NWTF renegs on their statement

[barry]

What really irritates me is that 6-8 months ago after I told a state officer that I was worried about our chapter and our hunt he said "don't worry, we'll take care of you" BUT when he learns that I'm with another organization, which I've been with for 15 years, he does a complete 180 and tells me they will not help.

I also asked the State Wheelin' chapter if they would be willing to sponsor this hunt?
Their reply..."NWTF policy would not allow the state chapter to sponsor the event."
Well guess what, application forms recently went out for 2014 spring Wheeln' hunts and 4 hunts are being sponsored by the state chapter!

They did say any of their members were "free" to participate on our hunt but refused to make our hunt available to state Wheelin' members and they refused to supply us with any contacts for state Wheelin' members.

[Gooserbat]

I'm the chapter president here in my home town and all I can do is say everything already said in this thread is right on target.  It's about the $$$ and nothing more. 

[WV TURKEY THUG]

i sure aint gonna renew my membership ever again

[drum817]

When I started turkey hunting I joined the nwtf and was very interested in wheeling sportsman events and jakes events.  I learned all to quickly that there was A LOT of money being made at banquets and then when I found out how little of that money actually made it back to the local chapter It sent up a huge red flag for me.  They may have started as a good organization.....but that is certainly not the case today in my opinion.

[barry]

UPDATE:
Just received this email from Edgefield.

"As noted in the information from our website that you cited, all Wheelin' Sportsmen events must have local chapter affiliation.  This decision is left to the discretion of local NWTF volunteer leaders.  Based on prior experience with you and your organization, there are no local chapters willing to provide the necessary affiliation at this time.  If that situation should change we will be in touch with you.  Until then, we will consider your inquiry closed."

First of all the only "prior experience" they have with our organization was us donating money to numerous NWTF JAKES events. As for me, evidently my 17 years as a volunteer and event coordinator doesn't account for squat!
AND...
The reason that "there are no local chapters willing to provide the necessary affiliation at this time"... little birdie told me that NWTF staff are telling them not to do so!

[gobblinfever]

this sounds pretty disappointing being a member of the NWTF for 3 years now. are there any other good organizations out there that I could support that defend the wild turkey (and other wildlife) and habitat enhancement and protection?

[bamagtrdude]

When I started turkey hunting I joined the nwtf and was very interested in wheeling sportsman events and jakes events.  I learned all to quickly that there was A LOT of money being made at banquets and then when I found out how little of that money actually made it back to the local chapter It sent up a huge red flag for me.  They may have started as a good organization.....but that is certainly not the case today in my opinion.

Tim, I had the exact same experience; quit NWTF many years ago; ain't looked back.  This was late 90's/early 2k's.

[turkeywhisperer935]

  In Tennessee where I'm from alot of the volunteers at one local chapter quit because they said they would devote their time and work their tail off at the events and the powers that be did'nt even appreciate or even thank them. I'm afraid the nwtf is turning into exactly what ducks unlimited is now, turning a pure sport into a rich mans game and pushing the poor man out. DU does absolutely nothing for hunters where I live and as a result because of lack of birds I quit duck hunting. It's sad to see this sport being ruined by money.

[gobblingghost]

We need a new nonprofit turkey hunting group that will stay true to the cause. I wish the American Wild Turkey Society would come back with a magazine and group.  Besides T&TH is gone we need a new magazine

[TJK68]

Yep, that is why I quit. All they cared about was money!