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Legacy Longbeards NWTF
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Fuel conservation in Maryland
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Lend a hand at Legacy Longbeards Chapter Inaugural Sportsman Bash
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The Freedom Bash
An evening of food, fun & fellowship
Conservation in action
Every ticket protects Maryland habitat
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October 8, 2026
Damascus, MD
National Wild Turkey Federation

Legacy Longbeards Chapter Inaugural Sportsman Bash

Legacy Longbeards Chapter Inaugural Sportsman Bash

Join us on August 8, 2026, in Damascus, MD, for the Legacy Longbeards Chapter Inaugural Sportsman Bash—a thrilling celebration of hunting heritage and wildlife conservation! This exciting first-ever event offers tons of prizes and firearms up for grabs, making it a can’t-miss experience for sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Hosted by the National Wild Turkey Federation, the bash supports their mission to conserve our natural resources while preserving hunting traditions for future generations. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this memorable kickoff—register online today and consider signing up to volunteer. Let’s make this inaugural bash the best one yet!
  • Damascus Volunteer Fire Department Activity Center — Damascus, MD
  • Doors open 3:00 PM
  • Niko Sofelkanik  · nsofelkanik@gmail.com
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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
Chapter & Event Sponsors
Cameron Pressman
Event Sponsor
Mike Sofelkanik
Event Sponsor
Nathaniel Ward
Event Sponsor
Niko Sofelkanik
Event Sponsor
Thomas Bodmer
Event Sponsor

Interested in sponsoring Legacy Longbeards Chapter Inaugural Sportsman Bash? See sponsor packages above or reach out to Niko Sofelkanik.

Plan your evening

Event Schedule

3:00 PM
Doors Open
4:30 PM
Dinner
Reserve your seat

Available Tickets

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

Kids under 6 Free
$0.00
Jakes
Jakes/Youth (includes dinner and membership- ages 6 – 17)
$30.00
Non attending NWTF membership
$35.00
Visiting committee member from another chapter
$55.00
Single Ticket
Single Ticket- Includes Dinner, Beer, non-alcohlic drinks and NWTF membership
$90.00
$100 Cash Underwrite
Tax deductible receipt for your Contribution. Recognition at the Event.
$100.00
Sponsor Couple
$360 -Sponsor Couple Package (2 people)— includes 2 dinners, 1 Sponsor & 1 Regular membership, $500 in Sportsman Raffle Tickets, SPONSOR GUN DRAWING (1 for every 10, must have 10 for drawing), plus Sponsor Hat & Pin
$360.00
$500 Cash Underwrite
Includes 2 NWTF Regular memberships, 2 meals and a Tax deductible receipt for your Contribution. Recognition at the Event.
$500.00
$1000 Cash Underwrite
$1000 Cash Underwrite   Includes 2 NWTF Sponsor membership, 2 meals and Tax Deductible receipt for your contribution.
$1,000.00
Sponsor Gun Table package for 8
Gun Table Package (8 people)- Please provide your table guest’s info when you register! $1400 Sponsor Gun Table - Includes 8 dinners, 1 sponsor membership, 7 regular memberships, $800 in Sportsman Raffle Tickets, and your Choice off any Item off the Reeds Bronze Banner board
$1,400.00
Bronze Sponsor
The Bronze Sponsor package comes loaded with 8 Adult Sponsor memberships, each packed with a bucket full of NWTF swag. You'll also get your pick from the bronze prize board and enjoy 8 delicious meals. All of this for a price that brings exceptional value to your experience!
$10,000.00
NWTF Diamond Life Sponsor Membership Package
The NWTF Diamond Life Sponsor Membership Package offers an exceptional experience for you and your guests, including eight Adult Sponsor memberships that provide exclusive access to NWTF events and initiatives. Each member will receive a bucket full of NWTF swag, adding to the excitement of your involvement. Enjoy a choice of seven items from the bronze prize board for each member, along with one special selection from the prestigious diamond prize board. Additionally, this package includes eight delicious meals and eight Elite OnX memberships, ensuring a memorable evening filled with camaraderie and celebration of wildlife conservation.
$15,000.00

What impact has the NWTF made in Maryland?

The NWTF has been a leading force for wildlife conservation and the preservation of our hunting heritage in Maryland. 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 2,770 acres across Maryland. 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 Maryland represents a passionate community of hunters, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts united by a common mission. With 2,840 adult members and 359 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.

Forests and Flocks will improve 100,000 acres over 10 years in Northeastern states through habitat management and support of research to increase the effectiveness of NWTF conservation work. Additionally, this campaign will work to boost recruitment, retention and reactivation of hunters, elevating the NWTF as a champion for hunter advocacy. The initiative will engage in policy efforts that stand up for hunters' rights and help facilitate outdoor experiences for all.
2,770 Positively Impacted Acres in Maryland
3,199 New Members in Maryland
Forests and Flocks Initiative in Maryland

Other Notable Maryland Achievements

Outreach

Southern Maryland Youth Deer and Turkey Hunts

The Southern Maryland Chapter hosted a fall youth deer hunt and spring youth turkey hunt in 2025. The fall hunt had 73 participants and over 120 mentors and volunteers, with participants harvesting 35 deer. The spring turkey hunt also had 73 youth participants and harvested 21 turkeys, 16 of them by first-time hunters. In total, Maryland hosted 25 mentored hunts including Adults, JAKES, Wheelin' Sportsmen and Women in the Outdoors.

Funding $25,160.00

Public Lands Habitat Management and Equipment

Maryland NWTF provided $25,160 toward public lands habitat management and equipment purchases in fiscal year 2025, including prescribed fire equipment and personal protective equipment to outfit a prescribed fire trailer for use on private and public lands in Kent County.

Funding $3,785.00

Gobbler Reward Band Payments

Maryland NWTF provided $3,785 in payments for gobbler reward bands in 2025. Incentivizing gobbler bands improves band returns and reporting rates and ultimately provides the state agency with more accurate data on spring gobbler harvest rates.