NWTF - Glacial Lakes Chapter

05/17/2026

The NWTF's investments in wild turkey research are continuing in 2026 with funding proposals being accepted through our Research Grants Program!

Thanks to Bass Pro Shops, NWTF State Chapters, major donors, and the members and volunteers who continue to dedicate their time, effort and dollars to the conservation of our cherished bird!


📷: Tom Martineau

05/02/2026

04/29/2026

This past weekend the Glacial Lakes Region Chapter of the NWTF partnered with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and hosted the 6th Annual Codington County Mentored Turkey Hunt. This year there were 10 youth that participated in the hunt. The weather was less than ideal, but the youth, mentors and parents stuck it out and made the best of it.

The hunt started on Friday night where the youth and their parents met their mentors, learned about turkey biology, learned fi****ms safety, patterned shotguns, and had supper. The youth and their parents then went with the mentor and roosted the birds for the night.

Saturday morning the youth, their parents and the mentors got up bright and early, battled the rain and wind in hopes of getting a bird. Two birds were shot and many close encounters were had.

At noon on Saturday, everyone came back together for lunch. The youth were also shown how to process their birds and how to prep them for any kind of mounting.

This hunt has been made so successful over the years in large part to the people behind the scenes. We just want to say thank you to all the landowners who have allowed access to their properties for the hunt. To all the mentors who have been with us since the start and been so willing to share their knowledge. And to all the sponsors for their donations: THRIVENT, Porky's BBQ, VORTEX, Grass Lakes Conservation Club, FOP Lodge 6, The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.

01/17/2026

One of our long time members received the volunteer of the year award for South Dakota NWTF. Francis was one of the founding members of our chapter and is well deserving of this award. Congratulations once again to Francis Strofus.

{KXLG, Watertown, SD} Francis Strohfus of Henry was named the South Dakota National Wild Turkey Federation State Volunteer of the Year during their annual convention held this past Saturday in

08/01/2025

Event alert!!! The annual Glacial Lakes Youth Sportsfest is coming up in about a month. If you have any youth interested, sign them up. It is free and all materials needed are provided. Hope to see you there.

07/13/2025

Getting caught up with spring happenings. Once again we partnered with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, Grass Lakes Conservation Club, VORTEX, Porky's BBQ, and THRIVENT to host the 5th Annual Codington County Mentored Turkey Hunt. This year we had 10 youth who participated in the hunt. The hunt started out with an educational meeting, patterning of shotguns, tried wild turkey, and roosted birds for the next morning. Than the next morning youth got up bright and early for hunting. Four of the youth were successful in harvesting a bird in this years hunt, but many of the youth had close encounters and made memories not to be forgotten. After the hunt, youth were treated to lunch and learned how to process their harvested birds. Side note, two youth were taken out on later dates after the hunt and harvested their birds. Also, we as a club provide all youth in the hunt a Jake's membership to the NWTF.

Thank you to all sponsors for providing equipment, food, beverages, etc. for everyone. To all mentors who have for years given up their time, to help mold and get these future hunters involved. To all the landowners who allowed us to hunt their properties for not only this years hunt, but every years hunt. You truly have made this hunt what it is today, so thank you for your continued support. Finally to the youth who participated in this years hunt, welcome to the NWTF family and good luck in your future endeavors.

03/12/2025

What are your plans for this Friday. If your free and in the Watertown area, stop into our NWTF Hunting Heritage Banquet at 2nd Street Station. Doors open at 5:30 pm and Dinner starts at 7:00 pm. Tickets are available now or at the door. Lots of great prizes and auction items available. We also have a kids room with games and prizes for them as well. SEE YOU THERE!!!

03/08/2025

03/02/2025

*Tomorrow is your last chance at the Early Bird*

Don't forget to purchase your tickets before March 5th to get in on the Early Bird drawing. We are less than two weeks away from our Banquet.

08/19/2024