Is this still a organization or does it just stand for Now What The F*** ?I haven't got a magazine from them for some time.
I depends on who's wanting what......If they want some thing, it is one the greatest organizations there is. If you are expecting something from them.....well, it would be the latter.
In a few more years, they will have weeded the custom call makers out of the convention.
This year would have been our local chapter's 30th anniversary - key words "would have been"
Our committee had dwindled so we asked the powers that be for help. 7 months later we've had one reply from the area supervisor saying he would come meet with us. That was in Sept and we haven't heard from him since!
Oh yeah, over the past 29 years we have sent over 1/2 million $$$ to Edgefield, I guess they figured the pot was empty and we weren't worth fooling with anymore.
Like MSharpe said, it just depends on who's wanting what!
I used to be a committee member but have no desire to reassume that role.
I firmly believe they have alienated their base and lost their way. Their reputation has diminished significantly over the past several years.
It's time to reroute the cash flow. would love to see more calling and call building competitions out side the NWTF.
Gary
It would be nice to get another turkey hunting group together and give them some competition. There was a group with a magazine called North American Wild Turkey Society. I have not heard anything about in years.
Glad to see my family is not the only one burned with the NWTF. Everyone of you guys has hit the nail on the head.
:OGturkeyhead: :OGturkeyhead:
Quote from: gobblingghost on January 14, 2014, 08:13:00 AM
It would be nice to get another turkey hunting group together and give them some competition. There was a group with a magazine called North American Wild Turkey Society. I have not heard anything about in years.
I have become attuned to the widespread dissatisfaction with the NWTF for several years--myself included. I have given this a lot of thought and believe the time is right to construct from the ground up a new organization solely devoted to wild turkey hunting. My strong intuition is that if done correctly, the new organization could outpace and possibly one day replace the NWTF as the dominate group who claims to represent the interst of the turkey hunter. I believe in this so much I would devote all my energies into it if I did not have to deal with the demands of a full time job.
Can someone be specific in what the problems are? I'm curious only because I don't want to throw my money away supporting them and I was thing of doing just that.
Quote from: catdaddy on January 14, 2014, 04:31:57 PM
Quote from: gobblingghost on January 14, 2014, 08:13:00 AM
It would be nice to get another turkey hunting group together and give them some competition. There was a group with a magazine called North American Wild Turkey Society. I have not heard anything about in years.
I have become attuned to the widespread dissatisfaction with the NWTF for several years--myself included. I have given this a lot of thought and believe the time is right to construct from the ground up a new organization solely devoted to wild turkey hunting. My strong intuition is that if done correctly, the new organization could outpace and possibly one day replace the NWTF as the dominate group who claims to represent the interst of the turkey hunter. I believe in this so much I would devote all my energies into it if I did not have to deal with the demands of a full time job.
Catdaddy,
I think you could create a magazine with articles written by turkey hunters. I would start out with a bimonthly magazine and not full gloss.
I haven't been a member in 6 or 7 years. They don't do much a round here anymore. You would think that since the population has exploded, now the focus would be on bettering the habitat to increase the carrying capacity or planting food plots on public WMAs. Nope.
I don't have an opinion on how the organization is run.....but I think the conservation seed program is excellent.
CATDADDY for CEO of the American Wild Turkey Association.
TRKYHTR
I dropped them a couple of years ago,and have no plans to ever support them again.
specifics?
Quote from: srmturk on January 14, 2014, 10:22:37 PM
specifics?
What most people have a problem with is the amount of money that is sent in and what is perceived to be a lack of accountability with the funds raised for that specific area. Ex. if a chapter raises 120,000 dollars in Carroll County, MS, the members of NWTF of that county and chapter would like to know that it is being spent on Malmaison WMA and not in some other state. Here in MS a certain amount of our taxes on anything hunting related goes to support MS WMA's and specifically used in that particular county. I believe the complaint has been accountability and knowing that money is making a difference.
There was some talk about the NWTF in the "NWTF pulling out of Canada" thread a week or so ago (bumped up for review by everybody). I will re-insert my comments here for those that wish to have a better idea as to what has/is happening:
"The problem with the NWTF is that when the economy flat-lined, their entire business model fell apart with it. They had built a huge infrastructure of buildings, inventory, and employees when the economy was good that was entirely based on the presumption that things would remain constant or improving economically. Obviously, that was erroneous. This situation is not unique to the NWTF,...it is happening to non-profits across the board.
NWTF has compounded its problems by making poor decisions that are now alienating many of the dedicated volunteers that have been the backbone of the organization. Here in NM, our entire state chapter system collapsed because the NWTF leadership chose to keep a incompetent employee here rather than take the word of the volunteers,...many of whom had been the leadership of our chapter for decades,....that this employee needed to be replaced. They made the decision to keep this employee based on money concerns rather than the concerns of dozens of NWTF volunteers here. They used extremely poor judgment here,...and it appears they are making the same mistakes in other places, as well.
The NWTF was built on the premise of volunteerism and the philosophy that hunters would rally around an organization dedicated to the preservation of this great game bird. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, the leadership forgot that they were dealing with volunteers, and instead started looking at the volunteers as employees. Volunteers that get treated like they are employees tend to become weary of that over time. Unless the NWTF leadership figures that out, they will continue to see their support slip away."
Thank you both very helpful
Quote from: TRKYHTR on January 14, 2014, 09:25:53 PM
CATDADDY for CEO of the American Wild Turkey Association.
TRKYHTR
I second this nomination.
Quote from: GobbleNut on January 15, 2014, 09:00:19 AM
"The problem with the NWTF is that when the economy flat-lined, their entire business model fell apart with it. They had built a huge infrastructure of buildings, inventory, and employees when the economy was good that was entirely based on the presumption that things would remain constant or improving economically. Obviously, that was erroneous. This situation is not unique to the NWTF,...it is happening to non-profits across the board.
NWTF has compounded its problems by making poor decisions that are now alienating many of the dedicated volunteers that have been the backbone of the organization. Here in NM, our entire state chapter system collapsed because the NWTF leadership chose to keep a incompetent employee here rather than take the word of the volunteers,...many of whom had been the leadership of our chapter for decades,....that this employee needed to be replaced. They made the decision to keep this employee based on money concerns rather than the concerns of dozens of NWTF volunteers here. They used extremely poor judgment here,...and it appears they are making the same mistakes in other places, as well.
The NWTF was built on the premise of volunteerism and the philosophy that hunters would rally around an organization dedicated to the preservation of this great game bird. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, the leadership forgot that they were dealing with volunteers, and instead started looking at the volunteers as employees. Volunteers that get treated like they are employees tend to become weary of that over time. Unless the NWTF leadership figures that out, they will continue to see their support slip away."
You hit the nail on the head GobbleNut!
So how many that have replied here still go to the Convention every year ?? If you do then you are still supporting them.. just sayin..
I have not been a member in over 6 years.. stopped going to the local banquets .. have never been to a convention... all because I don't believe in their mission any longer.. I would love to go to a convention just to talk Turkey with fellow hunters and to watch the contests, but that would be compromising by beliefs so I don't ..
I believe this a case of not for profit that started out with good intent and became commercialized and forgot where they came from.
I'll continue to send in my small membership contribution and attend the convention. Maybe they have taken a turn for the worse, but I am very appreciative of the steps they have taken to put the populations where they are today. It's hard to imagine that the wild turkey would be doing so well without the NWTF. So view it as a 'past due' contribution I suppose. . . .
:popcorn:
I had no idea there was such a distaste for the NWTF out there. I have only been a member for 3 years now, so I guess I just haven't been around it long enough to know. I am currently serving on my second committee (with my second chapter), and I will say, there is a big difference in the numbers between the 2 chapters. I wonder if that has something to do with it?
I have recently begun to question the efforts of the NWTF in Louisiana. They have done some good work in a few areas (such as the National Forest), but other than that and some other minor things here or there, I haven't seen much or heard of much. From everything I've been told and read, The Florida Parishes used to be the strong hold of the turkey in Louisiana, and today it is a shell of what it used to be. It seems to me there would be some effort put into that part of the state.
What has definitely disturbed me is how hard they have pushed the "Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt." initiative, to the point that they sound like a telemarketer trying to sale some magazine subscriptions. I'm all for preserving the habitat, but they push it so hard that you almost have to believe it is about the money. Which, the website states, is about $1.2 billion dollars they are after.
The expansion to other game species (such as bobwhite and white-tailed deer) is also odd, considering there are other organizations for those species. It all points to attempts to raise more money, but for what?
I would be all for another Wild Turkey Organization. I mean, there are 2 major organizations for Waterfowl (Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl), both with different messages, but working towards the same thing. Why not?
I think it would go over great. I also read that T&TH is no longer being published. There is 2 voids that need to be filled in the turkey hunting field.
Quote from: gobblingghost on January 16, 2014, 04:38:55 PM
I think it would go over great. I also read that T&TH is no longer being published. There is 2 voids that need to be filled in the turkey hunting field.
I was wondering about that when I didn't see it at Bass Pro or Cabelas. I figured something was up if they didn't have it on the shelves.
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This link makes the 2013 NWTF annual report available to you. You can see the sources and uses of funds and a good bit more information about the past, current and future planned activities of the NWTF.
It will take a few minutes for you to click on all of the subsequent links to see it all but it's very informative. I'd encourage anyone interested to invest the time necessary to read it.
http://www.nwtf.org/nwtf_newsroom/annual_report.html
Thanks,
Clark
Smalls, not sure where you live in the state, but just a little info for you in the state of Louisiana, Louisian has ranked in the top 3 for fundraising with the NWTF for the last 5 years at least, I am one of 18 members on the Louisiana State Chapter of the NWTF Board of Directors, first i will say "Do I agree with everything the NWTF does?" NO, "Do I agree with everything that most conservation groups do?" NO, "Am I thankful for the NWTF in helping to preserve turkeys and work for our hunting rights" YES, Do you know that just in the state of Louisiana in 2013 that the NWTF spent over $248,000 all over the state, no, it was not all spent on food plots on National Forests or WMA's, we are partnered up with many different groups with a wide diversity of projects going on all the time, a portion of the banquet money that you spend comes back to the state where it is dispersed into many things, for instance, and I can go on & on, Archery in the Schools Scholarships for high school students, funding JAKES, WITO, Wheelin Sprotsmen events throughout the state giving people the opportunity to hunt or get involved in the outdoors that might not otherwise get the chance, Educational boxes for 4-H & libraries, als supporting 4-H shooting sports, providing spring & fall seeds at discount rates, oh, and we have ongoing projuects in many WMA's all over the state, and also on the National Forests, does making openings for turkeys reap other benefits, YES, as a public land hunter you can hunt over these openings for deer, we have several research studies going on that will be a great help in deciding how we go ahead in the future in helping out with our turkey population, the money for use in your area is there, somebody just has to ask for it, if you have something specific you want or need in your area, pm me or send me an email to jed.rhodes@centurylink.com, i will see what I can do to help, sorry for the long post, but I will say that a lot of people do not fully know what all is going on and part of that is our problem by not publicizing ourselves more, but we are trying, this is not just for smalls, this is for anyone in any state, your NWTF State Board of Directors should be representing you, the VOLUNTEER member, and YES, this is a NON-PAID position, so all the gas & time I spend is mine, YES, I am dedicated, and YES, I AM A TURKEY HUNTER, it is my PASSION
sorry for the long opost, just trying to get some info out there for everyone
Quote from: mountman62 on January 18, 2014, 01:13:25 PM
Smalls, not sure where you live in the state, but just a little info for you in the state of Louisiana, Louisian has ranked in the top 3 for fundraising with the NWTF for the last 5 years at least, I am one of 18 members on the Louisiana State Chapter of the NWTF Board of Directors, first i will say "Do I agree with everything the NWTF does?" NO, "Do I agree with everything that most conservation groups do?" NO, "Am I thankful for the NWTF in helping to preserve turkeys and work for our hunting rights" YES, Do you know that just in the state of Louisiana in 2013 that the NWTF spent over $248,000 all over the state, no, it was not all spent on food plots on National Forests or WMA's, we are partnered up with many different groups with a wide diversity of projects going on all the time, a portion of the banquet money that you spend comes back to the state where it is dispersed into many things, for instance, and I can go on & on, Archery in the Schools Scholarships for high school students, funding JAKES, WITO, Wheelin Sprotsmen events throughout the state giving people the opportunity to hunt or get involved in the outdoors that might not otherwise get the chance, Educational boxes for 4-H & libraries, als supporting 4-H shooting sports, providing spring & fall seeds at discount rates, oh, and we have ongoing projuects in many WMA's all over the state, and also on the National Forests, does making openings for turkeys reap other benefits, YES, as a public land hunter you can hunt over these openings for deer, we have several research studies going on that will be a great help in deciding how we go ahead in the future in helping out with our turkey population, the money for use in your area is there, somebody just has to ask for it, if you have something specific you want or need in your area, pm me or send me an email to jed.rhodes@centurylink.com, i will see what I can do to help, sorry for the long post, but I will say that a lot of people do not fully know what all is going on and part of that is our problem by not publicizing ourselves more, but we are trying, this is not just for smalls, this is for anyone in any state, your NWTF State Board of Directors should be representing you, the VOLUNTEER member, and YES, this is a NON-PAID position, so all the gas & time I spend is mine, YES, I am dedicated, and YES, I AM A TURKEY HUNTER, it is my PASSION
sorry for the long opost, just trying to get some info out there for everyone
And 248k seems like a lot to you when you consider the amount of money the nwtf raised in your state?
Maybe our perspectives differ but that seems like change when you consider how much the NWTF likely raised from membership fees, donations and banquet revenue....
The NWTF has lost its connection with the hardcore turkey hunter and abused its relationships with the volunteers who helped elevate the organization to the status it maintains today.
It also takes far more credit for the reintroduction and success of the wild turkey than it deserves. It is now just another "non-profit" corporation that once was an organization of people focused on doing the most for the wild turkey.
Specifics...OK. There banquet prizes are a bunch of junk, the guns I've seen raffled aren't top of the line like they used to be, ticket prices are the same if not more and the convention gets more political every year.
Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on January 18, 2014, 08:52:49 PM
Quote from: mountman62 on January 18, 2014, 01:13:25 PM
Smalls, not sure where you live in the state, but just a little info for you in the state of Louisiana, Louisian has ranked in the top 3 for fundraising with the NWTF for the last 5 years at least, I am one of 18 members on the Louisiana State Chapter of the NWTF Board of Directors, first i will say "Do I agree with everything the NWTF does?" NO, "Do I agree with everything that most conservation groups do?" NO, "Am I thankful for the NWTF in helping to preserve turkeys and work for our hunting rights" YES, Do you know that just in the state of Louisiana in 2013 that the NWTF spent over $248,000 all over the state, no, it was not all spent on food plots on National Forests or WMA's, we are partnered up with many different groups with a wide diversity of projects going on all the time, a portion of the banquet money that you spend comes back to the state where it is dispersed into many things, for instance, and I can go on & on, Archery in the Schools Scholarships for high school students, funding JAKES, WITO, Wheelin Sprotsmen events throughout the state giving people the opportunity to hunt or get involved in the outdoors that might not otherwise get the chance, Educational boxes for 4-H & libraries, als supporting 4-H shooting sports, providing spring & fall seeds at discount rates, oh, and we have ongoing projuects in many WMA's all over the state, and also on the National Forests, does making openings for turkeys reap other benefits, YES, as a public land hunter you can hunt over these openings for deer, we have several research studies going on that will be a great help in deciding how we go ahead in the future in helping out with our turkey population, the money for use in your area is there, somebody just has to ask for it, if you have something specific you want or need in your area, pm me or send me an email to jed.rhodes@centurylink.com, i will see what I can do to help, sorry for the long post, but I will say that a lot of people do not fully know what all is going on and part of that is our problem by not publicizing ourselves more, but we are trying, this is not just for smalls, this is for anyone in any state, your NWTF State Board of Directors should be representing you, the VOLUNTEER member, and YES, this is a NON-PAID position, so all the gas & time I spend is mine, YES, I am dedicated, and YES, I AM A TURKEY HUNTER, it is my PASSION
sorry for the long opost, just trying to get some info out there for everyone
And 248k seems like a lot to you when you consider the amount of money the nwtf raised in your state?
Maybe our perspectives differ but that seems like change when you consider how much the NWTF likely raised from membership fees, donations and banquet revenue....
The NWTF has lost its connection with the hardcore turkey hunter and abused its relationships with the volunteers who helped elevate the organization to the status it maintains today.
It also takes far more credit for the reintroduction and success of the wild turkey than it deserves. It is now just another "non-profit" corporation that once was an organization of people focused on doing the most for the wild turkey.
Well said Kyle, well said brother.
I really had no idea about these dynamics. I am a very passive member. Sure, I have been to a few banquets, and send in my membership fees every year. That's about the extent of my involvement and what I read here not only surprises me, it's rather disappointing. Thanks for the thread.
Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on January 18, 2014, 08:52:49 PM
It also takes far more credit for the reintroduction and success of the wild turkey than it deserves.
Most of you know my position on the N"WTF", so I won't get into that. The above statement was the beginning of my dislike for you know who, and then it just snowballed from there. They are photo opportunist to say the least! Nothing more than Smoke and Mirrors.
I'm mostly talking about Edgefield. There are a lot of good people all over the country that are sincere in their efforts. But the folks in SC abuse the vehicle they were given the keys to.
MONEY,Give us all you can.Thats what they stand for now.
Quote from: fallhnt on January 13, 2014, 11:53:19 AM
Is this still a organization or does it just stand for Now What The F*** ?I haven't got a magazine from them for some time.
If you joined on line you should have gotten a mag fairly quick. Some months are combined so that could add a few months. If you joined at a banquet depending on when they turn it in plays a big part
Thanks for all the comments, negative or positive, you do what you want to, and I will do what i want to, as long as I want to, but if you notice, i said that i do not agree with all that the NWTF does, I don't agree with all the government does either, but i vote every time i can, the same can be said for most conservation groups, not everyone agrees with everything, think that is what makes the world go around, but I can say that the NWTF in most states are trying to make an impact, not just on having turkeys to hunt, but giving opportunities where they have not been before
Now i remember why I haven't spent much time on here lately
Quote from: Cove on January 15, 2014, 10:54:07 PM
I'll continue to send in my small membership contribution and attend the convention. Maybe they have taken a turn for the worse, but I am very appreciative of the steps they have taken to put the populations where they are today. It's hard to imagine that the wild turkey would be doing so well without the NWTF. So view it as a 'past due' contribution I suppose. . . .
^^^^^^^^ same goes for me. There was a time not long ago, that here in Pa you couldn't find a wild turkey anywhere. Without the nwtf it would still be like that. I can't complain about them. I get my magazine every few months, and get to hunt with plenty of turkeys in the woods. I don't expect anything more than that.
Been a member for over 20 years, will be one until I'm 6 ft under! Like others have said they are not perfect, have made mistakes and have had growing pains. I know what we have accomplished here in Ohio and I'm proud of it!
I have been a member for about 3 years and will continue to be.
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