Haas Earns National NWTF Hunting Heritage Award

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—The National Wild Turkey Federation recognized Toxey Haas, founder and CEO of Mossy Oak, with the Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award for his contributions to conservation and the preservation of our hunting heritage.

“I am beyond humbled to be the recipient of the 2023 Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award,” Haas said. “With my lifelong involvement in the NWTF, I am keenly aware of the monumental significance this award, all of its past recipients, and especially Miss Boykin carry! I could not be recognized in more fulfilling and gratifying way. Having grown up knowing her and her family makes it even more special. As everyone well knows, turkeys have been in my life since my earliest days. Regardless of my love for all wildlife, nature and the earth itself, turkeys and turkey hunting and turkey conservation have always come first. Even as an enterprise and a brand, for Mossy Oak, turkeys are the center of the bullseye. It is with the deepest heart of gratitude I accept the award on behalf of the Haas family and all the truly amazing family within the Mossy Oak brand. It is one we will cherish forever.”

Haas accepted the award during the NWTF’s 50th anniversary celebration at its 47th annual Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak.

The Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award’s namesake was a former president and chairperson of the NWTF’s National Board of Directors. During her tenure, she emphasized the importance of hunting heritage and helped create a new outlook for the organization.

As Boykin did, Haas lives his life working to advance our nation’s outdoor traditions.

Haas’ love of the outdoors and conservation was passed on to him through his father. He founded Haas Outdoors in 1986 with an idea to make camouflage more realistic, giving rise to Mossy Oak, one of the NWTF’s strongest partners. Haas is an avid turkey hunter and says, “There is something intangible about the wild turkey; it is at the center of our brand and of our family.”

Through Haas’ leadership, Mossy Oak has been a staunch supporter of NWTF, sponsoring our national convention, conservation efforts, and scholarships for youth and hunting heritage programs that pass on outdoor traditions.

“Having like-minded partners can make for an incredible partnership,” NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter said. Toxey is certainly no exception to this rule. He and Mossy Oak allow us to elevate our impact to unprecedented levels. We are incredibly proud to present Toxey with the Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award for his immense impact to preserve America’s hunting heritage.” 

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 50th anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50th 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.