Ashley’s Corner – NWTF Convention

Recently, I had the opportunity to go to the National Wild Turkey Federation Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. I’ve been lucky enough to go the last couple of years and it’s something I really enjoy going to. If you have never been, I definitely recommend it! While you’re waiting for next February to roll around for the big convention, research your local chapter. Most NWTF chapters host small banquets throughout the year. Obviously, it’s a great cause but it’s also a lot of fun. There are games for kids and auctions for the adults. They also give away numerous guns and the odds of winning one are pretty good.

Although your chances of winning at the NWTF Convention aren’t as promising as they would be at a local banquet, there are still great auctions and vendors to see. During the live auction, hunts were being bought at ridiculously low prices. An Argentina dove hunt for five people sold for $300 dollars. They were also auctioning off bear, deer, and turkey hunts along with two African Safaris that went for less than $1,500 each.

The rows of vendors inside the convention went on as far as the eye could see. There were outfitters, custom call makers, jewelry shops, and clothing brands everywhere. Everything was a lot cheaper there than if you were to buy it online or in the store. Most of the women’s camouflage and clothes in general were pink and frilly. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love pink. A lot of girls do, too. But I think it should be limited when it comes to what you’re going to where in the woods. There is this stereotype that still surrounds women in the outdoors that they are going to be covered head to toe in pink camo and that we don’t dress or act like men do in the woods. One turkey outfitter at the convention asked me if I was going to “tag along with daddy” on the trip. Little did he know that the trip was for me to start getting my Grand Slam.

I got to spend Valentine’s Weekend surrounded by thousands of fellow hunters, male and female alike. There is such a sense of comradery in the hunting community and it’s incredible to see how quickly we can all come together. This time at the NWTF Convention, I got to meet Michael Waddell and Nick Mundt, who told me how much they love seeing young women involved in the sport. I also got to meet Knight and Hale, who have produced my favorite calls. I also got to re-meet Roger Raglin. He is friends with my dad and remembered me from a hunting convention years ago and was so glad to see that I am still a hunter. There are so many other iconic hunters who were there and I’m still hoping that next year Eva Shockey will decide to make an appearance. As always, the NWTF Convention was one to remember.