How one Alabama flock experienced great turnout, and why others soon will.
TFT is proud to announce excellent turnouts for recent grassroots events. At the forefront is the outstanding Coosa River Flock dinner, which was recently hosted in Gadsden, Alabama.
Hunter Hayes helped launch Gadsden, Alabama’s Coosa River Flock (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org/chapters/coosa-river-flock/) in August of 2024. Since then, they’ve planted roots and put their best wing forward to assist in the conservation of wild turkeys.
“The Coosa River Flock is the sixth flock in Alabama and the first in the northeast region of the state,” said a TFT representative. “It’s dedicated to wild turkey conservation in and around Calhoun, Etowah, and St. Clair counties.”
Hayes says, since TFT came along and the Coosa River Flock’s inception, it’s translated to a lot of momentum for turkeys.
“That was our first chapter event,” Hayes said. “We had 18 table sponsors, which for a first-year event, is unheard of. We had a really good response from the local level. We raffled off 21 guns that night, not counting sponsor table guns. We ended up with a really cool event with 227 people.”
The giveaways included TFT partner gear and TFT-branded items, many of which included high-value MSRPs. However, the Gaston event also secured really intriguing items for the local level, too.
“One thing that was unique — Allen Deese with the wildlife group, donated several hundred dollars’ worth of pear trees,” Hayes said. “It’s all about turkeys and turkey awareness, but a lot of people don’t think about the land turkeys live on. So, those pear, oak, and other trees are cool to have.”
They also had Jeb’s chokes, cellular trail cameras, and many other useful and unique items. Overall, attendees enjoyed great food and an excellent event. That said, it’s the funding compiled for wild turkey conservation that matters most.
“One of the things I’ve really enjoyed with TFT is their dedication to putting money back into the wild turkey,” Hayes said. “They’re being very transparent, and the money local flocks push for, and that local individuals and businesses give, is coming back. It puts a notch in TFT’s belt when they can say a lot of that money is going right back to the local level. That’s what people like to hear.”
Attend an Event Near You
The Coosa River Flock success isn’t a one-off. The TFT movement is sweeping, and widespread, and you can find an event near you.
Those who are interested in attending a local TFT event can search for one near them (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org/events/). Other upcoming events include:
- February 24, 2025: River Region Flock (Montgomery, Alabama) (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org/event/tft-river-region-flock-conservation-dinner/)
- February 28, 2025: Allegheny Flock (Clearfield, Pennsylvania) (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org/event/tft-allegheny-flock-conservation-dinner/)
- February 28, 2025: Blackwater Flock (Orangeburg, South Carolina) (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org/event/tft-blackwater-flock-conservation-dinner/)
- March 1, 2025: Appalachian Flock (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org/event/appalachian-tft-flock-conservation-dinner/)
- March 1, 2025: Two Rivers Flock (Trenton, Tennessee) (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org/event/two-rivers-flock-conservation-dinner/)
- March 6, 2025: Southeast Mississippi Strutters Flock (Waynesboro, Mississippi) (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org/event/tft-southeast-ms-strutters-flock-conservation-dinner/)
- March 6, 2025: Up State Flock (Fountain Inn, South Carolina) (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org/event/up-state-tft-flock-conservation-dinner/)
- March 7, 2025: Pee Dee River Flock (Marion, South Carolina) (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org/event/tft-pee-dee-river-flock-conservation-dinner/)
- March 8, 2025: Eastern Pennsylvania Flock (Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania) (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org/event/eastern-pa-flock-conservation-dinner/)
- March 8, 2025: Holmes Creek Flock (Graceville, Florida) (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org/event/tft-holmes-creek-flock-conservation-dinner/)
- March 8, 2025: Northwest Alabama Flock (Florence, Alabama) (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org/event/tft-nw-al-flock-conservation-dinner/)
- March 20, 2025: Auburn Flock (Notasulga, Alabama) (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org/event/tft-auburn-flock-conservation-dinner/)
- April 2, 2025: Emerald Coast Flock (Destin, Florida) (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org/event/tft-emerald-coast-flock-conservation-dinner/)
Of course, other events (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org/events/) will be scheduled soon. Find one near you. Or read on for potential opportunities to start a flock closer to home.
Start a Flock Near You
Those who don’t already have a flock near them might consider helping TFT start one. This movement relies on grassroots efforts, and your help moves the needle.
“Due to the overwhelming support and desire to start TFT flocks across the country, TFT has developed an application form for prospective local flocks,” said a TFT representative. “This form will help TFT better evaluate potential flock locations, committees, and leadership. Once you have completed this form, TFT will contact you within seven to 10 business days. Thank you for your support and willingness to help turkeys.”
Use the available link (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org/flock-application/) to complete the application.
“Transparency is key,” Hayes said. “We’re for the turkeys, nothing more and nothing less.”
And that won’t change.
Support TFT
Wild turkey populations are on the decline throughout the nation. Established in 2021, TFT is new to the landscape, but it’s driven by highly trained professionals with decades of conservation experience. To support TFT (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org), and the complete body of wild turkey research and conservation it’s leading, become a member today (https://turkeysfortomorrow.org/membership-account/membership-levels/). An adult annual membership is $50, annual team turkey member is $250, and life membership is $2,500. Every dollar counts in the fight for wild turkey preservation.