Collaboration for Conservation: Local Iowa NWTF Chapter and Partners Energize Youth

This year’s event hosted 45 registered youth, and, with parents included, there were over 80 total attendees. Youth participants were able to try six different stations, including a rifle range and a camping and fire-starting demonstration station led by the Izaak Walton League of America. There was also a trap shooting and an archery station led by NWTF volunteers, a trapping station led by Benton County Conservation, and a BB gun and goose decoy spread led by Ducks Unlimited. The Benton County Cattlemen’s Association donated and grilled hamburgers and hotdogs for all attendees.  

“Our goal was to introduce the kids to as many different outdoor activities as we could,” said Randy Scheel, Blue Creek Springtime Monarchs Chapter president. “But we also started the first 30 minutes with a safety conversation, talking through gun and bow safety as well as just general guidelines for the day.” 

Scheel has been working on expanding this event ever since he joined the NWTF, and he recently started inviting other groups and organizations to help host the event. He believes that this collaborative approach will increase the event’s reach and continue to help it grow. 

“I joined our chapter 18 years ago, and one of the main things that I said I wanted to do is to help with giving back and encouraging kids to grow with us,” Scheel said. “Over the last three or four years, it's been one of my goals to bring in more groups that we share this event with. When we started out, we’d have 20 or so kids, and each year, we keep growing that number as a result of cross-organization collaboration.” 

The Red Cedar Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America used to host a similar event around the same time as the JAKES Day every year, so both organizations decided they could host a stronger event together to achieve shared objectives. The collaboration with the local Ducks Unlimited chapter came as a result of a parent attending with their children last year who was excited to get his volunteers involved.  

The event was an inspiring success. Getting the youth outdoors is crucial for conservation efforts and the future of hunting heritage. 

“The other big piece of this is making sure kids have a positive first experience,” Scheel said. “I think if we get them introduced at a point when it's fun and emphasizes safety, we can create a safe environment for them. It's kind of cool to have their first experience be with us at this event because you can see the light bulbs turn on. One of the teenagers who was already on her high school trap team had never shot a bow before, and after shooting she was really excited. Her dad turned to us and said, ‘Well, I guess I'm getting a bow now.’ So, it really does impact all ages.” 

Scheel and his committee also gave away two .410 shotguns. The grandfather of one of the winners said that his grandson is still buzzing about it and wants to know what he will be able to hunt this upcoming fall. 

The event was also an opportunity for volunteers to showcase conservation work NWTF has been helping fund.  

“In Iowa agriculture dominates our state, and we appreciate that, but we also know that there's areas that need to be protected,” said Scheel. “The NWTF helped us in the acquisition of 190 acres that we closed on just at the end of last year. “Had we not purchased that land, it would have gone private, and it would have become a housing development.”  

“Scheel leads a committee of incredible individuals who are deeply passionate about the mission of the NWTF to conserve wild turkeys and preserve our hunting heritage,” said Jacob Johnston, NWTF regional director. “Their commitment goes well beyond a single event. Since the chapter’s formation, they’ve remained especially focused on passing along our hunting traditions and have volunteered in numerous outreach and conservation events to do just that. Their impact is not only felt through their time and energy but also through their fundraising success. The Blue Creek Springtime Monarchs are proud members of the Half Million Dollar Club, having raised well over $500,000 in support of the NWTF’s mission. I’m proud to have worked alongside this incredible group. The impact of their efforts, and the efforts of NWTF volunteers across the country, can be seen in the stronger conservation programs, increased youth engagement and the continued promotion of our outdoor traditions throughout the region.” 

About the National Wild Turkey Federation       

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.