NYS Chapter Conservation Celebration
Hear from distinguished speakers including Mike Muthersbaugh, NYS DEC Upland Bird Biologist; Jesse Warner, NWTF Northeast R3 Coordinator; Kaylee Szymanski, NWTF District Biologist; Sean Langevin and Kenny Turpen, NWTF Development and Planned Giving; and Dr. Patrick Wightman, NWTF National Director of Wild Turkey Research. This event spotlights the NWTF’s unwavering commitment to conserving wild turkey habitats and preserving our hunting heritage. Celebrate with fellow outdoor enthusiasts as we recognize those who have made a difference in sustaining wildlife and promoting responsible hunting traditions.
The festivities continue with a dinner celebration at 5:00 PM, featuring exciting raffles, silent and live auctions, and an evening full of camaraderie and fun.
A big thank you to our sponsors
These generous partners help make this event — and hundreds like it across the country — possible. Their commitment to the NWTF and wildlife conservation is deeply appreciated.
Interested in sponsoring NYS Chapter Conservation Celebration? See sponsor packages above or reach out to Mike Koziol.
Event Schedule
Available Tickets
Every ticket is a dinner seat and a direct contribution to New York conservation. Pick the option that fits — from a JAKES youth seat to a full sponsor table.
- JAKES JAKES membership
- JAKES JAKES membership
- Adult Annual membership
- Adult Annual membership
- Adult Annual membership
- $300 worth of bucket raffle tickets
- Adult Annual membership
- $300 worth of bucket raffle tickets
- Adult Sponsor membership
- $600 in bucket raffle tickets
- Adult Sponsor membership
- $600 in bucket raffle tickets
What impact has the NWTF made in New York?
The NWTF has been a leading force for wildlife conservation and the preservation of our hunting heritage in New York. Every chapter banquet directly fuels that mission — funds raised through membership and ticket sales support habitat projects, hunter education, and conservation programs that keep our wild turkey populations thriving for generations to come. Your attendance makes all the difference.
Other Notable New York Achievements
JAKES Days and Mentored Hunts
The Hardwood Strutters hosted a successful JAKES event in 2025 with activities including animal track molds, .22 rimfire rifle shooting, rock painting, archery shooting, turkey calling, building bluebird houses, shotgun shooting, tie-dying shirts and learning about white-tailed deer. In addition to multiple JAKES days and seminars, 26 mentored hunts were hosted to get JAKES, Wheelin’ Sportsmen and new adult members into the woods and educated about the outdoors.
Public Land Projects and Equipment Purchases
New York NWTF funded $40,575 in public land habitat management projects and state agency equipment purchases in 2025. Projects included contracted timber stand improvement in oak stands, installation of prescribed fire infrastructure, wildlife opening rejuvenation, and the purchase of a flail mower and seed drill. Projects took place in four of the nine state agency regions.
Forests and Flocks Commitment
New York State has committed $180,000 to the Forest and Flocks Initiative. Of this amount, $130,000 will be allocated to the Northeast Endowed Professorship to support wild turkey research in perpetuity.
Conservation Seed Program
New York NWTF members requested 716 bags of corn in 2025, which will provide over 2,100 acres of standing corn through the winter.