Volunteers are the lifeblood of the NWTF's Waterways for Wildlife Initiative.

Launched in 2022, the 10-year Waterways for Wildlife Initiative aims to improve the health and vigor of riparian areas on at least 75,000 acres. This ambitious plan will enhance 1,500 linear miles of rivers and streams in the American Great Plains, stretching from North Dakota to South Texas.

For the NWTF’s 2026 Conservation Week, we are putting a spotlight on a few outstanding individuals who go above and beyond to move the effort forward.

Dillon Taylor, Texas

Dillon Taylor's journey with the NWTF began in 2021, but his passion for wild turkeys stretches back much further. Raised near Tulsa, Oklahoma, Taylor harvested his first turkey with his father in 2002, an experience that "lit a fire" in him and sparked a lifelong obsession with the bird.

Jennifer Barrow, Texas

Barrow has spent nearly three decades blending her passion for wildlife conservation, education and wild turkey management through both her career with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and her volunteer service with the NWTF.

Lee Zimmerman, Texas

For Zimmerman, volunteering with the NWTF is about far more than hosting successful banquets. It's about building a stronger future for conservation, supporting youth programs and creating sustainable ways to grow the organization's impact.

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Forty states offer a fall wild turkey hunt, as many states remain stable or have seen populations and harvest data rebound. Nine states, not including Alaska, which has no huntable turkey population, do not have a fall turkey season. The NWTF Fall Hunt Guide provides information provided by each state to help our members get out in the field and experience the power of the outdoors this autumn.

WEBSITE: https://tpwd.texas.gov/

2026 FALL TURKEY SEASON DATES: See regulations: https://tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/ outdoor-annual/regs/animals/turkey

FALL BAG LIMIT: Annual bag limit of four birds statewide (no fall hunting allowed in counties with a one-gobbler bag limit)

DOGS ALLOWED? Yes

ESTIMATED NUMBER OF FALL TURKEY HUNTERS: 55,000

SPRING DEADLINES: Nov. 1

2026 SPRING TURKEY HARVEST DATA: 16,520 (mandatory harvest reporting)

2026 SPRING LICENSED TURKEY HUNTERS: 60,000 (five-year average – small game harvest survey) NOTES: Mandatory harvest reporting required statewide.

TURKEY HARVEST MAP: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/894b16a6351c49f2a561882fd5175385

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The annual banquet hosted by the Brazos Longbeards chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation was a tremendous success in Needville last week, bringing together families, friends, conservation supporters, and outdoor enthusiasts for an unforgettable evening filled with fellowship, laughter, and excitement.

From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was energetic and welcoming. Attendees were greeted by smiling volunteers, beautifully decorated tables, and the unmistakable aroma of an incredible meal being prepared. The dinner did not disappoint. Guests enjoyed a hearty feast complete with mouthwatering smoked meats, savory sides, homemade desserts, and all the fixings that made the meal one of the highlights of the night. Conversations and laughter filled the room as families gathered together to enjoy great food and even better company.

Throughout the evening, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a variety of raffles and games that kept the excitement building from start to finish. The raffle tables were packed with impressive prizes ranging from outdoor gear and hunting equipment to home décor, coolers, firearms accessories, and unique collectibles. Winners proudly carried away prizes while the crowd cheered and celebrated alongside them.

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The annual National Wild Turkey Federation Hunting Heritage banquet held in Victoria on August 13, 2026, was a tremendous success, bringing together outdoor enthusiasts, conservation supporters, hunters, and families from across south Texas for an unforgettable evening of fellowship, fundraising, and fun. The event showcased the strong community spirit that makes NWTF banquets such a treasured tradition while raising important support for wildlife conservation and hunting heritage programs.

Guests were welcomed into a lively banquet hall filled with fun, laughter, and excitement as attendees browsed tables loaded with raffle prizes, firearms safes, outdoor gear, custom knives, artwork, and exclusive NWTF merchandise. Families mingled with friends old and new while children eagerly explored youth games and special prize drawings designed just for young outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the highlights of the evening was the incredible meal that perfectly captured the flavor of Texas hospitality. The aroma of awesome food filled the room as attendees gathered around tables sharing stories from past hunting seasons and planning adventures to come.

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For a third year in a row, Texas received significant rain in the spring across most of the state, bolstering the previous year’s healthy dove populations. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologist’s estimate both mourning and white-winged doves are near record highs again.

These new population reports are good news for hunters hitting the field on Sept. 1, a historic early opening date approved earlier this year.

Spring population surveys conducted by TPWD staff found mourning and white-winged dove numbers continue to trend near historic highs. Combined with strong habitat conditions across much of the state, hunters should expect solid opportunities when the 2026 dove season opens statewide on Sept. 1.

Estimates place the statewide mourning dove population at 36.7 million birds, a two percent increase from 2025 and just shy of the record high of 37.5 million in 2016. White-winged dove numbers increased ten percent from 2025, with an estimated 12.9 million birds, the highest estimate on record.

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Games of chance came to Houston, transforming the Houston Distributing Company into a Vegas style fundraising powerhouse dedicated to the future of Texas wildlife.

Houston outdoor enthusiasts showed for the high-stakes adrenaline of hitting slot machines, but stayed for the mission with all proceeds from the raffle and auction going directly into the National Wild Turkey Federation’s efforts to preserve our hunting heritage and conserve the natural wildlife.

“We wanted to do something that was fun, exciting, and to just do something different,” says Ray Fitch fof the Houston NTWF chapter. “We have a banquet every year, and we’re just trying to give everybody a great night of entertainment.”

While the atmosphere was pure Las Vegas, the mission was 100% Texas. Proceeds from the evening go directly toward the NWTF’s core pillars: protecting wild turkey populations, preserving Texan’s hunting heritage, and building for the future generations.

For the Houston Chapter, “Casino Night” is the engine that drives year-round conservation efforts.

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Texas hunters have been watching with approval as good rainfall has swept across the state the past few weeks.

While many folks are gearing up for the rapidly approaching fall hunting seasons, white-tailed deer fawns are hitting the ground, bucks are developing their antlers, turkeys are raising their poults, and quail are in the peak of their nesting season.

Much of how these wildlife activities play out is dependent on rainfall and range conditions. Luckily, many portions of the Lone Star State have received timely rains in the past couple of months, and things are looking good as we head into the hottest portion of the year, ahead of the highly anticipated fall season.

According to the TPWD White-tailed Deer Program Leader, Blaise Korzekwa, nearly all of Texas was experiencing some form of drought conditions when springtime arrived.

“Late spring and early summer rains drastically improved habitat conditions across the state,” Korzekwa said.

While drought conditions have improved statewide for the most part, Korzekwa said areas in the Cross Timbers region, Edwards Plateau, Eastern Rolling Plains, and pockets of the Post Oak Savannah and Blackland Prairie regions have fared better than other regions of the state.

“These areas should expect to experience an average to above average hunting season this coming fall,” Korzekwa said. “Pockets of South Texas and the Pineywoods are still undergoing extreme drought conditions. As a result, hunters in these areas may experience a less than average season.”

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For over 25 years I’ve hunted that ridgeline. I have over a dozen trail cameras spread across it and frequently scout it, year-round. What happened next was something I’ve witnessed more than once in my 40 years of turkey hunting.

In late July two hens re-nested and a total of 21 chicks appeared to hatch. Only three poults died. Between Sept. 17 and Oct. 2, three more hens showed up with 27 new chicks. They all formed a big flock. Grasshoppers were prevalent, ground cover was thick, and poults quickly grew. Only five didn’t appear to survive the fall.

Come the season opener the following spring, more than 20 young hens that were too young to breed, occupied the area. After the mature hens began sitting on nests, the jennies were still active. Toms in the area pestered them all season. It made for tough calling until the very end, when two new toms arrived.

Tracking poult recruitment has become a growing part of my spring turkey hunting strategy, and September through November is an insightful time frame.

Often, by late October I have a good idea if I’ll be hunting an area the following spring.

A few years ago, poult mortality in one area was over 95%. A wildfire swept through the previous fall, and while initial hatches were good, poult survival was dismal. A lack of cover resulted in vulnerability to predators; re-nesting efforts also failed. Come spring, there wasn’t a tom in the area. It broke my seven-year run of taking a tom in that spot.

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America's 250th birthday on July 4, 2026—also known as the Semiquincentennial—is being marked through federal, state, local, and private celebrations across the United States. While many official events are planned, individual citizens can participate in ways that reflect their own interests, communities, and traditions.

Here are some of the primary ways you can celebrate:

Attend local Independence Day events

Most communities are expected to hold expanded Independence Day celebrations in honor of the 250th anniversary, such as:

• Parades

• Fireworks displays

• Community festivals

• Concerts

• Historic reenactments

• Food festivals

• Veterans' ceremonies

• Public readings of the Declaration of Independence

Many towns are incorporating the 250th anniversary into their annual July 4 traditions.

Visit historic sites

Many of you may choose to visit places connected to the nation's founding and history.

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Plan your fishing adventures ahead with this fishing forecast guide.

Read the guide here…

How to Plan Texas Coastal Fishing Trips Around Tidal Movements

IF THERE IS ONE FACTOR that can make or break a day on the Texas coast, it is tidal movement. Over the years I have talked with countless guides and accomplished anglers from Sabine Lake to South Padre Island, and one thing consistently rises to the top of every conversation: moving water catches fish. While weather, bait availability, water clarity and season all matter, tidal movement is often the trigger that turns a slow day into a memorable one...

Read full story here…

More to Conservation Than Letting Fish Go

SOME OF THE MOST MEMORABLE fish swimming in Texas waters are also some of the most important to release properly. Bull redfish pushing forty inches in the surf, giant jack crevalle patrolling beachfront bait schools, and large sharks cruising nearshore waters represent the top end of the food chain. They are powerful, mature fish that have survived years—and in some cases decades—to reach trophy size. In many cases, these fish are also valuable breeders that help sustain future populations...

Read full story here…

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The annual National Wild Turkey Federation Montgomery County Hunting heritage banquet held in Conroe on June 6, 2026, brought together outdoor enthusiasts, conservation supporters, hunters, and families from across Central Texas for an unforgettable evening of fellowship, fundraising, and fun. The event showcased the strong community spirit that makes NWTF banquets such a treasured tradition while raising important support for wildlife conservation and hunting heritage programs.

Guests were welcomed into a lively banquet hall filled with laughter, and excitement as attendees browsed tables loaded with raffle prizes, firearms safes, outdoor gear, custom knives, artwork, and exclusive NWTF merchandise. Families mingled with friends old and new while children eagerly explored youth games and special prize drawings designed just for young outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the highlights of the evening was the incredible barbecue meal that perfectly captured the flavor of Texas hospitality. The aroma of awesome food filled the room as attendees gathered around tables sharing stories from past hunting seasons and planning adventures to come.

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Texas has long been considered one of the premier destinations for turkey hunters. Its vast and diverse landscapes hold strong, huntable populations of Rio Grande wild turkeys, drawing hunters from across the country. Yet in the far western reaches of the state lies an unanswered question that has persisted for years: do Merriam’s wild turkeys truly remain in Texas, or have they blended into hybrid lineages that no longer resemble the pure birds hunters expect to find? Additionally, by combining genetic analysis with regional survey data and existing research on survival and reproduction, scientists are working to clarify the trajectory of these turkey populations.

“Texas Parks and Wildlife Department restocked Merriam’s Wild Turkeys in the Guadalupe Mountains in 1955 and in the Davis Mountains in 1983 from New Mexico and they held on for decades,” said Jason Hardin, wild turkey program coordinator for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “However, Rio Grande wild turkeys, restocked nearby by TPWD, moved into the landscape and hybridization has been documented.”

This research will give biologists a clearer understanding of the true genetic makeup of wild turkeys in the Trans-Pecos region, while also helping hunters better understand what they may actually be harvesting in this part of the state.

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The annual banquet hosted by the Brazos Longbeards chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation was a tremendous success in Needville last week, bringing together families, friends, conservation supporters, and outdoor enthusiasts for an unforgettable evening filled with fellowship, laughter, and excitement.

From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was energetic and welcoming. Attendees were greeted by smiling volunteers, beautifully decorated tables, and the unmistakable aroma of an incredible meal being prepared. The dinner did not disappoint. Guests enjoyed a hearty feast complete with mouthwatering smoked meats, savory sides, homemade desserts, and all the fixings that made the meal one of the highlights of the night. Conversations and laughter filled the room as families gathered together to enjoy great food and even better company.

Throughout the evening, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a variety of raffles and games that kept the excitement building from start to finish. The raffle tables were packed with impressive prizes ranging from outdoor gear and hunting equipment to home décor, coolers, firearms accessories, and unique collectibles. Winners proudly carried away prizes while the crowd cheered and celebrated alongside them.

Read More

The annual National Wild Turkey Federation Hill Country Apex Chapter ‘Feathers & Fajitas Wild Turkey Sportsman Show’ held in Garden Ridge on May 8, 2026, was a tremendous success, bringing together outdoor enthusiasts, conservation supporters, hunters, and families from across Central Texas for an unforgettable evening of fellowship, fundraising, and fun. The event showcased the strong community spirit that makes NWTF banquets such a treasured tradition while raising important support for wildlife conservation and hunting heritage programs.

Guests were welcomed into a lively banquet hall filled with rustic décor, laughter, and excitement as attendees browsed tables loaded with raffle prizes, firearms safes, outdoor gear, custom knives, artwork, and exclusive NWTF merchandise. Families mingled with friends old and new while children eagerly explored youth games and special prize drawings designed just for young outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the highlights of the evening was the incredible meal that perfectly captured the flavor of Texas hospitality. The aroma of awesome food filled the room as attendees gathered around tables sharing stories from past hunting seasons and planning adventures to come.

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EDGEFILED, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation has nearly completed installation of a new historical exhibit at the Edgefield Welcome Center, located in the Tompkins Library, offering visitors an engaging look at the organization’s roots and its lasting impact on conservation across the country.

The exhibit highlights Edgefield’s pivotal role in shaping the future of the NWTF and honors the people, partnerships and milestones that have defined the organization’s mission since its founding. Through a detailed timeline, visitors can follow the NWTF’s growth from a small group of dedicated conservationists to a nationwide leader in wildlife habitat conservation and the preservation of hunting heritage.

Beyond its historical significance, the Edgefield community has remained a driving force behind the NWTF’s continued success. From its earliest days, local support, volunteers and a deep-rooted connection to the outdoors helped shape the organization’s identity and sustain its momentum. That connection continues to be reflected in the NWTF’s presence in the area today.

“The NWTF is proud to showcase our history in the place where so much of it began,” said Mandy Harling, NWTF national director of education and outreach. “Edgefield is central to our story, and this exhibit highlights how the people and community here helped shape our mission and values from the very beginning.”

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Turkeys now inhabit 223 of the 254 counties in Texas.

Wild turkeys are found in almost 90 percent of Texas’ 254 counties, and while the vast majority are Rio Grande turkeys, there are eastern turkeys in a handful counties east of the Trinity River, and maybe an even smaller number of Merriam’s in the Trans Pecos region of far West Texas.

There was a time, prior to the first half of the 1900s, that eastern wild turkeys were found in large numbers throughout the 30 million acres of habitat in eastern Texas, but market and unlimited subsistence hunting and the loss of first-generation timber stands resulted in the species completely disappearing by the 1950s.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department started efforts to return eastern turkeys to their native grounds in 1980, which led to hunting in a limited number of counties in 1995.

I was lucky enough to hunt the birds that first year in Red River County and was immediately hooked. Through the years, I had called up numerous Rios on ranches around the state, but nothing compared to the sights and sounds of working an old boss tom in the woods. They do not gobble as much as rattle the woods, and they are often not seen until the last minute. On my first hunt I had one of those magic mornings and was able to bring a mature bird within shotgun range.

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There are no outdoor pursuits that compare with spring turkey hunting in Texas.

It’s due in large part to the nature of the game you’re pursuing and the often quirky behavior known firsthand by veteran hunters.

The spring Rio Grande turkey framework in “northern” counties runs from March 28 to May 10, 2026, while the season in southern counties is from March 14 to April 26, 2026. The north zone youth-only season is March 21-22 and May 16-17, 2026. The youth-only dates in the south zone are March 7-8 and May 2-3, 2026.

There also is a one-turkey bag limit season than runs April 1-30, 2026, in the following counties: Bastrop, Brewster, Caldwell, Colorado, Comal – east of I-35, Fayette, Guadalupe – north of I-10, Hays – east of I-35, Hill – east of I-35, Jackson, Jeff Davis, Lavaca, Lee, Matagorda, McLennan – east of I-35, Pecos, Terrell, Travis – east of I-35, and Wharton.

The Eastern turkey season in East Texas will run April 22 to May 14, 2026.

Wild turkey harvest reporting is now mandatory in Texas. Any and all killed wild turkeys must be reported within 24 hours through the TPWD My Texas Hunt Harvest App or online from the TPWD website.

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Every turkey hunter deserves at least one trip out West. The stunning prairie or mountain scenery is reason enough. Throw in long seasons, and you have an excuse to extend spring. Finally, noisy Western birds often act a bit better than their frustrating Eastern cousins.

Really, every trip west of the Mississippi could be considered the adventure of a turkey hunter’s lifetime. And if you’re up for that in Spring 2026, prospects at most destinations look good.

Here’s what Western turkey hunters can expect this spring.

TEXAS

Lone Star State Rio Grande hunting always seems strong, and Spring 2026 will be no exception.

“Texas has a very low harvest rate across the Rio Grande wild turkey range, and therefore we have very good carryover of males each year,” said Jason Hardin, wild turkey program leader with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “This results in a good distribution of age classes. We had a 10-year-old banded gobbler reported last year, for example. In addition, we had great recruitment in 2023 and 2024, and fair production last year. There will be a ton of 2- and 3-year-old gobblers across the Rio Grande range.

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March 14, 2026 – Victoria, Texas. The rhythmic clatter of shuffling cards and the high-energy cheers of a winning hand filled the air this weekend, but the real “jackpot” had nothing to do with the house.

The Golden Crescent Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) hosted its signature

Vegas Comes to Victoria, transforming the Victoria Community Center into a neon-lit fundraising powerhouse dedicated to the future of Texas wildlife.

“We wanted to do something that was fun, exciting, and to just do something different,” says Lee Zimmerman, Treasurer and Banquet Chairman for the Golden Crescent NTWF chapter. “We have a banquet every year in August, and we’re just trying to give everybody a great night of entertainment.”

While the atmosphere was pure Las Vegas, the mission was 100% Texas. Proceeds from the evening go directly toward the NWTF’s core pillars: protecting wild turkey populations, preserving Texan’s hunting heritage, and building for the future generations.

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Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is accepting public comment until March 26 for the following proposed changes to the 2026-27 Statewide Hunting and Migratory Game Bird proclamations:

Migratory Game Bird Regulations 

• Change the South Zone dove hunting season structure during the first segment to include an earlier regular season opening date (September 1 – October 25, 2026), eliminate the Special White-winged Dove Days, and institute standardized daily bag limits across all days in the South Zone.

• Change the South Zone dove hunting season structure during the second segment to move the starting date from mid-December to the day prior to Thanksgiving (November 25 – December 29, 2026).

Upland Game Bird Regulations 

• Simplify regulations by aligning chachalaca and quail hunting season dates. This regulation alignment is similar to what occurred during the 2024-25 hunting season.

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