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.

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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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EDGEFIELD, S.C. — A small gathering in Hershey, Pennsylvania, in 1977 catalyzed what has become one of the largest hunting- and conservation-focused consumer shows in the country. Marking its 50th event, the NWTF Convention and Sport Show celebrated the milestone in record-setting fashion. The gathering honored decades of conservation, tradition and community, drawing 94,426 attendees and setting an all-time attendance record.

“Our 50th Convention and Sport Show was a monumental success, and we don’t take second of it for granted,” NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter said. “It is not lost on us that the energy, enthusiasm and support we witnessed are a direct reflection of the people who believe in and drive our mission. This record-setting event belongs to all who revere the wild turkey and our hunting heritage and work tirelessly to ensure both exist for future generations.”

From turkey calls reverberating through packed hallways to standing-room-only seminars, the event felt less like a trade show and more like a reunion spanning generations. Hunters, conservationists, volunteers, exhibitors and families from across the country gathered in Nashville.

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We are grateful to our incredible volunteers for your unwavering support and dedication to keeping the vision and mission of the National Wild Turkey Federation vibrant here in Texas. Your time, energy, and passion for conservation, hunting heritage, and habitat stewardship make a lasting difference in communities across the state. Because of you, our outreach, education, and conservation efforts continue to thrive and inspire the next generation.

Thank you for being the heart of our work in Texas and for all you do to ensure a strong future for wildlife and our outdoor traditions.

The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of North America’s hunting heritage. Founded in 1973, the organization’s mission is to conserve wildlife habitat, promote responsible hunting, and support outdoor traditions for future generations.

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EDGEFIELD, S.C — When NWTF members attend a banquet, buy a raffle ticket or volunteer their time, they are doing more than supporting a single event — they are investing in the future of conservation, hunting and shooting sports. A recent success by the Trap and Skeet Team at the University of Texas at Austin highlights that impact in action, made possible in part by support from the Texas NWTF State Chapter.

With assistance from the state chapter with funding for things like gear and training, the UT Trap and Skeet Team captured the 2025 Division III Classic All-American National Championship at the ACUI Collegiate Clay Target National Championships. The national title was the result of intentional investment, shared values and a commitment to developing the next generation of shooters and conservation advocates.

“Our national championship win last year was an incredibly meaningful accomplishment for our student-athletes and the entire Texas Trap and Skeet Team at UT Austin,” said Jon Dayton, head coach of the University of Texas Trap and Skeet Shooting Team. “Achievements like this are only possible through grant support that helps offset the costs of ammo, targets and competition, allowing students to focus on performing at their best.”

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EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Outdoor photography offers hunters and conservationists a way to stay connected to the field long after hunting seasons close. The NWTF celebrates that passion through the annual NWTF Photo Contest, which, for the 2025 contest, saw an overwhelming response to its exciting, multi-category format. More than 250 photographers submitted more than 2,000 photos for consideration. Entries captured everything from strutting toms and rutting deer to soaring eagles, snow-capped peaks, hardwood bottoms and open prairies — all showcasing the excitement and life-changing power of the outdoors.

The Grand Prize, titled “Forest Stage,” was awarded to Zack McQueen, for his exceptional entry that captures an Eastern wild turkey strutting in the leaf litter of the forest as the sun peers through the hardwoods. As a part of the Grand Prize, McQueen will receive a $1,000 cash prize, publication in a special multi-spread feature in an issue of Turkey Call magazine, be showcased at the 2026 NWTF Convention and Sport Show Waterin’ Hole and be highlighted in the NWTF’s online winners’ gallery.

“Being the grand prize winner for the NWTF Photo Contest has been a dream since I picked up a camera five years ago and saw the amazing images on the cover of Turkey Call magazine,”

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The NWTF's Jesse Warner continues conversations about wildlife photography by sitting down with Zack McQueen. You may have seen McQueen's work in the NWTF's photo contest, Wyoming Wildlife's Calendar or across social on his channels. 

They talk Mcqueen's start in photography, his choice of camera equipment, specific shots McQueen worked hard to capture — like the one where you can see a turkey's gobble thanks to the steam in its breath — and much more! 

To check out comse of McQueen's photography work, visit https://www.instagram.com/z.mcqueen_photography/.

Turkey Call All Access is a digital campfire where the hosts and guests discuss the NWTF’s mission to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage, as well as topics of the day, conservation and wild turkey research, tips and techniques to better your experiences afield and our member’s stories.

Turkey Call All Access is the Official Podcast of the Nation Wild Turkey Federation.

Check out other episodes here.

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From major investments in wild turkey research to expanding large-scale habitat initiatives nationwide, 2025 marked another exceptional year of conservation success for the NWTF. Through the dedication of volunteers, staff and partners, the NWTF continued leading the charge to create healthy habitats, resilient forests and lasting recreational opportunities for current and future generations.

Here’s a look at some of the organization’s conservation milestones from 2025.

$503,618 Investment in Wild Turkey Research

Solidifying its role as the national leader in wild turkey conservation, the National Wild Turkey Federation directed significant funding to cutting-edge wild turkey research in 2025, building on a powerful investment strategy helping guide the sustainability of the wild turkey.

This year’s funding has brought the NWTF’s investment in wild turkey ecology research — in just over three years — to $2,101,439 through its National Wild Turkey Request for Proposals (RFP) Program. This year’s investment builds on significant prior allocations through the RFP program, including $362,889 in 2022 for seven projects; $587,324 in 2023 for 10 projects; and $655,447 in 2024 for nine projects. Since 2022, the NWTF and its partners have provided more than $22 million to wild turkey research projects.

Thanks to support from dedicated partners, such as the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Mossy Oak and NWTF state chapters, the RFP program remains an aggressive, annual effort to fund critical wild turkey research projects nationwide.

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Texas Veterans Helping Veterans is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that helps those in need. In the past we have given food, clothing, furniture, medical equipment, provided shelter, held community events, visiting Veterans at the VA Hospital, helping the homeless, held Barbeques, made hundreds of donation boxes to support those in need. Providing so many with information on how to apply for benefits, emergency shelter locations, government schooling and so much more. With your help we are able to help get veterans back on their feet.

By investing donations and revenues we are able to provide to provide support to Veterans and their families through programs, projects, and education. Offering free assistance and resources to obtaining benefits and services earned through military service. By investing donations and revenues we are able to provide to provide support to Veterans and their families through programs, projects, and education. Offering free assistance and resources to obtaining benefits and services earned through military service.

Texas is one of the most veteran friendly states in America and offers many great veteran benefits in Texas.

Texas offers many special benefits for its military Service members and Veterans including property tax exemptions, state retirement benefits, Veterans Land Board loan program, Texas National Guard Tuition Scholarship Program, Veterans’ employment preference, vehicle license plates, as well as hunting and fishing license benefits. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and Veteran disability status.

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Congratulations to our NWTF Texas State Chapter Academic Scholarship winner Ivan Vega-Everitt!

He intends to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering at Texas A&M University and is an active advocate for responsible harvesting and conversation initiatives designed to respect and protect our beautiful land for many years and will continue to be for generations to come.

Ivan will continue to respect the environment, and our laws and limits; passing these values on to future generations as we continue to enjoy the sport.

Eligibility Requirements

Students should be graduating seniors with a minimum of a 3.0 on 4.0 scale or equivalent grade point average. (If transcript indicates a scale other than 4.0, student should have at least a 3.75 on a 5.0 scale, 4.5/6.0 scale, 5.25/7.0 scale, 6.0/8.0 scale, 6.75/9.0 scale or a 7.5/10.0 scale). Students must upload copies of transcripts for review. Finalist GPA and transcripts will be verified.

Students must be pursuing a degree at an accredited institution of higher education (i.e. Junior College, Community College, Technical College, College or University).

Students must actively participate in hunting, support the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage. A copy of current hunting license is required.

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UPSHUR COUNTY, Texas (KLTV) - A group of 19 active and inactive military members gathered over the weekend for a free deer hunting and fishing trip in East Texas, organized by the nonprofit Combat Warriors.

The veterans, all with combat experience, came from across the country for the multi-day event that included hunting, fishing and meals together. Richard Miranda, a 25-year Army veteran from Nashville, Tennessee, was among those invited.

“It’s not like the end of a war, like hey, it’s victory in Europe day. And everyone comes back and you get a big parade. And it’s like, oh hey, my sacrifice was well worth it. It kind of just trickles to an end and guys piecemeal back home,” Miranda said.

Miranda said the transition from Special Forces to civilian life created a difficult adjustment period.

Law enforcement escort welcomes veterans

The final group of veterans received a full law enforcement escort from East Texas Regional Airport to a ranch in Harrison County near Diana. Upshur County Precinct 1 Constable Tim Barnette organized the procession.

“Longview P.D. does a phenomenal job of just helping us get through their city,” Barnette said.

Students at Judson Middle School in Longview lined Judson Road with flags to greet the veterans as they passed.

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EDGEFIELD, S.C. — State and federal biologists, academic researchers, land managers and NWTF conservation leaders gathered Monday for the opening day of the 13th National Wild Turkey Symposium, setting a collaborative tone for a pivotal week focused on the science, data and partnerships shaping the future of wild turkey conservation.

The day opened with remarks from NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff, who reminded the room that the wild turkey’s future will be shaped not by isolated efforts but by collective ones.

“This room represents decades of commitment, millions of acres of restoration and countless hours in the field, the lab and the woods,” Dyroff said. “It is a privilege to stand among you as a colleague and friend.”

His call to “listen deeply, collaborate fully and think boldly” framed the rest of the day’s discussions, which included past conservation efforts, today’s challenges and opportunities for the future.

Remarks also followed from leaders with the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, grounding the symposium in the realities of the Midwest, which is home to historic wild turkey restoration successes.

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