Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has been dedicated to the research and conservation of the wild turkey. Now with over 500,000 members and 2,000 chapters nationwide, the NWTF has brought the wild turkey back from the brink of extinction, to present day population numbers over 6.5 million. Each year in February, thousands of turkey hunting enthusiasts find their way to Nashville to celebrate their turkey hunting heritage at the NWTF National Convention at the Opryland Hotel and Resort. Over 80,000 attendees from Thursday to Saturday stalked the aisles for the latest and greatest from call manufacturers, clothing brands, firearm and ammunition companies, taxidermy and wildlife artists…the list goes on.

In Part One of this special two-part live episode we sit down with Winchester Ammunition engineer Grant Jeremiah and talk about the new Longbeard TSS turkey load. We also chat with Foster Bartholow from Team Winchester and his incredible story about a once in a lifetime gobbler. We’ll also chat with Mandy Harling from NWTF about how their education and outreach programs are making an impact on youth across the country. Finally former NWTF CEO of 30 years and turkey hunting legend Rob Keck talks about the early days of the NWTF, about how the Grand National Turkey Calling Championship got started and shares his new quest for the wild turkey provincial slam.