I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with Mr. Stanley, talking turkey hunting and running calls at the 50th annual National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Convention in Nashville last month. If you spend enough time around the turkey hunting community, his name eventually comes up.

Walking was the only option that made sense. I parked back at the hotel and walked the entire stretch to the convention center—1.1 miles, according to Apple Maps. Due to traffic being backed up well beyond reason, it was faster to cover the distance on foot. That walk turned out to be a fitting primer for what Day One of NWTF Convention 2026 would feel like.

For turkey hunters, the NWTF Convention & Sport Show in Nashville has always meant more than just another date on the calendar. It’s a signal.