Numbers updated in May of 2012

Administered jointly by the NWTF, its state chapters and state wildlife agencies, the Hunting Heritage Super Fund is used for projects that support the conservation of the wild turkey and preservation of the hunting tradition. Nationally, NWTF chapters and cooperating partners have raised and spent more than $412 million for wild turkey conservation. Since 1985 over $2,438,144 has been raised and spent by Louisiana chapters on projects within the state. A sampling of these projects is provided below.

Habitat Enhancement
Spent $713,298 on habitat improvement projects.
·       maintenance and development of brood habitat
·       wildlife openings
·       prescribed fire
·       tree planting
·       riparian restoration
·       water development projects
·       control of invasive plant species
·       support for seed subsidy and conservation seed programs

Habitat enhancement projects have impacted more than 72,607 acres within the state.
·       44,620 acres of wildlife openings
·       511 acres prescribed burning

Purchased equipment for habitat management including:
·       1 trailer
·       3 spreaders
·       1 sprayer
·       1 mower
·       1 planter
·       prescribe burning equipment

Projects were completed on:
·       Alexandria State Forest WMA
·       Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge
·       Bayou Prairie WMA
·       Bens Creek WMA
·       Big Lake WMA
·       Bodcau WMA
·       Boeuf WMA
·       Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge
·       Camp Beauregard WMA
·       Catahoula Wildlife Preserve
·       Dewey-Wills WMA
·       Grassy Lake WMA
·       Indian Bayou
·       Jackson-Bienville WMA
·       Kisatchie National Forest
·       Loggy Bayou WMA
·       Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge
·       Pearl River
·       Red River WMA
·       Sabine WMA
·       Sandy Hollow WMA
·       Sherburne WMA
·       Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge
·       Tunica Hills WMA
·       Union WMA
·       West Bay WMA

Education
Spent $400,699 on educational programs and literature including scholarships, education boxes, 4-H and teacher workshops.
·       Awarded 196 scholarships
·       Donated more than 1,314 education boxes to area schools

Spent $74,287 on educational projects for volunteers and professionals including:
·       Volunteer leadership workshops
·       Wild Turkey Woodlands field days
·       State web sites and newsletters
·       Purchased 130 educational CD-ROMs

JAKES
Spent $175,217 to introduce youth to outdoor activities, conservation and hunting. Sponsored 175 JAKES Conservation Field Days throughout the state.

Hunting Heritage
Spent $111,250 to protect and promote the hunting tradition including contributions to the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

Hunter Safety
Spent $95,747 to support hunter safety classes and initiatives within the state. Purchased hunter safety materials and equipment, including interactive shooting systems.

Turkey Restoration
Spent $46,680 to trap and transfer turkeys within the state. Expenses include the purchase of trapping equipment such as nets, rockets and rocket charges. Spent $232,366 to reimburse other states for expenses related to the trap and transfer of 401 donated turkeys.

Women’s Programs
Spent $48,975 on programs, materials and equipment to introduce women to the outdoors, hunting and conservation. Conducted 73 Women in the Outdoors events throughout the state.

Rewards
Spent $29,874 to protect wild turkeys and other wildlife through support of state sponsored reward programs, the printing of reward signs and reward payments.

Management
Spent $46,734 on wild turkey management.
·       operation of wild turkey check stations
·       hunter success and satisfaction surveys
·       completion of wild turkey management plans
·       support of law enforcement activities

Purchased equipment to support law enforcement and management activities including:
·       ATV’s
·       weight scales for check stations
·       survey/surveillance cameras
·       gates to limit vehicular access

Land Purchase
Spent $64,500 to purchase 3,900 acres of land or conservation easements to preserve wildlife habitat and provide additional hunting areas.

Research
Spent $131,421 on wild turkey research. Purchased equipment related to research such as radio telemetry equipment.

Wheelin’ Sportsmen
Spent $66,133 to provide opportunities for the disabled to participate in outdoor activities and learn about wildlife conservation. Conducted 65 Wheelin’ Sportsmen events.

Other
Spent $177,135 on other projects including organizational dues, travel expenses to professional meetings, special NWTF projects, and chapter rebates.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Volunteers from the NWTF’s Northwest Louisiana Chapter received national acclaim for their role in nurturing youth interest and education about the outdoors and an active lifestyle through the NWTF’s JAKES outreach program.

The Keithville, La.-based chapter was honored with the 2011 Best First Time JAKES Event Award Feb. 10 at the NWTF’s National Convention and Sport Show at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.

The award was presented at the NWTF’s Federal Breakfast, which celebrated the theme: “Champions of Outeach.” More than 1,000 JAKES events were held throughout the nation last year by NWTF volunteers.

The Northwest Louisiana Chapter, in partnership with the Boy Scouts of America, attracted 366 new members at their event. Youth were divided into age groups with special activities provided for the youngest JAKES.

The NWTF’s JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) program teaches the principles of wildlife management and the traditions of safe, ethical and responsible hunting for youth up to age 12.

At JAKES events, youth learn about the outdoors, participating in activities such as hunting and fishing while learning about wildlife and the importance of conservation.

“The Northwest Louisiana Chapter provided a shining example of how JAKES events teach our youth about the outdoors and conservation in a fun-filled, safe environment,” JAKES program coordinator Mandy Harling said.

The NWTF’s Xtreme JAKES program provides advanced outdoor opportunities and challenges for ages 13-17. More than 75,000 youth attended JAKES and Xtreme JAKES events in 2011. Any local chapter that holds a JAKES event can apply for 10 highly competitive JAKES national awards.

Founded in 1973, the NWTF is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have achieved a great success in restoring wild turkey populations throughout the United States, spending more than $372 million to conserve 17 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.