Anyone else hear of massive layoffs in Edgefield ?
Yes
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There are a lot of good individuals who just lost their jobs but the organization has lost its way.
The wild turkey needs an organization interested in advocating on its behalf. One that isn't scared to publicize poor decisions made by state game agencies regarding bag limits, season lengths, etc and one that isn't scared to be an outspoken critic of the states implementing these policies.
I won't shed a tear if the NWTF dissolves. It would be an ideal scenario for a new turkey organization to emerge.
Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on June 23, 2020, 10:56:39 PM
There are a lot of good individuals who just lost their jobs but the organization has lost its way.
The wild turkey needs an organization interested in advocating on its behalf. One that isn't scared to publicize poor decisions made by state game agencies regarding bag limits, season lengths, etc and one that isn't scared to be an outspoken critic of the states implementing these policies.
I won't shed a tear if the NWTF dissolves. It would be an ideal scenario for a new turkey organization to emerge.
Because the nwtf has not spent any money on increasing wild turkey populations, increasing hunting numbers, acquiring land for hunting, etc etc etc. maybe you should be the one to start a new organization.
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Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on June 23, 2020, 10:56:39 PM
There are a lot of good individuals who just lost their jobs but the organization has lost its way.
The wild turkey needs an organization interested in advocating on its behalf. One that isn't scared to publicize poor decisions made by state game agencies regarding bag limits, season lengths, etc and one that isn't scared to be an outspoken critic of the states implementing these policies.
I won't shed a tear if the NWTF dissolves. It would be an ideal scenario for a new turkey organization to emerge.
No doubt. It's being run buy former Ducks Unlimited people and there focus on habitat improvement and politics are not what NWTF was founded upon.
I joined the local chapter here in WNY in 1983. It was the first organized club I joined. A member of many others since. The members welcomed me with open arms and took me under their wings and taught me calling and turkey hunting. At the time, the WNY (Niagara) chapter's membership was larger than the state chapter. Now, they hardly have any members. Great bunch of guys, made lifetime friends. Then started the national money-driven promotion of many more chapters and the demise. Yes, some good but some bad also. In the late 1950s through trap and transfer program, WNY area turkeys were sent to propagate the east coast states. Now, WNY area turkey populations have plummeted from 40,000 1998 harvest to recent 17,000 harvest and complaints from local hunters falling on NWTF and local game official's "deaf" ears... They used to blame wet springs and nesting, now it's hunting "pressure" in WNY. Then if that's the "problem" they should set limits to 1 bird instead of 2 and reduce tags sold in those areas. IMO
Quote from: Goodtimekiller on June 23, 2020, 11:14:30 PM
Because the nwtf has not spent any money on increasing wild turkey populations, increasing hunting numbers, acquiring land for hunting, etc etc etc. maybe you should be the one to start a new organization.
This is all true. NWTF has done a lot of good for wild turkeys over the decades. As one who joined the organization in 1975, I was very much involved in all that "good" that was done for four decades. Unfortunately, I was also a "first hand" witness to the transition from the focus on helping wild turkeys to the focus over the last couple of decades of using the NWTF volunteers/members money mostly to raise more money,...money that, rather than going to projects and programs to help wild turkeys, was being used to expand the corporate "empire", and with way too much of that money going into the pockets of the upper-level leadership and their cronies.
Here is the reality in this region. Almost every long-time member of NWTF that I know has quit NWTF,...and every one has quit for the same reason. That is, NWTF went from an organization that was all about helping wild turkeys to one that is all about raising more money. When that first began to happen, our membership said,..."Hey, wait a minute. We want to spend OUR funds and OUR time on helping wild turkeys here."
The NWTF "leadership" basically said,..."If you don't want to focus on raising money for us, we don't really want you. We don't really care about what you are doing for turkeys in your state, we just want your dollars". (I know, that sounds unfathomable, but that is EXACTLY what happened here)
When that happened, almost all of the long-time members said "See Ya'". The result is that, over the last ten years or so, our state NWTF is a mere shadow of what it once was. An organization that was raising funds that resulted in probably $75,000 to $100,000 worth of projects for wild turkeys every year now annually spends less than $10,000.
Sad,...but true....
Quote from: GobbleNut on June 24, 2020, 09:11:13 AM
Quote from: Goodtimekiller on June 23, 2020, 11:14:30 PM
Because the nwtf has not spent any money on increasing wild turkey populations, increasing hunting numbers, acquiring land for hunting, etc etc etc. maybe you should be the one to start a new organization.
This is all true. NWTF has done a lot of good for wild turkeys over the decades. As one who joined the organization in 1975, I was very much involved in all that "good" that was done for four decades. Unfortunately, I was also a "first hand" witness to the transition from the focus on helping wild turkeys to the focus over the last couple of decades of using the NWTF volunteers/members money mostly to raise more money,...money that, rather than going to projects and programs to help wild turkeys, was being used to expand the corporate "empire", and with way too much of that money going into the pockets of the upper-level leadership and their cronies.
Here is the reality in this region. Almost every long-time member of NWTF that I know has quit NWTF,...and every one has quit for the same reason. That is, NWTF went from an organization that was all about helping wild turkeys to one that is all about raising more money. When that first began to happen, our membership said,..."Hey, wait a minute. We want to spend OUR funds and OUR time on helping wild turkeys here."
The NWTF "leadership" basically said,..."If you don't want to focus on raising money for us, we don't really want you. We don't really care about what you are doing for turkeys in your state, we just want your dollars". (I know, that sounds unfathomable, but that is EXACTLY what happened here)
When that happened, almost all of the long-time members said "See Ya'". The result is that, over the last ten years or so, our state NWTF is a mere shadow of what it once was. An organization that was raising funds that resulted in probably $75,000 to $100,000 worth of projects for wild turkeys every year now annually spends less than $10,000.
Sad,...but true....
I have been a committee member for over 10 years. I do not agree with any of your statements, but go ahead and start your own organization so we will have someone who is helping the turkeys.
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I would suggest amicably that your short-term membership is exactly the reason that you have the attitude you do. You have accepted the status quo of the organization as it functions today rather than what it was decades ago. If you are happy with the organization as it is now, that is all that matters, but in terms of actually "helping" to insure healthy wild turkey populations, the NWTF is not what it used to be.
In addition, I will qualify that my position on NWTF is based on my own experience with the organization. Perhaps there are areas of the country (and chapters) that are focusing on projects and programs to actually benefit turkey populations and numbers,...and perhaps yours is one of them. However, in terms of putting more turkeys "on the ground" in places, and insuring they stay there in good numbers, the NWTF of today is nothing near what it was in the past.
Again, if you are happy with what NWTF does with your volunteer time and money, great. However, if you wondering why so many of us past members have "flown the coop", look no further than the comments made above and in the many past threads on OG about the same topic.
I've not commented on one of these threads in awhile. And since we don't have a middle finger emoji and an N"WTF" emoji I'll keep my 2 cents out of it. Most over the years have figured out how I feel.
Gobblenut,
Your experience has nearly perfectly mirrored mine. I was very involved as a committee member in one of the top Chapters in my state back in the 80's and early 90's.
I havent attended a banquet in over 10 years and my only involvement in the last 20 has been doing calling demonstrations at JAKES events.
Still alot of good folks at the local levels, but she ain't what she used to be, and in this case, that's not a good thing, in my opinion.
Quote from: Hooksfan on June 24, 2020, 10:25:10 AM
Gobblenut,
Your experience has nearly perfectly mirrored mine. I was very involved as a committee member in one of the top Chapters in my state back in the 80's and early 90's.
I havent attended a banquet in over 10 years and my only involvement in the last 20 has been doing calling demonstrations at JAKES events.
Still alot of good folks at the local levels, but she ain't what she used to be, and in this case, that's not a good thing, in my opinion.
Yep
Quote from: guesswho on June 24, 2020, 10:19:31 AM
I've not commented on one of these threads in awhile. And since we don't have a middle finger emoji and an N"WTF" emoji I'll keep my 2 cents out of it. Most over the years have figured out how I feel.
Yep....
I concur with those who now look negatively upon the NWTF. I joined in 1977, becoming a local chapter president for a few years. The NWTF good old days...but now see what it has evolved into. I'm done.
Quote from: GobbleNut on June 24, 2020, 09:11:13 AM
Quote from: Goodtimekiller on June 23, 2020, 11:14:30 PM
Because the nwtf has not spent any money on increasing wild turkey populations, increasing hunting numbers, acquiring land for hunting, etc etc etc. maybe you should be the one to start a new organization.
This is all true. NWTF has done a lot of good for wild turkeys over the decades. As one who joined the organization in 1975, I was very much involved in all that "good" that was done for four decades. Unfortunately, I was also a "first hand" witness to the transition from the focus on helping wild turkeys to the focus over the last couple of decades of using the NWTF volunteers/members money mostly to raise more money,...money that, rather than going to projects and programs to help wild turkeys, was being used to expand the corporate "empire", and with way too much of that money going into the pockets of the upper-level leadership and their cronies.
Here is the reality in this region. Almost every long-time member of NWTF that I know has quit NWTF,...and every one has quit for the same reason. That is, NWTF went from an organization that was all about helping wild turkeys to one that is all about raising more money. When that first began to happen, our membership said,..."Hey, wait a minute. We want to spend OUR funds and OUR time on helping wild turkeys here."
The NWTF "leadership" basically said,..."If you don't want to focus on raising money for us, we don't really want you. We don't really care about what you are doing for turkeys in your state, we just want your dollars". (I know, that sounds unfathomable, but that is EXACTLY what happened here)
When that happened, almost all of the long-time members said "See Ya'". The result is that, over the last ten years or so, our state NWTF is a mere shadow of what it once was. An organization that was raising funds that resulted in probably $75,000 to $100,000 worth of projects for wild turkeys every year now annually spends less than $10,000.
Sad,...but true....
I'm young and didn't come to turkey hunting until later. My mentor and hunting buddy started the chapter that used to exist where I live in the 1980s. Like many its long since dissolved. He was instrumental in bringing the turkeys back and reestablishing the populations in western North Carolina. Anyhow, he despises NWTF, and I never fully understood why except for what he told me. And what he told me mirrors what you're saying to a T. To the point that I copied and pasted what you said and sent it to him and he wrote back, "Yes, that's exactly it." What an absolute shame.
I have been a member of the nwtf for as long as it has been around, i have not been on the committee quite as long.
One thing is for certain, i do not see any of the guys on here complaining about the nwtf doing anything to support the wild turkeys. If you are, give some examples, if not, you have no table to stand on.
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Quote from: Goodtimekiller on June 24, 2020, 12:10:55 PM
I have been a member of the nwtf for as long as it has been around, i have not been on the committee quite as long.
One thing is for certain, i do not see any of the guys on here complaining about the nwtf doing anything to support the wild turkeys. If you are, give some examples, if not, you have no table to stand on.
Really? You have been a member of NWTF since 1973 when the organization was formed? If you are and have been, I will have to admit that you are the first long-time member of NWTF that has witnessed the changes that have taken place in the organization that is not dissatisfied with the direction things have gone over the last twenty or so years.
From first hand experience, I Know exactly what the NWTF did for wild turkeys "way back when" and I will defend the "old" NWTF to my grave. And yes, I do complain about the "new" NWTF because I do not see the same emphasis on maintaining (and expanding) healthy wild turkey populations that used to exist. What I see is an organization focusing on programs and activities that are solely designed to extract as much money as they can from as many people as they can to "Feed the Machine",...and doing so with minimal and "token" interest in helping the resource.
Now, let's reverse your question. YOU tell those of us that are no longer supportive of the NWTF some examples of what the organization has done where you are that have actually had factual, concrete, positive impact on wild turkey populations overall.
Again, I am not trying to be combative in this discussion. Just telling it like it is for a lot of us. Quite honestly, I wish I could still support and be a part of the organization, but there would have to be some serious "changes in attitude" within the NWTF for that to happen.
I agree it's not the same organization as it was in the 80's and early 90's but you have to realize most of these guys who got chapters started and helped fund raise for the NWTF are either to old now or dead. Hunting in the old day's is nothing like today's hunters. Hunting in the old day was a means of putting food on the table. Now it's become a lot more recreational. I still support them, because i still feel they promote hunting. I don't see 35 dollars year is going to kill me ... just my opinion.
Quote from: Greg Massey on June 24, 2020, 04:58:52 PM
I agree it's not the same organization as it was in the 80's and early 90's but you have to realize most of these guys who got chapters started and helped fund raise for the NWTF are either to old now or dead. Hunting in the old day's is nothing like today's hunters. Hunting in the old day was a means of putting food on the table. Now it's become a lot more recreational. I still support them, because i still feel they promote hunting. I don't see 35 dollars year is going to kill me ... just my opinion.
I think the point is that when those people started chapters and raised money they saw a direct impact for how that money was spent. They saw it go into things like food plots for instance. Then there came a moment when those local dollars were not only not being used locally but not being used in any identifiable manner at all. At least that's what I've heard from everyone who was involved that I know personally and what I gather from what GobbleNut is saying above. The fact that I've heard the same story over and over for years and years from everyone from folks out west to folks here in the North Carolina mountains where I live tells me there's probably a whole lot of truth in it.
For some time it was a question of what to do when their primary mission had been largely accomplished. The wild turkey was largely restored and the NWTF wandered off into recruiting g women and youth along with Wheeling Sportsman.
All good causes I suppose, but not necessarily turkey related. Now they are needed to take the lead in researching and coordinating research into the wild turkey decline we are seeing and they seem to have warped into a fundraising money pit with little left to put toward their primary mission, the wild turkey.
By the year 2000 they wanted all available turkey habitat stocked. They with state wildlife agency did that. Now it's Save the Habitat Save the Hunt. What's wrong with that?
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Quote from: GobbleNut on June 24, 2020, 12:51:04 PM
Quote from: Goodtimekiller on June 24, 2020, 12:10:55 PM
I have been a member of the nwtf for as long as it has been around, i have not been on the committee quite as long.
One thing is for certain, i do not see any of the guys on here complaining about the nwtf doing anything to support the wild turkeys. If you are, give some examples, if not, you have no table to stand on.
Really? You have been a member of NWTF since 1973 when the organization was formed? If you are and have been, I will have to admit that you are the first long-time member of NWTF that has witnessed the changes that have taken place in the organization that is not dissatisfied with the direction things have gone over the last twenty or so years.
From first hand experience, I Know exactly what the NWTF did for wild turkeys "way back when" and I will defend the "old" NWTF to my grave. And yes, I do complain about the "new" NWTF because I do not see the same emphasis on maintaining (and expanding) healthy wild turkey populations that used to exist. What I see is an organization focusing on programs and activities that are solely designed to extract as much money as they can from as many people as they can to "Feed the Machine",...and doing so with minimal and "token" interest in helping the resource.
Now, let's reverse your question. YOU tell those of us that are no longer supportive of the NWTF some examples of what the organization has done where you are that have actually had factual, concrete, positive impact on wild turkey populations overall.
Again, I am not trying to be combative in this discussion. Just telling it like it is for a lot of us. Quite honestly, I wish I could still support and be a part of the organization, but there would have to be some serious "changes in attitude" within the NWTF for that to happen.
Since it was started in my area. We raise money to put stands up for disabled hinters on public land, we sponsor youth hunts, youth fishing days, youth camps, scholarships, have made access to unaccessible public land.
If you think the organization should be the same now as then, you are ignorant, because the wild turkey issues are not the same as then. The nwtf is sponsoring several wild turkey studies across the southeast and working with state agencies. Areas that needed help in the past do not need help now.
But you still haven't told me how to join your new organization that will be so much better than the nwtf.
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Hunted spring turkeys on a chunk of WIHA? That was started and partially funded by KS NWTF. They donated $50k this year to the DoD, state, and several prescribed burn associations to help them get more fire on the ground and beat undesirable woody species out of the grasslands. Donated another $27k to help state areas and agencies obtain equipment to help maintain the area. ALso did alot of outreach and donation to the shooting sports.
I don't agree with thier stance that we need to recruit more turkey hunters. This state seems to be crawling with them already.
I am in the old guard that has left the NWTF. I first joined in 74 or 75 and I will say some of my connections I made in those early years led me to a 31 year career with the Division of wildlife. I worked for Forestry in 73,74 & 75 then in a private outdoor supply company from 75-79. In 79 I started with the Wildlife Division. So I saw the NWTF from both sides and they were into anything turkey. Then in the late 80s I started seeing a progression towards fund raising. We went from one or two paid NWTF people in our state to 4, then even more and their primary function was hold banquets and raise money. In the mean time wildlife employees were trapping and transplanting turkeys every where that would hold them. I been on many trap sites and never saw a NWTF staff person (local volunteers yes)., but when the turkeys were released there would be at least one maybe 4-5 all wanting their picture taken releasing a turkey. So they get their pictures then the employees would go release the rest of the birds, while the big wigs went to eat at a restaurant. Previous to the 2000s they provided funds for a lot of land, but I don't hear a lot about that now. The biggest thing they done was provide transport boxes for moving birds. I had my gut full when a local paper company offered to sell the Division 600+ acres for a bargain price and the state asked the NWTF for funding and they said no. Then turned around and bought old coal strip mine land (grass) close to a more popular city area. We went from one banquet in an area to one or two within 30 mile every year. My mailbox had "give me money" mail every week. It got old fast, when I couldn't look and see anything they were doing in my area. I had a buddy actually got a job directing banquets and he made more than I did working for an actual wildlife agency. I ran a check station for 30 years and in the 80s we had NWTF volunteers around all the time, after the 90s none. I honestly can't tell you what they do today
Here is my bottom line. Perception is reality to most people and the current perception is the NWTF is "money grubbing". Everyone can see the begging and the big salaries are public information. Most of those who left can't see that their money is being spent wisely. I have run a non profit for several years and I learned one basic rule....don't piss off your donors! Their money is a gift and they can keep it as easily as give it. If they don't believe your managing it wisely you ain't getting it. It may or may not be true, but you better be telling them what your doing and they better be able to see it. This "just give me your money and trust me" attitude won't fly for long, especially if they can find one example of mismanagement. Serve your donors or die.
Quote from: fallhnt on June 24, 2020, 07:58:38 PM
By the year 2000 they wanted all available turkey habitat stocked. They with state wildlife agency did that. Now it's Save the Habitat Save the Hunt. What's wrong with that?
First of all, I am certain that the NWTF is accomplishing some good in areas of the country, and the folks that volunteer their time and money to the organization for those noble purposes should be applauded. It is my personal belief in having seen the changes that have occurred over the decades that a significant number of the "working class" volunteers in NWTF would throw a "screaming memee" and revolt if they knew where their hard-earned and donated dollars are being spent nowadays.
Regarding your first statement, "stocking" wild turkeys is one thing. That does not mean "the job is done". Stocking is the easy part. Doing what it takes to make sure those introduced turkey populations remain stable and healthy is quite another. I personally just do not see the effort being made to address the issues occurring in significant areas of population decline. Perhaps those efforts are being made,...if so, somebody tell us about them!
As for "Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt", in my opinion that is just a clever slogan someone in NWTF made up to attract more people and more dollars. Again, wherever you are, someone tell us what significant effort to "save habitat" is being undertaken?
...And "Save the Hunt"? Again, just a slogan and nothing more! Yeah, let's "save the hunt" by introducing more folks to an already-strained activity with declining opportunity in terms of places to hunt and declining turkey numbers in lots of places. If NWTF wants to "Save the Hunt", first make sure you are doing all you can to make sure that the resource you are hunting is healthy! If that is happening, it is sure not apparent,...or well-advertised.
Here's the deal. If you support NWTF, good for you. But do this: Each state has a pot of money known as the "Superfund". The state/local chapters can use that money for whatever it wants within the boundaries of what is allowed for a non-profit entity. Contact your state/local chapter leadership and ask them to give you a report on how your Superfund dollars are being spent. I will bet certain parts of my anatomy that you will be less-than-delighted with where a significant number of your donated dollars are being spent and who is benefitting from it.
Ouch... Thanks for the perspective from days ago. Don't we all miss the 80's?
Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences.
Quote from: eggshell on June 25, 2020, 07:57:00 AM
I am in the old guard that has left the NWTF. I first joined in 74 or 75 and I will say some of my connections I made in those early years led me to a 31 year career with the Division of wildlife. I worked for Forestry in 73,74 & 75 then in a private outdoor supply company from 75-79. In 79 I started with the Wildlife Division. So I saw the NWTF from both sides and they were into anything turkey. Then in the late 80s I started seeing a progression towards fund raising. We went from one or two paid NWTF people in our state to 4, then even more and their primary function was hold banquets and raise money. In the mean time wildlife employees were trapping and transplanting turkeys every where that would hold them. I been on many trap sites and never saw a NWTF staff person (local volunteers yes)., but when the turkeys were released there would be at least one maybe 4-5 all wanting their picture taken releasing a turkey. So they get their pictures then the employees would go release the rest of the birds, while the big wigs went to eat at a restaurant. Previous to the 2000s they provided funds for a lot of land, but I don't hear a lot about that now. The biggest thing they done was provide transport boxes for moving birds. I had my gut full when a local paper company offered to sell the Division 600+ acres for a bargain price and the state asked the NWTF for funding and they said no. Then turned around and bought old coal strip mine land (grass) close to a more popular city area. We went from one banquet in an area to one or two within 30 mile every year. My mailbox had "give me money" mail every week. It got old fast, when I couldn't look and see anything they were doing in my area. I had a buddy actually got a job directing banquets and he made more than I did working for an actual wildlife agency. I ran a check station for 30 years and in the 80s we had NWTF volunteers around all the time, after the 90s none. I honestly can't tell you what they do today
Here is my bottom line. Perception is reality to most people and the current perception is the NWTF is "money grubbing". Everyone can see the begging and the big salaries are public information. Most of those who left can't see that their money is being spent wisely. I have run a non profit for several years and I learned one basic rule....don't piss off your donors! Their money is a gift and they can keep it as easily as give it. If they don't believe your managing it wisely you ain't getting it. It may or may not be true, but you better be telling them what your doing and they better be able to see it. This "just give me your money and trust me" attitude won't fly for long, especially if they can find one example of mismanagement. Serve your donors or die.
Well they must be doing a pretty good job because they are still raising tons of dollars and getting most donations matched. People dont realize that to grow a business takes people and money, as successful as nwtf has been and has many people as it takes to run, there have to be paid people. Look at the non profits people criticize then look at the ones people promote on here. Delta waterfowl, rmef, quail forever, all of these have failed in my area. Are/were they good organizations, yes i believe so, but as a business grows the ability of the leaders has to grow too.
Seems like most people on this thread just want to sit back and complain. I can tell you the nwtf has tons of volunteers that spend tons of donations on helping turkeys, conservation, and hunting in general.
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I was a member for a long time and let my membership lapse during the Rob Keck debacle. I rejoined in 2012 to help get a local chapter going again, this was near the beginning of the "Save The Habitat, Save The Hunt" campaign. I saw first hand that the driving force was banquets and how many tickets could you sell to put $ in the superfund. I saw a large amount of $ raised locally be redirected to a fund you then had to request funds from for local projects, didn't make much sense to me. We also had WAY to many chapters in proximity of each other so you had too much overlap. The NWTF has done alot of good but I would rather support a local rod and gun club that's doing work to benefit the area I live in, seeing the work firsthand is what matters to donors.
No one argues that they need paid people and lots of them. I understand this, but when I look at their list of programs I find they list work done from 1985 for my home state of Ohio. As I review the list I see most of the projects as one I recognize from when I worked for Ohio's Wildlife Agency. I have been retired over 15 years and I only noticed a few projects I wasn't familiar with.
Below I listed a breakdown from their annual 2019 report. I notice 66.77% of expenses are for administration, operations and fundraising.....this is most people's rub. So call me a complainer, but that is not going to make me want to join or donate. I do think they are trying to right the ship. At least a NWTF forester showed up and proposed doing an evasive plant removal on the family property last year, and then showed up and done the work. Back in the 80s we had a whole management plan that the NWTF helped with on 1200 acres. That disappeared in the 90s. That is why I complain, because I saw work disappear and the request for donations increase.
from The NWTF annual report.
The NWTF had another amazing year delivering its mission and fulfilling the goals of our Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative. Programmatic efficiency was an impressive 90%, which is reflective of the efforts of our tremendous volunteers, members, partners and staff. We ended fiscal year 2019 with an operating deficit of $1.3 million. However, our balance sheet remained strong, as we were able to increase the liquidity of our assets and reduce our liabilities. In addition, we were able to secure and carry over more than $1 million in restricted major gifts that will be available to fulfill mission delivery in fiscal year 2020 and beyond. In fiscal year 2020, our plan is to trim expenses as well as increase efficiencies and net revenue. This strategic plan allows the NWTF to evolve and build an organization for the future.
FINANCIAL REPORT
2019 Revenue
Advertising ..............................................1.81%
Contributions ...........................................2.44%
Membership Dues .................................24.22%
Federal Grants & Contracts ................... 4.85%
Program Services .................................. 66.68%
2019 Expenses
Education .................................................5.32%
Membership Activities ............................ 5.84%
Administration .........................................9.75%
Conservation Activities ........................ 22.08%
Program Services & Fundraising ..........5 7. 0 2 %
Quote from: Goodtimekiller on June 24, 2020, 12:10:55 PM
I have been a member of the nwtf for as long as it has been around, i have not been on the committee quite as long.
One thing is for certain, i do not see any of the guys on here complaining about the nwtf doing anything to support the wild turkeys. If you are, give some examples, if not, you have no table to stand on.
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I plant mast trees as well as a few other small things here and there. I would rather put my time and money directly where I want to that let someone else decide what is "best". Always beware of the rich jackwagon asking you to donate time and money to any cause when they aren't willing to do the same. Their main "cause" is obvious to me.
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However anyone that cares about turkeys just let me know and send me a membership fee of $100.00 after that you can come and improve some "habitat". I had a hen with poults walk through the back yard the other day. The grass was a touch high and I would hate for the hen to lose one of her babies. Just to be fair i will donate the use of my mower to trim it down as long as someone else is willing to operate it. $15.00 of your membership fee will go to gas so you can feel good about that as well.
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Quote from: Happy on June 25, 2020, 03:25:50 PM
However anyone that cares about turkeys just let me know and send me a membership fee of $100.00 after that you can come and improve some "habitat". I had a hen with poults walk through the back yard the other day. The grass was a touch high and I would hate for the hen to lose one of her babies. Just to be fair i will donate the use of my mower to trim it down as long as someone else is willing to operate it. $15.00 of your membership fee will go to gas so you can feel good about that as well.
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What no magazine?
Quote from: Happy on June 25, 2020, 03:25:50 PM
However anyone that cares about turkeys just let me know and send me a membership fee of $100.00 after that you can come and improve some "habitat". I had a hen with poults walk through the back yard the other day. The grass was a touch high and I would hate for the hen to lose one of her babies. Just to be fair i will donate the use of my mower to trim it down as long as someone else is willing to operate it. $15.00 of your membership fee will go to gas so you can feel good about that as well.
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Does the membership come with a hat that has a middle finger emoji with N"WTF" underneath it? If so sign me up, and I'll even bring the gas.
A list of what I, family and a friend have done on mine, friend's and family land:
Maintained a managed timber plan
Controlled mowing plan
Select harvest
established shelter belts
established travel lanes
planted food plots
Have a manged harvest plan
Timber stand improvement project
Invasive species removal
predator removal
Even tried winter feeding
Maintain fields and edges
Maintained ponds and wetlands
30 years ago we got assistance from the NWTF on several of these. Then poof nothing for 30 years, until last year when a forester showed up.
Quote from: guesswho on June 25, 2020, 03:31:46 PM
Quote from: Happy on June 25, 2020, 03:25:50 PM
However anyone that cares about turkeys just let me know and send me a membership fee of $100.00 after that you can come and improve some "habitat". I had a hen with poults walk through the back yard the other day. The grass was a touch high and I would hate for the hen to lose one of her babies. Just to be fair i will donate the use of my mower to trim it down as long as someone else is willing to operate it. $15.00 of your membership fee will go to gas so you can feel good about that as well.
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Does the membership come with a hat that has a middle finger emoji with N"WTF" underneath it? If so sign me up, and I'll even bring the gas.
Magazines and hats would have to be offered at an additional fee. Otherwise you would cut into my profit err I mean habitat money.
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Membership does come with 25 dollar Bass Pro gift card...
Quote from: Happy on June 25, 2020, 03:25:50 PM
However anyone that cares about turkeys just let me know and send me a membership fee of $100.00 after that you can come and improve some "habitat". I had a hen with poults walk through the back yard the other day. The grass was a touch high and I would hate for the hen to lose one of her babies. Just to be fair i will donate the use of my mower to trim it down as long as someone else is willing to operate it. $15.00 of your membership fee will go to gas so you can feel good about that as well.
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Happy , it all depends on how old your mower is before i make the trip.. :TooFunny:
www.charitynavigator.org gives them a 87.30 score out of 100 and 3 out of 4 stars. Just saying
The question that should have been asked in 1973, and that is still relevant today, is "how can a national organization have any significant impact on a species that is not migratory." And we are left with the unintended consequences.
Great, so everyone can list work they did on their own land as volunteering for wildlife. It seems like this thread is full of millennial folk that just sit back and say look at all i've done to help myself, the nwtf will not help me personally, screw them.
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I've been reading along and wasn't sure about commenting. I give yearly probably multiple times. Like all national originations they have plenty of faults. Not everyone is going to agree with what they do. Especially in todays America when it's all about "ME" anything is only as good as what have you done for me lately. Like someone said Turkey's aren't migratory birds so whatever happens in North Dakota doesn't benefit Texas. I know plenty of duck hunters that still complain about habitat that get's worked on anywhere but their back yard.
I'm a board member of a duck group here in Florida for Florida only. Our biggest problem is signing up members and raising money. We run youth hunt's all over the state every year and most guy's donate time and money that doesn't even come out of the organizations bank account. We have done a big Waterfowl summit every year with FWC and other state groups. And still we scramble every year for members and money for that. BTW A huge thanks goe's out to Misfire for the Wood Duck call he donates every year for the youth hunt's. I can count on one hand the members and board members that are showing up at meetings to work to get land for recreating on and hunting. Although this is a duck group I know by showing up at one of these meetings it could benefit turkey's and deer and all hunting.
One of the reasons I didn't post earlier is I'm used to the keyboard pounders that have never set foot in a meeting or made a phone call or sent an email.
We spend way more then 35 bucks on cheap Chinese Walmart crap or Chinese crap from bass Pro or any other store. Bubba
What have you done for me lately?
I was a volunteer for more than a decade. Helped start a banquets back in the late 90's early 2000's. We had the banquet at the local college cafeteria and it was a no alcohol family setting. We did very well with the banquet and Mr. Joe Woods was the NWTF employee that oversaw it. There were a lot of folks who came to the banquet that didn't even turkey hunt. I had family that would come and support the auctions and raffles and have a good time, and they never stepped foot in the turkey woods. As far as they were concerned it was a fun night out, a good dinner, and all with the local community folks that they didn't see often.
Things started to change for the worse. I'm lot sure if they fired Joe or just moved him out and put this younger fella in there. Well, the younger fella was a smart butt, didn't care about none of the folks who volunteered, and came across as trying to milk everyone for all they were worth. He wanted to start charging the kids to enter the banquets and eat their meals.... our banquet was always run where the kids entered and ate free. And I tell you what, we always covered expenses and made the NWTF money like that. This new guy has all these new games he wanted us to try to use to get more money from the folks. The people who attended were folks we all knew as family, friends, fellow hunters, and co workers. Just didn't sit well with most of us. This ol boy found out real quick like that kind of stuff loses you your key people real quick. I quit volunteering because I moved to another state for work, and to be honest, I was glad to have a legitimate excuse to be removed from a situation that I helped get off the ground. I haven't been a member since.
I'm sure they got some good folks that work with them, but I can't support something that seems to only our to pillage the pockets of the very folks that built it's foundation. We are the people this organization is supposed to serve. The NWTF needs to look internally for its failures. This reflection will should show that greed and lack of focus on its roots caused its current state, not covid.
Didn't this thread start out having something to do with layoffs of people? Layoffs affect families. Some NWTF employees might even be passionate about turkeys. Almost as much you. I'm not an NWTF member or fan, but layoffs under any circumstance are unfortunate and sad; especially in this one, but only if you have any shred of compassion for others.
Almost as sad, there are some here who have lots of great ideas for other people and organizations to do. "It's not the critic who counts..."
Quote from: Goodtimekiller on June 25, 2020, 07:46:09 PM
Great, so everyone can list work they did on their own land as volunteering for wildlife. It seems like this thread is full of millennial folk that just sit back and say look at all i've done to help myself, the nwtf will not help me personally, screw them.
You asked -
QuoteIf you are, give some examples, if not, you have no table to stand on.
So I gave my examples, sorry it offended you.
Actually if all landowners done what they could it does benefit everyone. wildlife spreads out on to all the surrounding properties too.
Spurs up, you are right it is sad to see people lose jobs. It's not that we don't have compassion. I look at it more as a discussion of why it happened.
Ultimately the states hold the responsibility to manage, whatever help they can get is only going to make it better. I donate to my state's Wildlife agency's habitat fund directly when I purchase my annual license. That way I know most of it goes to wildlife, not fund raising.
It is sad that these threads lead to so much contention. I have no doubt that everyone who has commented has a deep rooted love and concern for the state of the Wild Turkey, or they wouldn't be posting so passionately. I hope we can all accept the different views and beliefs and maybe take away something good. I imagine we have all donated time, love and money to this sport and I for one am grateful for all the hard work. There is no way possible to know of the countless hours given by anyone or lack of from an internet forum. So we just have to offer our thoughts and leave it at that, I hope there are no hard feelings and we can learn from one another. Leaving the NWTF did not mean I left turkeys behind, it just meant I took a different road in helping.
My reasons for not continuing my membership are fairly simple. They have done nothing vocal to address declining turkey populations. They have done nothing to address the "hunters" crawling behind fans and all that nonsense. In fact, the nonsense is promoted at the NWTF show. It's that simple for me, ethics are important.
Quote from: Goodtimekiller on June 25, 2020, 07:46:09 PM
Great, so everyone can list work they did on their own land as volunteering for wildlife. It seems like this thread is full of millennial folk that just sit back and say look at all i've done to help myself, the nwtf will not help me personally, screw them.
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I agree spurs with spurs, layoffs aren't good and unfortunately in this case it doesnt start at the top. Did I ever mention I owned the land? I do not. A timber company owns both chunks. I may never see the benefits of what I do but I hope hunters and especially wildlife down the line do. In reality what most people struggle with is telling themselves no and holding themselves back. Want to have more turkeys around? Don't use every legal advantage you can get to make sure you fill every tag you can and actually hunt them.Make sure and give as much or more than you take and spread out the areas you hunt. As far as being a millenial, well you know nothing about me but I can promise you that since I was raised by a single mother on minimum wage I wasn't given a leg up on anything. Keep going though, this amuses me.
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I have said enough on NWTF (maybe... ;D ). I will end my thoughts by stating that I respect everybody here that has remained a member and I am glad you are "doing your part" to help wild turkeys,...even if I personally believe the organization needs to be to some degree "defunded" and with a corresponding message to get back to its roots. Perhaps defunded is too harsh a word, but it at least needs to be "rebooted". There has been too much pork in the barrel for too many years now. (When nearly 60% of NWTF revenue is directed at fundraising, that should give everybody a clue)
I will end by reiterating that everybody that has stayed loyal to NWTF should send them a clear message: That is, "start spending more of my money on directly helping wild turkeys where it is needed"!
The END,....carry on.... :)
good way to end it Gobblenut.
By the way I woke up at least 40 years younger, I'm now a millennial ;D, but man I don't feel like it. Actually I'm going to the hospital today for some test....the NWTF isn't exactly my priority today.
Nobody has touched on the layoffs. Are they feeling the pinch due to low membership numbers? Or are they falsely improving the bottom line?
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I'm sure you guys have seen or heard by now the email letter from the NWTF.
"Catastrophic loss of Revenue" I'm sure its a little dramatic. Maybe the NWTF will be another victim of Covid and fold. All you guys will get your wish. Bubba
Quote from: ChiefBubba on June 26, 2020, 05:56:58 PM
I'm sure you guys have seen or heard by now the email letter from the NWTF.
"Catastrophic loss of Revenue" I'm sure its a little dramatic. Maybe the NWTF will be another victim of Covid and fold. All you guys will get your wish. Bubba
Regardless , we don't need to lose the NWTF.. they have my support ... my wife doesn't even hunt but she's member also..
Ends up like so many organizations with good intent. You get too many people wanting to ride the gravy train.
Is this what your talking about:
The National Wild Turkey Federation has been a conservation leader and hunter advocate for nearly 50 years. During this time, we have never experienced the level of financial concern as we face today.
Due to COVID-19 and the resulting halt of our fundraising events this spring, the NWTF has experienced a near catastrophic loss of revenue that has forced us to cut operational expenses to ensure the sustainable financial health of the organization. As a result, we have laid off over 50 staff. The loss of these dedicated, passionate individuals is extremely difficult for the Flock. They are friends, colleagues, mentors and members, and we will miss them greatly and pray for them.
We are reaching out to our volunteer chapters, partners and supporters to discuss our plans moving forward, including how their areas will be staffed. We hope to have most of these details sorted out soon.
Fundraising events are ramping up again, and we are now safely holding banquets and other events with fewer than 250 people, following all local, state and national guidelines to protect our guests, members and staff. In addition, we will continue online fundraising efforts, including a new capital funding campaign, Call for All.
We still have a steep hill to climb to recover from the effects of the pandemic, and we have a major goal ahead of us to raise at least $5 million by the end of August. Together, we can get there, but we need the help of our members, donors, friends and partners like never before.
We sincerely hope you will join with us and answer the Call for All by renewing your membership, attending an event or online fundraiser or making a donation today.
Sincerely,
Becky Humphries
NWTF CEO
Most charities are seeing financial woes this year. Covid 19 has changed the face of the world on many fronts. Business and corporate donations are key to charities and they pull back giving when profits plummet. I am chairman and chief Financial Officer for a charity and we have also seen our financial support drop off. Sustaining donors have just disappeared with no explanation. You adjust your services and move on. At least we don't have any paid employees, so no one is loosing their lively hood. Actually some of our volunteers have more time to give. It is sad to see the NWTF struggle, but maybe this is the opportunity to set the ship back on course.
Bet Rob Keck could get the NWTF running properly - again.
This topic is hotter than Burning the woods in the nesting season......
I'd like to know exactly how they are hurting? Why the layoffs? 6 months of banquet inactivity and you're cutting people? Of all the money they have to pay top positions they didn't have a plan to sustain for @ 6 months? No sense to me
info from charity navigator from 08-2018
Income Statement (FYE 08/2018)
REVENUE
Contributions
Contributions, Gifts & Grants $18,726,240
Federated Campaigns $0
Membership Dues $12,530,423
Fundraising Events $0
Related Organizations $7,244,492
Government Grants $0
Total Contributions $38,501,155
Program Service Revenue $0
Total Primary Revenue $38,501,155
Other Revenue $1,588,785
TOTAL REVENUE $40,089,940
EXPENSES
Program Expenses $33,760,876
Administrative Expenses $4,770,515
Fundraising Expenses $1,269,809
TOTAL FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES $39,801,200
Payments to Affiliates $0
Excess (or Deficit) for the year $288,740
Net Assets $23,122,179
Back to Top ?
Financial Charts
Contributions Breakdown (FYE 08/2018)Contributions, Gifts &GrantsMembership DuesRelated Organizations48.6%18.8%
32.5%
Source Dollars
Contributions, Gifts & Grants $18,726,240
Membership Dues $12,530,423
Related Organizations $7,244,492
Expenses Breakdown (FYE 08/2018)ProgramAdministrativeFundraising12%
84.8%
Expense Dollars
Program $33,760,876
Administrative $4,770,515
Fundraising $1,269,809
Revenue/Expenses TrendProgram ExpensesPrimary Revenue
2015201620172018
Year Program Expenses Primary Revenue
2015 $34,946,543 $39,297,534
2016 $35,642,253 $38,661,048
2017 $35,146,552 $35,431,289
2018 $33,760,876 $38,501,155
Back to Top ?
Compensation of Leaders (FYE 08/2018)
Compensation % of Expenses Paid to Title
$379,902 0.95% George Thornton CEO
So the NWTF spent approximately 62k in the state of Virginia last year from its Super Fund for the purpose of reclaiming wildlife spaces on public lands.
If the NWTF had almost 33 million in program expenses in '18 and there are 49 states with huntable wild turkey populations the criticisms many of us have had for 15+ years are true: the money isn't going to the wild turkey.
For the purpose of comparison, let's use the '18 program expenses and apply them to '19 super fund distribution. 62k, which is a meager .0018%, went back to the wild turkey on different WMAs in Virginia in chunks of money between $3,000-12,000. That kind of chump change doesn't go far towards increasing carrying capacities at the micro or macro level and we as hunters would be better off donating our money directly to state game agencies.
If you're one of these guys trying to tell me the NWTF is mission focused you can't do math and you've consumed too much of the Kool-Aid.
Like I said with any luck at all it'll fold and that'll be the end of it. Bubba
Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on June 28, 2020, 05:08:24 PM
So the NWTF spent approximately 62k in the state of Virginia last year from its Super Fund for the purpose of reclaiming wildlife spaces on public lands.
If the NWTF had almost 33 million in program expenses in '18 and there are 49 states with huntable wild turkey populations the criticisms many of us have had for 15+ years are true: the money isn't going to the wild turkey.
For the purpose of comparison, let's use the '18 program expenses and apply them to '19 super fund distribution. 62k, which is a meager .0018%, went back to the wild turkey on different WMAs in Virginia in chunks of money between $3,000-12,000. That kind of chump change doesn't go far towards increasing carrying capacities at the micro or macro level and we as hunters would be better off donating our money directly to state game agencies.
If you're one of these guys trying to tell me the NWTF is mission focused you can't do math and you've consumed too much of the Kool-Aid.
:z-winnersmiley: winner winner turkey dinner
Just read a post about this on Facebook. I stopped what I was doing and went to renew my NWTF membership.
It expired a couple months ago and it just slipped my mind. Luckily I was able to make a contribution today by renewing my membership.
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I'm 83 years old, been around turkey hunting since the 1960's, when it first became legal in this state. I watched and joined with many fine folks and entire families as they came to NWTF and were dedicated to the cause, for many years. When turkeys were spread out over more country, hunters flocked to NWTF by the hundreds. We couldn't do enough, fast enough for the organization/that's a personal thought! I quit the committee after a few years, giving others their chance to make it even better. Now, some 60 years later, it's all gone away, sad to say.
Oh, there's still lotsa hunters, that call turkey-hunting the grandest sport, and they're right. We're all thankful for God's grandest creation, each time we enter the woods and sit by that favorite tree.
Come next spring, God willing, I'll be back, listening for the master of the woods to call-out from his tree!
All the best to each and every dedicated hunter
:thanks: shortspurs.
Because some gave all, many get much. Because of the hard work of Wildlife Agencies, volunteers and The NWTF we have a wonderful sport to argue over....what if the work had never been done?
Both my gratefulness and disappointment are rooted in the success story of the wild turkey. Grateful that it became the grand sport and disappointed that an organization that fought to get us here has gotten distracted by money
Quote from: eggshell on June 29, 2020, 12:55:53 PM
Grateful that it became the grand sport and disappointed that an organization that fought to get us here has gotten distracted by money
It didn't become the great sport because of the NWTF; it was a great sport before the NWTF, and would have remained a great sport but for the immense numbers of the new breed and their tactics. The credit belongs to the state wildlife agencies. Period.
Quote from: silvestris on June 29, 2020, 03:42:43 PM
Quote from: eggshell on June 29, 2020, 12:55:53 PM
Grateful that it became the grand sport and disappointed that an organization that fought to get us here has gotten distracted by money
It didn't become the great sport because of the NWTF; it was a great sport before the NWTF, and would have remained a great sport but for the immense numbers of the new breed and their tactics. The credit belongs to the state wildlife agencies. Period.
I sure don't agree with that. NWTF chapters gave us an opportunity to meet and learn from other hunters. The chapters gave us a way to organize our volunteer efforts to help transplant and establish flocks in new areas. The chapters gave us a way to have more input on turkey management in our states, especially recommending areas for new flocks to be established. We researched and recommended changes in turkey hunting regulations. We raised $ for projects to increase and enhance habitat with our volunteer help, etc. It would have been much harder to accomplish what we did in my state without chapters.
Depending on the government to do anything right you'll be wanting a good long time. Our current state of affairs is prove enough. Turkeys rebounded because someone in the private sector was overlooking them. Bubba