EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The northern Idaho Panhandle Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is excited to announce its inaugural Hunting Heritage Banquet, scheduled for Friday, April 12, 2024. The event will be held at the CDA Inn – Best Western, with doors opening at 5 p.m.
This banquet marks the beginning of a new chapter in Northern Idaho, dedicated to the conservation of wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage. Attendees can expect an evening filled with camaraderie, conservation and fundraising for the future of hunting.
“The inspiration for starting this new chapter came from an email sent out by Jason Tarwater,” said Brett Penske, NWTF Panhandle Chapter president. “I knew right away that I wanted to get involved. There’s just something satisfying about volunteering, especially when it’s for a cause you’re passionate about.”
Despite a modest start, enthusiasm is high for the new chapter. Beginning with himself and Kevin Hardman, their first meeting set the stage for this new opportunity for hunters in northern Idaho.
“It helped that I already knew Kevin, and I was confident that we could handle it,” Penske said. “Since then, we’ve been joined by Tom Wurtz, who brings valuable experience from his time with a chapter in Montana. His insights have been invaluable as we prepare for our upcoming banquet.”
As preparations for the event continue, the chapter looks forward to welcoming more members into the fold. Plans for the chapter include implementing habitat restoration projects in the area, such as thinning and prescribed burns. These initiatives are crucial for maintaining healthy wildlife populations and ensuring the sustainability of our hunting heritage for generations to come.
Projects will expand upon existing conservation efforts in the state, such as ongoing wild turkey research in northern Idaho supported by the NWTF state chapter. With a $10K contribution to this vital initiative, the Idaho state chapter remains dedicated to the conservation of wild turkey populations in the Gem State.
Tickets for the Panhandle Chapter Hunting Heritage Banquet are available for purchase here, and purchase includes an NWTF or JAKES membership. For more information about the Panhandle Chapter and the upcoming banquet, contact Brett Penske at [email protected] or (208) 818-9179.
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 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $9 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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