The 42nd National Wild Turkey Federation Convention and Sport Show, Feb. 14-18, posted record marks in many areas of the annual event in Nashville, Tennessee.
“I cannot thank our volunteers, members, partners, donors and staff enough for making the 2018 NWTF Convention and Sport Show a resounding success,” said Becky Humphries, NWTF CEO. “It takes an entire flock to pull together to make this event happen, and I am extremely proud to be a part of this team.”
Record marks were posted in attendance, fundraising, sales and more — attendance hit nearly 56,000; fundraising was up nearly 13 percent; Turkey Shoppe sales were up more than 17 percent; and the Custom Callmaking Contest had 968 entries.
Another record-setting year at the 2018 NWTF Convention.
Attendees enjoyed concerts from Academy Award-winner Josh Turner, the Ray Johnston Band, the Grand National Calling, Callmaking and Taxidermy championships, as well as guest speakers like Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Chief of the U.S. Forest Service Tony Tooke, Acting Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service Leonard Jordan and Duck Commander’s Willie Robertson.
For the first time in convention history, the entire Grand National Calling Championships were streamed live. Already the contests have garnered more than 1 million views, helping to bring the world of turkey hunting to new audiences.
A concurrent Conservation Conference, hosted by the NWTF, agency and industry partners, brought together more than 150 wildlife biologists, habitat experts and volunteers from across the country to focus on ways the hunting and conservation industry can come together to Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. A variety of seminars focused on sharing information, research data, conservation techniques and hunter recruitment strategies. While participants completed much work furthering conservation, they also were acknowledged for their outstanding efforts through numerous awards and special recognitions.
For more coverage on all of the events held during the convention and sport show, including all awards and competitions, visit www.NWTF.org.
Save the dates of Feb. 13-17, 2019, for the 43rd annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.
