NWTF chapter has summer wrap-up meeting

The committee for the North Central Heartland Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) held their summer wrap-up meeting on Friday at the American Legion Post #76.
Chapter president Roger Demanette reported that in its 28 years of existence, the chapter - the oldest continuously operating chapter in the state of Kansas - has raised $430,860 for the organization to use for habitat development and wildlife research, as well as hunter safety education.
Membership in the local NWTF chapter has declined in the past few years, down to 2,030 in 2019 from a high of 2,915 in 2016.
"I think we can match that to the declining bird population in the area," Demanette said. "There's been poor nesting conditions for the birds the past few years because of the heavy spring rains. That goes for all nesting birds in the area - pheasant and quail, too. The nests get flooded and the hens have to try to re-nest before they have their next clutch of eggs."
The North Central Heartland chapter holds its annual benefit banquet, silent auction, and membership drive every year on the second Saturday in July, at the American Legion. The banquet raises money for the state super fund, and the funds are allocated back into the local chapters and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism for conservation and habitat work.
Among the prizes given away each year at the banquet are lifetime Kansas hunting licenses, and one of those prizes is always awarded to a 'Jake' - a younger member of the chapter.
"That piece of paper might not seem like much until the kid turns 16 and realizes he doesn't ever have to buy a turkey hunting license in the state of Kansas."
The fall hunting season for wild turkeys begins October 1 and runs through January 31, 2020.