What Is the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)?

The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is a nonprofit founded in 1973 whose mission is "the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage." It describes itself as standing behind science-based conservation and hunters' rights. If you want to understand the organization, join a local chapter, apply for its scholarship, or check its conservation record, nwtf.org is the place to start.

What the NWTF actually does

The organization works on two connected fronts: wildlife habitat and hunter access. Its flagship initiative, Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt., is described on the site as mobilizing science, fundraising, and volunteers to raise $1.2 billion to conserve and enhance more than 4 million acres of essential wildlife habitat, recruit at least 1.5 million hunters, and open access to 500,000 acres for hunting.

The site reports these cumulative results:

These numbers are the organization's own reporting, so treat them as NWTF's stated impact rather than an independent audit.

Where the money and work go

The site's news and press releases show the practical side of the mission. Recent examples include a Research Grants Program funding six new projects for 2026, a state-level allocation in Alabama of $431,256 for conservation, access, and research, and habitat work in Montana's Bitterroot Valley and on the Cherokee National Forest. This pattern—research grants, state chapter allocations, and on-the-ground habitat projects—is a useful way to see how the national mission translates into local spending.

Main entry points on nwtf.org

• Mission & Plan — the organization's stated purpose and strategy.
• Conservation — project news and habitat work.
• Find a Chapter — the site says getting involved "starts with finding a local chapter," and state chapters list staff and volunteer contacts.
• Find an Event — upcoming events and fundraisers in your area.
• Convention and Sport Show — an annual gathering; the site cites 94K annual attendees and 500+ exhibitors.
• JAKES Program / Dr. James Earl Kennamer Scholarship — an academic scholarship for an NWTF member who is a high school senior, with a national winner receiving $10,000. The site lists an opening date of October 1, 2026, and directs applicants to the JAKES Program for eligibility requirements.
• Volunteer / Join or Renew — membership and volunteer sign-up.

Who it's for

The NWTF is aimed at hunters, conservation-minded landowners, and people who want to support habitat work or get involved locally. If your interest is wild turkey conservation, hunting access, or youth programs and scholarships, the site's chapter and event tools are the fastest route in. If you need financial details such as membership pricing, the provided site information does not list them, so check the Join or Renew page directly before assuming cost or access terms.