OUTDOOR TV

New Channel, New Hosts, and Thrilling Hunting Action on NWTF Television Shows!!

If you enjoy watching intense turkey hunting from locales throughout North America, and learning land management tips from dedicated wildlife biologists, catch “Turkey Call” and “Get in the Game” television shows on the Pursuit Channel beginning Jan. 3, 2010.

The award-winning programming from the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) includes “Get in the Game,” which will air on Mossy Oak’s “True North Wednesdays” at 9:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 a.m. and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. “Turkey Call” can be seen on Mossy Oak’s “Obsession Sundays” at 10 p.m., Tuesdays at 8 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. All times are EST.

“We’re thrilled about joining our friends from the Pursuit Channel,” said Burt Carey, NWTF editorial director. “Several nights each week, Mossy Oak-sponsored time blocks will target viewers with similar outdoor interests. The NWTF’s episodes will appear at prime times so that wild turkey enthusiasts everywhere can tune in.”

Andy Ivey, NWTF senior regional director, experienced hunter and radio and television host, will host “Get in the Game” and Brenda Valentine, the First Lady of Hunting and NWTF Spokesperson, will host “Turkey Call.”

The concept of “Get in the Game” is to teach land managers how to stretch their dollars using cost-effective, wildlife habitat management strategies from NWTF experts who also offer professional assistance to NWTF members. The show will teach viewers to attract and sustain healthy wildlife populations, whether the goal is to improve a single acre or a large farm or hunting lease.

Each week, “Turkey Call” will take fans on an exciting ride as NWTF cameras follow dedicated Federation volunteers on heart-pounding hunts all over North America. With established turkey populations in 49 states, Canada and Mexico, viewers will see a wide variety of hunting locations featuring the five subspecies of North American wild turkeys.

“Sometimes in business, and in life, there are companies and people who stand above the level of role model or mentor and simply come to represent everything we’re about,” said Pursuit Channel CEO, Rusty Faulk. “We promote conservation. The NWTF lives it. We cherish our outdoor tradition. The NWTF embodies it. We’re proud they chose the Pursuit Channel.”

Pursuit Channel is included in DIRECTV’s basic subscription package (HUNT Channel 608), and will become available in more than 26 million households during the 2010 broadcast year.

Founded in 1973, the NWTF and its dedicated volunteers, partners and staff work daily to further the organization’s twofold mission of conserving wild turkeys 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, raised and spent more than $306 million, and conserved nearly 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

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

INDUSTRY NEWS

The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) announced Monday that respected wildlife biologist Donnie Buckland has joined the Federation’s conservation department as Director of Upland Programs.

“We are thrilled to welcome Donnie to the NWTF family,” said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. “His valuable experience and leadership will be an asset to our conservation staff and will have an immediate impact on our wildlife and land management programs.”

Buckland joins the NWTF after a long career as a biologist with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, senior field representative with the National Rifle Association, and most recently, as senior vice president of Quail Unlimited.

“The NWTF’s many great accomplishments benefit not only turkeys, but many species of wildlife,” said Buckland. “I see this as a great opportunity to join a team that has a passion for wild turkey management that matches mine for quail and the upland habitat that both species require. I am eager to help the NWTF continue to have a positive impact on quail, turkeys and other wildlife, and the Federation has proven they have the resources and hard-working people to benefit wildlife populations, habitat, and both the hunters and non-hunters who enjoy North America’s natural resources.”

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, raised and spent more than $286 million, and conserved nearly 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

“Prescribed fires are a land management practice vital to producing what we call ‘early successional habitat,’ which is the new vegetation produced long after the fires have cooled,” said James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D., the NWTF’s Chief Conservation Officer. “Donnie’s experience and knowledge will build on our current burning and management practices for producing crucial upland habitat; habitat used by turkeys, quail and many other species of wildlife.”

Founded in 1973, the NWTF is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of the hunting tradition. For more information about the NWTF, call (800) THE-NWTF or visit www.nwtf.org.

About the NWTF:
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation organization that works to further its twofold mission of conserving wild turkeys and preserving hunting traditions.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its more than 350,000 members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, raised and spent more than $286 million, and conserved nearly 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The Federation also works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through special 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 comeback of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history. Visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF for details.

EVENTS

If highlight-reel knockouts, wildlife and helping out friends with disabilities is your cup of tea, then you won’t want to miss “The Thrill at the Mill,” hosted by the Northland Turkey Chasers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) in Lena, Ill., Oct. 24, 2009.

The exciting fundraiser will feature gun raffles, prizes and a viewing party for Ultimate Fighting Championships 104: Machida vs. Shogun. All proceeds will benefit Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF.

“One thing my training in mixed martial arts has shown me is the respect that fans have for the toughness and endurance professional fighters have,” said Ross Vehmeier, owner of The Rafters Restaurant and Catering. “People with disabilities show similar endurance and toughness to that of a fighter and I’m very proud that we can help support Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF.”

Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF ensures that that people with disabilities are afforded the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and shooting, and form valuable friendships along the way.

“We are looking forward to an action-packed night of fun and entertainment but more importantly, we want to spread the word about Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF,” said Corey Nelson, Wheelin’ Sportmen NWTF volunteer. “Wheelin’ Sportsmen participants are dedicated outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists who refuse to let disabilities keep them from enjoying the great outdoors.”

The event will begin at 5 p.m. at The Rafters Restaurant and Catering and The Mill Home Furnishings located at 9426 West Wagner Road. The limited tickets cost $20 and include food, pre-fight and main-event coverage, and entertainment from a live band.

For more information or to order tickets call Corey Nelson at (815) 541-4566 or Ross Vehmeier at (815) 275-4345. Click here to download the event flyer.

Founded in 1973, the NWTF is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of the hunting tradition. The NWTF has a membership of more than 350,000 people in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

For more information about Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF, contact Illana Burkhart at (803) 637-7549 oriburkhart@nwtf.net.

About the NWTF: The National Wild Turkey Federation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation organization that works to further its twofold mission of conserving wild turkeys and preserving hunting traditions.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its more than 350,000 members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, raised and spent more than $286 million, and conserved nearly 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The Federation also works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through special 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 comeback of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history. Visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF for details.

Contact:
Michael Turbyfill
(803) 637-7667

INDUSTRY NEWS

Some of the best shotgun shooters in the world traveled to Edgefield, S.C., on Oct. 2 and 3 to participate in the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) 2009 World Wild Turkey Still Target Championships . A day and a half of qualifying narrowed the field into a group of finalists for six divisions.

“The NWTF World Wild Turkey Still Target Championships allow participants one shell and one target per round, so every shot requires intense focus,” said Rhett Simmons, NWTF director of special events. “The shooters travel from all over the country to enjoy the fellowship and fun that the event offers, but make no mistake, everyone wants to win!”

The event offers divisions for men, women and youth, which gives everyone an opportunity to compete.

“I really love the challenge of trying to get high performance out of my shotgun. It’s a thrill trying to get as many pellets as possible into a little 3-inch circle,” said D..J. Bright, of Lyman, S.C., the champion in the 12-gauge open division. “The best part of the weekend though is getting to see old friends. Everyone is like family. You can borrow supplies from other shooters and ask them anything.”

Jacob McNeely, 14, of Statesville, N.C., won the JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge Ethics and Sportsmanship) division for youth. “Target shooting is a ton of fun and coming here and beating some really good shooters is a great feeling. My mom wasn’t here with my dad so I sent her a text message telling her I won.”

Other winners included Brian Sloan, of Statesville, N.C., in the black powder and 20-gauge open divisions, Clark Bush, of Carbondale, Ill., in the 12-gauge hunter division and Lynn Montjoy, of Greenwood, S.C., in the 20-gauge women’s division.

Originally known as a “turkey shoot,” the NWTF’s Still Target Championships were conceived 17 years ago as a conservation effort to help turkey hunters better understand point of aim and point of impact of their turkey guns.

“The ultimate goal of the competition is to reduce crippling loss and misses in the field, but it’s also a great way for equipment manufacturers to improve their turkey hunting products,” said Simmons.

Founded in 1973, the NWTF is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of the hunting tradition. The NWTF has a membership of nearly 400,000 people in the Unites States, Canada and Mexico. Together, the NWTF’s partners, sponsors and grassroots members have raised and spent more than $286 million upholding hunting traditions and conserving nearly 14 million acres of wildlife habitat.

About the NWTF:
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation and education organization with a mission dedicated to conserving wild turkeys and preserving hunting traditions.

When the NWTF was founded in 1973, there were only 1.3 million wild turkeys. Today that number stands at more than seven million birds throughout North America, thanks to the efforts of state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members and partners.

Growth and progress define the NWTF as it has expanded from 1,300 members in 1973 to nearly 400,000 today. With that growth has come impressive strides in wildlife management as the NWTF has forged dynamic partnerships across the country to further its conservation mission. Together, the NWTF’s partners, sponsors and grassroots members have raised and spent more than $286 million upholding hunting traditions and conserving nearly 14 million acres of wildlife habitat.

While wild turkey restoration is nearing completion, the NWTF still has much work to do. Across North America, supporters are working to enhance habitat for wild turkeys and other wildlife while providing hunters with more opportunities and access to public and private land. In addition, NWTF volunteers and partners are introducing youth, women and people with disabilities to the outdoors through special educational events.

The NWTF’s national headquarters, located in Edgefield, S.C., features the Wild Turkey Center and Winchester Museum and 100-acre Outdoor Education Center.

If you would like to become a member of Team NWTF, join a committee or start a chapter, please visit our Web site at www.nwtf.org or call us at 800-THE-NWTF.