The National Wild Turkey Federation is a non-profit conservation and hunting organization that, along with its volunteers, partners and sponsors, has worked for the conservation of the wild turkey and preservation of the hunting tradition.

Prior to the establishment of the NWTF, wild turkeys numbered about 1.3 million. Today, that has grown to more than seven million birds throughout North America, and hunting seasons have been established in 49 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico.

In 1973, Tom Rodgers founded the federation in Fredericksburg, Va., as a non-profit conservation and education organization. Shortly thereafter, he relocated the NWTF to Edgefield, S.C., where it is headquartered today.

At the time of its founding, NWTF had only 1,300 members. Today there are more than a halfmillion members, with local chapters at numerous locations.

Lampasas County residents Bob Chapman, Jason Byrd and Rick Baxter are trying to start a Lampasas County chapter of the federation.

To help reach that goal, a National Wild Turkey Federation banquet and auction are set Aug. 8 at the Hostess House, 1406 U.S. Highway 281. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for participants to browse through the outdoor-related auction items, make silent bids and purchase raffle tickets for other items.

The banquet meal will be served at 7:30 p.m. A live auction will follow the meal with other special outdoor items.

Ticket prices are $45 and include one dinner ticket, annual NWTF membership, membership card and decal, one-year subscription to Turkey Call magazine, and the NEWF state newsletter. Also, ticket purchasers will be eligible for two bags of food plot seeds at reduced prices through the state Super Fund seed subsidy program.

A $60 couples ticket also is available. Youths 18 and under may purchase Jakes tickets for $14, and that includes the same incentives as the single ticket.

Turkey hunters, other hunters, landowners, land managers and all those interested in the conservation of natural resources are encouraged to attend the banquet and support this organization.

The National Wild Turkey Federation has made some impressive strides in wildlife management as it has forged partnerships across the country to further its conservation mission.

Together, NWTF volunteers, sponsors and members have raised more than $286 million to uphold our hunting traditions and conserve nearly 14 million acres of wildlife habitat.

Although wild turkey numbers have increased dramatically, NWTF is still working to enhance habitat for wild turkeys and other wildlife while providing hunters with more opportunities and access to public and private lands.

In addition, NWTF volunteers are introducing youth, women and those with disabilities to the outdoors through special educational events.

I am not a dedicated turkey hunter, but my wife and I plan to attend the banquet and hope you will, too.

Chapman said this year the organization gave two $500 scholarships to Lampasas High School students. "We need the banquet and auction to be successful to give additional scholarships next year," he said.

Tickets for the banquet may be purchased from Chapman at 564- 1909 or Jason Byrd at 556-8271. Credit cards may be used to purchase tickets as well as auction items.

Remember that the NWTF is a non-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.

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Speaking of wild turkeys, while visiting my sister last week near Clarksville, Tenn., we saw two hens with a number of poults grazing in her front yard early one morning. I grabbed my camera but was able to take only one photo.

My wife and I, and my brother and his wife traveled to Tennessee to attend my sister's 50th wedding anniversary celebration. I will report on my trip in next week's column.

Former Soil Conservation Service employee and longtime writer Mat Taylor offers his outdoors column for Dispatch Record readers. He can be contacted at (254) 518-2262 or via e-mail at mntaylor@agristar.net.