{"id":14585,"date":"2026-02-09T19:35:39","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T00:35:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/?p=14585"},"modified":"2026-02-09T19:41:27","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T00:41:27","slug":"celebrating-50-years-the-2026-nwtf-convention-sport-show","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/?p=14585","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating 50 Years: The 2026 NWTF Convention &amp; Sport Show"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"14585\" class=\"elementor elementor-14585\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-730daf64 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"730daf64\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5e4cb16d\" data-id=\"5e4cb16d\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-47fa361a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"47fa361a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">By robbie perdue<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6e6493ee elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6e6493ee\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5f912330\" data-id=\"5f912330\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-60dd14c1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"60dd14c1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4>A Golden Anniversary for America&#8217;s Premier Turkey Hunting Event<\/h4><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is gearing up for an historic celebration in 2026\u2014the <strong>50th anniversary<\/strong> of its renowned Convention and Sport Show. This milestone event promises to be the most spectacular gathering yet, bringing together hunters, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the nation to honor a half-century of turkey conservation, hunting heritage, and community.<\/p><hr \/><h4>What is the NWTF Convention?<\/h4><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">For those new to the hunting community, the NWTF Convention and Sport Show is more than just an event\u2014it&#8217;s the <strong>annual heartbeat of turkey hunting culture<\/strong>. Each year, thousands gather to celebrate achievements in wildlife conservation, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and immerse themselves in everything related to the majestic wild turkey.<\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">The 2026 convention marks a special <strong>golden anniversary<\/strong> that promises to be bigger, better, and more memorable than ever. As the organization proudly states, they&#8217;re &#8220;going bigger than ever&#8221; to celebrate 50 years of impact.<\/p><hr \/><h4>2026 Convention At-A-Glance<\/h4><ul><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Dates:<\/strong> February 12-14, 2026 (with events from February 11-15)<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Nashville, TN<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Theme:<\/strong> 50th Anniversary Celebration<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Expected Attendance:<\/strong> 55,000+ outdoor enthusiasts<\/p><\/li><\/ul><h4>Why This Year Is Special: 50 Years of Conservation<\/h4><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">The 2026 convention isn&#8217;t just another event\u2014it&#8217;s a celebration of <strong>five decades<\/strong> of:<\/p><ul><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Successful wild turkey restoration across North America<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Habitat conservation and land stewardship<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Preservation of hunting traditions<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Education and outreach to new generations of hunters<\/p><\/li><\/ul><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">This milestone represents countless hours of volunteer work, scientific research, and advocacy that have brought wild turkey populations from concerning lows to thriving numbers today.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ca7dcfb elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"7ca7dcfb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"527\" height=\"557\" src=\"https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_convention_logo.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-14589\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_convention_logo.png 527w, https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_convention_logo-284x300.png 284w, https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026_convention_logo-331x350.png 331w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 527px) 100vw, 527px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\"><\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-24b1fe95 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"24b1fe95\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6c9f95f9\" data-id=\"6c9f95f9\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4ab56906 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4ab56906\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"whitespace-pre-wrap text-th-primary-dark antialiased break-words \"><h4>What to Expect at the 50th Anniversary Convention<\/h4><h5>1. <strong>The Sport Show Experience<\/strong><\/h5><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Prepare to explore <strong>90,000 square feet<\/strong> of exhibit space featuring the latest in hunting gear, outdoor equipment, and conservation technology. This is one of Nashville&#8217;s biggest shows, where you&#8217;ll find everything from cutting-edge firearms to artisanal crafts.<\/p><h5>2. <strong>Grand National Competitions<\/strong><\/h5><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Witness the best in the nation compete for top honors:<\/p><ul><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Turkey Calling Championships<\/strong>: Eight divisions with over $25,000 in prizes<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Callmaking Competition<\/strong>: North America&#8217;s premier event for custom call creators<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Taxidermy Competition<\/strong>: Breathtaking artistic renditions of wild turkeys and white-tailed deer<\/p><\/li><\/ul><h5>3. <strong>Unique Auctions and Raffles<\/strong><\/h5><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">The 50th anniversary brings exceptional opportunities:<\/p><ul><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Exclusive hunting trips (from South Africa to Mexico)<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Custom firearms and gear<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Special anniversary merchandise<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Major raffle prizes including Polaris Rangers, boats, and premium hunting packages<\/p><\/li><\/ul><h5>4. <strong>Educational Seminars and Networking<\/strong><\/h5><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Learn from experts, meet hunting celebrities, and connect with fellow conservationists who share your passion for the outdoors.<\/p><h5>5. <strong>Special Anniversary Events<\/strong><\/h5><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">While details continue to emerge, expect:<\/p><ul><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Historical displays showcasing 50 years of NWTF achievements<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Recognition of long-time members and volunteers<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Commemorative merchandise and collectibles<\/p><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6d26681b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"6d26681b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"615\" height=\"410\" src=\"https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/turkey-hen-and-babies-walking.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-14590\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/turkey-hen-and-babies-walking.jpg 615w, https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/turkey-hen-and-babies-walking-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/turkey-hen-and-babies-walking-500x333.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1dd21ab8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"1dd21ab8\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-fdd0c41\" data-id=\"fdd0c41\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-705db964 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"705db964\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ds-message _63c77b1\"><div class=\"ds-markdown\"><h4>Planning Your Visit<\/h4><h5>Accommodation Tips<\/h5><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">The Gaylord Opryland is the official venue, but rooms are selling fast! Consider these alternatives with NWTF group rates (available until January 20, 2026):<\/p><ul><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Hyatt Place Nashville Opryland: $182\/night<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Courtyard Nashville at Opryland: $178\/night<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Fairfield Inn and Suites: $175\/night<\/p><\/li><\/ul><h5>For First-Time Attendees<\/h5><ol start=\"1\"><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Register Early<\/strong>: Anniversary events will draw record crowds<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Plan Your Schedule<\/strong>: With so much happening, prioritize must-see competitions and seminars<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Budget for Auctions<\/strong>: Bring funds for unique items supporting NWTF&#8217;s mission<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong>Network<\/strong>: This is the best place to connect with the turkey hunting community<\/p><\/li><\/ol><hr \/><h4>The Bigger Picture: More Than Just a Convention<\/h4><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">While the convention is a celebration, it serves the NWTF&#8217;s ongoing mission: conserving wild turkeys, preserving hunting traditions, and promoting outdoor recreation. Every ticket purchased, auction bid, and raffle ticket sold supports:<\/p><ul><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Habitat restoration projects<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Youth hunting initiatives<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Conservation research<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Public land access advocacy<\/p><\/li><\/ul><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">The 50th convention represents both a look back at remarkable achievements and a forward focus on ensuring wild turkeys and hunting heritage thrive for another 50 years.<\/p><hr \/><h4>Join the Celebration<\/h4><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Whether you&#8217;re a lifelong NWTF member or new to turkey hunting, the 2026 50th Anniversary Convention offers something for everyone. It&#8217;s a chance to:<\/p><ul><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Be part of conservation history<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Experience the largest gathering of turkey hunters<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Secure unique hunting opportunities<\/p><\/li><li><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Celebrate the success story of wild turkey restoration<\/p><\/li><\/ul><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">Mark your calendars for February 12-14, 2026, and prepare to be part of an historic celebration in Nashville. This golden anniversary promises to be an unforgettable experience that honors the past while building the future of hunting and conservation.<\/p><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\">\u00a0<\/p><hr \/><p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><em>Disclaimer: All information is based on the official NWTF website as of publication. Dates, events, and details may be subject to change. Please check <a href=\"https:\/\/nwtf.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">nwtf.org<\/a> for the most current information.<\/em><\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ds-theme\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"ds-flex _0a3d93b\"><div class=\"ds-flex _965abe9 _54866f7\"><div class=\"db183363 ds-icon-button ds-icon-button--m ds-icon-button--sizing-container\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-disabled=\"false\"><div class=\"ds-icon-button__hover-bg\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"ds-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"db183363 ds-icon-button ds-icon-button--m ds-icon-button--sizing-container\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-disabled=\"false\"><div class=\"ds-focus-ring\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"db183363 ds-icon-button ds-icon-button--m ds-icon-button--sizing-container\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-disabled=\"false\"><div class=\"ds-icon-button__hover-bg\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"ds-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"db183363 ds-icon-button ds-icon-button--m ds-icon-button--sizing-container\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-disabled=\"false\"><div class=\"ds-focus-ring\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"db183363 ds-icon-button ds-icon-button--m ds-icon-button--sizing-container\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-disabled=\"false\"><div class=\"ds-icon-button__hover-bg\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"ds-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"db183363 ds-icon-button ds-icon-button--m ds-icon-button--sizing-container\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-disabled=\"false\"><div class=\"ds-focus-ring\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"db183363 ds-icon-button ds-icon-button--m ds-icon-button--sizing-container\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-disabled=\"false\"><div class=\"ds-icon-button__hover-bg\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"ds-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"db183363 ds-icon-button ds-icon-button--m ds-icon-button--sizing-container\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-disabled=\"false\"><div class=\"ds-focus-ring\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"db183363 ds-icon-button ds-icon-button--m ds-icon-button--sizing-container\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-disabled=\"false\"><div class=\"ds-icon-button__hover-bg\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"ds-icon\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><div class=\"dad65929\"><div class=\"_4f9bf79 d7dc56a8 _43c05b5\"><div class=\"ds-flex _0a3d93b\"><div class=\"ds-flex _965abe9 _54866f7\"><div class=\"db183363 ds-icon-button ds-icon-button--m ds-icon-button--sizing-container\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-disabled=\"false\"><div class=\"ds-focus-ring\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><div>\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"d72636e2\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"aaff8b8f\"><div class=\"_77cefa5 _3d616d3\"><div class=\"_020ab5b\"><div class=\"_24fad49\"><div class=\"ds-scroll-area__gutters\"><div class=\"ds-scroll-area__horizontal-gutter\">\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"ds-scroll-area__vertical-gutter\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><textarea class=\"_27c9245 ds-scroll-area d96f2d2a\" rows=\"2\" placeholder=\"Message DeepSeek\"><\/textarea><div class=\"b13855df\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is gearing up for an historic celebration in 2026\u2014the 50th anniversary of its renowned Convention and Sport Show. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14586,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14585","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hunting"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Successful_Turkey_Hunt_21067354518-scaled.jpg","acf":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14585","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14585"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14585\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14593,"href":"https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14585\/revisions\/14593"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14586"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14585"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=14585"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/feathersandwhiskey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=14585"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}