EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Oklahoma NWTF State Chapter recently met in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to review Hunting Heritage Super Fund project proposals for 2024 funding awards. After the reviewing and ranking process, proposals were presented to and approved by the NWTF Oklahoma Board of Directors. The Board of Directors budgeted $69,000 for conservation projects and $41,284 for other projects including outreach-education events, state scholarships and 4H Shooting Sports support.

“A sincere thanks goes out to all the hard-working members and volunteers who make our mission in Oklahoma possible,” said Annie Farrell, NWTF district biologist for Texas, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma. “Without you, there is no National Wild Turkey Federation. Our volunteers in Oklahoma are going above and beyond, tackling conservation issues both in the state and across boundaries for the greater good.”

NWTF funding will be matched with nearly $1 million in partner funds for the approved projects in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma State Board of Directors dedicated $69,000 in funding to the following conservation projects:

• $31,000 in carry-over funds from FY23 projects, including Canton WMA, Sandhills WMA, Cherokee WMA and Cimarron Bluff WMA (work is a multi-year effort).
• $10,000 for the Oklahoma Prescribed Burn Association to purchase prescribed burning equipment.
• $10,000 to support Canton Wildlife Management Area with invasive species removal.
• $8,000 to support Waurika Wildlife Management Area with invasive species removal.
• $10,000 to support NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife Initiative.

In addition, $41,284 was approved to support education/outreach efforts in Oklahoma including JAKES, WITO, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, the Oklahoma state scholarship and shooting sports projects. Specific project awards include:

• $10,000 to support the National Archery in the Schools Program in Oklahoma for 2023-2024.
• $10,000 to support the Scholastic Shooting Sports Program in Oklahoma for 2023-2024.
• $719 to support the Grandfield FFA.
• $1,000 to support the Latta Trap Team.
• $3,000 to support JAKES, Wheelin’ Sportsmen and WITO events.
• $1,500 for the Oklahoma state scholarship.
• $8,250 for volunteer travel to NWTF convention.
• $3,000 to support NWTF Technical Committee representative travel to convention and regional technical meetings.
• $1,500 to support an Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Game Warden’s travel to convention.
• $2,000 to conservation field day and R3 event support.
• $315 for miscellaneous expenses.

About the National Wild Turkey Federation

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has conserved or enhanced over 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by working across boundaries on a landscape scale.

2023 is the NWTF’s 50^th anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50^th anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and NWTF’s people; and raise $5 million to build toward a $50 million endowment for the future. Learn how you can help us reach these lofty goals.