NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With travel and entertainment prices soaring and weather temperatures dropping, keeping the boredom at bay is tough. Thankfully, the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) makes it easy and affordable for the whole family to have fun and shed the winter blues.
Here's a young mom and her daughters at last year's NWTF Convention and Sport Show. Photo by Paige Eissinger.
The NWTF is hosting its 34th annual National Convention and Sport Show at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville, Feb. 18 to Feb. 21, 2010. For only $12 attendees can browse more than 545 booths of the latest hunting gear in the 4-acre exhibit hall, and view the work of master taxidermists and callmakers. They also can meet and get autographs from some of the biggest names in hunting, hear the world’s best callers and attend seminars by some of the world’s best turkey hunters.
The convention, sponsored in part by Midway USA and themed “Live the Tradition,” will give credit where credit is due: to the thousands of volunteers who work to progress the NWTF’s mission on a daily basis so future generations can live the tradition of hunting and enjoying the outdoors.
Welcoming guests to Nashville for the NWTF’s convention will be Brenda Valentine, NWTF Spokeswoman, First Lady of Hunting™ and host of the Federation’s “Turkey Call” TV show, airing on Pursuit Channel in January of 2010, and Bass Pro Shops’ “Real Hunting” TV show, along with Michael Waddell, NWTF Spokesman and host of “Realtree Roadtrips” and “Bone Collector” TV shows. The two are anticipating an action-packed weekend in Nashville as wild turkey fanatics from across the continent meet to swap stories, enjoy top-notch entertainment and gear up for turkey hunting season.
“I first attended an NWTF National Convention and Sport Show as a teenager, and haven’t missed one since,” said Waddell. “You won’t want to miss the chance to check out the latest and greatest hunting gear and tips this weekend if you’re anticipating the 2010 spring turkey season as much as I am.”
Since its founding in 1973, NWTF volunteers have made continual advancements in wild turkey research and conservation and protecting our hunting heritage, raised and spent more than $286 million and conserved nearly 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.
“If you’re looking for a family friendly getaway full of fun, camaraderie, patriotism and celebration of the wild turkey and its conservation success, this is the event for you,” said Valentine. “Man or woman, young or old, there will be something fun for everyone. Join us in Nashville this February for a great show in your favorite place!”
In addition to the abundance of activities available to adults, there will be a variety of activities for kids such as airgun and archery ranges, hands-on educational activities, youth seminars and more.
For $12, attendees receive a daily pass to the exhibit hall, or they can purchase a three-day pass for only $25. Children 10 and under are admitted free.
Paid entrance into the exhibit hall includes admittance to the Wild Turkey Bourbon/NWTF Grand National Wild Turkey Calling Championships, taxidermy and callmaking championships and informative seminars. In addition, attendees can purchase tickets for meal functions and speaking engagements and see first-class entertainment by some of the best artists in the country. Entertainers, celebrities and speakers at this year’s convention include:
To register for the 2010 NWTF National Convention and Sport Show, click here.
For more information about the 34th annual NWTF National Convention and Sport Show, call (800) THE-NWTF or click here.
2010 NWTF Convention Sponsors: Affinity 4, ATK/Federal Premium Ammunition, Bank of America, Benelli, Browning, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, Camo Effects, Chevrolet, Foxy Huntress, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, HuntVe, Knight Rifles, Leupold & Stevens, Marlin Firearms Company, MeadWestvaco, Midway USA, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Mossy Oak and The Pursuit Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Remington Arms Company, Inc., Tri-Star Sporting Arms, USDA Forest Service, Weatherby, Inc., Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester Division/Olin Corp.
About the NWTF: The National Wild Turkey Federation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation organization that is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage.
Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its more than 350,000 members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, raised and spent more than $286 million, and conserved nearly 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.
The Federation also works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through special outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.
The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the comeback of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history. Visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF for details.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
