Hunters and anglers are America’s true conservationists, volunteering countless hours of the precious time and donating untold sums of money to improve habitat and enhance all wildlife populations, not just those of fish and game animals. The country has several prominent conservation organizations dedicated to the task.

One is the National Wild Turkey Federation. Did you know that when NWTF was founded in 1973, there were about 1.5 million wild turkeys in North America? After decades of dedicated work, that number has hit an historic high of almost 7 million turkeys thanks to the tremendous efforts of the group’s dedicated volunteers, professional staff and committed partners.

But though the name says “wild turkey”, the group is much more than simply saving habitat for wild turkeys and promoting turkey hunting? The Edgefield, South Carolina-based group – which began in 1973 -- has long been a bastion of all things wildlife conservation and hunting. Their Save The Habitat, Save The Hunt initiative is a 10-year program designed to:

1) Conserve or enhance 4 million acres of critical upland habitat: “We’re bringing focus to our conservation delivery by identifying areas of habitat that provide the most positive impact for wildlife.” You can learn more here.

2) Create 1.5 million hunters: “We’re helping secure the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation by increasing the number of hunters, who pay for 80 percent of wildlife conservation through excise taxes on guns, ammunition and more.” You can learn more here.

3) Open access to 500,000 additional acres for hunting: “Because lack of access to hunting lands is the main reason people stop hunting, we’re ensuring there’s opportunity for everyone to find a place to go.” You can learn more here.

NWTF is committed to raising $1.2 billion over the next decade to meet and exceed their goals. For more information and to be part of the solution, visit www.nwtf.org.