The annual NWTF National Convention and Sport Show will be especially special in 2013 as the NWTF celebrates its 40th anniversary Feb. 14-17 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.

“Then. Now. Always.” is the theme of the milestone birthday party, emphasizing the NWTF’s continued dedication to wildlife habitat conservation and its important role in the future of hunting.

With free admission to NWTF members and active and retired military personnel, the giant convention showroom will be filled with 650 booths displaying the latest in top-quality outdoor gear as well as taxidermy and specialty turkey calls exhibits.

The prestigious Grand National Calling Championships, including exciting head-to-head competition, and seminars from top outdoors and hunting experts are also free to NWTF members.

The convention schedule includes opportunities to meet outdoor celebrities such as Michael Waddell, Brenda Valentine and members of the cast of the popular “Swamp People” television show.

Country music star Craig Morgan and longtime country favorite Sawyer Brown will highlight the list of performers at special events. There’s no better time than the present to register for special events, including Thursday’s Welcome Party with Sawyer Brown and Saturday’s Awards Banquet with Morgan.

“We’ve put together an outstanding schedule of events befitting the NWTF’s 40th anniversary,” said NWTF CEO George C. Thornton. “This will be an unforgettable weekend that you won’t want to miss.”

Bring your current NWTF membership card to gain quicker access to all the activities when you arrive. Preregister to ensure yourself a ticket at special events.

Annual NWTF membership is $35. Daily admission to the showroom, contests and seminars for non-members is $20. Active members of the military are admitted free with their military ID card.

Since its founding in 1973, the NWTF has helped lead the fight to increase the North American wild turkey population, which has grown from 1.3 million to almost 7 million. The NWTF and partners have conserved 17.3 million acres of wildlife habitat, investing more than $412 million.

The article was produced by the National Wildlife Turkey Federation.