2005 NWTF (National Wild Turkey Federation) Convention Dates & Events

Every February, nearly 30,000 hunting enthusiasts gather at National Wild Turkey Federation’s Convention and Sport Show to celebrate their commitment to America’s grandest game bird – the wild turkey.  This year, the 29th annual convention will be held February 17-20, 2005, in Nashville, Tennessee, a city best known for its rootsy country crooners and soulful singer-songwriters. Among the entertainment scheduled for the 2005 convention is Nashville recording artist and Texas native Tracy Byrd, former Rolling Stones keyboardist, Chuck Leavell and country music legend, Porter Wagoner.

 “We feel among friends here, fellow hunters,” said Ricky Skaggs, an eight-time Grammy winner who, along with band Kentucky Thunder, brought down the house at the 2004 convention with his song, “A Simple Life.” “I really like what the Federation stands for: faith, family and the flag. That’s what we’re about, too.” 

Throughout the NWTF’s 30-plus years, the organization has endured like a vintage box call passed down from father to son, appealing to new members and continuing to grow by never wavering on its mission or convictions. 

The hunting and conservation organization has been just as committed to the wild turkey and wildlife habitat. Since 1985, more than $186 million NWTF and cooperator dollars have been spent on over 27,000 projects benefiting wild turkeys and other game and nongame species throughout North America. The convention and sport show will recognize and honor NWTF volunteers from across the country who have donated their time and money to support these projects.

In other ways, the convention is like a wild turkey pep rally. Sportsmen and women enjoy shared anticipation for the upcoming turkey season and time spent in the spring woods. They’ll have the chance to checkout over 400 booths, brimming with all of the hottest new gear, outdoor products and apparel including the latest hunting calls, camo, boots, blinds, decoys, wildlife art paintings, handcrafted jewelry, knives and sculptures. Bass Pro Shops King of Bucks display and Hally Caller’s World Slam Wild Turkey Display will be among the sculptures and displays at the convention center. 

Each year, over 40 of North America’s best turkey callers compete for more than $20,000 in cash and prizes. Alabama’s Jim Pollard made turkey calling history at last year’s convention by winning the Wild Turkey Bourbon/NWTF Senior Division for the third year in a row, a first for any turkey calling competitor.

The impact of the Wild Turkey Bourbon/NWTF Grand National Wild Turkey Calling Championships reach far beyond the convention and turkey hunting community as past winners have gone on to appear on the Regis and Kelly Show, Late Night with David Letterman and ABC’s Good Morning America. 

“For more than two decades, the Grand National Calling Championships have served as the testing grounds for the world’s best turkey callers,” said Rob Keck, NWTF CEO and former world champion turkey caller.
Other contests include the Grand National Wild Turkey Taxidermy Championship, where some of the nation’s most skilled taxidermist will compete. There will also be a Grand National Whitetailed Deer Game Mount Championship, Grand National Decorative Turkey Call Competition, Grand National Hunting Call Championship, Grand National Decorative Duck and Goose Call Championship.

During the four-day convention, seminars ranging from turkey calling basics to turkey hunting strategies and tactics will be offered to those attending the sport show. There’ll also be special seminars offered for youth on hunter safety, conservation and more. 

Plenty of activities are lined up for pint-sized turkey fans, too. JAKES, the NWTF’s youth outreach program, has loads of entertainment planned for the convention including a puppet theater, scavenger hunts and a climbing wall. Kids will also enjoy a number of hands-on activities at the JAKES Discovery Zone, while JAKES Junction will offer gear and outdoor merchandise especially for kids.

“The NWTF national convention is such a big deal,” said 12-year old Matthew Gray of Austin, Texas. “There’s all sorts of stuff to do and there’s the turkey calling contest. It just feels like it’s going to be a good experience.”

 For updated information about the convention, call 1-800-THE-NWTF or Click Here to check the NWTF’s web site.

CONVENTION INFO
The 29th annual Wild Turkey Federation Convention and Sport Show will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
February 17-20, 2005 
Make your plans to attend!

Make a hotel reservation at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, 888-777-6779 (toll free).
Request a convention registration form by calling 1-800-THE-NWTF or go online at www.nwtf.org.
 

Ticket prices for the banquets:
Welcome Party  $70
Grand Auction  $55
Awards Banquet  $60
Hunt Auction   $50
Ladies Auction  $50

Trade show admission:
Three-day admission $20
One day pass   $8
Children age 12 and under get in free!

Trade show hours:
Friday – 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday – 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.