Turkeys for Tomorrow (TFT) is excited to announce a four-year, nine-state study to analyze the effects of predation on modern wild turkey population dynamics. This project will span across Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This will take place on 11 1,000-acre properties.
"Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs) and trail cameras are the key components for determining population dynamics," said TFT CEO Jason Lupardus. "The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is the lead of four universities, along with Tall Timbers, National Trappers Association, National Trappers Foundation, OnX, Duke Traps, and TFT."
These aren't the only organizations excited about the upcoming study, though. Individuals and companies throughout the industry, such as the Origins Foundation, are offering support for this much-needed research.
"We need to answer some of the big questions out there, and unfortunately, that requires doing epic things at epic scales," said Origins Foundation's Robbie Kroger. "Doing that also requires a little risk-taking, which is what makes me excited about what TFT is doing with predators."
"We're very blessed to have a relationship with Origins Foundation and Robbie Kroger, and for him to have a fantastic idea for a partnership," Lupardus said. "Origins Foundation and TFT have partnered together to bring you a diaphragm holder that's really made out of a hockey puck. I give Robbie all the credit here. This thing can hold multiple diaphragm calls. It's vented and unscrews. It looks sharp. And it reminds you of an old Skoal can that some people carry around in their pockets. But this one has something a lot better in it — all your favorite calls."
Some might wonder, why should turkey hunters buy these? And what sparked the idea to create this product? Lupardus says these call holders hold up very well. Durability is key, and these offer that. With these, hunters get quality and a product that will last for many seasons, rather than weeks or months.
"I have always lost my mouth calls, or stuck them randomly in my turkey vest, which then resulted in them drying out or getting dirt on them," Kroger said. "I have been searching for something that would keep my mouth calls clean, dry, and separated out. It's literally the product we have always wanted but nobody created. Now we have it. A place to store and carry your mouth calls. It's a product that fits very nicely into a turkey vest."
For those interested in supporting TFT and wild turkey research, consider buying one of these call holders, soon to be available to the public.
Lupardus is proud of this partnership and fundraiser. No politics. It's just to raise money for wild turkey research — bottom line.
Like TFT, Kroger is passionate about conservation, too. He stresses the importance of preserving wildlife, wild places, and the people who enjoy caring for these things.
"In today's world, who is going to care for the environment?" Kroger said. "It's the people who engage and value it. That's what moves the needle with conservation.
"The Origins Foundation is proud to work and partner with TFT," Kroger continued. "We are very similar organizations — young, a lot of ambition, and a work ethic second to none. We just get it done. We both are lean, mean machines wanting to do epic things. No bureaucracy. No red tape. No politics. We see an issue; we see something that needs to be handled; and we handle it. That's why I like TFT."
Wild turkey populations are on the decline throughout the nation. Established in 2021, TFT is new to the landscape, but it's driven by highly trained professionals with decades of conservation experience. To support TFT, and the complete body of wild turkey research and conservation it's leading, become a member today. An Adult Annual Membership is $50, multi-year Team Turkey Membership is $250, and Life Membership is $2,500. Every dollar counts in the fight for wild turkey preservation.