The local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is fund raising, and that means a barbecue dinner, live and silent auction and gun raffles for attendees of the NWTF’s upcoming event.

The NWTF Hunting Heritage Banquet will be held at the AW Todd Center June 23 at 6 p.m., featuring Whole Hog barbeque, live and silent auction and gun raffles.

The NWTF targets wild turkey populations and conservation and promotes hunting lifestyle and culture. The federation’s current focus is its “Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt” initiative, with goals including conserving or enhance 4 million acres of upland habitat, recruiting at least 1.5 million hunters and opening hunting access to 500,000 acres for hunting.

The NWTF has more than 1,700 chapters in all 50 states, with 70 in Alabama, and has raised in excess of $306 million for wild turkey conservation, according to Howard Dahlem, North Alabama regional director for NWTF. “Since 1985 over $1,858,812 has been raised and spent by Alabama chapters on projects within the state of Alabama,” Dahlem said. “As of today, 28,000 acres have been added back to public hunting and Wildlife Management Areas within Alabama.” Local chapters have also been responsible for making gifts and grants to North Alabama shooting teams – like the Smokin’ Guns of Cedar Hill, who will be the recipients of a donation at Thursday’s banquet.

Tickets for the banquet cost $10. For more information call Tim Burks at 256-627-4105 or email timburks@franklin.k12.al.us.