New Englander – A Turkey Hunting Film with an NWTF Regional Director

A.J. DeRosa, founder of Project Upland, is a New England…

New England is one of the most overlooked regions for good turkey hunting.

Fred Bird, the New England Regional Director of the National Wild Turkey Federation, is featured in this story set against the backdrop of a New Hampshire turkey hunt in Fred’s home state. He talks about the evolving turkey culture of New England and shares inspiring stories that showcase the rising appeal of this American tradition to growing numbers of individuals and groups never before exposed to the hunting community.

New Hampshire (along with New England) is considered an up-and-coming region of the country for turkey hunting. With much later seasons than southern areas, it allows many to continue their passionate pursuit of this iconic American bird.

When that turkey hollers back at you, you got him to do that. That’s special … There is nothing else in the hunting woods that can compare to that for me.” – Fred Bird

This film was made in collaboration with the National Wild Turkey Federation, which has been at the forefront of turkey conservation efforts in the United States since 1973 and continues to expand its work to benefit all wildlife through habitat management.

Watch: Poor Man’s Elk – Hunting Turkeys in Film

“When the National Wild Turkey Federation was founded in 1973, there were about 1.5 million wild turkeys in North America. After decades of dedicated work, that number hit an historic high of almost 7 million turkeys. The foundation of our success? Standing behind science-based conservation and hunters’ rights. Thanks to the tremendous efforts of our dedicated volunteers, professional staff and committed partners, we have had many successes that advanced our mission. Together, we have facilitated the investment of $488 million in wildlife conservation and the preservation of North America’s hunting heritage. Our returns have included improving more than 17 million acres of wildlife habitat and introducing 100,000 people to the outdoors each year.” — NWTF website

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Connecticut Eastern Wild Turkey Maine Massachusetts New Hampshire Northeast Region Turkey Hunting Videos Vermont Wild Turkeys

A.J. DeRosa

A.J. DeRosa, founder of Project Upland, is a New England native with over 35 years of hunting experience across three continents. His passion for upland birds and side-by-side shotguns has taken him around the world, uncovering the stories of people and places connected to the uplands. First published in 2004, he wrote The Urban Deer Complex in 2014 and soon discovered a love for filmmaking, which led to the award-winning Project Upland film series. A.J.'s dedication to wildlife drives his advocacy for conservation policy and habitat funding at both federal and state levels. He serves as Vice Chair of the New Hampshire Fish & Game Commission, giving back to his community. You can often find A.J. and his Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Grim, hunting in the mountains of New England—or wherever the birds lead them.