EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation upholds its commitment to educating and supporting the next generation of hunters and conservationists. That mission continues with the NWTF’s support for youth archery in schools across Missouri.
In partnership with the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, Missouri Department of Conservation and the Conservation Federation of Missouri, matching funds provided by the Missouri NWTF State Chapter Super Fund assisted in introducing archery through the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP) to 30 new schools throughout the Show Me State. This expansion is expected to introduce at least 12 students per school to the sport, bringing archery to an estimated 360 new students each year.
“The state board has been supportive of the National Archery in the Schools Program at both the state and local level since its inception, and is probably one of the largest supporters of the program in Missouri,” said Kevin Hess, Missouri NWTF State Chapter president. “We feel it’s very important to help any way we can to support the shooting sports in our schools.”
By contributing matching funds, the NWTF is helping eliminate financial barriers that prevent small or underserved school districts from offering archery as an extracurricular activity. These funds help offset the startup costs of approximately $3,500 per school, covering essential equipment such as bows, arrows, targets and more.
MoNASP, Missouri’s affiliate of the National Archery in the Schools Program, is part of a nationwide effort that has introduced millions of young people to the sport. Archery is a highly inclusive activity — nearly every student, regardless of age, size or physical ability, can succeed. Beyond building confidence and hand-eye coordination, the program fosters teamwork, discipline and lasting friendships. Students also have the chance to compete locally and at state and national levels.
Currently, over 800 schools in Missouri participate in MoNASP, reaching more than 200,000 students. Despite its success, many schools still lack the resources to join the program — something this partnership seeks to change.
For the NWTF, supporting youth archery isn’t just about hitting targets — it’s about aiming for the future. Archery serves as a gateway to the outdoors and a steppingstone into the broader world of conservation. Many MoNASP participants eventually pursue hunting and outdoor recreation, becoming active stewards of wildlife and wild places.
These new hunters and conservationists carry forward traditions and contribute directly to conservation through the Pittman-Robertson Act, which uses excise taxes on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment to fund wildlife management and habitat restoration.
The NWTF’s investment in MoNASP is a commitment to preserving America’s outdoor heritage by cultivating the next generation of hunters and conservationists. When young people are given opportunities to connect with nature and challenge themselves in constructive ways, it strengthens the future of our outdoor traditions — and the conservation efforts that sustain them.
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