KEY CONTRIBUTIONS

The Role of NWTF in Wild Turkey Research

Founded in 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wild turkeys and the preservation of hunting traditions. The NWTF has been instrumental in restoring wild turkey populations, which were once near the brink of extinction due to habitat loss and overhunting. Today, NWTF continues its mission through habitat restoration, research, education, and public engagement.

Key Contributions to Research and Conservation

1. Funding and Supporting Research Projects
   NWTF actively funds research conducted by universities, state wildlife agencies, and federal organizations to study wild turkeys and their habitats. These research projects have provided invaluable data on population dynamics, nesting success, survival rates, and habitat preferences. The findings help inform wildlife management practices, ensuring that wild turkey populations remain healthy and stable.
2. Partnerships with Government and Academic Institutions
   NWTF partners with academic institutions like Auburn University, the University of Georgia, and the U.S. Geological Survey to carry out detailed scientific research on wild turkeys. These partnerships have led to significant breakthroughs in understanding how environmental changes, land-use practices, and predation impact wild turkey populations.
3. "Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt." Initiative
   This landmark initiative launched by NWTF in 2012 focuses on conserving wild turkey habitats while also promoting sustainable hunting practices. Through this program, NWTF has contributed to the conservation or improvement of over 4 million acres of habitat. Research plays a central role in identifying which habitats need protection and restoration to benefit wild turkeys and other wildlife.
4. Field-Based Research and Data Collection
   NWTF engages in hands-on fieldwork that includes tagging and tracking wild turkeys to gather data on their movement patterns, behavior, and habitat use. This data is essential for understanding how wild turkeys respond to various environmental pressures, including urbanization, climate change, and agricultural practices.
5. Research on Hunting and Conservation Practices
   NWTF promotes ethical hunting practices and funds research that helps maintain sustainable turkey hunting. By studying the effects of hunting on turkey populations, NWTF ensures that regulations—such as hunting seasons and bag limits—are based on sound science to protect turkey populations while maintaining hunting traditions.

Conservation Success Story

One of the most remarkable success stories in North American wildlife conservation is the recovery of the wild turkey. In the early 20th century, wild turkey populations had dwindled to just 30,000 birds due to habitat destruction and unregulated hunting. Thanks to NWTF’s dedicated conservation efforts, including extensive research, reintroduction programs, and habitat management, wild turkey populations have rebounded to over 7 million birds today.