Organization · Wildlife & Conservation
National Wild Turkey Federation
The National Wild Turkey Federation has spent decades restoring wild turkey populations and wild places across North America, and its JAKES program brings kids directly into that work through hands-on outdoor events. For families who want their children to learn hunting heritage, wildlife biology, and habitat stewardship, the NWTF offers a clear on-ramp at the local chapter level.
This page from Outside, the family adventure app, profiles the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) for families with children ages 4 to 14. It covers the organization's conservation mission, the JAKES youth program, how families can find local chapters and events, membership options, and which families are the best fit. The NWTF is a nonprofit based in Edgefield, South Carolina, with chapters across the United States and Canada that host free or low-cost youth outdoor events each year.
| Cost | Free to low-cost events; membership from about $30/year |
|---|---|
| Region | Nationwide, chapters in every U.S. state |
| Season | Year-round; JAKES events peak in spring |
| Best fit | Families interested in hunting heritage and wildlife conservation |
| Age range | 4 to 17 (JAKES program) |
What the NWTF actually does
The National Wild Turkey Federation was founded in 1973, when wild turkey populations had collapsed across much of the country. Through a combination of habitat restoration, regulated hunting advocacy, and partnerships with state wildlife agencies, the NWTF helped bring wild turkey numbers back from under two million birds to well over six million at the program's peak recovery period.
Today the organization manages millions of acres of wildlife habitat through conservation easements, prescribed burns, and forest management projects. Funding comes from membership dues, banquet fundraisers, and license plate programs in several states. The mission stays consistent: keep wild places wild and keep hunting and outdoor traditions alive for the next generation.
JAKES: the youth program families should know
JAKES stands for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, and Sportsmanship. The program targets kids roughly 17 and under and runs through local NWTF chapters nationwide. A typical JAKES event is a single Saturday where kids rotate through stations covering archery, firearm safety, turkey calling, wildlife identification, fishing, and orienteering. Adults stay involved the whole time, and no prior hunting experience is required to attend.
Many chapters host their JAKES event in the spring before turkey season, which gives the day a natural energy. Events are generally free or very low cost, funded by local chapter fundraising. The NWTF also publishes a dedicated magazine for JAKES members full of wildlife content and outdoor skills written for young readers.
Finding a chapter and getting in the door
The NWTF operates through a chapter network that spans every state and much of Canada. The chapter locator on nwtf.org lets families search by zip code. Chapters vary considerably in size and activity level. A well-established chapter in a rural county might run multiple youth events, volunteer habitat days, and an annual banquet. A smaller chapter might focus primarily on one fundraising dinner per year.
The fastest way to get connected is to attend a local banquet. These fundraising dinners are open to the public and are genuinely family-friendly in most chapters. Families meet longtime members, learn what local projects are underway, and can sign up for JAKES event notifications on the spot. Most chapters welcome new families warmly because growing the next generation is literally central to the mission.
Membership and what it costs
NWTF offers several membership tiers. A basic individual membership runs around thirty dollars per year. Family memberships are available and include JAKES membership for children in the household. JAKES membership on its own is inexpensive and comes with the youth magazine subscription.
Beyond events, members get access to the NWTF's main magazine, Wild Turkey Nation, discounts from partner outdoor brands, and voting rights at chapter meetings. Volunteering is open to non-members too, especially for habitat projects coordinated through state wildlife agencies. Families who want to go deeper can join a chapter's board or help organize youth events, which is one of the more reliable ways to shape what happens in their local outdoor community.
Who fits best here
The NWTF is the right organization for families already interested in hunting or actively thinking about introducing it to their kids. The hunting heritage thread runs through everything: the language, the events, the fundraisers, and the conservation philosophy all connect back to hunting as a legitimate and valued way to be in nature.
That said, JAKES events are not exclusively about hunting. Archery, wildlife biology, and habitat work appeal to kids who may never hold a shotgun. Families who live near good turkey habitat and want their kids spending Saturdays outdoors learning something real will find the NWTF chapter community welcoming and practical. It is also a particularly strong fit for families with grandparents or other relatives who already hunt and want a structured way to pass that on.
If you could spend one full day learning about one wild animal in its natural habitat, which animal would you choose and what would you most want to find out?
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need hunting experience to attend a JAKES event?
No. JAKES events are designed as introductions. Kids rotate through stations covering archery, firearm safety, calling, fishing, and wildlife skills. First-timers are the target audience, and adult volunteers walk kids through every activity.
How do I find a JAKES event near me?
Use the chapter locator at nwtf.org to find your nearest chapter, then contact the chapter directly or follow their social media for event dates. Spring is the most active season for JAKES events, timed around turkey season.
Is the NWTF only for hunters?
The NWTF's identity is rooted in hunting culture, but many of its activities, including habitat restoration volunteer days and wildlife education programs, are open to families regardless of whether they hunt. JAKES events include archery and wildlife biology alongside shooting sports.
What age is right to start with JAKES?
The JAKES program covers kids up to age 17, and many chapters welcome children as young as four or five with a parent present. Hands-on stations like turkey calling and wildlife identification work well for younger kids, while firearm safety and archery are better suited to older children ready to focus on technique.