February 22, 2024
From the National Wild Tukey Federation
The Y-Bridge Longbeards was one of four chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) to win a national award for outstanding achievements in the recruitment, retention and reactivation of hunters. The R3 Award is given to chapters that facilitate hunting heritage events, including JAKES, Wheelin’ Sportsmen and Women in the Outdoors, focused on getting new hunters afield.
Representatives from the Y-Bridge Longbeards accepted R3 awards during the NWTF’s 48th annual Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak. Other recipients included theHenry County Longbeards Chapter, Virginia; The Monocacy Valley Chapter, Maryland; and the Cleveland County Cutters and Strutters Chapter, Arkansas.
NWTF chapter events across the country are vital to correcting declining hunter numbers, which have decreased for the past 30 years, a trend that could jeopardize the conservation of our great natural resources.
The Y-Bridge Longbeards Chapter of the NWTF partnered with the Ohio Division of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife and the ODNR Division of Forestry to sponsor the 16th annual Gary Finnicum Memorial Turkey Hunt in 2023 at Blue Rock State Forest.
The Wheelin’ Sportsmen event allowed 19 disabled hunters the opportunity to participate in a spring turkey hunt with 58 guides who have volunteered their time to scout for turkeys, set up blinds and adaptive equipment and donate the use of their UTVs to provide transportation to and from hunting sites.
“The Y-Bridge Longbeards NWTF Chapter of Zanesville, Ohio, is honored to be recognized for our efforts that benefit the R3 movement and excited to accept the National R3 Award for our 16th annual Gary Finnicum Memorial Wheelin’ Sportsmen Spring Turkey Hunt and share it with our partners, sponsors, members, guides, hunters, and community,” said Melissa Spring, Y-Bridge Longbeards volunteer and fundraising chair.
“The mission of our Wheelin’ Sportsmen event is to show that the outdoors is for everyone! … For some participants, this event offers their first opportunity to reclaim an active lifestyle, which allows us to make an impact on our hunting heritage. Our chapters’ goal is that camaraderie facilitates hope and fosters confidence, self-esteem and independence among our participants. As we dedicate our time and passion to further the NWTF mission, we want to thank our many volunteers who have donated over 2,200 hours for our three-day event and for their commitment to our Hunting Heritage Outreach Program.”
“Our selfless volunteers never cease to amaze me,” NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff said. “Whether it is getting a youth out in the woods for their first turkey hunt, or rekindling the fire of a hunter who has lapsed, our volunteers spend countless hours planning and orchestrating an array of events that engage people and bring them into our organization. We are proud to recognize all of these chapters with R3 awards.”
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $9 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity.
The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.
