Historic Research Leadership Appointment Advances NWTF’s Founding Commitment to Science-Driven Conservation

“This is truly a dream come true, an unbelievable opportunity that I’m incredibly grateful for,” Wightman said. “It allows me to take more than a decade of turkey research experience and relationships I’ve built with state agency biologists and researchers and leverage that to have a bigger impact on wild turkey conservation at a national scale.” 

Wightman earned his undergraduate degree from Paul Smith’s College, his master’s degree from Louisiana State University and his doctorate from the University of Georgia. It was in Athens where he was most recently employed as an assistant research professor. There, he led and conducted independent and collaborative wild turkey research; developed, designed and implemented both field and analytical studies; assisted in securing external funding; and supervised and mentored graduate students. Wightman has published in peer-reviewed journals and served as a peer reviewer on topics critical to wild turkey conservation.  

"This new position demonstrates NWTF's unwavering commitment to ensuring that wild turkey conservation is built on the best science and guided by world-class scientists," said NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff. "Wightman represents the next chapter in a legacy that started with our founder Tom Rodgers and his partnership with Dr. James Earl Kennamer. We're excited about what this leadership will mean for wild turkeys and the hunting heritage we all cherish." 

As Wightman joins the NWTF in an official staff capacity, he will continue conducting ongoing research funded by the NWTF that has implemented both accelerometer and audio-recording technologies in GPS tracking units for wild turkeys. 

Furthermore, Wightman will oversee and coordinate the NWTF’s entire research program, manage the organization’s research request for proposals process and more than $500,000 in annual allocations, further develop science-based conservation priorities, expand the NWTF’s network of endowed professorship programs and work directly with the NWTF’s National Wild Turkey Technical Committee to tackle emerging threats. 

Wightman’s appointment comes as NWTF has significantly expanded its research investments, committing more than $2.3 million directly to wild turkey research in the past three years alone, with partner match bringing total research investment to over $22 million. 

On a personal level, the role is rooted in the formative experiences that shaped Wightman's life: the outdoors, family and the first turkey he harvested at 13. Wightman sees his new role with the NWTF as an opportunity to help conserve not only the wild turkey itself, but what the bird represents: mornings in the woods with family and friends and a connection to our nation’s natural resources. 

“What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to help ensure that those experiences in the woods — with family, friends and simply being in the presence of the wild turkey — continue for future generations,” Wightman said.  

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 25 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.