The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has hired Roger Wells of Americus, Kansas, as its new upland wildlife biologist.
Recently, Wells served as the national habitat director for Quail Unlimited, Inc., a national organization that supports upland game bird habitat projects, youth activities and other conservation activities.
NWTF members and volunteers work year-round to improve habitat for wild turkeys and other wildlife including upland species such as quail, grouse, other ground-nesting birds, rabbits and squirrels. In his new role, Wells will continue to enhance and expand the numerous upland projects already being accomplished by NWTF chapters and volunteers nationwide.
“Roger is a well-recognized, knowledgeable and credible figure in the conservation field,” said Donnie Buckland, NWTF's director of upland programs. “His experience completing upland wildlife habitat projects and his great rapport with landowners make Roger a valuable addition to the NWTF team.”
Wells' duties will include developing grant opportunities and promoting the NWTF's Project HELP program by creating seed mixes, products and programs to assist landowners. One main objective will be to encourage restoration of early successional habitat, especially critical nesting and brooding cover for turkeys, quail and other ground-nesting birds. He also will develop projects and management plans on public and private lands that improve riparian areas, or areas near rivers and streams, to benefit wildlife. He will serve as an upland habitat support specialist for NWTF field staff as needed.
“I am proud and excited to be working for the NWTF and look forward to the many opportunities ahead,” Wells said.
Wells and his wife Nancy own and operate the 300-acre AnDiShe Farm in Lyon County, Kan. The couple has won multiple awards for successfully managing their land for wildlife and, in 2001, The Kansas Wildlife Federation named him the Wildlife Conservationist of the Year for the state of Kansas.
Wells received a Bachelor of Science Degree in fish and wildlife biology from Kansas State University in 1973 and received the designation of Certified Wildlife Biologist from The Wildlife Society in 1979. He has been active in numerous conservation organizations, has served as an adjunct professor of biology at Emporia State University and was a guest lecturer at the Kansas State University Division of Biology from 1978 to 1997.
He enjoys hunting, fishing and all related activities. His greatest love in life is introducing young people to the outdoors, wildlife and conservation.
