67,368 Attendees Kick Off NWTF’s Golden Anniversary

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — To kick off the NWTF’s year-long 50th anniversary celebration, the outdoors community descended upon Nashville, Tennessee and set numerous records for the NWTF’s annual convention and sport show, including the all-time record of 67,368 sport show attendees.

“The energy at our 50th anniversary celebration was truly as if we packed 50 years of passion for our favorite game bird into the course of just a few days,” NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter said. “From the sport show floor to the conservation conference, our guests celebrated our beloved outdoor lifestyle and were teeming with excitement for the incoming spring season. We are endlessly thankful to all of our volunteers, partners, staff and attendees that made it all possible. Together, we have set the tone for our golden anniversary year – this is just the kickoff!”

In addition to the sport show attendance record, the NWTF’s 50th anniversary celebration in Nashville saw other records shattered, including the 512 exhibitors that set up booths on the show floor, the 2,000 individuals that attended the NWTF’s Grand National Auction and numerous events that saw record-breaking fundraising.

And while the NWTF’s recent convention and sport show in Nashville will be one for the history books, NWTF chapters across the country are celebrating all year long.

State and local NWTF chapters will be hosting their own 50th anniversary events – for both outreach and fundraising – that will catapult the NWTF’s mission delivery to unprecedented heights.

Learn how you can get involved with your state and local NWTF chapter. 

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.