The red, white, and blue ripples in the wind, standing tall and proud in a farmer's front yard. Up on the ridge, a lone longbeard rips through the silence with a throaty gobble, telling pesky crows overhead not to tread on him, or else. The woods are coming alive, and the wild turkeys, wild plants, and wild places everywhere signal the dawn of a new spring. This year, it just happens to be our country's 250th.
"As a veteran, I think it's very important that we recognize the sacrifices made by the men and women of this country," said TFT Director of Outreach Pete Dougherty. "And, as a veteran, conservationist, and outdoorsman, the times I haven't been stateside to enjoy the wild turkey were challenging. I enjoy getting out in the woods on a spring day. It makes you appreciate it even more when you can't do that."
Daugherty was full-time National Guard for 22 years. He was a military police officer for about 16 of those. The last six, he served in a logistical role. He's also been on deployment and served with fellow TFT colleague Wes Accord, who is the assistant director of outreach. Together, they served at home and overseas.
"It's special that both of us had boots on the ground for the country, and now, we're working together for conservation," Daugherty said.
"That career chose me, but I'm thankful that it did," Daugherty Continued. "I wouldn't trade it for anything. I met Ron Jolly through that, and he introduced me to TFT. Now, I'm working with them."
Here at TFT, conservation and veterans are near and dear to the heart. For TFT, being able to give back to wild turkeys, and help U.S. veterans, are significant priorities. So, for the men and women overseas and on deployment, while you're fighting for us, TFT is proud to keep fighting for America's greatest game bird. We'll ensure wild turkeys are here when you get back home.
Of course, for the past 250 years, the veterans who have served this nation exhibited selflessness and sacrifice. Our country was born out of that sacrifice. And TFT thanks our warriors for that.
Ironically, although in a much different way, dedicated conservation exhibits some of these same principles. And the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation — which is the conservation model standard for the world — was born right here in the USA. That wouldn't have happened without the bloodshed by our veterans, either. TFT thanks all who contribute, and have contributed, on both fronts.
"People like Aldo Leopold, Teddy Roosevelt, and others, stood up and said we have to do something, or we aren't going to have this resource for future generations," Daugherty said.
"There's commonality there," Daugherty continued. "A lot of conservation involves self-imposed restrictions. Some states have liberal bag limits. There, people commonly decide that, as conservationists, they'll only harvest one bird (despite having four turkey tags). They want to make sure that turkeys are there next year, and the year after that. This takes a lot of restraint, because in today's day and age of instant gratification, a lot of people want to fill all four tags. But some hunters practice that self-control and sacrifice, and they do it for the good of the resource."
To all citizens of this great nation — those who served, have loved ones who served, or merely thank those who have and do — we celebrate our 250th year of hunting turkeys as Americans.
"Most countries don't make it that far," Daugherty said. "But I think we are on the right track. I think we're doing better than we've done in a long time. To play a small role in that as a vet is something I'm very proud of."
Support 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.