Molly Jordan Highlights Conservation, Hunter Safety, and NWTF Banquet in WEIS Radio Interview

WEIS Radio was honored to welcome Molly Jordan, President of the Northeast Alabama Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), to the studio on Wednesday morning. Jordan shared insight into the organization’s mission, highlighted the importance of hunter safety, and offered details on the chapter’s highly anticipated annual banquet.

You can listen to the interview here:

The Northeast Alabama Chapter of the NWTF will host its annual banquet on Friday, July 26, at the scenic Chattokee Lodge. The evening celebrates conservation, community, and a shared love of the outdoors, bringing together NWTF supporters and advocates from across the region.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with a fish and chicken fry dinner served at 6:30 p.m. The evening will feature a silent auction filled with unique donated items, followed by a high-energy live auction showcasing NWTF-exclusive gear and memorabilia. Multiple raffles will be held throughout the evening, and a licensed FFL dealer will be on site.

Items available during the auction include personal safes, firearms, Mary Kay products, boutique items from local vendors, and raffle packs from Leesburg County Store. DeKalb Sportsman will also feature a special package, along with a wide selection of NWTF swag and gear.

The banquet welcomes attendees of all ages, and young people are strongly encouraged to take part. Students from Cedar Bluff FFA play a key role in preparing for and assisting during the event.

“Youth is another focus of the organization,” said Jordan. “We take kids on youth hunts and partner with groups like Kidz Outdoors. There is nothing like teaching someone—that is part of who we are with our hunting heritage.”

Jordan also highlighted the growing participation of women hunters in the sport. “There’s nothing wrong with camo and pearls,” she said with a smile, referencing the increasing popularity of outdoor pursuits among women, fueled in part by social media and online personalities.

Tickets are available online at: https://events.nwtf.org/E11-4124/tickets.

• Single ticket: $60

• Couple: $80

• Sponsorship Member: $300

• JAKES (16 and under): $20

Each ticket includes admission, dinner, an NWTF membership, and a subscription to Turkey Call magazine. Groups or businesses may also purchase table sponsorships.

Jordan also discussed the NWTF National Convention, typically held the Saturday following Valentine’s Day in Nashville, Tennessee, a premier event for members nationwide.

She expressed pride in the chapter’s impact on the community, particularly their leadership in hunter safety education. “We hosted the largest hunter safety course in the state in partnership with Piedmont High School Agriscience, ACLEOA, and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,” said Jordan.

The chapter has sponsored an annual hunter safety course for the past four years, teaching responsible and ethical hunting practices. In addition, they’ve:

• Provided scholarships through the Alabama NWTF Superfund to support young conservationists and future leaders

• Partnered with Cedar Bluff School FFA, giving every member a free youth NWTF membership

• Mentored youth and hunters with disabilities, guiding many on their first turkey hunts

• Supported local businesses, vendors, and nonprofit groups throughout the year

A key area of focus is hunter safety demonstrations, including tree stand safety. “If we can keep one person safe and teach them how to be safe in the woods,” Jordan explained, “it probably saves two or three more lives on top of that.”

She emphasized that not all NWTF members are hunters. “Some people get involved just to support the principles of ethical hunting and conservation,” she noted.

Another important mission of the NWTF is habitat research. Members gain access to valuable conservation information through the organization’s publications. “This can be a great resource for hunters and non-hunters alike,” said Jordan. Landowners, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts may find the information useful to improve their property or attract wildlife.

Jordan also spoke about the rise in ‘Green Hunting’, where people plant and groom land to attract wildlife for wildlife photography or observation. “Hunting with a camera,” she explained, is an emerging and rewarding way to enjoy nature. She noted that education about grasses and habitat has helped increase the turkey population in Alabama, while also pointing out that reduced hunting of natural predators has led to an uptick in threats to turkey populations.

For those unable to attend the banquet, NWTF memberships are available online at:
https://your.nwtf.org/members/membership/?action=member_information

Jordan closed the interview by thanking the community for their unwavering support and emphasizing how vital local involvement is to the NWTF’s success.

Local sponsors for the upcoming banquet include:

• Clint Bradley – Country Financial

• Steven and Wendy J. McDaniel – Terrapin Creek Plumbing

• Ben Richardson and partners – Whitetail Properties Alabama

• Marty Borntrager

• Bill Jordan – Jordan Counseling

Jordan also expressed gratitude to the many businesses and individuals who help make the event possible, including:
Gridiron Sports Bar and Grill, Cherokee Farmers Co-Op, Mountain View Ice, Weiss Lake Septic Pumpers, Leesburg County Store, DeKalb Sportsman and Pawn, Tractor Supply of Centre, and TMC Graphics.

The Northeast Alabama Chapter of the NWTF continues to serve as a shining example of what passionate leadership, community support, and conservation dedication can achieve.