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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 8, 2026
Cape Girardeau, MO
National Wild Turkey Federation

Bootheel Boss Gobblers Gun Blast, MO

Bootheel Boss Gobblers Gun Blast, MO

  • DEERFIELD LODGE — Cape Girardeau, MO
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
Reserve your seat

Available Tickets

Every ticket is a dinner seat and a direct contribution to Missouri 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 Missouri?

The NWTF has been a leading force for wildlife conservation and the preservation of our hunting heritage in Missouri. 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 90,832 acres across Missouri. 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 Missouri represents a passionate community of hunters, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts united by a common mission. With 13,642 adult members and 2,461 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.
90,832 Positively Impacted Acres in Missouri
16,103 New Members in Missouri
Roots to Roost Initiative in Missouri

Other Notable Missouri Achievements

Conservation

Private Lands Forestry and Prescribed Burn Assistance

Conserved and enhanced private lands impacted by three NWTF-affiliated foresters and two private lands cost-share programs in Northeast Missouri and the River Hills. NWTF also assisted with prescribed burn assistance on the Mark Twain National Forest, old field restoration on Fort Crowder Conservation Area, and provided conservation seed and equipment for conservation work.

Initiative Support $15,000.00

Roots to Roost and Turkey Habitat Initiative Support

Contributed $15,000 to the Roots to Roost Initiative and assisted the Missouri Department of Conservation in completing a wild turkey guiding document, wild turkey habitat appraisal guides and nesting and brood-rearing habitat landowner workshops under the collaborative Turkey Habitat Initiative.

Achievement

Neonicotinoid Toxicity Research Participation

Missouri also participated in the national research project studying neonicotinoid toxicity, and staff and volunteers were instrumental in getting samples collected from hunter-harvested birds.

Outreach

Mentored Hunts and Youth Outreach

Missouri volunteers held five mentored hunts impacting 253 participants, including the 16th annual Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt, the Spring Hunter Apprentice School at Lake Wappapello, the NEMO youth turkey hunt, the Clay Howlett Memorial youth turkey hunt and the Governor’s Mentored Deer Hunt that was recognized nationally.