AUBURN, Ala. — Turkeys For Tomorrow has now launched eight chapters spanning six states, while momentum behind its mission continues to grow.
TFT has three chapters in Alabama and two in Georgia, one in Iowa and one in Tennessee. The eighth is based in Clinton, La., and gathers membership from both Louisiana and Mississippi. Furthermore, chapters in West Virginia, Virginia and Florida are set to launch this summer as well.
Hunters are responding to the needs of the wild turkey by joining TFT and taking part in events. Pete Daugherty, TFT’s Director of Outreach, has seen the group’s individual memberships grow to represent nearly every state in the union. He has fielded serious inquiries from motivated hunters in 21 states seeking to launch chapters and host events. Deliberate, responsible growth of the organization is a key part of ensuring a bright future for wild turkeys, and TFT’s chapter program is being developed with caution and care.
“Hunters everywhere have already seen the problem for themselves,” Daugherty said. “They led the restoration of the wild turkey decades ago, and they’re ready to do it again. They know if they don’t do it, it won’t happen.”
Turkeys For Tomorrow was founded to address the nationwide decline in wild turkey numbers. Its work supports academic research to precisely define the problem, and it helps hunters and land managers learn how they can be a key part of the solution. This two-pronged approach is giving land managers and policymakers the tools they need for the future, while applying common-sense tactics to help populations right away.
“Research and direct action are both needed,” said Dan Braman, co-chairman of the board for TFT. “While research takes time, there are common sense actions we can take today. If we do our part to improve turkey habitat and create a more balanced population of predators, turkeys’ survival numbers will go up.”
The inaugural chapter banquets have combined to net more than $158,000, and they’ve helped grow individual membership numbers past the 3,000 threshold. Additional major donors and partners have been identified in two significant locations. Those funds, projects and locations will be announced soon. Dedicated involvement, grass roots understanding and donations large and small support academic research underway in five states, and the chapter events introduce hunters to the opportunities TFT presents.
TFT is a small organization, but it’s already making a large difference. It’s already helped its members address turkey nest predators through access to affordable dog-proof traps. It’s helped hunters access turkey-friendly tree plantings, cellular trail camera discounts and handheld mapping solutions. A newly-created partnership with the National Trappers Association will expand TFT members’ opportunity to grow their trapping knowledge and find trappers for hire.
“The plight of the wild turkey needs attention brought to it and money raised to reverse it,” said Ron Jolly, co-chairman of the board of TFT. “We’re working every day to do both.”
For more on Turkeys For Tomorrow, go to www.turkeysfortomorrow.org.
Contact: Kevin Tate
662-574-3247
