13th Symposium to Bolster Momentum of Wild Turkey Research

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The NWTF, the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are expediating the 13th National Wild Turkey Symposium by co-hosting the event in Kansas City in 2025.

Usually held every five years, the symposium brings together wild turkey experts from all arenas, including state, federal and private wild turkey researchers; land managers; and wild turkey enthusiasts, to exchange ideas that ensure the sustainability of wild turkeys and their habitats.

“Fast-tracking the 13th symposium is part of NWTF’s heightened effort to address population declines experienced throughout the country,” said Mark Hatfield, NWTF director of conservation services. “Our recent funding of critical wild turkey research projects coupled with the momentum created from the 12th National Wild Turkey Symposium have built a strong synergy between NWTF, academia and state agencies to address the emerging challenges and questions we face today. We need to keep our foot on the gas.”

The announcement is made on the heels of the 12th symposium, which the NWTF and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission co-hosted in June this year. During the event, the NWTF revealed a new $360,000 commitment to wild turkey research. The funding is providing critical support to seven research projects throughout the country. 

At the conclusion of the 12th symposium, the NWTF also committed to holding the 13th symposium in 2025 to keep wild turkey research front and center. MDC and KDWP answered the call and ratified the next meeting. 

“We are honored to co-host the 13th National Wild Turkey Symposium with the NWTF and KDWP,” MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley said. “The Symposium is an opportunity for all of us who treasure this iconic species to share information and collaborate. We are pleased to see the meeting expedited, so we can continue to conserve this resource and ensure it is around for future generations.”

“Turkey biologists continue to face uncertainties surrounding key aspects of turkey ecology and harvest management, and the 2025 Symposium will help inform our understanding of these issues,” said Kent Fricke, KDWP small game coordinator. “We are looking forward to co-hosting this important event and discussing the great habitat management we’ve completed in eastern Kansas.”

Since the NWTF’s inception, wild turkey research has been a foundational element in the organization’s conservation delivery, and it continues to be a driving force in addressing new questions raised by wildlife managers, academia and turkey hunters. 

NWTF’s financial support of wild turkey research is made possible through generous donations to the organization, the hard work of its volunteers and the support of determined partners, like Mossy Oak’s recent pledge of $375,000 to wild turkey research over five years. 

You can directly contribute to NWTF’s next batch of wild turkey research funding here.

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 across the U.S. by working across boundaries on a landscape scale. Today, the NWTF is investing heavily in wild turkey research to ensure the future of wild turkey populations and is working to secure Healthy Habitats and Healthy Harvests.