Celebrating the Success of the Rez Bird Local Chapter’s Annual Banquet

The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has long stood as a beacon of conservation and hunting heritage in North America, with its roots tracing back to 1973. Founded in Fredericksburg, Virginia, by a group of passionate outdoorsmen, the NWTF emerged at a time when wild turkey populations had dwindled to just 1.3 million across the continent due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting. The organization’s mission was clear: to restore the wild turkey to its native habitats and preserve the hunting traditions that sustain both wildlife and rural communities. Over the decades, this grassroots effort has grown into a powerhouse of conservation, uniting over 250,000 members, 2,350 local chapters, and countless volunteers across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and beyond.

The NWTF’s early success hinged on a collaborative approach, partnering with state, federal, and provincial wildlife agencies to implement science-based conservation strategies. Through trapping and relocating turkeys to suitable habitats—a process known as “Making Tracks”—the organization helped reintroduce the bird to areas where it had vanished. This effort, combined with habitat restoration projects, has been nothing short of transformative. Today, wild turkey populations have soared to nearly 7 million, marking one of the greatest wildlife recovery stories in North American history. The NWTF’s impact extends far beyond turkeys, as its habitat initiatives have benefited a wide range of species, including deer, upland birds, and pollinators, while enhancing over 22 million acres of wildlife habitat since its inception.

Central to the NWTF’s mission is the preservation of hunting heritage, a value deeply embedded in its programs and events. The organization recognizes that hunters play a critical role in funding conservation through licenses and excise taxes, contributing approximately 80% of state wildlife agency budgets. To sustain this legacy, the NWTF launched the “Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.” initiative, an ambitious plan to raise $1.2 billion, conserve or enhance 4 million acres of habitat, recruit 1.5 million new hunters, and open 500,000 acres for hunting access by 2025. This initiative underscores the NWTF’s commitment to ensuring that future generations can enjoy the outdoors, a goal reflected in its diverse outreach efforts.

Programs like JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, and Sportsmanship), Wheelin’ Sportsmen, and Women in the Outdoors have brought hunting and conservation education to youth, individuals with disabilities, and women, respectively. These efforts are supported by local chapters, which host annual fundraising banquets to raise funds and boost membership. The “banquet-in-a-box” model, pioneered in the 1980s, has proven especially effective, with over 

2,000 events annually generating an average of $10,000 each. These gatherings not only raise vital funds—totaling over $372 million for conservation and outreach—but also foster community spirit and introduce new people to the outdoor lifestyle.

A shining example of this success unfolded recently with the Rez Bird Chapter’s annual Hunting Heritage Banquet, held on August 2, 2025, at Dewar First Baptist Church in Dewar, Oklahoma. The event, marked by an impressive turnout of locals, was a resounding success, drawing a large crowd eager to support conservation and enjoy a family-friendly evening. 

Travis Thompson and Philip Agee, key figures in the Rez Bird Chapter, shared their enthusiasm in a heartfelt invitation. Travis highlighted the array of prizes and guns up for grabs, emphasizing the opportunity for attendees to learn about the NWTF’s conservation work in Oklahoma. Philip echoed this excitement, noting the kid-friendly atmosphere, diverse raffle options, and engaging games that made the event accessible to all ages.

The banquet’s success was further elevated by the delicious dinner provided by The Shack 2.0, a local restaurant that served up some great roast and fresh vegetables. This culinary contribution added a special touch to the evening, delighting attendees and showcasing the community’s support for the event. With doors opening at 5:00 PM and a meal served at 6:30 PM, the event offered a night of fun while raising funds for local conservation projects. The large crowd reflected the growing interest in the NWTF’s mission, bolstered by the chapter’s efforts to showcase the organization’s achievements. Since 1973, the NWTF has invested heavily in research, with over $9 million dedicated to understanding turkey populations and their habitats. Recent initiatives, such as the $225,000 Waterways for Wildlife project in 2024, which enhanced 60 stream miles and 5,750 acres in the Great Plains, demonstrate the organization’s ongoing commitment to habitat restoration.

The Rez Bird Chapter’s event also highlighted the NWTF’s inclusive approach, aligning with programs that have introduced over 100,000 people to the outdoors annually. The presence of families and children underscored the JAKES program’s influence, while the promise of prizes and raffles echoed the successful fundraising model that has grown membership from 20,000 in the 1980s to over 250,000 today. Volunteers like those in Oklahoma play a pivotal role, leveraging partnerships with sponsors such as Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises to amplify their impact. This grassroots energy has enabled the NWTF to secure over 400,000 acres for hunting since 1987 and advocate for policies like the Farm Bill and Pittman-Robertson Modernization Act.

Looking back, the NWTF’s journey from a small group of enthusiasts to a national leader in conservation is remarkable. Its ability to adapt—through innovations like the Super Fund program in 1985 and the rebranding in 2021 with the tagline “Healthy Habitats. Healthy Harvests”—has kept it relevant. The Rez Bird Chapter’s recent banquet success, with its large crowd and community engagement, mirrors this legacy. The addition of The Shack 2.0’s roast and fresh vegetables not only satisfied appetites but also strengthened local ties, making the event a true celebration of conservation and camaraderie. It serves as a microcosm of the NWTF’s broader mission, blending education, conservation, and celebration to ensure that the wild turkey and hunting heritage thrive for generations to come. As Travis and Philip’s invitation suggested, such events are not just fundraisers but vital opportunities to connect people with nature, a connection that continues to define the NWTF’s enduring purpose.