In the Spring of 2001 a small group of businessmen and entrepreneurs met in the banquet room of what is now The 5th Street Char House to discuss embarking on a new venture. That venture was the formation of a new chapter of The National Wild Turkey Federation in the city of Leesburg Florida. All having a common interest, that of conservation and sportsmanship, a vote was taken and passed and the Chain-O-Lakes Gobblers was born.

The first membership banquet and fundraiser was held in June of that year and was far more successful than they ever imagined. The response from the community was outstanding. Local businesses by the score became sponsors filling the Venetian Gardens banquet hall to near overflowing with themselves and their employees. Individual memberships as well were beyond expectations. People from all walks of life and interests came together with their spouses and children to offer their support for one reason. The wild turkey and its preservation. To say the inaugural Chain-O-Lakes Gobblers banquet was "successful" would be putting it mildly.

Within the weeks that followed the founders realized that they had tapped into a wellspring of people wanting help support not only the conservation of the wild turkey but conservation of ALL our natural recourses as well. Most notably, was the interest parents had in what the NWTF could offer their children.

With this new awareness of the interests in the community the Gobblers began to develop the cornerstones of the chapter.

First and Foremost, the JAKES, "Juniors Acquiring Knowledge & Ethics in Sportsmanship". Our children will grow up to become the stewards of our countries natural recourses and without a strong knowledge of nature and the environment that task would be overwhelming for them.

Second and by no means less important is, the WITO, "Women In The Outdoors". Historically, the men of the house would pack up and head for the woods not realizing that many a wife and daughter quietly and unspoken desired to share their past time. They too love nature and all exposure to it.

Thirdly, the "Wheelin Sportsman". I think everyone knows of a person, be he or she young or old, that has had the miss fortune to be come handicapped and wheelchair bound or by any other means cannot move about as well as the rest of us. This chapter and it's membership whish to help make it possible for those less mobile to enjoy the outdoors and all it has to offer along with the rest of us.

The Fourth cornerstone of our chapter is that of our "Community". We have a commitment to make our community a better place by providing knowledge and awareness of conservation and the impact it has on our lives. Too make people aware of the programs that we are now providing and those we will offer in the future. And to help foster a willingness to participate in those programs.

For an overview of the NWTF outreach programs click this Link