Loading...
Illinois State Chapter NWTF
Sign In
Image

Habitat Conservation

Support for State projects to conserve habitats

Image

Wildlife DNA Research

We are learning interesting details in this field about Wild Turkeys

Image

Grow with Us

Come hang out with your turkey family!

November 1, 2026
Lomax, IL
National Wild Turkey Federation

2026 IL Bourbon Raffle

2026 IL Bourbon Raffle

  • Virtual Banquet Hall — Lomax, IL
Add to calendar
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 Illinois 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 Illinois?

The NWTF has been a leading force for wildlife conservation and the preservation of our hunting heritage in Illinois. 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 27,640 acres across Illinois. 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 Illinois represents a passionate community of hunters, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts united by a common mission. With 14,054 adult members and 1,381 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 provide resources for education, outreach, research, political advocacy and active habitat management through strengthened conservation partnerships.
27,640 Positively Impacted Acres in Illinois
15,435 New Members in Illinois
Roots to Roost Initiative in Illinois

Other Notable Illinois Achievements

Conservation

Habitat Enhancement Across Illinois Sites

Conserved and enhanced acres included prairie reconstruction at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, stewardship work on the Shawnee National Forest, invasive species treatment at Devils Prop Natural Area, Spoon River State Forest and Hidden Springs State Forest, and support for the Southern Illinois Burn Association and Great Rivers Prescribed Burn Association.

Outreach

Mentored Hunts and Wheelin' Sportsmen Events

Illinois volunteers held 10 mentored hunts that impacted 147 participants, including five youth turkey hunts at Pecatonica, one Rock River Chapter youth handicapped turkey hunt, one mentored deer hunt for 50 youth during youth season, and three Wheelin' Sportsmen deer hunts in southern Illinois.

Funding $67,100.00

Local Outreach and Program Support

Approved $67,100 to support local outreach such as JAKES, WITO and Wheelin' Sportsmen events, along with other nonconservation projects and programs.

Achievement

Wild Turkey Research Participation

The state chapter participated in a national Request for Proposals research project studying neonicotinoid toxicity in wild turkeys, with staff and volunteers helping collect samples from hunter-harvested birds.