Since its inception in 1973, the NWTF has provided the foundation for wild turkey conservation throughout North America. From the first research project funded in the 1970s, to the multimillion-acre restoration initiatives going on today and everywhere in between, conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage has always been — and always will be — the backbone of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
In 2012, we embarked on our 10-year Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt initiative, which has conserved or enhanced over 4 million acres, recruited over 1.5 million new hunters and has opened public access to hunting on over 600,000 acres. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, partners and staff, all of these Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative goals were met and exceeded two years ahead of schedule.
As we finalize and celebrate our tremendous Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt initiative, we have to keep our foot on the gas and continue to deliver the right conservation at the right place, at the right scale and with the right partners. With over a decade of conservation success through our Big Six Regions of Wildlife Conservation, we are in a unique position with our partners, volunteers and the public at large to greatly amplify our past successes. However, this will take continued collaboration, innovation and dedication.