NWTF Sport Show Attendees Set All-Time Record
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Last week, the energy at the NWTF’s 49th annual Convention and Sport Show was unprecedented — the sounds of turkey calls reverberated across halls at never-before-seen (or heard) levels, events garnered packed-out attendance and the passion and excitement for the incoming spring turkey season was on display as the amount of attendees set an all-time record for the third year in a row. 82,193 supporters descended upon the NWTF’s 49th annual Convention and Sport Show.
“We are humbled and endlessly grateful to the attendees — the many members, volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors and partners — who make our annual event so special,” NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter said. “Watching all the hard work over the course of a year transform into something so special for so many is truly something to behold. On behalf of the entire NWTF, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made it all possible.”
In 2023, event attendees broke the attendance record with 67,368. In 2024, event attendees set a record with 72,243 individuals attending. This year, attendees raised the bar once again.
At the annual NWTF convention, members, volunteers, partners and dedicated turkey hunters come together for what feels like a family reunion, with the opportunity to talk turkey and celebrate their shared passions. With a focus on wild turkey conservation, the spirit of the American hunter, preserving traditions for future generations, improving wildlife habitat and uniting people through the transformative power of the outdoors, there’s no better way to kick off the spring turkey season. This year’s attendees enjoyed a packed schedule, including conservation and hunting seminars, live auctions, music performances and exploring the latest gear from 498 exhibitors on the show floor.
“We are inspired by the thousands of individuals who made our kickoff to the spring turkey season an overwhelming success,” NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff said. “Getting the mission of the NWTF in front of so many people is vital to our organization. Be it the conservation and land management seminars, the Ask a Biologist booth, the Grand National Calling Championships, the Custom Callmaking Competition, the Grand National Taxidermy Competition and so much more — we hope that we illustrated the many ways to get involved with the joys of the turkey world and the life-changing power of the outdoors. Next year is our 50th annual Convention and Sport Show; we will be bringing the energy on a whole new level. Stay tuned!”
It’s never too early to start planning for the landmark 50th NWTF Convention and Sport Show, set for Feb. 11–15, 2026, in Nashville. Stay tuned for more details, and remember — room blocks at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Hotel sell out as early as August, so don’t wait!
Relive this year’s NWTF Convention and Sport Show by viewing our photo catalogue.
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.