SC Recognizes NWTF for 50th Anniversary

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — In honor of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 50th Anniversary, the South Carolina Senate recognized the accomplishments of the conservation organization through a recently introduced resolution.

“As the National Wild Turkey Federation celebrates its 50th Anniversary, it is greatly appreciated by the NWTF South Carolina State Board of Directors that the South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives recognize the important accomplishments of this organization by passing resolutions celebrating this anniversary,” said Larry Deas, NWTF South Carolina Board of Directors president.

The resolution is a significant acknowledgment of the NWTF’s unwavering commitment to the conservation of wild turkeys and protecting hunting traditions. As a part of this recognition, South Carolina Sen. J. Thomas McElveen III will attend the Palmetto Sportsman’s Classic to sign and present S.B. 561.

The presentation is scheduled for Friday, March 24, at 1 p.m. and will take place during the sportsman’s classic at the South Carolina NWTF State Chapter tent, weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, the presentation will move to booths 228 and 229 inside the Cantey Building.

“A special thanks goes to Senators Massey, McElveen, Young, Campsen, Cromer, Goldfinch, Hutto, Setzler, and Representative Hixon and 123 other House members for co-sponsoring these resolutions,” Deas said.

Though the NWTF was established 50 years ago in Virginia, it relocated its headquarters to Edgefield, South Carolina, that same year and has since remained there. The NWTF’s mission encompasses conservation efforts nationwide, and a substantial portion of the funds raised in South Carolina are directed toward local initiatives selected by the South Carolina State Chapter board.

“Although our tasks and tactics have changed through these 50 years, our mission of the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage has not changed,” Deas said. “The NWTF has been responsible for conserving or enhancing over 22 million acres of wildlife habitat, an area larger than South Carolina, since its inception. And since 2012, the NWTF has opened access to over 700,000 acres for hunting and recreation, and recruited over 1.5 million hunters. The NWTF South Carolina State Board of Directors has a strong working relationship with the USDA Forest Service, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the South Carolina legislature, regularly working closely with these and other partner organizations.”

The NWTF’s commitment to habitat improvement and conservation, as well as its focus on public access to protected lands, demonstrates the dedication to its mission and communities nationwide.

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.