National Turkey Calling Championships.

This year, general admission passes are free for NWTF members and active-duty military personnel. For a complete NWTF convention agenda and information about tickets and hotel rooms, visit www.nwtf.org/special_events/convention.html.

Founded in 1973, the NWTF is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $331 million to conserve 15.9 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The NWTF works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

Mossy Oak

WEST POINT, MS --(Ammoland.com)- Mossy Oak and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) are excited to announce a dramatically increased level of long-term partnership, beginning in 2011 with television and event sponsorships.

“Mossy Oak owes its roots to wild turkeys,” said Toxey Haas, Founder and CEO of Mossy Oak.

“It was the love of pursuing spring gobblers that lead me to develop Mossy Oak camo, so it is more than natural that we devote ourselves to helping spread the message of the NWTF. Mossy Oak and the NWTF have been partners for years because we share a passion for conservation, land stewardship and the outdoor legacy. We share the same vision for the outdoors and are proud to continue our support of this fine organization.”

Beginning this spring, Mossy Oak will become the title sponsor of Turkey Call TV, which Mossy Oak’s Ronnie “Cuz” Strickland will now co-host alongside Mossy Oak ProStaffer Brenda Valentine. Mossy Oak will also sponsor Get in the Game TV as well as the NWTF’s Scholarship Program. At the National Convention, Mossy Oak will have significant brand presence on the show floor and will be the title sponsor of the Poults Youth Calling Division and Jakes Junction.

“To say Mossy Oak and the NWTF are a good fit would be an understatement,” said Strickland. “Toxey Haas founded Mossy Oak because of his love for turkey hunting. The habitat, the future and well being of the wild turkey have always been priority one for the NWTF, and today that message is even louder and clearer. We are proud to partner with an organization that truly has passion combined with an unbelievable staff and an army of the most dedicated conservation organization volunteers in the nation.”

“We have a tremendous partnership with Mossy Oak and the Pursuit Channel,” said George C. Thornton, NWTF CEO.

“Thanks to the generosity of Mossy Oak, the NWTF’s television programming is now reaching into more American households than ever before. And the number of prime time airings for Turkey Call and Get in the Game have doubled for the first two quarters of 2011, which means we’ll be reaching more people with our fantastic conservation and hunting heritage message. I can’t thank Mossy Oak enough for their partnership and support.”

Turkey Call airs on Sundays at 10 p.m. EST and Get in the Game airs on Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. EST, both on the Pursuit Channel. For a full list of air times, visit www.pursuitchannel.com. To learn more about the NWTF, log on to www.nwtf.org. For more information on Mossy Oak, visit www.mossyoak.com or call 662-494-8859.

Haas Outdoors Inc. is headquartered in West Point, Miss., was established in 1986 and is home of Mossy Oak (www.mossyoak.com). Mossy Oak specializes in developing and marketing modern camouflage designs for hunters and outdoorsmen. Mossy Oak patterns can be found on a multitude of products worldwide. Haas Outdoors Inc. is the outdoor industry leader in modern camouflage design, international licensing and marketing. Haas Outdoors Inc. markets its services and products under widely recognized brands including: Mossy Oak, BioLogic, Mossy Oak Productions, MOOSE Media, Nativ Nurseries, and Mossy Oak Properties.

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Dover, Delaware --(Ammoland.com)- Two local chapters of private non-profit conservation organizations recently donated funds to the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife for wildlife management projects on four state-owned wildlife areas in Kent County.

The Delaware Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) has donated $1,390 to fund a wetland restoration project on 10 acres of forested wetland at Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area near Viola. The original wetland was degraded by ditches for agricultural drainage. The project is expected to be completed this winter.

In addition to serving a water quality function, the restored wetland will provide valuable habitat for a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, aquatic invertebrates and many species of mammals. Additionally, the wetlands provide water at dry periods where previously little or none existed.

The RMEF also donated $1,750.50 to fund the purchase of herbicides that were used to control undesirable brush and invasive species on 50 acres of meadowlands (early successional stage) habitat at Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area and Blackiston Wildlife Area near Kenton. The project was completed this fall.

The Delaware Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation has also donated $1,750.50 to fund purchase of herbicides for wildlife management on 50 acres of similar habitat at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area near Smyrna and Little Creek Wildlife Area near Dover. The application will take place in the fall of 2011.

Meadowlands vegetation provides valuable brood and nesting habitat for wild turkeys and quail. Restoration of this habitat will also benefit cottontail rabbits, American woodcock, small mammals, many songbird species, butterflies, and many species of desirable insects.

All four wildlife areas are within the Delaware Estuary Watershed.

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- Dan Ashe, a deputy director with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, has been nominated to become director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

“I think Dan is an excellent choice to be the next director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,” said James Earl Kennamer, PhD., NWTF Chief Conservation Officer.

“He has demonstrated he can work with state fish and wildlife agencies, and he is a hunter. He appreciates what we need to protect our conservation and hunting heritage.”

If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Ashe would succeed Sam Hamilton, who died unexpectedly last February.

“As a senior manager with the Fish and Wildlife Service for more than 15 years, Dan has experience leading many of the agency’s programs, including the National Wildlife Refuge System and the migratory bird program,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar.

“He is an outstanding choice to ensure the Service’s programs are both innovative and science-driven as we face the challenges of managing our fish and wildlife resources in the 21st century.”

Ashe has served as the Service’s deputy director since August 2009. From 2003 to 2009, he was the science advisor to the Service’s director with broad responsibility in providing counsel and leadership in developing the agency’s scientific policy and scientific applications for resource management.

About the NWTF:
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $331 million to conserve 15.9 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The NWTF works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the restoration of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history. To learn more, visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

Mossy Oak Sponsors NWTF's National Academic Scholarship

Mossy Oak

WEST POINT, MS --(Ammoland.com)- Melissa Bueker dreams of conserving wildlife and habitat for future generations, and now with a $10,000 National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) national scholarship sponsored by Mossy Oak, the outstanding student can turn her dream into reality.

Bueker plans to pursue a degree in wildlife conservation and management through the agriculture department at Missouri State University, and will be the the first in her family to attend college.

“I’m excited and honored to be recognized nationally as a future leader in conservation, especially by such well-known organizations,” said Bueker. “The scholarship money from the NWTF and Mossy Oak will allow me to focus on conservation opportunities and general school studies without the burden of financial obligations.”

“Like Mossy Oak, Melissa is committed to conservation, and we’re proud of her efforts and desire to continue on that path while furthering her education,” said Toxey Haas, Founder and CEO of Mossy Oak. “NWTF is active in getting young people outdoors and supporting conservation efforts. We’re glad to be a part of this scholarship program with such an upstanding organization.”

An avid hunter and conservationist, Bueker volunteers her time helping her community, is active in many organizations such as the Future Farmers of America, the Conservation Federation of Missouri and the National Honor Society. She also received $500 local and $2,000 state scholarships from the NWTF.

Bueker will receive official recognition for her scholarship at the 35th Annual NWTF Convention & Sports Show, February 17-20, 2011, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.

NWTF scholarships are set up to benefit youth with a commitment to conservation and preserving the hunting tradition, and recipients may pursue any type of degree they wish. To date, the NWTF has awarded more than $3 million through the program.

For more information on the NWTF and conservation programs they have available, log on to www.nwtf.com.

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- Mike Cleary has joined the National Wild Turkey Federation as Senior Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Field Operations.

Cleary is joining the NWTF with 28 years of experience in sales and marketing, including four years with Ducks Unlimited as director of marketing and 13 years with Coca-Cola as a national accounts manager.

He also worked for HoneyBaked Ham Co., Proctor & Gamble, and his own small business in the event/exhibit industry. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army and was an Army Ranger.

Mike graduated from Washington & Lee University, and completed his master’s degree from Webster University.

“We’re excited about adding such a proven professional to our senior management team,” said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. “His experience in the outdoor industry and his passion for conservation will make him a valuable part of our team as we continue to build the NWTF.”

NWTF Names Mike Cleary New Senior VP of Strategic Marketing and Field Operations

Cleary will oversee the NWTF’s marketing department and its field operations in this newly created position. He will focus on developing partnerships and streamlining field operations.

“Sincerely, I believe this is where God intended for me to be. For the past 40 years anyone who knows me would tell you that hunting and habitat conservation are part of who I am,” said Cleary. “I love to build and grow things, and when you combine that motivation with the chance to help conserve vital wildlife habitat and strengthen wildlife species, I get very pumped.

“I love what the NWTF does and has the potential to do. I am confident that my combination of business and conservation experience will allow me to learn and then produce value quickly and over time for the NWTF. I believe this is where I’m supposed to be and have been preparing to be for my entire career.”

About the NWTF: The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $331 million to conserve 15.9 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The NWTF works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the restoration of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history. To learn more, visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

Potterfields Donate $1 Million to National Wild Turkey Foundation (From lef to right) Larry and Brenda Potterfield, MidwayUSA; Peggy Anne Vallery, Chair NWTF National Board of Directors; George Thornton, CEO NWTF; and Robert “Doc” Dettmer, Member NWTF National Baord of Directors

Midway USA

Columbia, MO --(Ammoland.com)- Larry and Brenda Potterfield of MidwayUSA recently donated $1 million to the National Wild Turkey Foundation to support youth shooting programs, including the JAKES Take Aim program.

The JAKES Take Aim program will provide opportunities for youths, ages 17 and under, to try shooting in a safe, fun environment. With the generous donation from the Potterfields, the NWTF aims to triple the annual number of youth shooting participants at its JAKES outreach events – from 50,000 to 150,000 youths – by 2014.

“Thanks to the generosity of Larry and Brenda Potterfield, more young people will have the chance to try shooting sports and may discover a passion that they will enjoy for the rest of their lives,” said George C. Thornton, NWTF CEO. “This program will be a step toward solidifying the future of shooting sports in America.”

Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA, remarked, “Brenda and I believe in supporting youth programs that teach our next generation about shooting and shooting safety. The NWTF is doing a great job with our youth, who are the future of shooting, conservation and the outdoor industry. We are proud to help them change the future.”

• For more information about the Potterfields or MidwayUSA, please visit www.midwayusa.com or cal 1-800-243-3220.
• For more information about the NWTF and the JAKES Take Aim program, please visit www.NWTF.org/Jakes.

About:
Midway USA – We distribute shooting, hunting and outdoor products to our Customers, relying on high-performing Employees, cutting-edge technologies and modern leadership and management principles. For more information about MidwayUSA or the new self defense product line, please visit midwayusa.com/self_defense or call 1-800-243-3220.

Wolf Pup, another example of healthy Wolf Populations in need of science based management.

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, SC --(Ammoland.com)- The National Wild Turkey Federation has officially adopted a position supporting the science-based management of wolf populations.

“Science has been the backbone of every conservation project we have ever conducted,” said James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D., the NWTF’s chief conservation officer.

“Managing wolf populations is no different.”

The NWTF has long supported the North American Conservation Model, including the management of fish and wildlife resources under the authority and responsibility of the various state agencies.

This support holds true for wolf management, as the Federation believes that state agencies are best suited to manage wildlife inside their borders that are not on the endangered species list.

NWTF Position Statement on the Management of Wolves

“The National Wild Turkey Federation supports the sound, science-based management of wolves by the appropriate state agencies. The NWTF recommends that management authority for wolves remain with state agencies when wolves are no longer on the endangered species list. The NWTF further supports our state wildlife partners in their efforts to provide for a sustainable, huntable population of wolves while maintaining healthy, huntable populations of ungulates. This must work in conjunction with balancing the habitat needs and conservation of all wildlife.”

About the NWTF:
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $331 million to conserve 15.9 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The Federation works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the restoration of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history. To learn more, visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

The National Wild Turkey Federation gives youth the chance to participate in a new shooting sports program, made possible in part by a donation from MidwayUSA's Larry and Brenda Potterfield from Columbia, Mo.

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, SC --(Ammoland.com)- The National Wild Turkey Federation is proud to announce a new youth shooting sports program, made possible in part by a generous donation from Larry and Brenda Potterfield, founders and owners of MidwayUSA in Columbia, Mo.

The program will present opportunities for youth ages 17 and under to try target shooting, sporting clay shooting and shotgunning in a safe, fun environment. The NWTF aims to triple the annual number of youth shooting participants at its JAKES outreach events – from 50,000 to 150,000 youth – by 2014.

“Thanks to the generosity of Larry and Brenda, more young people will have the chance to try shooting sports, and may discover a passion that they will enjoy for the rest of their lives,” said George C. Thornton, NWTF CEO. “This program will be a step toward solidifying the future of shooting sports in America.”

Studies have shown that participation in sport shooting is declining, which is mirrored by a decline in hunting participation. Both declines are a growing concern for state fish and wildlife agencies, non-profit organizations and conservationists because a large percentage of conservation projects are funded through the taxes on firearm sales and ammunition.

The NWTF is helping to counteract this trend by recruiting and retaining youth hunters, shooters and conservationists through its JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge Ethics and Sportsmanship) outreach program. Local NWTF chapters partner with various non-profit organizations, and state and federal agencies to conduct field days across the United States and Canada that introduce youth to the outdoors.

The JAKES program is NWTF’s education and outreach program for youth 12 years old and younger, while Xtreme JAKES is for teens ages 13 to 17. NWTF local chapters host approximately 1,000 JAKES and Xtreme JAKES events each year for more than 75,000 kids.

“This exciting program will give NWTF volunteers throughout the nation more opportunities to get kids outdoors and help them enjoy shooting sports,” said Mandy Harling, JAKES program manager.

In the first year of the new youth shooting sports program, the NWTF will provide fully equipped shooting trailers for Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. More trailers will be purchased in ensuing years for additional regions of the country. Trailers will be available for use through state agencies and NWTF state chapters. They will come equipped with everything needed to set up a safe airgun shooting range at any youth event, including pellet guns, ammunition, safety glasses, hearing protection, targets and pellet traps.

“NWTF chapters and grassroots members will help identify and coordinate events, while our organization will continue to partner with state wildlife agencies to make trailers available to other organizations such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, FFA, 4-H, Trailblazers, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Kicking Bear, and Boys and Girls Clubs,” Harling said.

“We’ll also create standalone youth shooting sport events or expand local, regional and national sporting clay divisions to include youth divisions.”

For more information about the program or to participate, contact Mandy Harling at (803) 637-7550 or mharling@nwtf.net.

OutdoorDealHound.Com - Experience Significant Savings on Gear

OutdoorDealHound.com

EDGEFIELD, S.C. -–(Ammoland.com)- OutdoorDealHound.com, the first online retail site to offer bundled discount pricing outside the travel industry, will launch Aug. 10.

Shoppers who have purchased flight, hotel and rental car combination packages online have utilized bundled discounts to create significant savings, many without even knowing it.

This money-saving retail approach is no longer just for travelers because OutdoorDealHound.com is bringing this same concept to outdoor enthusiasts.

“We are excited to be the first to take this unique shopping experience outside its traditional home of travel sales,” said Danny Young, vice president of marketing for OutdoorDealHound.com. “This approach to online shopping will bring tremendous value to our customers and allow businesses to be as competitive as possible.”

When it launches on Aug. 10, OutdoorDealHound.com will offer more than 1,200 outdoor products. The site will also offer instant rebates, individually tailored discounts and bundled pricing based on the number and type of items a customer purchases and their demographic profile.

Shoppers can identify these discount opportunities by watching for icons, like dog bones, paws and padlocks. For example, the more dog bones displayed on an item’s page, the bigger the discount. Customers will also benefit from companies actively competing for their business, and can shop with confidence since the product targeting will be conducted through secure and confidential demographic profiles, which will not be shared with other companies.

With products from well-known companies, including Sarge Knives, Mossberg, Stone River Gear, Boyt Harness Co., Thermacell and many others, users can shop the brands they know and trust while saving big on quality products.

Another benefit of OutdoorDealHound.com is that revenue from the site will be directed to habitat conservation work and preserving our hunting heritage.

“As a founding partner of OutdoorDealHound.com, the National Wild Turkey Federation is excited about giving shoppers gear at great prices while raising funds for our nationwide conservation and hunting heritage efforts,” said George Thornton, CEO of the NWTF. “This is a win-win situation for everybody.”

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, SC -(Ammoland.com)- For a chance to win a FREE turkey hunt with the NWTF’s TV cameras, enter a video in the NWTF’s “Our Youth, Our Legacy” Video Contest on Facebook! All you need is imagination and a home video camera and you could WIN a turkey hunt filmed by producers from “Turkey Call,” the NWTF’s fast-paced TV show on the Pursuit Channel.

To win, use your video camera or Web cam to tell us why it’s important to teach youth to hunt or what you’re doing to ensure that your own hunting traditions are passed on.

Whether you’re a father whose favorite hunting partner is your child, a sister who learned from an older brother, or you have other fond memories of a hunting mentor, we want to hear your story.

By uploading a creative, one- to five-minute video to the NWTF’s official page on Facebook, tell us your hunting heritage story. We’re not judging based on special effects and fancy editing; the message, passion and story are what counts.

Read the contest rules to learn more about the contest requirements and the grand prize. Videos must be submitted by September 6. To enter, you must be a registered Facebook user and “Like” the NWTF’s official page. Find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/theNWTF.

Good luck in the video contest and, as always, thank you for leading the way as a conservationist for wild turkeys and other wildlife, and working hard to preserve our hunting heritage.

From the five finalists, the NWTF’s Facebook community will select one Grand-Prize winner who will receive a 2011 spring turkey hunt filmed by the NWTF’s “Turkey Call” television producers!

Visit NWTF website for a video sample amd contest rules.

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, SC -(Ammoland.com)- The National Wild Turkey Federation’s New York State Chapter budgeted $133,000 from its state Hunting Heritage Super Fund to invest in outreach, education, conservation and other projects in 2010.

The NWTF Super Fund is administered jointly by the NWTF, its state and provincial chapters and wildlife agencies, and supports conservation and education programs.
“The New York State Chapter has been a leader among NWTF chapters since its inception 35 years ago,” said James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D., the NWTF’s chief conservation officer.

“By directing dollars to land access and wildlife habitat improvements, and strengthening outreach and education programs, the New York State Chapter is helping enhance habitat for all kinds of wildlife while making a better outdoor experience, not just for hunters – but for everyone. These members are creating a lasting legacy for people to enjoy our rich wildlife heritage.”

Since 1985, NWTF chapters in New York have raised and spent more than $1.7 million on wildlife habitat enhancements, land purchases, education, outreach and more within the state. NWTF chapters and cooperating partners across North America have raised and spent more than $306 million upholding hunting traditions and conserving 14 million acres of wildlife habitat.

Hunters also make significant contributions to the state’s economy. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation reports that hunters in the Empire State spend $788 million and 9.4 million days afield pursuing their sport each year.

The NWTF’s New York State Board of Directors dedicated $133,000 to accomplish the following Hunting Heritage Super Fund projects in 2010, which will benefit New York’s resident and non-resident sportsmen:

$70,000 to increase access to hunting land through the More Places to Hunt initiative, improve wildlife habitat through the NWTF Seed Subsidy membership benefit and Conservation Seed program, and complete cooperative public land habitat improvement projects that will enhance wild turkey brood habitat and control noxious weeds. Projects will be completed in the Carlton Hill and Deer Creek Marsh wildlife management areas (WMA), and projects in the Tassell Hill State Forest, Louise Keir WMA and Finger Lakes National Forest are under consideration.

$23,700 to uphold outdoor traditions through the NWTF’s JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) and Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF outreach programs, educational programs, scholarship programs, 4-H Shooting Sports, and the National Archery in the Schools Program

$6,000 to support critical research on wild turkey harvest potential in New York and support of ongoing American chestnut research

$3,000 to protect and promote our hunting heritage through contributions to the New York State Conservation Council, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and New York State Legislative Sportsmen Caucus

In addition, the New York State Chapter’s board of directors allocated $30,300 to other projects in 2010.

About:
The NWTF is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.
Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

Pennsylvania Game Commission

Pennsylvania --(Ammoland.com)- Women are Pennsylvania’s fastest growing group of hunters and a beneficial new partnership between the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) will help provide more outdoor opportunities to women in the Keystone State.

Thanks in large part to funding provided by the Game Commission, the NWTF has hired Jeff Souders, of Harrisburg, to serve as a full-time, Women in the Outdoors coordinator in Pennsylvania. Currently, Pennsylvania is the only state with its own Women in the Outdoors coordinator.

In his new position, Souders will create new Women in the Outdoors events, re-energize existing NWTF chapters and events and reach out to women who have never participated in the program.

“The Game Commission recognizes that there is a high interest level in the outdoors among women in the state and we want to provide more opportunities for them to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director.

“Providing women in our state with a full-time Women in the Outdoors coordinator is satisfying a tremendous need. This is a great opportunity to recruit new outdoorswomen and, as a joint venture between the Game Commission and NWTF, everyone benefits.”

Roe noted that the hiring of Souders compliments the Game Commission’s recent hiring of Julie Imes, of Elliottsburg, Perry County, who serves as the Recruitment and Retention Coordinator.

“In this capacity, Julie will serve as the coordinator for the National Archery in the Schools program, which is a gateway to encourage those youth who enjoy the challenge of target archery shooting to consider the transition into 3-D target archery shooting and then to hunting,” Roe said.

“With the wide array of youth and junior hunting and trapping opportunities offered by the Game Commission, Julie also recently developed an overall manual for sportsmen’s clubs, outdoors organizations and individual hunters to host or serve as mentors for young people interested in getting involved in hunting and trapping.”

The NWTF formed the Women in the Outdoors outreach program to provide opportunities for women to enjoy the outdoors in a stress-free environment. Knowledgeable and friendly instructors help participants learn new activities quickly and gain confidence in their abilities.

Souders noted that, in 2009, NWTF chapters hosted 240 Women in the Outdoors events across North America, in which women participated in various outdoor activities such as archery, canoeing, self-defense training, camping and shooting.

“The NWTF is the leading conservation organization in North America and I’m excited to help fulfill our mission,” said Souders. “Women in the Outdoors has been extremely successful in Pennsylvania and I look forward to helping women across the state enjoy outdoor activities.”

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The NWTF works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

For more information about the NWTF and its outreach programs, visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(Ammoland.com)- Chevrolet has renewed its longstanding partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, cementing Chevrolet as the official vehicle of the hunting and conservation organization.

The partnership officially embraces a longstanding relationship between the automaker and turkey hunters. Based on findings reported in an NWTF survey, the vehicle of choice among NWTF members was Chevrolet.

“The Federation is proud of our relationship with Chevrolet,” said Cindy Williams, NWTF director of marketing. “The company’s commitment to improving our environment and conserving our natural resources makes Chevy a natural fit for the NWTF. Chevy diversifies NWTF member benefits through our membership and banquet programs while maintaining our common goal of promoting enjoyment of the outdoors and preserving our hunting heritage.”

With more than 3 million wild turkey hunters in the United States, turkey hunters represent a significant market share for auto manufacturers. A study commissioned by the NWTF found that in 2003 (the last year this data is available), spring turkey hunters spent $182.8 million on trucks and other vehicles.

The partnership agreement allows the NWTF and Chevrolet, a subsidiary of General Motors, to work together on various promotional activities, which makes the NWTF’s mission of conserving wild turkeys and preserving our hunting traditions, and the Chevrolet brand, more accessible to millions of Americans.

Chevrolet first partnered with NWTF in 2005. Since then, Chevrolet has offered test drives to tens of thousands of attendees each year at the NWTF’s annual National Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, Tenn. The Chevy Ride and Drive is a favorite at the show, and is just one way Chevrolet supports the conservation organization. The NWTF will return to Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville for its 35th annual convention Feb. 17 to Feb. 20, 2011.

“Chevrolet is excited about continuing our partnership into its sixth year with NWTF,” said Kevin Messmer, field manager for Chevrolet’s southeast region. “We’re looking forward to strengthening this relationship with such a quality organization that is truly committed to the conservation of the wild turkey and preservation of our hunting heritage. As the official vehicle of the NWTF, Chevrolet demonstrates its commitment to conservation and support of the men, women and children who enjoy the outdoors.”

The NWTF is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage. Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

For more information about the NWTF visit the Web site at www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.