NWTF-Indiana

05/29/2026

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service just announced the largest proposed expansion of hunting and fishing access in the agency's history. More than 1,450 new opportunities across 111 field stations and 32 states. If finalized, over 92 million acres of the National Wildlife Refuge System will be open to hunters.

What does it mean for Indiana? Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge here in our backyard has been part of previous expansion efforts, and proposals like this directly impact the access Indiana hunters have to public ground. More acreage, more opportunity, fewer barriers to getting out and pursuing wild turkey, deer, waterfowl, and small game on land that belongs to all of us.

This is exactly the kind of work that protects the future of hunting in Indiana and across the country. Public access is the foundation. Without it, the tradition we love doesn't survive another generation.

The Service is taking public comments on the proposed rule for 30 days starting May 27. If you want to be part of the conversation, you can submit comments at regulations.gov under Docket Number FWS-HQ-NWRS-2026-1223.

Stand up for the access. Stand up for the tradition. Be the voice of the hunter at the table.

05/27/2026

Congrats to the Indiana NWTF Calendar week #21 winners (5/27/26)! Gabe H. (Monticello, IN. Calendar A #609) and Darrel S. (Cortland, IN. Calendar B #431).

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we remember the men and women who gave everything so we could enjoy the freedoms we hold close. The freedom to hunt. To fish. To pass these traditions down to our kids in the woods and on the water.

The land we walk and the seasons we cherish exist because someone was willing to defend them.

Take a moment this today. Remember them. Honor them.

From all of us at NWTF Indiana, thank you to the fallen and their families.

05/22/2026

Right now, the next generation is hitting the ground.

Across Indiana, hens are leading their poults through tall grass and field edges in search of food and cover. This is the most critical stretch of the entire turkey life cycle.

Here's the hard truth: only about 1 in 3 poults survive their first few weeks. Predators, weather, and a lack of quality cover take the rest. The single biggest factor in whether those poults make it? Habitat.

Native grasses. Brushy edges. Insect-rich fields where poults can feed and hide. That's what carries a brood through the summer and into the fall. And that's exactly the kind of habitat work NWTF funds across Indiana every single year.

The toms you'll chase in 2027 and beyond are the poults walking through the grass right now. Protecting them starts today.

Want to be part of the work that keeps Indiana turkey hunting strong for generations? Join NWTF Indiana.

Seeing any broods on your property yet? Drop a comment below.

05/20/2026

Congrats to the Indiana NWTF Calendar week #20 winners (5/20/26)! Savannah B. (Etna Green, IN. Calendar A #501) and Benny F. (Terre Haute, IN. Calendar B #14).

05/18/2026

Spring season's over, but the work isn't.

The toms you hunted this year didn't show up by accident. They had food, cover, and safe nesting habitat. The toms you'll hunt in 2027 need the same thing right now.

This is the time of year when habitat work matters most. Native grass plots. Brush piles. Edge cover for hens raising poults. Every acre of good habitat in Indiana means more birds for next spring.

Want to be part of that work? NWTF Indiana funds habitat projects across the state. Join us. https://your.nwtf.org/members/membership/?action=member_information

05/15/2026

Stop making the same dry, overcooked turkey breast every year. Try wild turkey pastrami.

This isn't your average wild game recipe. It's a smoke, brine, and dry rub process that turns a wild turkey breast into deli-quality pastrami with a hint of smoke, spice, and serious flavor. Slice it thin. Serve it cold. Stack it on rye. Pair it with your favorite mustard.

The brine pulls in flavor without drying out the meat. The dry rub builds the crust. The smoke gives it depth. And if you've got a sous vide setup, you can finish it without losing a drop of moisture. (Pro tip: add a splash of brandy or spiced rum to the bag before sealing it. Game changer.)

Indiana hunters worked hard for those birds this spring. Don't let them sit in the freezer until November. Cook them right.

Full recipe and step-by-step instructions from NWTF here: https://www.nwtf.org/content-hub/wild-turkey-pastrami

What's your favorite way to cook a spring turkey? Drop it in the comments.

05/15/2026

Are you ready for a new adventure or looking to achieve the World Turkey Slam? How about a unique trip to the jungle in search of ocellated turkey? Worldwide Trophy Adventures and one of the most respected and professional outfitters in southern Mexico are bringing you a turkey hunt you’ll never forget. Ocellated turkeys are the smallest of all the turkeys, with males generally only weighing 10–12 pounds, but they have the largest spurs of all the turkeys. They’re beautiful with iridescent shades of aqua, purple, orange, and many other vibrant colors. In the recent past, this outfitter has delivered a nearly 100% shot opportunity on this amazing hunt.

5% of Proceeds Directly Supports NWTF’s Conservation of the Wild Turkey
WTA donates 5% of the proceeds to our wild turkey conservation efforts.

05/15/2026

Love turkeys? Learn about the benefits of joining the NWTF today. Members make land conservation, habitat improvement and turkey research happen. You can help ensure great hunting for the next generation plus kids memberships are only $10!

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05/13/2026

Congrats to the Indiana NWTF Calendar week #19 winners (5/13/26)! Stacey H. (Fort Wayne, IN. Calendar A #30) and Kolton H. (North Vernon, IN. Calendar B #424).