NWTF Flock Gears Up for Monumental Celebration

The NWTF’s 50-year anniversary celebration at its annual National Convention and Sport Show — officially sponsored by Mossy Oak — will be just as much about looking forward to the next 50 years as it will be looking back on the past five decades of mission delivery.

“In less than two weeks, we will be celebrating the most momentous occasion in the NWTF’s history,” NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter said. “So much has happened to bring us to this 50-year culmination. This week will be about celebrating the selfless acts, the scientific expertise, the partnerships, the mentors — the blood, sweat and tears of our people that have landed us at this extraordinary juncture. We will use this celebration to energize our people and set the stage for another incredible 50 years.”  

On the show floor, hundreds of the greatest companies in the outdoor industry will showcase their newest and most celebrated products on the show floor — gear that is sure to elevate your upcoming spring season.

Live music will be available all week during nightly events and at the Waterin' Hole. Following Saturday Night’s Grand National Auction and Dinner, sponsored by Silencer Central, the NWTF will close out its 50^th anniversary celebrations with Riley Green taking the stage.

The Grand National Competitions will bring together the greatest call makers, taxidermists, artists and competitive turkey callers in the world; these experts put on a show for convention attendees second to none.

Numerous raffles and auctions – both silent and live – will provide guests the unique opportunity to access the most sought-after products and outdoor experiences in the world.

Attendees are also encouraged to immerse themselves in the NWTF’s Conservation Conference, which will highlight the NWTF’s last 50 years of conservation success, but will also provide a forum for agency, NGO, policy and conservation professionals to discuss the future of wild turkey conservation.

New to the Sport Show for 2023 is the Family Adventure Trail, sponsored by Mossy Oak. Families can enjoy the “Agents of Discovery” Scavenger Hunt, brought to you by the Wonders of Wildlife Museum and the NWTF. Download the Agents of Discovery smartphone app and follow along as you are guided to various Gobble Stops where challenges await. Complete them all and return to the Wonders of Wildlife Museum booth to claim your prize (while supplies last).

Educational exhibitors along the Family Adventure Trail include: Wonders of Wildlife Museum, Daisy Inflatable BB Gun Range, Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Tunnel, Tennessee 4-H, Tennessee Fur Harvester featuring various pelts, Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, U.S. Forest Service Land Between the Lakes, and the USFS Fire & Wildlife Education featuring a fire truck with fire helmet/jacket for youth photos.

View the entire schedule of events.  

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 conserved or enhanced over 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by working across boundaries on a landscape scale.

2023 is the NWTF's 50^th anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization's mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50^th anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and NWTF's people; and raise $5 million to build toward a $50 million endowment for the future. Learn how you can help us reach these lofty goals.