2022 State Award Winners
Awards presented January 14, 2023
To nominate someone for an individual award, please contact Jon Gray or complete a Nomination Form
Click here for past years' recipients.
2022 Individual Award Winners
Outstanding Service
Chad & Faith Kwaitkoski (Newaygo Valley Chapter) (Photo)
Joe Macomber (Grand Valley Chapter) (Photo)
Jim Miller (Flint River Chapter) (Photo)
Larry Lenz (Sebewaing Gobblers Chapter)
Jon Gray (Beard & Spurs Chapter) (Photo)
This award is given to individuals who have made outstanding multiple year contributions in various areas to the Michigan State Chapter as well as to their local chapter. They have served and provided leadership as either local or state chapter officers, special event or project leaders.
Outstanding Partner
Sitka Outdoor Gear
This award recognizes the outstanding work, contributions and dedication partners have displayed in conserving wildlife, habitat and other natural resources.
Outstanding Conservationist
**
This award recognizes individuals here in Michigan who have proven themselves professionally (biologists or technicians) as exceptional stewards of wild turkey populations and habitat. These are usually unsung heroes who do on-the-ground work for wild turkeys and other wildlife.
Outstanding Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer
Michael Haas (Isabella County) (Photo)
This award recognizes the outstanding work of a full-time state or federal Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer in case involvement, public relations, attitude, enthusiasm, professionalism and support of our Hunting Heritage. Officers are generally nominated by the Law Enforcement Division of the MIchigan Department of Natural Resources. The nomination selected by the State NWTF is submitted to the NWTF for National recognition.
Scholarship Winners
Elizabeth Romel - Posen High School (Presque Isle Turkey Trackers Chapter) (Photo)
The Scholarship Program is part of the NWTF's Five Star Program. Applicants for the scholarship are judged on their scholastic achievements, leadership abilities and community and outdoor involvement. The winners of the local chapter scholarships are eligible for consideration for the Michigan State Chapter Award and then eligible for the National NWTF Scholarship.
Conservation Educator of the Year
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The purpose of this exciting program is to recognize educators who demonstrate the most innovative use of the Wild About Turkeys Education Box and a commitment to teaching conservation education in the classroom. The state award winner is submitted to NWTF to be eligible for the National Award.
Turkey Cooperator Patch Design Contest Winner
Jack Charlton (Clarkston) - 2023 Patch (Photo)
The contest, sponsored by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State University and the Michigan Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, was established in 2003 to provide the concept for the official Wild Turkey Cooperator Patch which is issued on an annual basis.
Doug Johnson Volunteer of the Year
Tony Decker (Southwestern Michigan Longbeards Chapter) (Photo)
This award recognizes outstanding volunteerism and dedication to the Michigan NWTF which is demonstrated by outstanding leadership and service that goes beyond routine at the local or state level.
JAKE of the Year
**
This award is presented to an outstanding Michigan JAKES member who has exhibited local chapter involvement with outdoor activities, conservation, community service and hunting activities and ethics.
Mentor of the Year
Adam Brumm (Thornapple Valley Chapter)
This award was new in 2015, presented to the person that has excelled in mentoring new hunters,
Roger Latham Outstanding Service Award
***
Roger M. Latham Sportsman Wild Turkey Service Awards are given to NWTF members who are not employed as professional wildlife managers, but have made significant contributions to wild turkey conservation. This is a national NWTF award.
Preservationist
Mike Adams (Timber Ghost Gobblers Chapter)
This award is presented to the person that hunts wild turkeys, shoots at wild turkeys, and scares the s*** out of wild turkeys without touching a feather.
Chapter Awards
Net to Gross Percentage - Under 99 Attendees
Net to Gross Percent
Elk Country Gobblers - 53% (Photo)
Thornapple Valley Chapter - 52% (Photo)
North Ottawa Toms Gun Bash - 48% (Photo)
High Banks Longbeards - 48% (Photo)
North Ottawa Toms - 48% (Photo)
Gold Coast Gobblers - 46%
Berrien County Trophy Toms - 44%
St. Joe Valley Limbhangers - 43%
Grand Valley Chapter - 43%
Thornapple Valley WITO Event - 40%
Net to Gross Percentage - 100-149 Attendees
Net to Gross Percent
Sunset Shoreline Strutters - 61%
Beard & Spurs Chapter - 54% (Photo)
Flat River Chapter - 52%
Eaton County Strutting Toms - 44% (Photo)
Coldwater River Longbeards - 43%
Waterloo Longbeards - 43%
Three Corners Habitat Chapter - 41%
Lapeer Longbeards - 31%
Flint RIver Chapter - 28%
Midland County Gobblers - 28%
Net to Gross Percentage - 150-199 Attendees
Net to Gross Percent
Southwestern Michigan Longbeards - 70% (Photo)
Sebewaing Gobblers - 51%
White River Longbeards - 51% (Photo)
Cass River Gobblers - 48%
Flatlander Chapter - 41% (Photo)
Alcona Turkey Trotters - 39%
Net to Gross Percentage - 200+ Attendees
Net to Gross Percent
Presque Isle Turkey Trackers - 55% (Photo)
Bays de Noc Gobblers - 53% (Photo)
Cass River Gobblers Gun Bash - 38%
Menominee Strutting Toms - 34%
Highest Net Dollars - Under 99 in Attendance
Highest Net Dollars
Berrien County Trophy Toms - $15,244
Thornapple Valley - $15,003 (Photo)
Elk Country Gobblers - $13,994 (Photo)
St. Joe Valley Limbhangers - $13,201
Grand Valley Local Chapter - $12,887
High Banks Longbeards - $12,447 (Photo)
Gold Coast Gobblers - $11,995
North Ottawa Toms - $10,469
Black River Longbeards - $9,950
Newaygo Valley - $9,721
Highest Net Dollars - 100-149 in Attendance
Highest Net Dollars
Sunset Shoreline Strutters - $27,449
Beard & Spurs Chapter - $18,162 (Photo)
Flat River Chapter - $17,401
Coldwater River Longbeards - $15,943
Eaton County Strutting Toms - $13,002 (Photo)
Waterloo Longbeards - $12,034
Lapeer Longbeards - $10,826
Midland County Gobblers - $9,818
Three Corners Habitat Chapter - $9,188
Boardman River Chapter - $7,192
Highest Net Dollars - 150-199 in Attendance
Highest Net Dollars
Southwestern Michigan Longbeards - $35,207 (Photo)
White River Longbeards - $20,049 (Photo)
Alcona Turkey Trotters - $19,714
Sebewaing Gobblers - $19,062
Flatlander Chapter - $17,268 (Photo)
Cass River Gobblers - $16,558
Highest Net Dollars - 200+ in Attendance
Highest Net Dollars
Presque Isle Turkey Trackers - $24,104 (Photo)
Bays de Noc Gobblers - $21,084 (Photo)
Cass River Gobblers Gun Bash - $16,401
Menominee Strutting Toms - $14,034