The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wild turkeys and the preservation of hunting heritage. Since its founding in 1973, the NWTF has been instrumental in restoring wild turkey populations across North America, making it one of the greatest conservation success stories of our time. The organization also focuses on habitat management, benefiting both game and non-game species.
NWTF offers various programs, including youth outreach through JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, and Sportsmanship), women-focused initiatives like Women in the Outdoors (WITO), and Wheelin’ Sportsmen for individuals with disabilities. They also host events such as banquets, hunting workshops, and conservation projects.
The Warrior Trail Gobblers chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has a rich history rooted in conservation and community engagement. Founded in Waynesburg in 1996, they are involved in multiple programs beyond the NWTF.
Guy Hostutler, a key figure in the chapter’s development, became its president in 2010 and has been instrumental in expanding its outreach and conservation efforts. The Warrior Trail Gobblers chapter stands out for its strong focus on youth outreach and community engagement. While many NWTF chapters share similar goals, the Warrior Trail Gobblers’ dedication to mentoring and education, as well as their involvement in local conservation efforts, makes them a notable example of how chapters can make a difference in their communities.
Rarely do you find an individual with more enthusiasm and passion for what he is doing than Guy Hostutler. The Warrior Trail Gobblers, along with their supporters and sponsors, are a faith-based organization that believes in God, family, country and the wild turkey. “We are not an organization that only supports the hunting aspect of the sport. We are mostly a conservation organization,” explained Guy. “Our goal is to build networks that will enable kids from all over the Tri-state area to enjoy the opportunities that we support”.
Under Hostutler’s leadership, the chapter’s JAKES program has grown significantly, starting with just five sponsors in 2012 and expanding to 39 sponsors by 2024. The “Jakes program” is open to all individuals seventeen years of age and under. Their events now attract hundreds of participants, including youth and their families, fostering a strong connection to conservation and hunting heritage.
One such event is the “JAKES DAY” celebration sponsored by the Hunting Hills Shooting Preserve. Held annually on the PA youth-only season for turkeys, the event allows successful hunters to showcase their birds with an opportunity to win amazing prizes. The event has drawn over 150 youngsters and close to 500 adults in the past. Participants can enjoy outdoor activities like clay pigeon shooting, archery, trapping, turkey calling, and fishing. Last year’s event featured hundreds of prizes, including over 30 guns.
The chapter has also partnered with organizations like Iron Synergy to host national JAKES turkey hunts, further solidifying its impact on the community. The JAKES also organizes events to help educate youth about the importance of maintaining habitats that benefit all species. Additionally, they host mentored hunts and outreach programs to foster a new generation of hunter-conservationists.
Through networking, the Warrior Trail Gobblers have opened opportunities for kids to “trade” hunts in areas that otherwise would not be available for them. Recently, hunts in Missouri and Tennessee were traded for hunts on private land owned by Iron Synergy in Pennsylvania and Husky Lumber in West Virginia. The Gobblers continue to be a shining example of how local chapters can make a meaningful difference in wildlife conservation and education.
The chapter actively contributes to local wildlife conservation through various initiatives. They collaborate with the Pennsylvania Game Commission on projects like trapping wild turkeys to study hen survival. Such projects have had a positive impact on local wildlife populations. For instance, the research on hen survival has provided valuable data to improve turkey population management. Additionally, their habitat restoration efforts, often tied to youth programs like JAKES, have enhanced environments that benefit not only wild turkeys but other species in the region.
All of these opportunities are available at absolutely no cost to the kids. These initiatives have also fostered a stronger community connection to conservation, inspiring more people to participate in preserving local wildlife. The key to continuing these efforts is participation. Sponsorships and volunteering are essential for the survival of these organizations.
To volunteer, sponsor or donate please contact: Guy Hostutler (724-350-1062) or email warriortrailgobblers@hotmail.com.
