Legions of women are discovering their wild side, thanks to the National Wild Turkey Federation's Women in the Outdoors program. Whether it was wetting a hook, canoeing down a rolling stream, hunting or hiking off the beaten path, thousands of women found a world of their own during one of 300 outdoor events in 2001, many with record-setting attendance.

And with 450 events planned this year, 2002 promises to be even better. But none of them would have been a hit without the Federation's countless volunteers who have pledged allegiance to faith, family, flag and conservation, and who hold sacred our hunting tradition.

Many of these volunteers were honored at the 26th annual NWTF Convention and Sports Show held Feb. 22-24 in Charlotte, N.C. Taking home awards for holding outstanding Women in the Outdoors events were:

Annie Oakley Award
For all the time, labor and loyalty she has given to the Women in the Outdoors Program, Meg Brown, of Prairieville, La., was named the first-ever recipient of the Annie Oakley Award. Just as the world-famous sure shot spent the better part of her life as an ambassador for the shooting world, Brown has spent the last four years spreading the word about the women's program. Thanks to her efforts, the Women in the Outdoors program is stronger in Louisiana. She has volunteered with the program since it began, and now serves on the state board and as a volunteer Women in the Outdoor state coordinator. Her first-ever event drew more than 100 participants.

"Meg is one of those volunteers who has done more than we ever thought one person could do," said Trish Berry, national Women in the Outdoors coordinator.

Best Overall New Event Membership
Winner: El Paso Chapter, El Paso, Texas, 201 members
1st Runner-Up: Maple Country Chapter, Chardon, Ohio, 122 members

Best Overall New Event Highest Net
Winner: El Paso Chapter, $6,671 net
1st Runner-Up: Maple Country Chapter, $6,075

Best Overall New Event
Winner: El Paso Chapter, Texas, $6,671 net and 201 members

Best Overall Membership Achievement
Winner: Beaufort Chapter, Beaufort, S.C., 206 members
1st Runner-Up: El Paso Chapter, Texas, 201 members

Best Overall Sponsor Membership Achievement
Copiah County Chapter, Mississippi, 21 sponsor members (Sponsor members each contribute $200.)

Highest Net to Gross Percentage ($1,000-$1,999 net/net category)
Winner: Allegheny Valley Chapter, Pennsylvania, 112 percent net to gross, $1,553 net/net
1st Runner-Up: Northern Piedmont Chapter, Burlington, N.C., 109 percent net to gross, $1,890 net/net

Highest Net to Gross Percentage ($2,000 and greater net/net category)
Winner: Blind River Boss Gobblers, Gonzales, La., 118 percent net to gross, $3,298 net/net
1st Runner-Up: Riverview Fans and Feathers Chapter, Savannah, Tenn., 115 percent net to gross, $2,447 net/net

Best Overall Highest Net Dollars Raised
Winner: Beaufort Chapter, $19,121
1st Runner Up: Grand River Chapter, Ashtabula, Ohio, $11,007

Best Overall Event
Winner: Beaufort Chapter, 206 members, $19,121 net dollars

For more information about the NWTF or the Women in the Outdoors program, call 1-800-THE-NWTF or visit the website at www.nwtf.org