The Oklahoma State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) met in Oklahoma City, OK to review Hunting Heritage Super Fund project proposals for 2026 funding awards. After the reviewing and ranking process, proposals were presented to and approved by the NWTF Oklahoma Board of Directors. The Board of Directors budgeted $45,225 for conservation projects, $12,500 for research and $49,709.89 for other projects including outreach-education events, state scholarships and 4H Shooting Sports support. NWTF award funding will be matched with over $933k in partner funds for the approved projects; representing a 10:1 match rate for NWTF funding.

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The Oklahoma State Board of Directors dedicated $57,725 in funding to the following Hunting Heritage Super Fund projects directed at Oklahoma habitat and research conservation objectives. Specific project awards include:

• $15,000 in carry over funds from FY25 projects including Waurika and Canton WMA, still in progress

• $2,475 to support Okmulgee Game Management Area with invasive species removal.

• $10,500 to support Sans Bois Wildlife Management Area with timber stand improvement.

• $4,875 to support the Oklahoma Prescribed Burn Association

• $4,375 to support the Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever Public Access to Habitat Program

• $7,500 to support NWTF’s Waterways for Wildlife and Habitat for the Hatch Initiatives

• $7,500 to support Prescribed Fire Season Effects of Wild Turkeys research project at Oklahoma State University

• $5,000 to support NWTF’s Endowed Professorship program

• $500 to support Conservation Field Days

In addition, $34,209.89 was approved to support education/outreach efforts in Oklahoma including JAKES, WITO, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, the Oklahoma state scholarship, and shooting sports projects. Specific project awards include:

• $10,000 to support ODWC’s Varsity Archery and Scholastic Shooting Sports Programs

• $937.40 to support Roger Mills County 4H Archery

• $1,500 to support JAKES, Wheelin’ Sportsmen and WITO events

• $3,000 for the Oklahoma state scholarship for 2025 and 2026

• $13,000 for volunteer travel to NWTF convention and ODWC tech rep and Game Warden of the Year travel to convention and regional technical meetings

• $5,772.49 for the State Chapter Website, State Marketing, Volunteer Training Day, State Chapter Membership Rebate, and other miscellaneous expenses

Sincere thanks goes out to all the hard-working members and volunteers who made this possible. Without you, there is no National Wild Turkey Federation!

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Prepared for the Oklahoma NWTF State Chapter Board of Directors by:

Annie Farrell, District Biologist - TX, OK, KS, NE (903-539-0279, afarrell@nwtf.net)