Panhandle turkey chapter sets debut banquet in North Idaho

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The North Idaho Panhandle Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation's inaugural Hunting Heritage Banquet is set for April 12 at the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn.

The local chapter will be dedicated to the conservation of wild turkeys and preserving its hunting heritage, a release said.

"The inspiration for starting this new chapter came from an email sent out by Jason Tarwater," Brett Penske, NWTF Panhandle Chapter president, said in the release. "I knew right away that I wanted to get involved. There's just something satisfying about volunteering, especially when it's for a cause you're passionate about."

Despite a modest start, enthusiasm is high for the new chapter. Beginning with Penske and Kevin Hardman, their first meeting set the stage for this new opportunity for hunters in North Idaho.

"It helped that I already knew Kevin, and I was confident that we could handle it," Penske said. "Since then, we've been joined by Tom Wurtz, who brings valuable experience from his time with a chapter in Montana. His insights have been invaluable as we prepare for our upcoming banquet."

Plans for the chapter include implementing habitat restoration projects in the area, such as thinning and prescribed burns. 

"These initiatives are crucial for maintaining healthy wildlife populations and ensuring the sustainability of our hunting heritage for generations to come," the release said.

Projects will expand upon existing conservation efforts in the state, such as ongoing wild turkey research in North Idaho supported by the NWTF state chapter. With a $10,000 contribution to this initiative, the Idaho state chapter remains dedicated to the conservation of wild turkey populations in the Gem State.

Banquet tickets, info: events.nwtf.org/120560-2024 and brett.penske@gmail.com or 208-818-9179.