Wisconsin’s hunting heritage is as strong as anywhere in the nation.  Hunters are often referred to as the first conservationists, and it is important to recognize the role they play in managing our amazing natural resources.  However, with hunter numbers on the decline, groups such as local sportsmen's’ clubs and learn-to-hunt programs are essential in recruiting and retaining ethical hunters.  Crawford County’s 2018 Conservation Educator Award goes to the Bluff Country Long Spurs Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
 
Founded in 1988, the Bluff Country Long Spurs have been working hard in Crawford County to promote turkey hunting, provide opportunities for new turkey hunters, and show appreciation to the area’s partnering landowners.  Turkey hunting was still relatively new to Wisconsin back in the 80’s, but it was growing rapidly in popularity.  They felt the area could benefit by having a local NWTF chapter.
 
Since 1988, they have held an annual Hunting Heritage Banquet to help raise funding to help support the chapter’s programs and provide scholarship opportunities.

Great Milwaukee Journal Setinel Article on the success of the NWTF Wisconsin partnership with the WDNR advancing R3 and Learn to Hunt.

Click HERE for the whole article

​September 1 in Wisconsin means the opening of early seasons for dove and waterfowl hunters and their four-legged friends. What to do with those tender teal and delicious doves? "In Season,"--NWTF-Wisconsin's new Wild Game Cooking column by outdoor writer and R3 coordinator  John Motoviloff--will tell you. Check back on September 1 for the first installment!