Annual fundraising banquets of the New Salem Longbeards have been held continuously on the first Saturday in March since the first chapter banquet on March 4th, 2000. Committee meetings are currently held every Tuesday night before the Spring banquet, and when needed during the rest of the year. For exact time and location of future committee meetings, call Dalton Whitley at 217-415-1237, or Chapter President Doug King at 217-634-4160.

The new Salem Longbeards hold the annual distinction of being named a "Five Star" Chapter of the NWTF for well-rounded chapter activities, and receiving the prestigious "Golden Gobbler" award for financial performance of our banquets.

Our New Salem Longbeards chapter has received continual national recognition for the innovative approaches used in holding their “Operation Matchup” events, which have been held concurrently with the annual Illinois Heritage Youth Wild Turkey Hunting Season. The local events for youth hunters have been held since the Spring of 2003. Learn More

Since the NWTF was founded over 30 years ago, more than $150 million NWTF and cooperator dollars have been spent on more than 18,000 projects benefiting wild turkeys throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. The work of the NWTF's dedicated volunteers and supporters is paying off. In 1973, there were an estimated 1.3 million wild turkeys and 1.5 million turkey hunters. Today, there are an estimated 5.6 million wild turkeys and approximately 2.6 million turkey hunters.

For any other chapter or banquet information regarding the New Salem Longbeards, call Doug King at 217-634-4160 or email we3kings_dca@msn.com.

2009 Banquet Award Ceremony

Participants From Our First Youth Hunt, Spring 2003