Jerry Harvey receives National Recognition

MARSHFIELD – Jerry Harvey, a well seasoned turkey hunter, received national recognition this year at the 49th annual National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) convention with a conservation award. Since 1997, Jerry has contributed as a member of the NWTF State Chapter Board of Directors. For over 35 years, his passion and dedication to the midwestern bird has kept Jerry heavily involved in the community. Through volunteer work and wearing many hats, Jerry helped start organizations such as the Wisconsin Marshfield Area Goblers. Currently, he serves as treasurer, banquet chair, and president of the city’s chapter.
“I’ve reached the top as far as I can go.” Jerry said. “I’ve been passionate about turkeys since I was 15. Grabbed one of my grandpa’s magazines, started hunting with my father, and then it was me and my older brother and life long friend, Gary. We would trade hunting on farms and walk back and forth.”
Some of Jerry’s proudest accolades involve the youth around the city of Marshfield. When Jerry paved the way for Landowner Appreciation Days, he served as chairman for a few years. On a national scale, Jerry collaborated with the JAKES coordinator to launch the Extreme JAKES magazine. The JAKES program is known for their art contest. At the beginning of Jerry’s time with the JAKES program, there were only 72 participants.
“We went to the WIAA office to get a book of all the schools in Wisconsin, and invited all of the art departments to get involved with the contest,” Jerry said. “All the way up to 650 entries statewide. And when we sent the art work to a national level, we had 16-17 winners our first year! Out of 18 spots.”
Jerry continued to volunteer for the contest until it was terminated in 2008. His generosity moved forward as chairman of the Wisconsin State Raffle Committee, where he advocated for the High School Outdoor Clay Target League to get involved. Jerry was successful, selling a net worth of $2,700 in tickets and over $8,000 in 2024. Half of the proceeds went to the schools need for sports supplies.

“They’re expanding every year,” Jerry emphasized. “Another thing that sticks in my mind is the hunting I get to do with Gary. He has a game farm in Marshfield. I don’t know how it started or got put together, but we take handicapped hunters out pheasant hunting. A lot of them are handicapped veterans. And let me tell you, we have a blast!” Jerry and Gary have been taking veterans out hunting for six years now. “To get these women and men out there to harvest a bird. . .you wouldn’t believe how it makes you feel. It’s totally amazing.”
Apart from the award sitting on Jerry’s counter, his most recent accomplishment is the Wisconsin Wall of Fame. There are now 25 inductees on the wall. “We tried to pick the people that have done so much to restore the wild turkey to Wisconsin. The leaders and people that were involved put about 1.5 million into conservation every two years,” Jerry said.
Finally, when asked if he was planning on displaying his award somewhere special in his home, Jerry said. “It has its place in the corner curial cabinet, once I get done braggin’ about it!” Jerry jokes. At 80 years old, Jerry plans on staying involved in the community and is ready for the upcoming turkey season.