Each spring, hunters throughout the country return to the woods to hear gobbles echo through the trees and responsibly harvest North America’s wild game bird. Centuries ago, wild turkeys numbered in millions, but loss of quality habitat and overharvest had their toll on populations. In the early 20th century, after increased deforestation and continued market hunting, the population plummeted. By the 1930s, America’s wild turkeys approached extinction.
Then, around the 1940s, conservation became a priority, and new funding sources through the Pitman-Robertson Act allowed state agencies to operationalize habitat restoration projects, develop effective management measures, and reintroduce turkeys in key landscapes.
The wild turkey’s recovery is an American conservation success story, as today the population approaches seven million birds across 49 states. However, that population is experiencing new pressures, and numbers have shown signs of decline recently. As responsible hunters, conservation must be a priority to provide populations of harvestable wildlife for the future and to steward the next generation of hunters. When it comes to turkeys, there are numerous groups doing fantastic work when it comes to wild turkey conservation. Take a look below and consider supporting or volunteering for any of the groups below!
The National Wild Turkey Federation
The National Wild Turkey Federation’s mission plan centers on conserving wild turkey populations while preserving America’s hunting heritage, supported by a broader vision of “a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.” The organization emphasizes a holistic approach that connects wildlife conservation, habitat management, and people—aiming not just to protect turkeys, but also to engage and grow a diverse community of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Its strategy focuses on large-scale, partnership-driven conservation efforts guided by four core priorities: clean water, healthy habitats, resilient communities, and expanded recreational opportunities. Overall, NWTF’s work highlights that sustaining turkey populations and hunting traditions requires coordinated habitat work, public access, and cultural engagement at a national scale. Get involved with NWTF today!
Turkeys for Tomorrow
Turkeys for Tomorrow is a nonprofit conservation group focused specifically on reversing the decline of wild turkey populations in the United States by funding scientific research and working with wildlife agencies, universities, landowners, and hunters. The organization puts most of its resources into research-driven solutions and habitat work, while also promoting ethical hunting and hunter involvement as key parts of conservation. Learn more about Turkeys for Tomorrow!
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers works to protect public lands and waters so they remain accessible for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. It focuses on conservation policy, habitat protection, and advocacy to ensure wildlife and outdoor traditions are preserved for future generations. Public lands are both critical to conserving future turkey populations, but also for hunters’ access to the outdoors and longbears. BHA leverages a network of chapters across the country, so check out your local chapter for on-the-ground conservation projects!
Ruffled Grouse Society
The Ruffled Grouse Society was founded on the dedication to improving forest habitat for ruffed grouse and other wildlife species. It focuses on creating young, diverse forests through active land management, which benefits a wide range of animals, including wild turkeys, deer, and songbirds. This science-based forest management strategy, coupled with a highly successful public-private partnership, has led to habitat improvements on over 500,000 acres. The organization also supports hunting traditions, public land access, and conservation education.
The Nature Conservancy
While not your traditional hunting conservation group, The Nature Conservancy’s mission to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends benefits wild turkeys in the US, the habitats they depend on, and the future tradition of turkey hunting. In the US, The Nature Conservancy has protected millions of acres of habitats, restored landscapes throughout the country, and supports hunting on those parcels. One of the organization’s tried and true techniques in the states is prescribed burns, which are a highly effective tool for improving turkey habitat; in 2025 alone, TNC hit its goal of 500,000 acres of prescribed burns in North Carolina. Learn more about TNC here!
