Tug of war over who will control the turkey federation
I just received this in one of my Google Alerts and it sure is news to me. I have heard before that when a new man comes into an organization to take over there will always be some bad blood so to speak amongst the ranks. Well, I guess for the “National Wild Turkey Federation” they are no different.
It is sad though in a way because this could damage the organization in the long run if they don’t get things ironed out. I would hate to see that happen, especially when I really just started getting involved with turkey hunting. I will try to keep an eye on this story and see how it plays out.
By: Rick Kratzke
When George Thornton was named CEO of the National Wild Turkey Federation in early June, he told one of the first media people to interview him that reaching out to young hunters and facing off with the anti-hunters would be key challenges for the organization.
As his first month in charge nears completion, Thornton, who spent most of his career in agribusiness, has discovered that his biggest challenge isn’t new recruits or old enemies; rather, it is dealing with some of the people inside the organization.
What has erupted is a tug of war over who is going to control the 35-year-old federation that claims 500,000 members. Will it be Thornton and his backers? Or will it be a half-dozen former board members and officers led by Michael Tull? Tull recently resigned from the board in protest.
What is certain is that the once premier conservation/hunting organization of North America is in for a rough ride, and there is a good chance it will lose credibility and funding, which are traits it has excelled in for years.
By: Bill Cochran - The Roanoke Times