2023 State Award Winners
Awards presented January 21, 2024
To nominate someone for an individual award, please contact Jon Gray or complete a Nomination Form
Click here for past years' recipients.
2023 Individual Award Winners
Outstanding Service
Leslie Wilson - Beard & Spurs Chapter
Ernie Pedri - Black River Longbeards
Nancy & Stephanie Wood - Sunset Shoreline Strutters
Scott Kroon - Alcona Turkey Trotters
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
Shettler Supply - Firearms & Ammunition - Byron, MI
This award recognizes the contributions of businesses or individuals that support local NWTF chapters in their fundraising efforts.
Conservation Award
USFWS - Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program
This award recognizes professional individuals (biologists or technicians) or agencies here in Michigan who have proven themselves 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
Justin Ulberg (Kent County)
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.
Michigan NWTF Pete Demos Memorial Academic Scholarship
Matthew Kaven - Escanaba High School (Bays de Noc Chapter)
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 Pete Demos Memorial Academic Scholarship at the state level, and then eligible for the National NWTF Dr. James Earl Kennamer Academic Scholarship.
Conservation Educator of the Year
***
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
Maia Nelson (Gladstone) - 2024 Patch
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
Bob Garner (Three Corners Habitat Chapter)
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
Corey Lucas - Cedar Run Decoy Co.
This award recognize an individual in Michigan who has mentored new hunters. This individual may have mentored adults, youth, women, disabled individuals, and/or veterans to help them become 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
**
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
Chapter Net Dollars
Total of all Michigan fundraising events in fiscal year 2023
Sunset Shoreline Strutters $35,573
Southwestern Michigan Longbeards $27,476
Grand Valley Chapter * $26,860
White River Longbeards $26,300
Whiteford Valley Chapter * $21,718
* Held two events in 2023
Individual Event Net to Gross Percentage
Single event regardless of type or attendance
Crockery Creek Longbeards Gun Bash 64.21%
Sunset Shoreline Strutters 63.89%
Southwestern Michigan Longbeards 59.96%
Elk Country Gobblers 57.26%
Bays de Noc Gobblers 57.18%
Individual Event Net Dollars by Attendance
Highest Net Dollars - Events Under 99 Attendees
Fremont Area Chapter $15,415
High Banks Longbeards $15,080
Flat River Chapter $14,830
Van Buren Longbeards $14,442
Black River Longbeards $13,958
Highest Net Dollars - Events 100-149 Attendees
Sunset Shoreline Strutters $35,573
Southwestern Michigan Longbeards $27,476
Grand Valley Local Chapter $20,161
Thornapple Valley $18,103
Coldwater River Longbeards $17,466
Highest Net Dollars - Events 150-199 in Attendance
Sebewaing Gobblers $20,972
Crockery Creek Longbeards $20,418
Eaton County Strutting Toms $19,964
Presque Isle Turkey Trackers $17,436
Bays de Noc Gobblers $16,506
Highest Net Dollars - Events 200+ in Attendance
White River Longbeards $26,300
Menominee Strutting Toms $18,406
Flatlander Chapter $16,752
Best New Event
Individual Event Net Dollars
Crockery Creek Longbeards $20,418