NWTF Pledges Support for National Hunting and Fishing Day
By National Wild Turkey Federation

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -Wild turkey restoration stands as one of world's greatest conservation success stories. Thanks to funding and stewardship from volunteers, partners and sportsmen, wild turkey populations have grown from rare to plentiful.

That's one reason the National Wild Turkey Federation became a national sponsor of National Hunting and Fishing Day, a 34-year-old tradition that spotlights the role hunters and anglers play in conservation and habitat restoration.

The NWTF recently made a four-year, $100,000 commitment to Wonders of Wildlife, the National Fish and Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Mo. The museum is also host of National Hunting and Fishing Day, Sept. 23.

"We are pleased to be a partner with Wonders of Wildlife, and National Hunting and Fishing Day," said Rob Keck, CEO of the NWTF. "Educating our youth and raising awareness about the important role hunters and anglers play in conservation is critical to preserving our hunting traditions. If we don't instill a love of the outdoors and hunting in our youth, those hunting traditions could be in jeopardy.

The WOW museum is the only hunting- and fishing-focused facility that's both affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution and accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.

"I commend the vision, commitment and leadership of the National Wild Turkey Federation," said Tony Schoonen, executive director of Wonders of Wildlife. "This great organization has set the pace to uphold our wildlife legacy and hunting traditions for generations to come."

National Hunting and Fishing Day, formalized by Congress in 1971, was created by the National Shooting Sports Foundation to celebrate the conservation successes of hunters and anglers. From shopping center exhibits to statewide expos, millions of citizens have learned to appreciate America's sportsman-based system of conservation funding, which totals more than $1.7 billion per year.

For the second year in a row, country music star Tracy Byrd has been named honorary chairman for National Hunting and Fishing Day. The event is observed on the fourth Saturday of every September.

Wonders of Wildlife's partners include the NSSF, NWTF, The Outdoor Channel, Bass Pro Shops, Realtree, Woolrich, and "Outdoor Life" and "Field & Stream" magazines.

For more information about the NWTF, call (800) THE-NWTF.