Tad, Kathy Jacobs Receive National Volunteer Award

“We live on a farm and we love to hunt,” Kathy said. “So, it is an honor for us to use our property to provide access to a pheasant hunt for those who hunting is not accessible due to a disability. We think it's important to share this with everybody.”

The couple accepted the Wheelin’ Sportsmen Volunteer of the Year Award during the NWTF’s 50th annual Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak.

After becoming NWTF members in 2005, the couple hit the ground running. They got involved with their local chapter, the NWTF Big Sioux Chapter, where Tad is now the chapter president and banquet chairman. He is also on the NWTF South Dakota State Board of Directors.

Tad and Kathy own Sioux River Wildlife, where they have hosted the South Dakota NWTF State Chapter’s annual Wheelin’ Sportsmen pheasant hunt since 2014. Their most recent hunt welcomed 24 hunters and 42 volunteers, along with some hardworking dogs. By the end of the hunt, participants harvested 103 birds.

They not only share their land with the disabled hunters, but they also share friendship and camaraderie. The donation of their time, expertise, property, and resources has been some of the main reasons for the growth and success of the NWTF South Dakota Wheelin’ Pheasant Hunt. They ask for nothing in return, except for a smile.

“This last fall, we had 29 hunters including a couple with spinal injuries. This year, with the assistance of technology, the gentleman shot his first pheasant,” Tad said. “That is the reason we do this. But it wouldn’t be possible without all of the volunteers, and we’re grateful to all of them. It definitely takes an army.”

Kathy coordinates hunter registration and prepares the facility for the event while Tad, with the help of Ron Schauer, organizes the hunt itself. He obtains equipment from the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks and organizes NWTF volunteers as UTV drivers or walkers in the field.

“The outdoors is for everybody, and the Jacobs demonstrate that with their generosity and willingness to ensure that anyone who is interested has the opportunity to partake in our outdoor traditions,” NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff said. “We are proud to recognize Tad and Kathy with the Wheelin’ Sportsmen Volunteer of the Year Award for all they have done to help others in South Dakota experience the outdoors.”

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. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.3 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $22 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to deliver healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF is committed to creating a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.