Blog: Waterloo and Cedar Falls Merging Conservation Efforts

The Northeast Iowa Longbeards of Waterloo and the Cedar Bend Thundering Toms of Cedar Falls have decided to join forces, giving Cedar Falls - Waterloo a united voice and presence in the effort to promote wildlife conservation and our hunting heritage.

The NE Iowa Longbeards chapter is the oldest National Wildlife Turkey Federation chapter in the state, according to Jerry Holbach of Waterloo, and the Thundering Toms recently celebrated their 10th anniversary. After meeting this week to discuss future projects, the timing seemed right for a mearger. By working together the two groups should be able to do a better job of promoting conservation projects and preserving the right to hunt.

The new chapter will assume the NE Iowa Longbeard name. The group has blended together by naming officers from both chapters to act as leaders. Officers are: Brad Walter, president; Josh Bevins, vice-president; Jerry Holbach, secretary-treasurer; Dave Campbell, jakes chairman and Mike Spence, banquet chairman.

With the merger, the Longbeards have decided to reset their event schedule for the coming year. At this time the plan is to host another JAKE'S Day event in May and then host a Gun Bash Party later in the summer. A full blown banquet and auction for the NWTF will not take place until next February.

JAKE'S (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, Sportsmanship) Day is the most important event that the NWTF promotes, in my opinion. Teaching kids about hunting and shooting, and showing them how much fun it can be, has been the most rewarding part of being a member of the Thundering Toms, in my opnion.  Kids love having the opportunity to shoot and learn about hunting. It's a part of our heritage, and I believe it is something we need to preserve.