The Alabama Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has designated approximately $184,000 in Hunting Heritage Super Funds and Tag Funds for wild turkey conservation projects across the state. Among the allocated funds, $42,074 has been contributed to the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) to support initiatives such as wildlife habitat management.

Scott Brandon, President of the Alabama NWTF Chapter, expressed pride in partnering with ADCNR.

“We are proud to partner with ADCNR on the conservation of wild turkey in Alabama,” Brandon said. “Working together we can ensure this important natural resource is available to future generations of Alabamians.”

Of the total NWTF allocation, $141,926 has been approved for various turkey projects statewide. This funding, combined with $531,746 in matching funds from other conservation partners, is expected to positively impact approximately 121,000 acres statewide. The initiative aligns with NWTF's Habitat for the Hatch Initiative, with a total program value reaching $853,691. The funding also supports efforts to increase access to hunting opportunities and investigate wild turkey declines.

A significant portion of the funds donated to WFF will be directed to Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) and Special Opportunity Areas (SOA) throughout the state to bolster habitat management and other wild turkey programs. Some of the donation will also be allocated for the purchase of essential wildlife habitat management equipment.

Chuck Sykes, WFF Director, emphasized the importance of contributions such as these.

“Since federal matching dollars play such a major role in how our division is funded, contributions like this are extremely important,” Sykes said. “More than $34,000 of this generous donation offers us access to federal matching dollars, which makes the donation go even further.”

WFF primarily relies on funds generated through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, matched on a nearly three-to-one ratio by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through funds allocated to Alabama from the Pittman-Robertson Act.

Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner, expressed gratitude for NWTF's assistance in supporting the conservation of wild turkey in Alabama.

“With NWTF’s assistance we will continue working to ensure the future of this resource for generations to come,” Blankenship said. “We thank the Alabama Chapter’s Board of Directors for helping to support the conservation of wild turkey in Alabama.”

In addition to the monetary donation, the Alabama NWTF chapter provides financial support for prescribed burning projects, public hunting land acquisitions, the Adult Mentored Hunting Program, the Archery in the Schools State Championship and the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program.

ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management, and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through its divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at www.outdooralabama.com.