NWTF Dedication Event Raises over $1 Million for Conservation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Over 250 NWTF major donors, corporate partners, agency representatives and NWTF members from across Minnesota gathered in Caledonia – the headspring of wild turkey restoration in the state – last Saturday to celebrate the NWTF’s 50th Anniversary and the overall restoration of the wild turkey in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The assembly of conservationists celebrated and told stories from over the last five decades, all while raising $1.19 million dollars for on-the-ground conservation and to help propel the organization for another 50 years. 

“We are beyond humbled by the generosity and passion demonstrated in Caledonia last weekend,” NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter said. “This is the same resolve that allowed a grassroots organization founded 50 years ago to blossom into the conservation powerhouse it is today. To everyone in Caledonia last weekend, thank you! The commitment to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage is the reason why we have the privilege of celebrating 50 years, and it is the same reason why we will celebrate in another 50.”

The event was held in Caledonia’s North Park, where three permanent bronze cairns were installed to commemorate the restoration of the wild turkey in Minnesota and all of those who made it possible, with two plaques highlighting the NWTF’s Minnesota Major Donors and one recounting wild turkey restoration efforts of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the NWTF. 

The event was kicked off with a welcome address from Caledonia Mayor Dwayne “Tank” Schroeder, a 43-year member of the NWTF. The mayor later presented Burckhalter with the key to Caledonia.

“It was an honor to have this event here in Caledonia,” Schroeder said. “It was an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come, but also an opportunity to rally everyone for the work we still need to accomplish. We thank the NWTF for putting the spotlight on our town and our incredible story.”

NWTF Minnesota State Chapter President Linden Anderson, who was directly involved in the early restoration efforts, presented two of the original wild turkey trappers in Minnesota with bronze awards that depict a wildlife manager releasing a wild turkey from an NWTF Making Tracks Box, an icon for wild turkey restoration efforts still used today. 

In the evening, the fun continued at a nearby NWTF 50th Anniversary Blowout Gun Blast fundraising event, where firearms and outdoor gear were auctioned off. 

“We have worked in so many areas across the great state of Minnesota to make turkey hunting available to all,” said Tom Glines, NWTF director of development. “Back in the old days, you had to apply for a tag and sometimes wait for four to five years to get one. Now, with a thriving wild turkey population, turkey hunting is much more accessible, and it is thanks to the countless conservationists that made it possible, many of whom were at our dedication event last weekend.” 

First attempts to reestablish wild turkey populations began in Minnesota in 1926, using game-farm birds. These releases failed, as did later attempts involving pen-reared birds; the half-domesticated, half-wild turkeys were not as robust as their purely wild counterparts.

However, right around the NWTF’s inception in the early ’70s, state wildlife agencies across the country were beginning to trap wild turkeys in areas with strong populations and move them to areas devoid of wild turkeys. MNDNR utilized this innovative approach and released 29 wild turkeys from Missouri in the winter of 1972-73. Those releases took place in Houston County where this year’s anniversary celebration took place.

Over the next 50 years, the MNDNR, the NWTF and NWTF chapters in Minnesota collaborated on relocating wild turkeys, as well as creating wild turkey habitat, across the state. The result is over 70,000 turkeys throughout Minnesota and the opportunity to hunt wild turkeys during the allowed seasons.

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.