Minnesota NWTF Honored Nationally for Long-Standing Partnership with 4-H Shooting Sports
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by Trinity Gruenberg
At the 50th annual National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Convention and Sport Show held in Nashville, Tennessee, on February 13, the Minnesota NWTF State Chapter was recognized for its long-running collaboration with the Minnesota 4-H Shooting Sports and Wildlife Program. The award honors chapters whose partnerships strengthen hunting heritage, outdoor education, and conservation efforts nationwide.
Minnesota’s recognition highlights a 23-year partnership between NWTF and 4-H, the longest-running collaboration of its kind in the country. Over that time, NWTF has contributed approximately $5,000 annually, totaling more than $100,000 invested in youth leadership and outdoor education through the 4-H Shooting Sports and Wildlife Ambassador Program.
For Minnesota State Chapter President Ralph Warzecha, the national honor represents more than just a plaque.
“It’s not the medals, it’s not the plaques, it’s just the people you meet and the difference you can make,” he said.
Nicole Pokorney, Extension Educator with the University of Minnesota and 4-H outdoor education program director, emphasized that the award celebrates the program as a whole.
“I was really honored that it wasn’t just me being named, it was the program. Their award recognized that what we bring and what they bring, together we’re better,” she said.
This is the only remaining NWTF–4‑H partnership in the nation...
