NWTF Convention and Sport Show Posts Record Attendance

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — A record-setting crowd of more than 50,000 showed their support of hunting and conservation by attending the 40th annual National Wild Turkey Federation Convention and Sport Show last week in Nashville, Tennessee.
“Our dedicated members, volunteers and partners are extremely passionate about wildlife conservation and preserving our hunting heritage, and their support for the NWTF and our way of life is unwavering,” said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. “They backed us when we helped to save the wild turkey, and they are on board to Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.”
Highlights of the event included the promotion of Mossy Oak as the official camo of the NWTF, a riveting speech by Thornton advocating the use of first amendment rights to preserve our hunting tradition and Saturday’s award banquet recognizing the outstanding achievements of NWTF volunteers, chapters and partners.
The convention also marked the debut of the new Rise and Fly campaign, an online- and social media-driven membership push. The Rise and Fly campaign was unveiled through a short film asking viewers to help the NWTF grow its ranks by purchasing a membership for someone new. To see the full video or purchase a membership, visit www.nwtf.org/riseandfly.
Convention-goers attended seminars, an outdoor short-film screening room, Grand National Calling Championships, sponsored by Lynch Since 1940, Cabela’s and Mossy Oak, and visited a packed exhibit hall featuring vendors showcasing some of the hottest gear in the hunting industry.
Throughout the convention, visitors enjoyed performances from Dueling Pianos International, a cappella group Street Corner Symphony, country music star Sara Evans, as well as a variety of musical guests at the Wild Turkey Bourbon Waterin’ Hole.
Learn more about this year’s NWTF Convention and Sport Show at www.nwtf.org/convention, where you’ll find lists of award winners, convention highlights and images from the biggest conservation celebration in the country.

About Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.The NWTF Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative is a charge that mobilizes science, fundraising and devoted volunteers to give the NWTF more energy and purpose than ever. Through this national initiative, NWTF has committed to raising $1.2 billion to conserve or enhance more than 4 million acres of essential upland wildlife habitat, recruit 1.5 million hunters and open access to 500,000 acres for hunting, shooting and outdoor enjoyment. Without hunters, there will be no wildlife or habitat. The NWTF is determined to Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.