The NWTF has developed an exciting partnership with Academy Sports + Outdoors that will further the NWTF’s mission of conservation and the preservation of our hunting heritage.

Through the partnership, Academy Sports + Outdoors will support youth hunting and safety through sponsorship of the NWTF’s JAKES Take Aim youth initiative.

The NWTF’s JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Experience and Sportsmanship) program has 27 JAKES Take Aim trailers with portable shooting ranges already in use at JAKES events throughout the nation. Fourteen more JAKES Take Aim trailers are ready for delivery, putting the NWTF ahead of its goal to have at least one trailer in use in every state by 2014.

“Our partnership with Academy Sports + Outdoors will allow more youth to take part in outdoor activities,” said NWTF national JAKES coordinator Mandy Harling. “We thank Academy Sports + Outdoors for their assistance in developing the next generation of hunters and conservationists.”

“The JAKES program provides an invaluable service to these youth and their families,” said Jason Wooden, regional promotions director for Academy Sports + Outdoors. “We couldn’t be more proud to partner with JAKES and the NWTF.”

At JAKES events, expert instructors supervise youth participation in various outdoor activities and provide education about conservation and outdoor safety.

Providing access and exposure to outdoor activities and conservation issues to youth is crucial to the future of conservation and the preservation of our hunting heritage.

Academy Sports + Outdoors is also serving as host of the NWTF/Academy Sports + Outdoors Pro Calling Circuit and supporting various NWTF events throughout the nation.

The NWTF, which played a major role in the restoration of the wild turkey throughout North America, is the leader in upland wildlife habitat conservation, investing $412 million to conserve nearly 17.25 million acres of habitat.