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Aitkin Gobblers Chapter NWTF
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Habitat Conservation

Support for State projects to conserve habitats

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Wildlife DNA Research

We are learning interesting details in this field about Wild Turkeys

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Grow with Us

Come hang out with your turkey family!

October 2, 2026
Aitkin, MN
National Wild Turkey Federation

Fall Walleye Feed

Fall Walleye Feed

  • 40 Club — Aitkin, MN
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With gratitude

A big thank you to our sponsors

These generous partners help make this event — and hundreds like it across the country — possible. Their commitment to the NWTF and wildlife conservation is deeply appreciated.

National Partners
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Available Tickets

Every ticket is a dinner seat and a direct contribution to Minnesota conservation. Pick the option that fits — from a JAKES youth seat to a full sponsor table.

Ticket options will be posted here soon.

What impact has the NWTF made in Minnesota?

The NWTF has been a leading force for wildlife conservation and the preservation of our hunting heritage in Minnesota. Every chapter banquet directly fuels that mission — funds raised through membership and ticket sales support habitat projects, hunter education, and conservation programs that keep our wild turkey populations thriving for generations to come. Your attendance makes all the difference.

Through strategic habitat management, prescribed fire programs, and land stewardship partnerships, the NWTF has positively impacted 10,053 acres across Minnesota. These efforts directly improve nesting and brooding habitat for wild turkey populations, while supporting the broader ecosystem health that sustains hunters, wildlife, and future generations.

The NWTF's membership in Minnesota represents a passionate community of hunters, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts united by a common mission. With 9,590 adult members and 1,696 JAKES members, each individual plays a vital role in funding habitat projects, advocating for hunting rights, and inspiring the next generation to carry the torch of conservation.

The Roots to Roost Initiative will help address range-wide declines in many plant and wildlife species, while managing concerns of water quality and forest health and resilience. The initiative will accomplish this by providing needed resources for education, outreach, research, political advocacy and by supporting active habitat management through strengthened conservation partnerships.
10,053 Positively Impacted Acres in Minnesota
11,286 New Members in Minnesota
Roots to Roost Initiative in Minnesota

Other Notable Minnesota Achievements

Conservation

Sherburne Refuge and Whitewater WMA Habitat Work

The state chapter partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and improved 3,837 acres on Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. NWTF Minnesota also partnered with DNR staff at Whitewater WMA to restore and enhance over 150 acres of brood-rearing habitat in the Driftless Area.

Conservation

Statewide Conservation Partnerships and Mentored Hunts

In FY25, NWTF collaborated with federal partners, state partners and other conservation organizations to impact more than 10,000 acres and also provided opportunities to recruit, retain or reactivate turkey hunters through mentored hunt programs.

Outreach

Major Outreach and Youth Participation Events

Outreach events included the Camp Ripley DAV spring turkey hunt with 35 hunters, the state trap shoot in Alexandria with more than 9,000 participants, the Long Spurs of Sunrise River outdoor youth experience with over 600 participants, the Alexandria youth outdoor activities day with over 1,900 participants and a 4H state competition with over 750 participants.

Achievement

Wild Turkey Health Assessment

A wild turkey health assessment was completed by the DNR in collaboration with Minnesota NWTF. Over 300 samples were collected by hunters in zone 507 to provide baseline information on diseases and viruses that may be present in wild turkey populations under normal conditions.