Do you guys think it's worth it to join the NWTF? I looked at their website and didn't get that much info. I looked into chapters near me and I'm not really sure what they do or what the banquets they have are for.
Absolutely, it's worth it. They were instrumental in re-introducing turkeys in my state in the 80's, and now i can hunt at home. They do a lot of habitat and conservation work. As far as the banquets, their purpose is to raise funds. They have relatively low administrative costs, so a lot of the money raised actually goes to work.
I joined the NWTF especially since T&TH went belly up. There isn't much out there to keep updated and in engaged with turkey hunting and habitat. Just my $0.02.
All The Way!
The NWTF has done, and still does, much good work on behalf of wild turkeys, habitat, and hunters over the decades. Unfortunately, the organization built such a huge infrastructure back when times were really good that in order to maintain that now, they often appear to focus on fundraising and money more than the membership and volunteers that support the NWTF. That perception has soured a lot of folks, myself included to some degree.
To me, the real benefit is in what you can get out of the local chapter association and the people that you can meet in getting involved. I have made many lasting friendships with folks that I would never have met if I had not gotten involved in the NWTF. You just have to try to make yourself look past the tunnel-vision focus on raising money that the national organization seems to have nowadays.
Quote from: GobbleNut on July 06, 2016, 08:02:39 AM
The NWTF has done, and still does, much good work on behalf of wild turkeys, habitat, and hunters over the decades. Unfortunately, the organization built such a huge infrastructure back when times were really good that in order to maintain that now, they often appear to focus on fundraising and money more than the membership and volunteers that support the NWTF. That perception has soured a lot of folks, myself included to some degree.
To me, the real benefit is in what you can get out of the local chapter association and the people that you can meet in getting involved. I have made many lasting friendships with folks that I would never have met if I had not gotten involved in the NWTF. You just have to try to make yourself look past the tunnel-vision focus on raising money that the national organization seems to have nowadays.
Well said.
Gobblenut expressed my sentiments in a much nicer way than I could have so I will just leave it at that.
If I had the funds, I would likely still be supportive, but as it is, any money I used to spend on NWTF, I spend it on actual hunting trips---most of which I am taking youth and other folks.
They do still have some good programs, and I still get involved from time to time with the JAKES program. The grassroots folks at the chapter levels are solid gold. I am just not into volunteering my time to make someone else rich any more. The former CEO was a crook, IMO. Hopefully new leadership is making a difference, but I am not around to know.
It's well worth it. My local chapters besides doing all the obvious are involved in taking kids n disabled vets turkey hunting, kids, disabled vets bow n gun deer hunts, we're doing a women's in the outdoors event that is a women's only Hunter Ed, women's in the outdoors fishing events, the jakes days are worth every single penny just to watch the kids fish, shoot bows/guns, eat barbecue n run turkey calls.
Bunch of the chapters put on call clinics too.
I know of no better grass roots orginazation and if these things aren't happening by you start them.
Obviously the management of birds, they've planted parts of the local refuge w refuge friendly/turkey friendly seed.
I've been involved in lots of orginozations n NWTF does more than anyone, plus w the price you get a $25 bass pro card so it's nearly free to join.
Want to say something too, I'm a member only not even belonging to a chapter. I'm a volunteer who helps a couple chapters. My favorite Spuce Run is too far to make the meetings but the chapter should win a gold medal. The two closer chapters are great too
I join to get the magazine and get into the convention free. Other than that, I'm not happy that the NWTF hasn't taken a big role in leading the discussion on lobbying TN for changes since we are experiencing turkey decline in many areas. I'm disappointed they aren't stepping up to the plate to address this.
I am also very disappointed they don't condemn the practice of fanning, remote control decoys, etc and lobby states to outlaw.
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I've been a member for a very long time, almost since it began. I have volunteered many hundreds hours over those years and helped to start several new chapters. I've watched it grow from just a few members really into something over 250,000 paid adult members currently. The JAKES program, Wheelin' Sportsmen and WITO (Women in the outdoors) have brought many folks into the hunting and shooting fold.
I'm hunter who grew up without wild turkeys and one who witnessed the dramatic rescue and reintroduction of them to provide huntable populations. The NWTF played a large part in that reintroduction. Without the work and money of thousands of volunteers it would not have happened. Many state agencies were also supported by NWTF members and legislators were encouraged to support those efforts. State wildlife professionals are to be complimented for all that they did in this effort as well. It was a cooperative effort by many.
We are now witnessing a decline in the wild turkey population in many, maybe most parts of the U.S. The "Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt" initiative by the NWTF is a good one. Any of us who hunt, have children or grandchildren and want to preserve our hunting heritage should give serious thought to supporting that program. What past generations did for us, we need to do for the future generations.
Currently, an NWTF membership is $35.00 and they'll send you a $25.00 Bass Pro "Promo Card". You get the magazine for a year as well.
Lastly, like any other organization, you largely get out of it what you put into it.
Thanks,
Clark
How much does the NWTF actually contribute when you have a jakes day?
Where is this "Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt" going on at??
^^^join and learn. Yes it's worth it. A voice in DC for us. Right now you can join and you get a $25.00 Bass Pro gift card.
Do some research and draw your own conclusions. See where the money is spent. Also research turkey restoration and see who did what. You may or may not like what you see. As for me, they won't ever see another penny of my money.
If you would like to know how the NWTF co-insides with your area check out the local chapters, how much effort is put forth by the NWTF in the chapter's work. Also ask the chapter's members about how much they raise and get to utilize within their own locale verses what the NWTF takes in from their fund raising banquets. I keep up with a lot of Missouri chapters through our state NWTF paper and to see their work ethics when it comes to serving their locale is amazing .... the countless hours that are spent by volunteers, the remarkable efforts taken to support the handicapped and wounded soldiers and the time spent helping the youth to learn hunting practices and safety, tells me that (on a local level) these folks are the heart of the organization, as far as being a member of the NWTF I am, and I attend the National Convention for free and the 25 bucks in Bass Pro gift card buys me a box of shells every year. I wish the National Organization would pat more attention to its smaller chapters that are struggling to survive, and that the nationals would tender to the call maker / hunter as a whole instead of looking for sponsorship from the "Big 3" but...that is just my 2cents worth.
Yes, it's worth joining NWTF.. investigate and read what all they do and check with you local charter, you will meet a lot's of guy's who enjoy turkey hunting and supporting our youth and learning about the wild turkey. The youth are the future of our hunting....
Quote from: fallhnt on July 06, 2016, 01:38:31 PM
^^^join and learn. Yes it's worth it. A voice in DC for us. Right now you can join and you get a $25.00 Bass Pro gift card.
Been one for a long, long time!! Mainly because I attend Nashville every year; and, for members admission is free. Otherwise, it is $10/day. I've donated a many a call for their banquets, then when you go to find out how many dollars worth you've donated, you get informed, "Oh, we don't keep up with that unless you signed an in-kind donation slip". You know, I probably would have if someone had a mentioned that when I was donating!!!
My question still remains....maybe my local chapter isn't doing something right!!
They do offer a TOD program if anyone is interested. Yeah, that's on my to do list for tomorrow.
TOD program?
Quote from: Tail Feathers on July 06, 2016, 08:24:33 PM
TOD program?
Transfer On Death. You can make them the beneficiary in case of your death. They make it easy for you. You can contact one of their development directors and they will help you set it up. But you may have to pay for the legal forms.
Quote from: guesswho on July 06, 2016, 09:03:26 PM
Quote from: Tail Feathers on July 06, 2016, 08:24:33 PM
TOD program?
Transfer On Death. You can make them the beneficiary in case of your death. They make it easy for you. You can contact one of their development directors and they will help you set it up. But you may have to pay for the legal forms.
I remember seeing that now. I laughed. Ummmm....no. :anim_25: As much as I love turkey hunting, my family gets anything that's left.
I used to be a member and I used to go to the local banquet. The one thing that bothers me is the prizes got cheaper and cheaper every year. I haven't gone in a few years. Got involved with D.U. instead. Now the same thing is happening there also.
It's an organization that has lost sight of its way and sold its soul in pursuit of corporate greed.
I participated in our local chapter for a long time and served as president for a few years. I noticed over time that our director became less focused on discussing our cause and creating fellowship and more honed in on how much money we could generate at our banquet. I'll never forget how bitter he became when a Whitetails Unlimited chapter started in our area and some of us became dual members. I also never saw one penny of the money raised stay local, which really bothered me. We had several public hunting spots in our area that needed funding desperately. Despite bringing both parties to the table, the NWTF had other plans with the funds we raised. Honestly, my experience with the NWTF left me pretty sour. Too bad there isn't another option.
Quote from: 870FaceLift on July 07, 2016, 09:30:59 AM
I participated in our local chapter for a long time and served as president for a few years. I noticed over time that our director became less focused on discussing our cause and creating fellowship and more honed in on how much money we could generate at our banquet.
Bingo! ...And what they have failed to realize is that if they would just go back to making the volunteers feel appreciated and bring back that fellowship that used to exist, they would have much more support and be more successful in their fundraising. Instead, that tunnel-vision approach that gives everyone the impression that money is their entire motive just continues to alienate many folks who used to be dedicated members.
I agree with some discussion and debate on funding NWTF. As a past president of our local chapter for several years we focused on raising money for our state and programs of NWTF. We work along side of our wildlife officials in funding needs like tracking equipment, 4 - wheelers, equipment need to plant food plots, etc. I attended meetings in Nashville to discuss on how money raised in Tenn would be distribute thru programs and needs throughout Tenn not just in our local chapter area. What we need to realize is some state local chapters don't have the ways or means to raise as much money as other areas of the same state. So we as chapters would help out all our local chapters in discussing all needs for the state in helping with all needs and money raised. All state chapters were also responsible in helping supply money to help with the Super Fund of NWTF. As a local chapter we always retained money in our local chapter bank account in helping our local wildlife programs and educating kids about needs of the wild turkeys thru Jake programs and field days. We also had a small fund set aside to help a fellow charter member or family in need with some kind of emergency needs.. It's a great organization and until you have attended meetings in your state on how your money is spend let's not be to quick to judge that the NWTF is not doing a good job.
I was a member back in the early 1980s. I dropped out about the time they built their new headquarters in Edgefield sc. My reasoning was the constant badgering for money. I love what they have done for turkey and the hunting opportunities they have created. I try to do my best to support their ideas and make the time to get kids into the sport. The good old days of turkey hunting are right now.
No, the good ol' days of hunting were about the time you started!!!!
As Clark mentioned.. when you count the bass pro gift card and magazine it's pretty much free.. not sure why this is even being debated.
I enjoy the magazines and if some of my money helps in any way possible I am happy. I also joined the Ruffed Grouse Society and they have a great magazine and seem to do a lot with the money.
Quote from: Hooksfan on July 06, 2016, 09:01:28 AM
Gobblenut expressed my sentiments in a much nicer way than I could have so I will just leave it at that.
If I had the funds, I would likely still be supportive, but as it is, any money I used to spend on NWTF, I spend it on actual hunting trips---most of which I am taking youth and other folks.
They do still have some good programs, and I still get involved from time to time with the JAKES program. The grassroots folks at the chapter levels are solid gold. I am just not into volunteering my time to make someone else rich any more. The former CEO was a crook, IMO. Hopefully new leadership is making a difference, but I am not around to know.
. Which CEO was the Crook?
Quote from: M Sharpe on July 09, 2016, 06:36:52 PM
No, the good ol' days of hunting were about the time you started!!!!
That's some funny chitttt right there.
I am a member of my local sportsmans clubs. But I will never be a member of any of the big time, famous, national groups. They have all put profit ahead of purpose. In my area turkey numbers have been on the decline for several years. When I ask a nwtf member what the local chapter was doing to help, he replied "I don't know. As long as most guys are killing a gobbler no one really cares." I think I'll just give my hard earned money to the local clubs so I can actually see where the money goes!
My point exactly!! I asked a guy today who said they do so much for the jakes, what were they doing that they themselves could not do. He said "nothing".
Quote from: ncturkey on July 15, 2016, 07:56:00 PM
Quote from: Hooksfan on July 06, 2016, 09:01:28 AM
Gobblenut expressed my sentiments in a much nicer way than I could have so I will just leave it at that.
If I had the funds, I would likely still be supportive, but as it is, any money I used to spend on NWTF, I spend it on actual hunting trips---most of which I am taking youth and other folks.
They do still have some good programs, and I still get involved from time to time with the JAKES program. The grassroots folks at the chapter levels are solid gold. I am just not into volunteering my time to make someone else rich any more. The former CEO was a crook, IMO. Hopefully new leadership is making a difference, but I am not around to know.
. Which CEO was the Crook?
I believe the reference is directed at Rob Keck. Personally, I don't feel Rob was a "crook", I just think he lost sight of the true "spirit" of the organization over time, and the reasons many of us volunteers got involved in its early years. Like so many other successful organizations, as the NWTF grew, the ideals of what could be accomplished grew, as well. With that growth came a need to create an infrastructure to accomplish those ever-increasing ideals and goals.
That cycle of growth becomes a "catch 22" situation. As the NWTF expanded, so did the need for more money to accomplish those expanding goals,...which, in turn, creates a need for more employees and infrastructure,...which then creates the need to raise more money. Over time, the volunteers,...who joined mainly because of wanting to be a part of the "fraternity and camaraderie" of the organization, rather than being fund-raisers, naturally begin to question the motives of the leadership.
All the while, as the organization grows, the leadership,...many of whom started the NWTF because of the "ideals" of helping wild turkeys,...begin to see the financial success of what they have created and things suddenly change so that the focus for them includes personal monetary gain, rather than just the success of the NWTF and its goals.
Eventually we end up where NWTF (and most other successful non-profits) end up being. That is, a whole lot of volunteers contributing their time and hard-earned dollars to an organization that ends up paying its leadership exorbitantly. When Keck and Co. left the NWTF, he and the others were making several hundred thousand dollars each in salaries and perks,....Keck's salary was well over $400,000 a year, as I understand it,...and that did not include all the perks,...which probably added considerably more to that.
It is just human nature for those of us,...even the most ardent NWTF supporters,...to take a look at that situation and say,..."What the heck is going on,...and why am I, a guy that makes 1/10 of what these guys are making,...giving my money and lots of my time to support their elaborate life styles? What happened to the ideals of working for the betterment of wild turkeys while sacrificing the need for lavish personal gain?"
I believe that progression of growth for successful non-profits, and the corresponding greed of the leadership that almost invariably accompanies it, is the reason that many of us end up with the sour taste in our mouths that we have.
Having said all of that, the fact is that the NWTF still does much good for turkeys and turkey hunters. While it is very true they could do more,...without NWTF, much less would be getting done. If you can live with the reality of all of the above then, by all means, join up!
Keck was also running the NWTF show on a 1 million dollar budget when it should've been 60-70% less than that.
Everything was lavish. Everything was excessive.
The NWTF needs to focus on purchasing land for hunters, improving that land for hunters, and lobbying more aggressively for policy changes at the state level for the wild turkey.
The magazine looks like something Martha Stewart put together and if I read one more bullsheit article from a woman who has killed fewer than a dozen turkeys in their life all of which have died in premier property with luxurious amenities and is more worried about a freaking selfie, I might lose my mind. I might have a heart attack if I actually met a woman who has extensive, unguided hunting experience.... Yet they sure fill the pages with these huntresses' simple musings.
no
NWTF points of interest - I could write many pages but instead ask yourself a few questions.
With the population of turkeys we have now in the US how much trap & transplant is still done?
Where can the save the habitat funds be seen? Is there land acquisitions that can be listed?
What is the gross revenue of the NWTF each year and then look at the break down of spending. This may pick a scab with some but if your ignoring the facts then you probably voted for Obama as well.
The NWTF is a 501-C3 non-profit organization, they must file a tax return annually. It is mandatory for all 501-C3 to list all employees names and salaries on the return with an income GREATER THAN $100,000!
If you want to send a shockwave to your heart do a search and look at how many of their employees make over 100K!
I'll stop here for now and grab :popcorn:
Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on July 16, 2016, 12:53:27 PM
Keck was also running the NWTF show on a 1 million dollar budget when it should've been 60-70% less than that.
Everything was lavish. Everything was excessive.
The NWTF needs to focus on purchasing land for hunters, improving that land for hunters, and lobbying more aggressively for policy changes at the state level for the wild turkey.
The magazine looks like something Martha Stewart put together and if I read one more bullsheit article from a woman who has killed fewer than a dozen turkeys in their life all of which have died in premier property with luxurious amenities and is more worried about a freaking selfie, I might lose my mind. I might have a heart attack if I actually met a woman who has extensive, unguided hunting experience.... Yet they sure fill the pages with these huntresses' simple musings.
:TooFunny:
Quote from: allaboutshooting on July 06, 2016, 12:50:10 PM
I've been a member for a very long time, almost since it began. I have volunteered many hundreds hours over those years and helped to start several new chapters. I've watched it grow from just a few members really into something over 250,000 paid adult members currently. The JAKES program, Wheelin' Sportsmen and WITO (Women in the outdoors) have brought many folks into the hunting and shooting fold.
I'm hunter who grew up without wild turkeys and one who witnessed the dramatic rescue and reintroduction of them to provide huntable populations. The NWTF played a large part in that reintroduction. Without the work and money of thousands of volunteers it would not have happened. Many state agencies were also supported by NWTF members and legislators were encouraged to support those efforts. State wildlife professionals are to be complimented for all that they did in this effort as well. It was a cooperative effort by many.
We are now witnessing a decline in the wild turkey population in many, maybe most parts of the U.S. The "Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt" initiative by the NWTF is a good one. Any of us who hunt, have children or grandchildren and want to preserve our hunting heritage should give serious thought to supporting that program. What past generations did for us, we need to do for the future generations.
Currently, an NWTF membership is $35.00 and they'll send you a $25.00 Bass Pro "Promo Card". You get the magazine for a year as well.
Lastly, like any other organization, you largely get out of it what you put into it.
Thanks,
Clark
Well said Clark!! You the man!!
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Its kinda like this for me. Are you proud to be an American because of the way things are in America right now? Are you proud of our leaders? Our government? The decisions of our supreme court? What about the overall morals and work ethic of the citizens of our country? What about our presidential candidates (the finest among us risen to the top with the chance to lead)? When you turn on the tv and the news of the day, does that make you proud? Are those the things that you see when the flag waves and the banner is played? Or.... do you think about the freedom? The founding fathers and the ideas that they held? All the men that have fought, and bled, and died, so we can have those rights, and freedoms, and ideas, that are perishing today? One nation under God? That's why Im proud.
As for the NWTF I know this...they were instrumental in restoring wild turkey populations. If it wasn't for watching NWTF's Turkey Call tv show, and the work the NWTF has done, then I might not have become a turkey hunter. I pay my dues, read the magazine, spend the Bass Pro gift card, put a sticker on my toolbox, and if they do anything at all with my money to improve habitat, or the population of the wild turkey, or to help the chance for me to retain the right to legally be a turkey hunter, then Im proud to be an NWTF member for the things they are doing and the work they have done.