Makenna Smith, center, receives a $500 check to put towards fall tuition. Presenting the scholarship are Ken Buchholtz and Marty Bianga of the Bays de Noc Gobbers. (Courtesy photo)

For Makenna Smith, the sound of a spring morning in the Upper Peninsula isn’t just noise; it’s a classroom experience. The student from Marquette was recently named the recipient of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) conservation scholarship, an award she credits to a lifetime spent in the woods and a pivotal morning spent with local hunting mentors.

The scholarship, which Smith will use to further her education at university this fall, recognizes students who demonstrate a deep commitment to hunting ethics and the long-term protection of Michigan’s natural resources. It was given by the Bay de Noc Gobblers, an Escanaba-based chapter of NWTF, in memory of Mary L. Way.

In her winning application, Smith pointed to one specific experience that solidified her passion for the outdoors: her first turkey hunt alongside her father and Ken Buchholtz of the Bays de Noc Gobblers.

“Ken brought us to a great spot early in the morning,” Smith recalled. “Hearing the gobbles come back for the first time was an unforgettable experience. It made everything feel real and exciting, and it showed me how important knowledge and experience are when it comes to hunting.”

The hunt was a family success. Within minutes of each other, both Smith and her father harvested turkeys — though the daughter notes with a smile that hers ended up being the larger of the two. But for her, the size of the bird was secondary to the lesson learned.

“That moment was special because I was able to share it with my dad and learn from Ken,” Smoth said. “It showed me how hunting brings people together and how important mentorship is in keeping our hunting traditions alive.”

Smith plans to take the discipline and patience she learned in the turkey blind and apply them to her university studies. For her, conservation is not just a hobby, but a lifelong responsibility.

“I grew up learning that hunting is not just about harvesting an animal, but about respecting wildlife and protecting the land for future generations,” she stated.

By supporting conservation organizations like the Bays de Noc Gobblers, Makenna hopes to ensure that the heritage she shares with her family remains intact for years to come. As she prepares for the next chapter of her academic career, she remains committed to being a “good investment” for the community, promising to promote ethical hunting and wildlife management throughout her life.

As she prepares to head to college, Smith shared a personal message of gratitude to the organization that helped make her next step possible:

“I want to sincerely thank the Bays de Noc Gobblers for selecting me as the recipient of this NWTF scholarship. This support means so much to me as I start my university journey. I am especially grateful to Ken Buchholtz for his mentorship; that first hunt changed how I see the woods and taught me the true meaning of conservation. I promise to use this opportunity to be a responsible hunter and to carry our traditions forward so that future generations can have the same amazing opportunities I’ve had.”

Buchholtz said that the organization has been issuing scholarships for about 30 years and hopes to continue the tradition.

“I want future generations to have the same opportunities I have had,” said Smith. “Receiving this scholarship helps me continue learning so I can carry these traditions forward.”