Joint Proclamation Presented at Delaware Awards Banquet

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — On September 8, the National Wild Turkey Federation received a joint resolution from the Delaware House and Senate honoring 50 years of the NWTF’s dedication to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Presented to the Delaware NWTF State Chapter during their annual awards banquet in Felton, Delaware, the chapter celebrated their contributions to five decades of conservation success.

In attendance at the event were Delaware State Senator David Wilson and State Representative Jeff Spiegelman, both presenting the resolution to the Delaware State Chapter.

“It was an honor to be recognized by the state of Delaware on the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 50th Anniversary,” said Charles Spray, NWTF Delaware State Chapter president. “We’ve worked very closely with the state over the years, and they have worked well with us to complete various projects to improve wild turkey habitat in Delaware”.

The resolution, in part, reads:

“…WHEREAS, the Delaware State chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation has been active as early as 1984 and consists of three local chapters, each operating in individual counties; and

WHEREAS, the DENWTF in recent years has focused conservation efforts on the Cedar Swamp Wildlife Management Area, partnering with the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife and helping fund habitat management projects that benefit not only wild turkeys but also species such as bobwhite quail; and

WHEREAS, the DENWTF has also been working with energy providers within the state by providing conservation-centric best management practices for Right-of-Way management; and

WHEREAS, youth field days promoting hunter education and outdoor recreation occur annually and are hosted by local chapters around the state…”

Access the full resolution here.

Delaware is an integral component of America’s Colonial Forests within the framework of NWTF’s America’s Big Six of Wildlife Conservation. The NWTF Delaware chapter is dedicated to conserving robust hardwood forests, preventing habitat loss, enhancing habitat variety, and ensuring the survival of winter wildlife populations.

The NWTF policy team and its volunteer leadership are working with state legislatures across the country to pass similar measures this year that enshrine the NWTF’s legacy and mission delivery into state law.

Learn more about the NWTF’s policy and advocacy work.

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 50-year celebration, 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 the 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.