New Faces On Stage At NWTF Convention

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The National Wild Turkey Federation is throwing a party in Music City, and everyone’s invited.

Welcoming guests to Nashville for the NWTF’s 33rd annual Convention and Sport Show will be NWTF Spokeswoman and First Lady of Hunting™ Brenda Valentine along with NWTF Spokesman and “Realtree Roadtrips” star Michael Waddell. The two say that excitement is building as wild turkey fanatics from across the continent make plans to meet for another action-packed weekend from Thursday, Feb. 19 to Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville.

“I attended my first NWTF Convention when I was 17, and I’ve been back every single year since,” said Waddell. “If you’re anticipating the 2009 spring turkey season as much as I am, the NWTF Convention and Sport Show is one event you definitely don’t want to miss.”

Valentine said that she was proud to help host the Convention in her home state of Tennessee, and that the NWTF’s Convention is back and better than ever in the Volunteer State for 2009 – the sixth time in nine years the NWTF has hosted its Convention in Music City, and the first of a seven-year-run through 2015. A recent survey of the Federation’s members showed they prefer Nashville as the Convention and Sport Show destination.

Since its founding in 1973, the NWTF has made continual advancements in its mission of wild turkey conservation and protecting America’s hunting traditions.

“Join myself, Michael and tens of thousands of your closest friends for a weekend of fun, camaraderie, patriotism and celebration of the wild turkey and its conservation success,” said Valentine.

Waddell and Valentine will emcee Thursday night’s Welcome Party, which includes entertainment from multiple gold record-producing country music artist Blake Shelton. Other exciting shows include Friday night’s Wild Turkey Bourbon Bash with bluegrass trio Second Nature, and Saturday night’s Awards Banquet featuring the music of Rhett Akins, Andy Griggs, Daryle Singletary, plus comedy and music from award-winning entertainer Paul Harris. Sunday’s worship service, sponsored by Remington, will include an inspiring testimony from Quaker Boy Call Company Founder Dick Kirby and the uplifting music of Gary Morris.

“This is just a hint of what’s happening at this year’s convention,” Waddell said. “We’ll also have more than four acres of the latest and greatest hunting products from the outdoor industry’s best companies in more than 545 exhibit booths. Simply put, if you’re looking to score great deals on the gear you need to get the edge on next spring’s gobblers, you’ll find them in the NWTF’s convention exhibit hall.”

Valentine noted that in addition to top-notch entertainment, the Convention and Sport Show will feature the Grand National Calling Contest, the custom callmaking competition, world-class taxidermy displays, fun and educational activities for youth at JAKES Junction, seminars from world-renowned hunting experts, and exciting live and silent auctions including a special Ladies’ Hunt Auction.

The NWTF will honor veterans and active duty servicemen and women during a special Winchester breakfast on Saturday morning, which will feature a speech from retired U.S. Army Gen. B.B. Bell.

“Through this year’s new theme: ‘The Year of the Volunteer,’ we will also show our appreciation to the thousands of dedicated volunteers who have made the NWTF the successful organization it is today,” noted Valentine. “We’ll have something fun for everyone in Nashville this February. Join us for a brand new show in your favorite place!”

General admission tickets to the NWTF’s Convention and Sport Show are just $10 per day or $25 for a three-day admission badge. Ticket information for other Convention and Sport Show events is available at http://turkey-shoppe.nwtf.org/convention2009.html.

To register, reserve a hotel room, or get more information about the NWTF’s 33rd annual Convention and Sport Show, visit http://www.nwtf.org/special_events/convention.html.

For more information about the NWTF visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

2009 NWTF Convention Sponsors:

About the NWTF: In 1973, Tom Rodgers founded the National Wild Turkey Federation in Fredericksburg, Va., as a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation and education organization with a mission dedicated to conserving wild turkeys and preserving hunting traditions. Shortly thereafter, Rodgers relocated the NWTF to Edgefield, S.C., where it's still headquartered today.

At the time NWTF was established, there were only 1.3 million wild turkeys. Today that number stands at more than seven million birds throughout North America, thanks to the efforts of state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members and partners.

Growth and progress define the NWTF as it has expanded from 1,300 members in 1973 to nearly a half million today. With that growth has come impressive strides in wildlife management as the NWTF has forged dynamic partnerships across the country to further its conservation mission. Together, the NWTF's partners, sponsors and grassroots members have raised and spent more than $279 million upholding hunting traditions and conserving more than 13.9 million acres of wildlife habitat.

While wild turkey restoration is nearing completion, the NWTF still has much work to do. Across North America, supporters are working to enhance habitat for wild turkeys and other wildlife while providing hunters with more opportunities and access to public and private land. In addition, NWTF volunteers and partners are introducing youth, women and people with disabilities to the outdoors through special educational events.

If you would like to become a member of Team NWTF, join a committee or start a chapter, please visit our Web site at http://www.nwtf.org or call us at 800-THE-NWTF.