Sights, Sounds & Celebs From NWTF Show 2025

What better way to raise awareness and funding for the National Wild Turkey Federation and Foundation than with a star-studded cast of supporters from A-List musical artists to movie stars and industry professionals?

On Wednesday night, a special concert was held in support of wild turkey conservation with the NWTF at the legendary Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. The star-studded lineup featured familiar faces to our Hook & Barrel readers including Lauren Alaina, Mark Wills, H&B alums LoCash, and many more. 

These talented musicians lent their voices to the cause, helping raise awareness and funds for the NWTF’s conservation efforts. The proceeds will further the NWTF’s mission of enhancing and conserving over 4 million acres of wildlife habitat and recruiting hunters into the community. Wednesday night at the Watering Hole there was also another concert for the vendors and public to support the convention. The artists donated their time to support the non-profit through Country Outdoors.

This long-awaited annual tradition, drawing more than 75,000 attendees this year, once again descended upon the Opryland Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville. Families eagerly anticipate this event all year, planning their vacations around the opportunity to walk the aisles, explore the latest in the hunting industry, and immerse themselves in the experience.

Beyond shopping and discovering new products, attendees look forward to the chance to see their favorite celebrities up close. Whether it’s snapping a photo, exchanging a few words, or securing an autograph, these moments make the event even more memorable for fans of the industry.

A few H&B alumni included Tyler Farr and Tombo Martin.  AJ Buckley and Tyler Grey of the CBS drama SEAL Team showed up and talked about future plans in the prepping world. Musicians here in Music City filtered in as the families and public guests, fitting in with everyone walking through the convention as if they were just one of the group. Industry powerhouses joined the vendor booths supporting their partners and connecting with fans like Hannah Barron and King Pedford, the heavyweight boxer, Cuz Strickland the turkey hunting master, Trent Ellis, the comedic Mississippi native, our very own contributor Bethany Beathard. 

The MeatEater crew was in town and donated their time Friday night for the Grand Slam After Party raising funds for conservation. Forrest Gump was also in attendance as the main golden retriever who greeted everyone entering the show.

What most people do not know is that the vendors do an amazing job of giving back to the NWTF for conservation. They will donate to auctions, give seminars, support year-round with the 2% for conservation, and even give back a percentage of sales from the convention itself. The Haas family of Mossy Oak has been a long-time NWTF supporter and sponsor of the show. They have a heart for the wild turkey conservation effort in terms of education and funding research with their donations. Bass Pro/Cabela’s, Chene, Primos, Federal, Winchester, SPYPOINT, GLOCK, and Folds of Honor are some of the other sponsors on the list along with many others.

Stay tuned to hookandbarrel.com for more information about the NWTF Annual Convention, including gear roundups on new calls, decoys, shotguns, ammo, and more!