EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Southeast Idaho Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation celebrated its 24th annual banquet over the weekend in Pocatello, Idaho, marking the first NWTF banquet of the season in the state. The event was a resounding success, earning the chapter the prestigious NWTF Grand Slam Club award for the second consecutive year. This year’s banquet set the stage for a year of impactful conservation efforts and mission-driven initiatives in the region.
Approximately 150 attendees gathered for an evening filled with games, silent and live auctions and raffles — all in support of wild turkey conservation. Generous donations from local businesses provided an array of exciting prizes, ranging from vacation packages and hunting trips to firearms and outdoor gear. A standout item was a wildlife art print donated by renowned artist Dallen Lambson, whose work was selected for the 2025 Idaho Fish and Game hunting and fishing hard card. Prints of his piece, “Sunny Delight” will be auctioned off at each NWTF banquet in Idaho.
Beyond the festivities, the banquet also served as a platform to recognize outstanding individuals within the community. One of the most well-received moments of the evening was the presentation of scholarships to two local students.
“What really got a lot of response at the banquet was the scholarships,” said Joe Foster, NWTF Idaho State Chapter president. “We announced where they were going and what they were going to major in, and they got a huge round of applause.”
The scholarship recipients, Brecklyn Golightly of Soda Springs, who will be attending Idaho State University for nursing, and Lydia Hamilton-Thatcher, who will study equine sciences at Utah State University, were honored for their academic achievements and future aspirations.
The evening also paid tribute to Don Jenkins, recently retired natural resource program coordinator for Idaho Fish and Game, in recognition of his lifelong contributions to wild turkey conservation and habitat restoration.
Jenkins, described as “the biggest friend of the NWTF and of turkeys in Idaho,” was presented with a custom pot call as a token of appreciation for his decades of dedication.
Funds raised from the banquet will directly support habitat restoration projects and outreach events in the region throughout the year. Up next, the chapter is hosting a youth-focused event at Cabela’s in Ammon, Idaho, on March 1. The free workshop will introduce young outdoor enthusiasts to spring turkey hunting, covering essential topics such as hunting techniques, gear, calling and conservation.
With another successful banquet in the books, the Southeast Idaho NWTF Chapter continues to make a meaningful impact on conservation, community engagement and the next generation of hunters.
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 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 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.
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