The National Wild Turkey Federation offers several scholarships and awards to interested JAKES members every year. Check into the following programs to see if you or someone you know may qualify !

Each year, every local chapter in New York state offers one $ 250 scholarship to a youth member in their chapter for college. Out of all the local chapter scholars, three are chosen by the NY state chapter to receive an additional $ 500, $ 1,000, or $1,500 scholarship on top of the $ 250 they have already received from their local chapters. Finally, from the first place winners of the state scholarships across the country, the National chooses one to receive a third scholarship of $ 10,000 !

Those interested in applying for the scholarship can read the criteria and download the application at the links below. The application should be sent to the chapter president of the local chapter you are a member of. If you are planning on attending college in the fall, a complete application should be submitted to your local chapter president no later than February 1st of your senior year in high school.

The National also holds an annual youth art contest. Four prizes are awarded in each of three age groups : 6-9, 10-13, and 14-17. Entries must be submitted before the end of January to qualify for that year's competeition. For complete details and submission guidelines, call the National at (803) 637-3106 or write to :

For teachers, the NWTF produces the "Making Tracks" teaching box, compiled for use at K-12^th grade levels, which includes :

Normal cost for these education boxes are $ 50 each, but the New York state NWTF and its affiliated local chapters have committed to donating these kits FREE to interested teachers and schools. Please contact your local chapter president or someone of the New York state Board of Directors for more information.

Refill kits, containing 30 pencils, rulers, and bookmarks are available seperately for $ 20 plus shipping by calling 1-800-THE-NWTF or (803) 637-3106 and asking for Sales.

For further information on the "Making Tracks" education box, click here.

Porter Wagoner/JAKES Conservation Field Days National Essay Contest

The National also holds an annual essay contest to select a JAKES member to attend the Porter Wagoner/JAKES Conservation Field Days National Event. Submitted essays must be 500 words or less, neat and easy to read, have a title page with name, address and phone number, and include a photo of the entrant for publication. The subject for the essay varies from year to year. Entries must be submitted before January 14 to qualify for that year's competeition. For complete details and submission guidelines, write to :

Attn : Christine K. Rolka  c/o NWTF
PO Box 530
770 Augusta Road
Edgefield, SC 29824

Kansas Govenor's Annual One Shot Turkey Hunt Essay Contest

The Govenor of Kansas sponsors an annual essay contest to select a JAKES member between the ages of 13 and 17 to attend the Govenor's Annual One Shot Turkey Hunt in El Dorado, Kansas (typically in April). Submitted essays must be 500 words or less, neat and easy to read, have a title page with name, address and phone number, and include a photo of the entrant for publication. All entrants must have passed a hunter safety education course. The subject for the essay varies from year to year. Entries must be submitted before January 14 to qualify for that year's competeition. For complete details and submission guidelines, write to :

Attn : Christine K. Rolka
c/o NWTF
PO Box 530
770 Augusta Road
Edgefield, SC 29824

For more information on JAKES contests for ages 12 and under, click here.  For more information on Xtreme JAKES contests for ages 13-17, click here.