NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The National Wild Turkey Federation’s 31st annual Convention and Sport Show, Feb. 23 to Feb. 25 isn’t just for big boys, in fact you don’t have to be a boy at all. This year’s convention has events for men, women, youth and people with disabilities that share a love for the outdoors.
With three outreach programs — JAKES/Xtreme JAKES, Women in the Outdoors and Wheelin’ Sportsmen — the NWTF is bringing everyone to the outdoors. All total, the three programs organized nearly 1,400 outdoor events nationwide in 2006, and all three will have activities taking place at this year’s convention.
JAKES and Xtreme JAKES
Youth attending the NWTF’s national convention will have the chance to soak up conservation knowledge and hunting tips and tactics along with other outdoor know-how, by visiting the JAKES Junction.
Friday (Feb. 23)—9 a.m. to noon, National Archery in the Schools Program competition. Plus, there will be an archery demonstration by Randy Oitker.
Saturday (Feb. 24)—10 a.m., Chris Walls, two-time Grand National Gobbling Champion, conducts an animal vocalization seminar. At noon and 2 p.m., Matt Blakney with Long Hunter State Park will be doing a hands-on seminar about Tennessee Mammals. Randy Oitker is scheduled for three archery demonstrations, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Sunday (Feb. 25)—1 p.m., the NWTF’s Conservation Educator of the Year Scott Jordan, will host a seminar about his work with trapping and transferring wild turkeys as a high school project for his students, in the JAKES Junction.
For the younger outdoor enthusiasts, Thursday, Feb. 22 from 9:30 a.m. until noon, JAKES will feature a free event, “A Day with the Wild Turkey.” The event will feature:
* Live animals from the Nashville Zoo
* A lesson on the differences between domesticated and wild animals
* A dynamic wildlife conservation presentation by the SnakeMaster, Steve Scruggs
* An appearance by Smokey Bear
* Award-winning turkey callers and various critter callers.
There’s also JAKES Junction, a section of the exhibit hall full of hands-on conservation and wildlife displays and activities, and opportunities to participate in outdoor programs and classes such as turkey calling and orienteering as well as airgun and archery at the range.
Getting young people involved in outdoors activities is not only good for conservation and an awareness of wildlife, it’s also good for their health. That goes for adults, too. According to research provided by the National Shooting Sports Foundation,
Americans who participate in at least one outdoor activity on a regular basis reap mental and physical health benefits.
JAKES is designed for youth ages 12 and younger, while Xtreme JAKES was developed in 2005 for teen’s ages 13 to 17. For more information on JAKES/Xtreme JAKES visit www.nwtf.org/jakes/
Women in the Outdoors
The Women in the Outdoors program is about learning new skills, meeting new people and spending time with family and friends. At events throughout the United States and Canada, women receive expert instruction and a chance to try outdoor activities. Thanks to the National Wild Turkey Federation and its partners, women have discovered that camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, shooting, boating and bird watching are fun ways to reconnect with special people in their lives. Participants also learn the importance of wildlife management and the role hunters play in conservation.
With 18 full-time Women in the Outdoors regional coordinators, a quarterly magazine dedicated to women’s interests and a celebrity spokeswoman, Cindy Garrison who waves the banner of conservation throughout the world, the NWTF is making a difference.
Here are some of this year’s convention events for the ladies:
Friday (Feb. 23)—7:10 a.m. to 9 a.m. is the Federal breakfast. During the breakfast will be an awards presentation for Women in the Outdoors. Keynote speaker at the Federal Breakfast will be former Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge. Registration is required.
Saturday (Feb. 24)—11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ladies’ Luncheon/ Auction. Let your hair down for an afternoon of food, fellowship and bidding on jewelry, hunting trips and fine furs. Pre-registration is required.
For more information on Women in the Outdoors visit www.womenintheoutdoors.org.
Wheelin’ Sportsmen
NWTF’s Wheelin’ Sportsmen program was started in 1996 by Kirk Thomas, who had the inspiration to reconnect people with disabilities with the outdoors. More than a decade later, the organization has grown to more than 18,000 members and hosts over 300 events annually across the country.
“I never imagined it would grow as much as it has,” said Thomas. “Our success is really a credit to our volunteers, corporate partners and staff. What has me even more excited is what the future holds and great services we will offer for disabled and non-disabled individuals.”
Dana Bowman of Willow Park, Texas, a double amputee who has made more than 1,000 parachute jumps after losing both legs, is the newest spokesman for Wheelin’ Sportsmen and will be a guest at this year’s convention along with national spokemen Scott Adams and Howie Damron.
The NWTF’s celebration of the great outdoors at the accessible Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn., will feature seminars on turkey calling strategies, making turkey calls, planning turkey hunting trips and planting turkey habitat. There will be plenty of attractions and events for disabled sportsmen including:
Friday (Feb. 23)—3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. will be the Creating Exciting Wheelin’ Sportsmen Opportunities seminar. Speakers will be Robin Clark and Marisa Deane.
Saturday (Feb. 24)—11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. will be the Why Volunteer for a Wheelin’ Sportsmen Event seminar. Speakers will be Scott Adams, Dana Bowman, Howie Damron and Kirk Thomas.
Sunday (Feb. 25)—7:10 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. will be the Remington Arms Breakfast. During the breakfast will be a Wheelin’ Sportsman Award program.
Everyone is encouraged to attend the 31st annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show on Feb. 22 to Feb. 25 at the Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn. To register call (803) 637-3106 or visit www.nwtf.org/special_events/convention.html
2006 NWTF Convention and Sport Show Sponsors: Bank of America, BASF, Bass Pro Shops, Browning-USRAC, Cabela’s, Inc., Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, Cardiac Diagnostic Services of Virginia, Chevrolet, Crosman Corporation, Federal Premium Ammunition, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Jeanette Rudy, Jordan Outdoor Enterprises, Ltd., Kanati Calls Music, Knight Rifles, Leupold & Stevens, Inc., The Lodge at Cabin Bluff, The Marlin Firearms Company, Mathews Bows, Maurice Hamilburg-Plymouth Rubber Company, MeadWestvaco, Miller Brewing Company, Motorola, Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, National Band and Tag, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., The Outdoor Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Inc., Ray Bell, Remington Arms Company, Inc., T.I. Industries Frame Molding/Jim Stemper, U.S. Forest Service, USSA, Weyerhaeuser, Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester
In 1973, when the National Wild Turkey Federation was founded, there were an estimated 1.3 million wild turkeys and 1.5 million turkey hunters. Thanks to the work of wildlife agencies and the NWTF’s many volunteers and partners, today there are more than 7 million wild turkeys and nearly 3 million turkey hunters. Since 1985, the NWTF and its cooperators have spent more than $230 million upholding hunting traditions and conserving more than 11.3 million acres of wildlife habitat.
